Day 6- Cultural Awareness
This experience in Panama has had a big impact on me both personally and professionally as a nursing student. It was very eye-opening to see how limited access to healthcare, medications, and resources affects entire communities. It made me realize how fortunate I am back home to be able to go to a clinic, receive care, and pick up medications easily, while many people here struggle to receive even basic treatment. This experience helped me better understand global health and the importance of healthcare access and equity. Throughout this trip, I have grown in my confidence, communication, and teamwork skills. Being able to speak Spanish was a very valuable asset because it allowed me to communicate directly with patients and help bridge the gap between providers and the community, which made me feel proud. I also learned the importance of cultural humility, adaptability, and advocacy when caring for diverse populations. Moving forward, I will apply what I learned by continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, being mindful of cultural differences, and advocating for patients who may not always have access to resources. This experience will shape the kind of nurse I become by reminding me to always be grateful, empathetic, and committed to making a difference in underserved communities.

You summed this up perfectly, I think we all came away realizing how important culture is and to provide culturally appropriate care and try to understand others points of view.
ReplyDelete