Blog 1

3/13/12

   We arrived in Panama two days ago.  We spent our first night at Clayton which is the old U.S. Army base that I used to live on about 20 years ago.  It's amazing to see how much things have changed but it was nice to see some familiar landmarks as well.  Sunday morning, we got up and went to the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal and then stopped in Casca Viejo before heading out to Chitre.  

   Monday and Tuesday was spent at the policlínica Roberto Ramírez de Diego.  I helped take measurements in pediatrics on Monday.  On Tuesday, I assisted with blood pressure measurements, breathing treatments, and injections in the dispensary.  

   The nurses here do most things that same we as we do in the U.S. however there have been a few differences.  For example, injection sites are cleaned with a cotton ball that has been dampened with water instead of alcohol wipes.  I love how the nurses here have so much confidence in us.  They were all very supportive and walked us through everything.