Entry 1

The USF College of Nursing is in Panama for Community Health practice and experience .  Yesterday, Tuesday 3/13/12 and Monday, 3/12/12, was our first days in the community health clinics and it was quite the experience.  When I first got here I didn't know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised at how accommodating the nurses were to us and even though the language barrier was difficult to pass, I was able to learn so much.  During my time in the clinic i learned how the nurses here in Panama give injections and change dressings, as well as what their day consists of.  It was interesting to see how different their technique was in that they use water to prep the skin instead of alcohol, and they perform many reconstitution's. I was able to give many injections and most of them were injections/vaccines that I haven't had the chance to give in the states.  Also, I completed my very first pelvic exam and pap smear on Monday, which was very exciting.  As a nursing student in the USA, we as RN students do learn how to perform pelvic exams so it was a unique experience and learning opportunity that I don't think I would have ever received if I hadn't come on this trip to Panama.  The nurses here are all educated with a Bachelor's degree and they are skilled at a higher level than American RN's in that they are skilled in things such as delivering a baby and performing pelvic exams.  In America, these types of skills are performed by nurse practitioners. Also, we visited one of the community hospitals and took a tour of the facility; it was very different than what I am used to. So far this experience has been such an eye opener and such an awesome experience.  My next entry will be about our experience with the children at one of the elementary schools, so until then...