Preparation to work in a 3rd world country

pruili01 · Apr 16, 2011

Hmm...well I'm not so sure of a program that would prepare you, but I just wanted to say that I think it's AWESOME that you're going to do nursing work in Haiti. I've been there twice. The second time I was there was last January. I was in the epicenter of the earthquake when it happened and ended up doing disaster medical work for several days after the earthquake. The people there are amazing, which I am sure you already discovered when you went there.

Best wishes on your travels!

KyMani · Apr 16, 2011

What organization did you go with?

Aeterna, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2011

First: that's amazing! Personally, I could never do it - it's simply not a nursing interest of mine - but I think anyone who has that "calling" should try it.

Just a question: what kind of orientation are they offering? It is a big responsibility and a completely different ball game we're talking about here. I have friends who had the opportunity to do clinicals in remote areas or third world countries (namely northern Ontario, Swaziland, and Kenya). I have a friend currently working in a community in South Africa. From what they've said, they said it's a life-changing experience and, despite taking courses on that type of nursing, they said that books and school courses come nowhere near preparing you for reality. You just go and do it and adapt.

One of my friends, who is currently working in remote norther Ontario, wrote this in his blog in a message to any students reading it:

So, to begin with, everything you read in your International Health course, is true. Again, reading is not as believing as when you see it. The affects of the previous school system had is very much entrenched into the community. A lot of the issues are sometimes not even labeled as issues in the community. So, be prepared to put your judjement and self-righteousness away, because there won’t be any room for it. And if you’re not ready to do that, you won’t survive up here.

KyMani · Apr 16, 2011

I'm not getting any orientation. Where did your friend take an international nursing course? I don't know of anything like that around here and I would be real interested in a course like that.

I've spent plenty of time in other countries...I'm not one to judge. But, nursing in another country will be very different for sure.

pruili01 · Apr 16, 2011

I went with an organization called Mission E4. They have a clinic set up in Leogane, but they aren't specifically a medical organization.

Aeterna, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2011

I would definitely definitely ask about what kind of orientation and training they provide for new nurses. It should definitely not be an expectation for you to hit the ground running. From what I hear, there is LOTS to learn when you're in a completely different environment. You are not only trying to learn new nursing skills but you're also adapting to the culture, language, politics, etc.

The international nursing course my friend mentioned was a course offered in our school. I don't know how widespread such a course is in other schools. In my nursing school, third year students have the opportunity to try for an outpost/international placement during the summer, with credit going down as it being a clinical placement. A prerequisite to that is taking that International Health course.

If your school offers nothing like that, try your own research on international nursing? I don't know, it's hard to give advice not knowing what kinds of resources are available to you :S

KyMani · Apr 16, 2011

Aeterna - What school do you go to? I searched international nursing courses, but all I came up with is info about foreign students looking for nursing courses.

I will have to look up Mission E4. I have been following All Hands work in Leogane, so I know a little about the area.

Does anyone know any good books on (1) disaster health care; (2) labor / delivry; (3) 3rd world nursing; (4) home remedies? Those may be most helpful.

Thanks for all your help and encouraging words everyone!

Aeterna, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2011

I went to school at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

I asked one of my friends who took the International Health course what textbook she used. I will get back to you once I get an answer :)

pruili01 · Apr 16, 2011

I would not have expected an orientation at all for Haiti. The lack of hospitals/clinics as well as medically trained professionals in Haiti is huge so they will probably just get you working right away. I know my experience will probably be a lot different since I was dealing with the immediate earthquake injuries, but you will still come to find that the scope of practice is far different in 3rd world countries. You will definitely be doing things that you would never get to do in America. If I come across any books, I'll let you know!

KyMani · Apr 16, 2011

Thanks again everyone. The organization I will be with is new and they aren't really looking for nurses, I just happen to know the guy running it. So, there is definitely no orientation and I will in fact be teaching the founder things like how to do a manual BP so that after I leave, they will have better health care than before I came. The organization is mostly helping disabled people, so they are looking more for physical therapists and those sort of volunteers.

ErnestineB2009 · Apr 16, 2011

Sounds like an awesome opportunity. I hope you enjoy it!