Nurses without borders

Ever since I was a child, I knew there were two things that I would do in my life: be a nurse and go on a medical mission trip. I am happy to say, I have achieved both.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Jamaica, where I could put my nursing skills to work and make some new friends. I joined Jamaica Partners, a group of nurses, doctors, dentists and some non-medical volunteers. Through the graciousness of volunteers, we were able to take with us eye glasses, dental supplies, cold medicines, anti-inflamatories, antibiotics and personal hygiene items.  

The day arrived and excitement filled the air as we boarded the plane. We had been strangers until that day but we felt like we had known each other forever because of our common bond.

When we arrived at a Jamaican high school called Oberlin, we knew there would be much work to do in preparation for opening our clinic. After we settled into our lodging, we unpacked our supplies.  Several outlaying clinics throughout the mountains also needed to be stocked with medical supplies and volunteers.

Once we got our clinics up and running, the line seemed to never end. Some patients had to wait hours just to enter the clinic. Some traveled far to find medical assistance. We tailored our skills to their needs for individualized care. Their medical issues ranged from high blood pressure to skin rashes.

We worked long hours to see every patient.

The Jamaicans are a poor group financially but I found them to be very rich in faith, love and goodness. I easily bonded with them.

Our team had been invited to worship with them on Sunday. Once church started, they worshiped.  Their services lasted at least two hours.  They showed gratitude for what they had and they even shared it with us. What a lesson in humility.

We take so much for granted in the United States. High up in the Jamaican mountains amenities that we don’t run out of in the United States became scarce. Take water, for example. Only the first people up in the morning received hot water. We could not let the water run. We got wet, turned off the water, applied soap, turned the water back on and rinsed off. We could not flush the toilet every time we used the bathroom. Imagine the yuck factor.

One of the greatest lessons I learned is that even in some countries that we think are “developed,” there are still people who don’t have health care. Being a nurse means more than going to your work place to work your shift. Nursing is an attitude that comes from the heart and crosses all borders.

Sandra Gardner, RN, works at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence Mo.

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