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CMU Nursing Students Return from Nicaragua

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Sep 4, 2012 at 8:12 AM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 4, 2012 at 8:41 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- A group of Colorado Mesa University nursing students recently returned to the Western Slope from a trip to Nicaragua. They brought home not just stories, but experiences that will help them become better nurses.

Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, so the group from CMU wanted to lend a couple of extra helping hands to the underdeveloped country.

“It was really great to see how their health care systems worked down there,” said Jessica Hallquist, a CMU nursing student.

The group of 12 students and four faculty members spent 700 clinical hours and 11 days abroad. They delivered medical supplies that were partly paid for by donations from the community.

"They aren't able to manufacture those supplies, and really what we brought was just a drop in the bucket,” said Lacy Fisher, a CMU nursing student.

While abroad the students learned how other countries can provide medical care with limited resources. Faculty members say as the world becomes more globalized, it is vital students learn about different health care systems.

“There was no hesitation and I didn't see any fear,” said Beverly Lyne, an assistant professor of nursing. “Their lived experience will help them bring more understanding and empathy to work with their patients as they go forward.”

The students agree, saying it's valuable to learn how to give back to any kind of community.

“In the United States, we have so much to offer in the health care, but we learned so much from their health care,” said Hallquist.

The CMU students will host a slideshow presentation where folks can learn more about their experience. It will be held on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the CMU Maverick Center.

The event is free to attend.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, Sep 4 at 9:25 AM

did the guy in front confuse nursing school with photo op class?

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