Every year, one of the biggest highlights of the Stempel Surgery Team is the team of nursing students and high school students who join us in their journey of self-awareness, learning and growth. This year we were fortunate to have 2 senior nursing students from the University of Portland and 2 senior students from La Salle Catholic Preparatory School. What a gift their presence is. They arrive with humility, compassion and an energy that is infectious. I had the opportunity to spend time with them and this is what I learned.
1 – What did you hope to gain from this experience?
“When I found out about the opportunity to go on this mission trip to Guatemala with Faith In Practice, I tried to be intentional about not setting expectations but instead staying open to whatever God wanted me to gain from this experience. Overall, I hoped to gain healthcare experience, intellectual and spiritual growth. But even with this overall hope, I stayed open to whatever way and whatever else I would gain from this experience.”
“As a senior in high school, and a soon to be college freshman, I was really hoping to get an inside glimpse into the world of a surgeon and apply some of my Spanish knowledge!”I2 – What was your most memorable experience from the week?
“My most memorable experience from the week was getting to witness the journey of a couple of patients from beginning to end. I remember seeing some of them from our triage day. Then, I saw them as I helped them get ready for surgery in the pre-op area. Next I got to see them in the PACU, and finally, when doing rounds with the doctor, I got to see them in the recovery ward. Through each step, what stands out to me is their genuine expression of gratitude.”
“Some of my most memorable experiences from the week have to be watching my dad perform life-changing surgeries, something I’ve wanted to do since I was eight years old. Also, making connections with the patients who were so excited to be receiving care from the Faith In Practice team. Their smiles always brightened my day.”
3 – What would you tell future students about the meaning of this trip?
“I would tell future students that this trip is an amazing opportunity to grow in more ways than you expected. This trip is exhausting yet so rewarding because while you’re working hard for long days you also get to witness the tangible difference you are making in the lives of those you serve.”
“I don’t think I can properly put into words the true meaning of this trip. What I can say is that it is a trip of a lifetime that allows you to push yourself in a safe and supportive environment, try new things and expand your knowledge. All while being surrounded by people who want the best for you and deeply care for you.”
4 – What lessons did you learn that will you bring back to your work as a student and/or nurse?
“As a nursing student one of the lessons I learned that will influence my practice is cultural humility. An example of when I got the opportunity to practice cultural humility was when I got to interpret and pray with the patients before their operations. I also learned how to communicate with the interdisciplinary team and gained confidence to apply it in my practice.”
“I think the biggest lesson I learned from my time in country was from the patients we cared for. They live lives of simplicity. They were not caught up in the news, or their phones, they were just so present. Their constant presence is something that stuck out to me and is something that I would really love to work on in my own life!”
Thank you to our students for sharing your experiences with all of us. May you each shine bright in your pursuit to share what you have learned this week!
