Helping while learning: OU-C nursing students assist abroad during trip | chillicothegazette.com | Chillicothe Gazette

Ohio University-Chillicothe nursing students got a chance again this summer to go abroad for a medical mission trip.

There were eight local nursing students who were part of a 13-member medical team that traveled to the Dominican Republic in June for nine days. During the trip, the team provided medical clinic assessments and basic treatments to nearly 300 people. The group conducted three clinics.

Another major focus of the trip was to provide educational sessions to a volunteer group of individuals who live in the villages who will continue to be the first responders in the area. This is important as it provides an ongoing availability of healthcare to the people of that area, who otherwise would have no access to healthcare, said nursing instructor Charlotte Souers, who organized the trip and served as medical director.

The educational sessions consisted of proper hand hygiene, CPR, taking vital signs, obtaining basic lab tests, information regarding medications, preventative care for children and pregnant women and wound care. The two days of instruction were the first efforts of the organization to provide education so the people will have a continued source of health care.

"Our living conditions were primitive, which challenged us to keep energized at times; however we felt that we could be more immersed in the culture and relate somewhat more by doing this," Souers said. "Many local people are employed by providing services for us, such as providing meals, transporting, providing security, etc. This is a life-changing experience for the students as it opens their eyes to a new culture, enables them to be very flexible to their surroundings and individuals when providing nursing care, and gives them the opportunity to work directly with other healthcare providers as well as work closely with individuals of another culture. It introduces them to the opportunity to volunteer in a professional capacity and to do their part to make a difference to someone and to some country, one person at a time."

Students who participated in the trip were Marilyn Patterson, Megan Lykins, Isaac McCullough, Kris Baikov, Brenda Roberts, Charity Owens, Joni Beauman, Alisha Myers, and they were assisted by Dr. Gwyn Londeree and her husband Mark Londeree; Vicky Parker, Family Nurse Practitioner and OU-C Nursing Faculty; and registered nurse Sara Ottens.