[suzanne4]

We will start this as a new sticky thread to give you ideas of what can be done and started in your country, and you can get credit for the experience. But it is going to involve work on your end to do it. This is not going to be used as a thread to make complaints about your government, but it is to be used as a source of what you can do to make things better for you as well as the patient population there.

All of these things were started in other countries as there was a need for it and there is absolutely no reason that one of you could not create your own job. And actually do something in nursing to help someone.

1. Patient education with setting up training centers for new mothers, or teaching patients about their medications, providing education for any area of nursing.

2. Outreach programs, such as what was done or should have been completed when you were in your nursing program. These all started from nothing and with minimal expense.

3. Parish nursing,. All churches should have something in place; even for just blood pressure checks, etc.

4. Hospice nursing. This started by individuals and now is a thriving area of nursing.

5. Outpatient clinics on islands where there is little to no medical care.

Please feel free to add to the list here......................
And use this thread only for listing things that can be done.

[butchik]

Great idea I'm doing number 3 right now and would like to participate some more, in activities similar to 1 and 5.

[furuncle30]

This is a good thread suzanne..I was thinking of putting up a Nursing Clinic but I'm still unsure of what to do about it.. I always envision a facility where clients can recuperate after operations or a hospice that looks like a hotel of some sort..

[Alexk49]

That model has worked well here in the US, a recovery hotel that would provide nursing care. Is where a clinic where plastic surgery is perfomed? That was the first market where US Clinic were profitable.

[Hoss]

Excellent Post (as usual from Suzanne);

About 5 weeks ago my 3rd year student nurse family (4 students) approached me with their desire to do a medical mission between semesters (October 2008) in order to "give back" and gain experience from the community.

After careful planning, we targeted a Mtn. Mission school deep in the Cordilleras with 100 children who have not had a medical visit in years...kids ranging in age from 2-20. Each student took a responsibility for developing each phase (Logistics in transportation and lodging, Supplies, Medical Screening protocols, and charting and tracking with a post screening follow up for curative and theraputic medical treatment for those kids who need it).

We talked to the Rotary, Lions and VFW folks locally and in 3 weeks raised over 50,000php for an initial 3 day medical, dental and eye screening outreach to these kids. Don't be shy to approach non-medical groups with the offer to provide a medical service to those in need. Good kind people will indeed respond to an intelligent plan.

We have recruited an MD Medical Director, 2 CI's, 2 dental students and an Optometrist (O.D.) Doctor, arranged transportation, food, lodging and of course, money.

There are desperately needy people in the provinces who go for years without a basic medical exam or treatment. If four nursing students in their 3rd year can generate this kind of mission, imagine what a dozen graduate nurses could team up and do TOGETHER, whether for profit or for charity or both.

You as nurses have graduated now with some very bright, very talented and very eager classmates....GET TOGETHER and brainstorm the beginnings of an outreach, or home assistance program, or go to the mall and set up a blood pressure monitor station!! Let it develop as your mates help you along in creating an opportunity where no one will give it to you!!

Cheers

Hoss

Oh and lest I forget, if you wish to contribute to this let me know asap as we are doing the planning now to transport the sick kids to dental and medical clinics in the major towns for their follow up treatment!!

[suzanne4]

Hugs to you for doing this and for providing back-up as to what I have been saying all along.

There are truly areas there that have had no care from anyone in the health care field for years and would love to have your services.

Just think if we got groups like this started all over, how much better things would be, and it would easier for you get hired as well as get a visa. Countries love to see that someone can take the initiative like this.


((((((((((((((((((((thank you))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Alexk49]

Hoss,

You are an inspiration, what a wonderful story. Your behavior demonstrates nursing exellence, thank you for sharing.

Alex

[wishiwereanurse]

6. Become a School Nurse.

Public or private, I know a lot of schools out there do not have a School Nurse... Maybe nurses can convince schools that it's a plus if they have a school nurse, schools can convince parents that they can be at ease knowing that medical help is always available for the kids, and someone can start teaching all these kids about proper hygiene and reducing their chances to get/spread common communicable diseases (like you know how they have all those lice on their head), and also make sure the children get their immunizations...

I got this idea from when we went to a school in a small remote town and did the same thing. I hope it counts.

[jmolina23]

Thanks for your wonderful suggestions.
I'll work as a volunteer after I get all my papers done.

[ilovetiggerdear]

Such an inspiring story HOSS! I also want to start a medical mission this coming December in our province in the Bicol region. Need to raise funds now!

THANK you for this thread Ms. Suzanne!