October 22, 2024

NATCHITOCHES - Four students in Northwestern State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program participated in a life-changing mission trip to San Raymundo, Guatemala, though Refuge International, an organization that brings together medical and non-medical professionals, educators, students and volunteers to serve in medical clinics in remote parts of Guatemala.

The four, Stanley Owusu Danso, Stephen Harms, Jawun Jiles and Aaron Navarre, who are all pursuing the DNP's Nurse Anesthesia track, joined the trip this past summer to serve in all aspects of anesthesia, including pre-op, intra-op and post-operative care.

All were motivated by a desire to use their skills in anesthesia and healthcare to help communities in need.

Refuge International helps deliver access to healthcare by establishing and staffing medical facilities in rural areas where indigenous people can go for care, education and nutrition.

"I decided to participate in the mission because of my first-hand experience with the medical needs of underserved populations," Danso said. "In my home country of Ghana, access to healthcare is very limited, and I frequently consider how I might return to contribute toward improving the situation. I did not hesitate when I learned of this opportunity to help provide care to the people of San Raymundo."

"I was raised as a missionary kid and have always been passionate about foreign missions," Harms said. "I wanted to be part of something bigger than helping our local community and utilize my specialized skills to benefit others. I also thought it would be great to start a tradition where nurse anesthesia students and alumni continue to serve others through Refugee International or other mission organizations."

"I chose this trip for the incredible experience practicing my future profession in outside of the United States with some of my outstanding classmates," Navarre said. "This trip offered me the opportunity to expand my comfort zone, utilize my training and offer services to a vulnerable population."

The medical mission was a nine-day commitment, including travel time. Once at San Raymundo, the team set up temporary operating rooms, a pharmacy and a clinic, then quickly went to work. In all, the mission engaged 49 volunteers from six states, 18 interpreters and four staff on the local team who coordinated 317 clinical consultations, 11 pap screenings, 78 surgical consultations, numerous pharmacy scripts filled and the distribution of vitamins and medicines.

"Medical professionals from multiple states assembled to convert an old school building into a fully functional operating room," Navarre said. "In total, we had four OR tables running per day. During this time, my classmates and I were able to provide regional, neuraxial and general anesthetics in a safe and effective manner."

The students provided anesthesia for hernial and gallbladder procedures, hysterectomy, tubal ligation, knee scopes, orthopedic hardware removal and a colostomy reversal for a patient who no longer needed a colostomy and was using torn pieces of trash bag for ostomy supplies.

"We completed a total of 83 surgeries, the most surgeries ever performed in San Raymundo by Refuge International," Harms said. "The students were given full autonomy to dictate all aspects of anesthesia care."

"We incorporated our didactic and clinical preparations to assess patients with the help of our wonderful translators. After this, we were able to ensure these patients were safe and comfortable in the postoperative setting," Navarre added.

The students were housed in a nearby building and walked to the "hospital" every morning to find many patients who had camped overnight and slept in the street with their family.

"These patients desperately sought medical treatment and were beyond grateful for our contribution," Navarre said. "I was even able to help mentor some prospective Northwestern DNP-Nurse Anesthesia applicants. They were RNs and college students interested in the field of anesthesia and this trip gave them an opportunity to ask each of us questions about our field and see it in action. If teaching is your thing, this trip is for you."

All agreed that practicing in unfamiliar conditions with limited resources changed their perspectives and strongly recommend a similar experience to all healthcare providers.

"It was very rewarding to be able to play a small role in impacting the lives of those we served in San Raymundo," Danso said. "Refuge International is a well-run organization. They ensured that we were well accommodated and safe. It was an honor to work alongside healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds with an ultimate goal - to improve the lives of the people of San Raymundo. I personally learned a lot, particularly in adapting to different environments and providing safe and effective care despite limited resources."

"I strongly encourage everyone to embrace and embark on this experience open-mindedly for a remarkable cause," Danso said. "The experience gained will be invaluable in my future practice as it reinforced my passion for serving these populations."

"I will continue to feel confident when put in unfamiliar situations, as this trip tested my knowledge and skills with fewer resources than I typically have available. I will also continue to step out in faith and serve those who lack access to affordable medical care," Harms said.

"I think everyone should seek opportunities to use the gifts that God has given them and the education they have received to enhance the well-being of the world," Navarre said. "If you can do anesthesia in Guatemala, there is not a hospital in the U.S. that you are unable to provide care in. You will be a stronger provider when you return."

Information on Refuge International is available at refugeinternational.com. Information on Northwestern State's DNP programs is available at https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/nursing-programs/.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.