Like Deer in the Headlights

Saturday, July 27

Today begins the mission trip for these ten nurses (senior-level) from CUAA. They’ve planned, studied, raised funds, attended team meetings, imagined what their role will be, and packed for this trip. And now the real work starts.

Today, our “clinic,” sort of a mis-nomer, takes place in the middle of town, on the open-air stage of the town plaza. No privacy, no room separations, and very little space to register, take vitals, check ears and feet, consult with one of the two nurse practitioners, and then wait for meds to be dispensed. All in a space of 30’x15’ with one 6’ table and 8 folding chairs. 

We arrived at 9:00, to find a line of people already waiting for our help. Open suitcases in the back corner of the stage were our “pharmacy.” Another suitcase held equipment and supplies for ear care. All together, our 13 large suitcases held everything needed for the health complaints that showed up at our clinic. With 33 patients from 9:30-noon, we observed the following:  Chest pain needing ECG; ear irrigation to remove foreign substance or wax; perforated eardrum; high blood sugar; and vision screening. Because we have working with us a Belizean Nurse Practioner, any medications prescribed and given in our clinic can be refilled by leaving the paperwork on the patient with the local N.P. 




Turning a (very small) stage into a clinic. 




So what were our nurses’ comments after this experience? “I felt like a deer in the headlights at first.” It was a new experience for all, but with encouragement from Dr. Z and Stanley, all were functioning professionals within a short time. By the end of the day, “I want to keep doing this forever!” was commented by several. 

Because Saturday is “market day” in San Ignacio, we walked through the market for an hour, buying a few handicrafts and viewing the fruits and vegetables available. Back at our hotel, we had a free afternoon to play in the pool and soak up some (rare) sunlight. We’re here during the rainy season, and most days will have rainstorms at least part of the day.

We had another delicious dinner, then our team meeting. Jadyn We’re catching on to the time change (two hours earlier than Michigan’s EDT).


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