The Importance of International Nursing Experiences

[gpsrn, MSN, RN]

There are many reasons why international nursing experiences are important. Some reasons include global understanding, increased knowledge, increased self-confidence, and increased cultural competence. As a student, these experiences can help guide a career. This is the story of one person's experience and how it affected a thirty-some year nursing career.

As a senior nursing student, I went to an Asian country with a group of women who wanted to provide healthcare to refugees. There was a doctor, translator, myself, and others. The experience was good but hard. Seeing the devastating poverty and the difficulty that the people were in, was difficult. The clinic we used was a very small, one room building with a screen, a mattress, table, chair, and a bench. I conducted health assessments and assisted the physician with procedures and other activities. One day at the clinic, a woman brought her child who was severely malnourished just skin and bones with a large head. When the physician saw the baby, she knew that there was not much that could be done. I wanted to do so many things to help the child. Finally after discussing with the physician, we decided to investigate what was happening in the home. There was a young girl about 12 years old who could speak English well enough that I could ask to translate for me. I went to the home and brought some formula that I could teach the family how to make. The mother had very little milk production and the child had very little ability or want to suck. We boiled water and measured it and the formula. I then showed her how to feed the baby with the spoon, after the milk was cooled. She was reluctant so I did it. I encouraged her to continue to breastfeed as much as she could. I came back every day to help the mother through this difficult time. It was hard to feed the baby, he did not want to take anything but eventually, he was able to take the milk after several days of getting small amounts into his frail body. The mother easily learned how to make the milk but the feeding took time. After several days she started using the spoon to feed the child and he would take it, and each day he would take more and more. By the time that we left the country, the child was taking about 45 mL of the formula. However, she was getting more milk and the baby started sucking a little better. When we left the camp for the last time, I cried. I did not want to leave, I wanted the child to continue to grow. I continued to pray for the child.

During the trip, there were so many other opportunities and experiences. This child was a big part of my first experience. When I returned to the U.S. I used the experience for a senior seminar and had to write about the experience. I chose to write about this child and to write a care plan for the baby. I could have written every single nursing diagnosis known in nursing, however, stopped at ten. I learned so much through the experience.

Two years later, on a second experience as a nurse, I was able to see the child, he was a frail little boy standing against his father's leg eating a small piece of bread. A flood of joy and thankfulness came over me, that the child lived. This experience and many others followed me throughout my nursing career. I worked in an African country for several years, had many different malnourished children who came for help and each one was very special.

Now, I teach nursing and share my experiences with students. I take nursing students on transcultural experiences yearly. The experiences help students to see another part of the world, poverty, and how culture affects healthcare. Most students go through cultural shock; however, are able to come through it because they are allowed to express their frustrations, are listened to, and have the opportunity to debrief on a daily basis. I have seen students mature during the experience. My joy comes when they get through the cultural shock and are able to increase their cultural competence.

International experiences as a nurse helps to increase nursing opportunities and increase understanding. If you have ever had the opportunity to go on an experience you can understand that it does provide a great experience. If you ever have the opportunity to go on a trip, go, it will make a difference in your life and career.

[Candycane1117]

What are some of the companies you have worked with in order to work in Asia and Africa. I think it would be awesome if you could offer some ways to get involved with this. I'm a student and I would love to get more info

[gpsrn, MSN, RN]

Hi,

Thank you for your comment. Many universities have international nursing experiences for their students. However, there are opportunities with different organizations. My original experience was with people I knew that were going and they knew of my interest in international/mission work.

A few organizations that I know of include:

Worktheworld.com

gocorps.com

gooverseas.com

volunteerforever.com

projects-abroad.org

goabroad.com

world health organization has opportunities for nurses, not sure about students.

These would be good to look into if you are interested.