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Day 7: Taking It Home

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This experience changed my view of nursing because I realized that providing care does not always require a large hospital or perfect equipment. If a nurse is resourceful and uses available supplies carefully, it is still possible to provide meaningful care. I also learned that care is not always about medication or treatment. Sometimes patients simply need someone who listens, offers comfort, or provides emotional support.  One professional habit I will carry home is strong communication. Effective communication is essential for teamwork in healthcare. Without clear communication, teams can become frustrated and disorganized, which can negatively impact patient care.  Because of what I have seen in Panama, I will advocate for better use of medical resources. Many places have limited supplies, while in other settings equipment and medications may be wasted. I will also continue advocating for better access to healthcare and insurance so patients can receive care before conditi...
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Day 6: Cultural Awareness

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  Today I demonstrated respect for cultural differences by allowing members of the community to teach me about their culture and traditions. Instead of only observing, I participated in activities with them. I helped carve a stone, joined a birthday celebration with a piñata, Panamanian candy and cake, and even sang the birthday song in Spanish. I also purchased a beautiful necklace and bird accessories made by local artisans. These moments helped me appreciate the culture and feel more connected to the community. I  did not experience any major ethical tensions, but I did realize that one assumption I had was that most Latino cultures were very similar. Through this experience, I learned that although there are similarities, every country has its own unique traditions, values, and ways of life. Panama’s culture stood out to me through the strong sense of community, celebration, and pride in their local crafts and traditions.  Delivering care with limited resources was ve...
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Day 5: Developing as a Future Professional Nurse

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  Through this experience, I feel that I am becoming a more compassionate and adaptable nurse. Working in a setting with limited supplies has helped me develop a deeper appreciation for patient care and the importance of staying focused on the patient’s needs regardless of the circumstances. Even with limited resources, I made sure to treat every patient with respect and compassion. Today I worked in triage and also served as a runner. Although it was challenging at times, I wanted to make sure that patients were seen by a doctor before they had to leave, which motivated me to keep working hard.  I felt most confident when I was placed in triage. Initially I thought it would be straightforward since I would be taking vital signs, but I realized that I needed to take blood pressure manually, which is something I had not done in a while. At first I felt unsure, but I reminded myself that this is a skill I have practiced many times before. By staying calm and focused, I was able ...
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Day 4: Culture & Global Health

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  Today I observed how different the healthcare system in Panama is compared to the United States. In the U.S., many people have easier access to services such as dental care and common medications like acetaminophen. In the community we served, access to these resources is much more limited, and people may only receive care when volunteer clinics are available.  Limited resources also influenced how care was delivered. In the dental clinic, we had to clean and reuse instruments because there were not enough supplies for every patient. We had to wait for them to dry before using them again, which slowed the process and caused longer wait times.  One assumption I had was that we would have enough resources to help everyone, but that was not the case. For example, the dental team could only see about twenty patients due to limited time and supplies.  This experience expanded my understanding of global health and reminded me how fortunate we are in the United States. A ...
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Day 3: Patients First

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  One patient interaction that impacted me today was with a young girl who had just undergone a tooth extraction. She had been in a lot of pain, and although I did not see the procedure itself, I saw her afterward while she was recovering. It was meaningful to witness how relieved she was after receiving care. Afterward, I was able to provide patient education on proper tooth brushing and dental hygiene to help prevent future dental problems.  Today I demonstrated dignity and respect by treating everyone with kindness and professionalism. When we went into the community, I greeted people respectfully and remained mindful of the local culture. I also made sure to present myself professionally and communicate respectfully with patients and families.  Today I strengthened my communication skills by practicing Spanish while speaking with patients and providing education. My goal for tomorrow is to have the opportunity to work more closely with a provider in the clinic and con...
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Day 2: Teamwork & Communication

  Today I contributed to the team by being a supportive team player. I helped prepare hygiene bags, inflate balloons for the community event, and organize medications so everything would be ready for the clinic activities. These small tasks helped our team stay organized and prepared to serve the community.  I stepped up when we went into the community to conduct surveys. I could have stayed quiet or let others take the lead, but instead I chose to step forward and participate. I completed three surveys and practiced speaking Spanish with community members, which helped me grow more confident in communicating.  I responded positively to feedback when our Global Brigades leader encouraged me and told me I was doing well and that my Spanish was good. This motivated me to keep improving.  Communication mattered most when speaking with community members during the surveys because the information collected helps identify community challenges and guide resources.  I a...
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Showing Up Fully: My First Day in Panama

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  Showing up fully as a nursing student on this mission means giving my best effort and being present for my team and the community we are serving. When we go into the community, I will participate in tasks such as taking blood pressure, conducting surveys, and speaking with community members while remaining enthusiastic and engaged.  I am bringing a positive attitude because I want this experience to be meaningful. A positive mindset helps support teamwork and allows us to provide better care. A negative attitude could affect the team and the patients we serve.  I will take ownership of my learning by communicating with patients, asking questions, and staying on top of assignments on D2L. I want to model professionalism by being a team player and using clear communication.  I am grateful for this opportunity to serve people in Panama while learning about their culture and experiencing healthcare in a different environment. Xoxo 💋 
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