Jo's Nurses work in Chocola, Guatemala

2015 Jo's Nurses with Refuge International

Chocola is a remote village in the mountainous southwestern region of Guatemala where there is no government assistance in education, health or roads.  Sadly because of the country's political climate there is no help for the indigenous people.  They're abandoned.

Dr. Sergio Castillo and his wife Veronica first visited Chocola about 15 years ago.  They were shocked to encounter villages in deficient conditions with advanced illness including malnutrition, infection, and waterborne illness.  They found an abandoned building in the heart of the community and started a hospital catering to the indigenous Mayan people.  In 2005, after the devastation of Hurricane Stan, Dr. Castillo partnered with Refuge International to help expand the care to the region. "To have a complete team of surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists armed with medicine was like the answer to our prayers.  For me, it's an honor to be able to help our people.  Refuge allows me to help others.  I'm like a bridge for the people with extreme needs and the services of Refuge." Says Dr. Castillo.

Dr. Castillo is a very positive, inspirational, humble man.  He remembered all of our names and always greeted us with a big smile, thanking us constantly for helping his people.  I will never forget our second night there.  It had been a busy day, the usual torrential thunderstorms where playing their symphony on the tin roof.  After a delicious dinner cooked by Veronica we made our rounds in the hospital.  To our surprise the Inn was full.  Dr. Casillo had invited all the families to spend the night because they live so far away and the thunderstorms were so bad.  We had families sleeping in preop, postop, and even in the courtyard.  It warmed my heart to see such a gracious, giving spirit in action.

I would have to say that our first case was one of the most memorable and inspirational to me. He was an 80+/- (they don't know their exact age) old hernia case.  Hernia's are very common because they work so hard and do a lot of heavy lifting.  While I was caring for him his son came back and told us through the interrupter that he walks 8 miles two times a day to carry wood back to the village for cooking and their campfires.  Wow, was he in good shape.  He always smiled, never complained, took no pain meds and was so grateful for all we did.  On so many levels I feel that the indigenous Mayan people of Chocola have a lot to teach me.  They are truly an inspiration.  They are intelligent,

hard working, disciplined, humble, respectful, compassionate, loving people with a strong sense of family and community.  I feel that as we work together we can learn and help each other.  We can help them with our medical/ surgical and technical expertise and they can help us take a step back and realize what is really important in life.

Thanks again One Nurse At A Time for the scholarship that made this amazing opportunity possible to serve the people of Chocola, Guatemala.  Thanks also to Refuge International for their wonderful work in helping to provide healthcare, adequate nutrition, clean water and education to those in need.  I hope that other nurses will hear the call and want to help with the wonderful work that Dr. Castillo and his family are carrying out in Chocola.  Thanks again 

Bonnie Madeja

Jo's Nurse Week 2!

Here I am four days into my first nursing mission, and it is funny to think how far I have already come in the past few days. I was VERY nervous for this trip, which is strange because it is not my first time traveling, and I have even been to Central America before. I was more anxious to participate in this nursing mission experience than any of my military training (Basic Training, Air Assault School, training in El Salvador, Marathons, etc.), and before I arrived I could not place why I was feeling such strong feelings.

After some reflection, I realized that  I was worried that I would not be good enough, not know enough, and not be able to help the people here in the way that I really wished I could. As a new nurse, I still have insecurities about my knowledge, experience, and lack of clinical practice. HOWEVER, lucky for me I am joined in this experience with three other wonderful nurses.I am so grateful for all of the support that JP, Sandie, and Sandy have provided during this trip. Within the first day of meeting everyone it was hard to even remember why I felt so nervous.This experience has a strange sensation of moving by so fast, and yet, I feel like I have been here for a very long time.

Although our first few clinic days started off slow (Easter week is a National holiday), some patients came in and we were able to provide care. I really appreciated how much we all worked as a team and how each nurse supported the other. JP really harped on how important education is for the success and future of the community; we should see each interaction as an opportunity to teach, not only about the presenting problem, but about general health promotion. Education and prevention is the key to health in this community, at home, and all over the world. In addition to providing care for bacterial infections, fungal infections, etc, we provided education on proper hydration, body mechanics, nutrition, and much more. I was so touched by people´s gratitude for us being here and the services we provided. The people have made me feel so welcome, despite my broken Spanish and at times quiet demeanor. It is hard to explain how wonderful, passionate, and strong the people of this community are.

As I was walking down the hill from the clinic yesterday,I saw a small girl playing with a broom and sweeping a tree. Although this image may seem silly or insignificant; seeing this made me smile. I remember seeing a photo of me, at around the same age doing the exact same thing. I feel so grateful for the fortunate circumstances that I was raised in, it really just seems like luck for being born into the life I was brought up in, not having to worry about food, or if I could go to the doctors, or if I could afford to go to High School. This experience has significantly contributed to my passion for the career that I am choosing to enter. I am so excited to start working as an Army Nurse next month, and to finally gain the clinical experience, skill and knowledge that I so strongly crave. This experience has truly been both life changing and career changing. I feel a strong pull to work in underserved communities, whether they are at home or abroad. I know that I will return to Central America as a nurse; next time with experience under my belt, and a lot better Spanish. Until then, I will remember this truly amazing experience, and the wonderful people that I have met and learned from along the way

-Kristen

Jo's Nurses in El Remate, Guatemala

I initially applied for Jo´s Nurses because I wanted an experience that would change my life forever, cement my desire to get involved in humanitarian nursing, and to make a difference. I knew that this trip would make me appreciate life in so many more ways and so far, it certainly has. As nurses we are inherently compassionate people, but experiencing poverty in another country really forces you to open your heart, your mind, and your soul in a way you never thought was possible.

I was extremely excited prior to leaving for Guatemala. I don´t claim to be a seasoned traveler by any means, but I have traveled internationally in the past so I wasn´t too worried

about what I was going to be faced with. When I arrived in El Remate however, I had such complete culture shock. I wasn’t nearly as mentally prepared as I thought I was. I think as people we tend to shelter ourselves unknowingly, constantly gravitating towards familiarity and comfort. But the beauty of being human is that we have the ability to learn from all of our interactions with every single person that comes into our lives, even if it´s through a passing moment. Being a nurse is so incredibly rewarding because as much as we touch the lives of our patients, they touch ours as well. Everyone has a story. And the people of Guatemala certainly have their own to share.

Working at Ix-Canaan has been an unbelievable experience. It has been challenging, because there are no physicians here. What this means is that JP and I have been solely running the clinic, diagnosing, prescribing medication, and managing care for the people we have been seeing. We´ve seen everything, from a woman who had a systolic blood pressure in the 200s, to a woman who came in with a UTI. I think the most exciting experiences I have had so far was listening for a fetal heart rate using a Doppler and helping JP suture a full thickness laceration on a young man who had gotten into a bar fight the night before. These are things that I haven´t had the chance to do back at home. The most difficult part about this has been trying to think outside the box. Supplies are really limited here. It´s amazing how much we take for granted sometimes - things such as normal saline or syringes are so hard to come by. And so we have to be creative. We have to be resourceful. I have to think

in ways that I wouldn´t normally have to back at home. When a 15 year old pregnant teenager walked into the clinic, and I was told that this was very normal in Guatemala, I was forced to reevaluate my own expectations, judgments, and values.  I have, without a doubt, not only grown as a nurse here, but as a person as well.
I don´t think I was quite prepared for the level of poverty that I am seeing here in Guatemala. You hear about it and you read about it, but until you´re actually standing there, the reality of it just hits you like a brick wall. What I find incredible though, is that those that have nothing, in my opinion, have everything. They have so much happiness, love, and warmth. They are so full of life. The Guatemalan people have been such amazing hosts to us. They enjoy life´s simple pleasures and the beauty of every moment. It has been a true blessing to have this opportunity, and it´s something that I will never forget. The best part about all of this though, is that without a doubt in my mind, I will be back.  

Join our movement to put more nurse into the world!

 So, you have always wanted to go on a medical mission?  

      Here's your chance!  Jo's Nurses are at it again. 

JP Denham, one of our 4 nurses from 2013 will be the mentor this trip.  

Location:  Ixcanaan Clinic in El Remate, Guatemala (fly into Flores)

Dates:  2 nurses arrive April 12 and depart April 19

            2 nurses arrive April 16 and depart April 23

(yes, there is an overlap of 2 days so the outgoing team can help orient the incoming team).

The teams will be working in the clinic, at local hospitals and in the community.

Goal of the trip is to support nurses to a successful first of many missions.  Join our movement to put more nurse into the world!

Requirements:

1.  Complete the online application under the Scholarship tab: http://onenurseatatime.org/scholarship/ (there is no application fee).  

2.  Have 2 references complete the online reference forms.

3.  Spanish language is highly recommended, but lack of language will not exclude a candidate.  

4.  Active RN license.

5.  Nurse will pay half of the flight from home city to Guatemala City.  One Nurse At A Time will pay half, round trip from Guatemala City to Flores, and all in country transportation, food and housing.  Gifts, incidentals and travel expenses outside the mission are the responsibility of the nurse.

6.  Nurse makes a moral commitment to do another volunteer trip (anywhere in the world) by the end of 2015.

7.  Nurse should prepare for 1-2 days of travel to and from.

8.  Journalling, sharing experiences with teammates and friends/family/coworkers/media at home, sharing pictures and trip report with One Nurse At A Time, participating in interviews as invited.

9.  Assist with fundraising or other means of support for the Jo's Nurses program.

Deadline to apply is February 28, 2014.  

Jo’s Nurses: Dream one. Do one. Lead one. One Nurse At A Time

Thanks to you, our donors, we successfully lead the inaugural Jo’s Nurses mission Feb. 23 – Mar 2 with Seattle-based Guatemala Village Health.  The four first-mission nurses selected were JP Denham, Kathryn McCarty, Wendy Clarke and Stephanie Saldivar.  I was privileged to supervise and mentor both weeks.
The first week we brought health care to the eastern Rio Dulce area and second week to Monterico, south of Guatemala City.  GVH “adopted” a dozen villages around these two cities and brings teams of medical and dental personnel three times a year.  Additionally, local representatives provide ongoing monthly support with medications for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension as well as ante-natal checks and vitamin supplements.

In five clinics the first week and four clinics the second, Jo’s Nurses triaged 60 - 80 patients per day, taught group visits for Gastritis/Headache/Body Pains, worked in lab and pharmacy, assisted in the children’s program with weights and measure, fluoride dental treatments, tooth brushing and Vitamin A/Albendazole/Multivitamin administration.
Clinics were conducted in health posts, schools and once in a pastor’s home.  Living conditions were generally comfortable, but remote and occasionally rugged.  Transportation was unique – vans, walking, small boats and in the open back of transport trucks to arrive at the villages.  All supplies were brought from Seattle by the volunteers.
I invite you to enjoy these excerpts from trip reports by Jo’s Nurses:

“Amazing, adventuresome, amazing, exciting, amazing, stressful, amazing, wondrous, amazing, overwhelming, amazing, exhausting, amazing….
“The second village we went to was up in the hills and quite remote. After spending the night on the clinic floor with a pillow and a blanket the adventure began with us driving up a dirt road with 15 people standing in the back of a pickup truck. It was stunningly beautiful. The sky was crystal blue and the sun was shining, homes made of bamboo and leaves…
“After setting up our make-shift clinic, I was introduced to a stern looking Mayan woman.  I wondered what her status was in the community. She was well groomed; she wore a simple beaded necklace and gold earrings. I decided to show her pictures of my husband and two daughters. It was a game of charades (she only spoke Ketchi) but I think she understood. I then took her picture.
“When I showed her the picture she shrieked with laughter. She ran around the room with my camera showing it to all available bystanders. I thought then maybe she had never seen a picture or herself in a mirror. Could that be so? Her reaction was priceless. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of it because she ran away with my camera!  I got my camera back but never got a picture of her smile. I have it stored in my memory.
“When I came home people asked if I felt like we helped or made a difference. The answer is yes, but what they gave to me was much more than I could have ever imagined. They are happy people, living a different way of life, some of it clearly better, some of it clearly worse. I want to go back again, and again, and again.”   ---Kathryn McCarty RN
“Going to Guatemala was such a surreal experience, I'm not sure I could ever fully describe it in writing. I have dreamed of being involved in medical missions for quite some time - this is why I became a nurse. Being supported by One Nurse, I was finally able to take that first step. Having an experienced mentor (Sue) with us was absolutely invaluable.
“There is no way to fully prepare for a ride on the back of a flatbed truck or a riverboat into the jungle to be met by an entire village waiting. I was deeply impacted by the beauty and gratitude of the people we were there to serve.
“Somehow I attracted a variety of wildlife (an enormous spider, scorpion, tarantula, sting ray, a giant moth, and even a barracuda!) As physically demanding as this trip was, I felt energized and had no trouble with 12-16 hour work days, hauling gear from camp to camp. The crew was amazing - both the American and Guatemalan members.
“Being on this mission has served to fully confirm this trajectory for me. My wife and I have our sights set for being involved with long-term and hopefully permanent mission work as soon as we are able to.” ---JP Denham RN

“Traveling with One Nurse made me feel supported and taken care of.  I could concentrate on the experience and culture without worry.  It is an experience that has changed me. I owe Jo an amazing gratitude for helping me get started on medical work abroad.
“My greatest emotional feeling - how simple life can be. The families we saw had many issues which in the US would be taken care of easily. A good example is a patient with a blood sugar over 600 goes home in the village. A person in the US might get admitted with an Insulin drip, diet teaching and a follow up doctor visits.
“When children came from the school was my biggest surprise. They were piled loosely in a pickup truck. They got out and sat in the heat waiting to see us. It was lunch time. There were no lunch pails. I saw a girl eating a pig’s ear for lunch. It reminded me of my girls complaining about the cafeteria food. We are so blessed, it’s unbelievable!” ---Wendy Wescott RN
“I met Sue at a time that I needed a little inspiration and a little direction. Being able to go on this trip worked out effortlessly, and I feel like it is where I was meant to be. What I appreciated most was meeting other like-minded individuals, connecting with those around me, being in a new environment and being able to provide care to the people we served.” -–Stephanie Saldivar RN

Our plan is to continue to lead Jo’s Nurses missions, to support volunteer nurses, to mentor others and help change the world, One Nurse At A Time.    These missions cost about $2000 per nurse.  Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal at www.OneNurseAtATime.org or mailed to One Nurse At A Time, 7747 38th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115.  

Excellent article- "Medical Missions - Nursing for a Cause"

Last month Sue was featured on the web based site "Health Callings, Jobs that Matter". Linda Childers wrote up a quick little article about Sue's first start into the medical mission world and why she and Stacie started One Nurse At A Time. 

Some of the best lines out of the interview are from Sue's version of how volunteering adds to your resume...read on:

“Serving on a medical mission will make you a more well-rounded nurse,” Averill says. “You care for many patients who have never received formal medical care and may have walked for days to receive treatment. They are all so grateful for the services provided to them."

“Serving on a medical mission offers nurses a life-changing and career-changing experience,” Averill says. “You’re working in an environment where you have to problem solve and think quickly on your feet.”

Today Sue is off in Guatemala with our first Jo's Nurses Mission. These nurses are taking full advantage of Sue's medical knowledge as a 20+ year nurse and as an experienced volunteer nurse. When they return, we hope to share their experiences with you. 

Best lines from the article by far:

Once nurses serve on a medical mission, Averill says they are typically hooked.

“I think we often forget how much teaching we do in our daily nursing jobs and how much we truly have to share with others,” she says. “On a medical mission, you are able to share your talents and skills with patients in need as well as with colleagues from all over the world. You not only change the lives of many patients and their families; you will be changed as well.”

If you would like to read the full article- please click HERE

As always, thanks!

ONAAT

Jo's Nurses - First One Nurse At A Time Mission

We now have a firm plan for a trip in February 2013 and would like to hear from you of your interest.

There is space for 4 nurses - 2 from Feb 16-23 and 2 from Feb 23 - Mar 2.

Location:  Guatemala.  First week will be working in villages around Rio Dulce in the northeast.  Second week is working in villages around Monte Rico in the southwest.  Flights are in and out of Guatemala City.  I will be accompanying both weeks to be your support/mentor.

Cost to you/Commitment:  $250.  One Nurse At A Time, Jo's Nurses program will pay the rest of your trip costs (approximately $1000 per person).  You must also make a moral commitment to do another volunteer trip by the end of 2014.  Our hope is this mission will get you over the "hump" of going on a first mission, that you will be excited and eager to volunteer again somewhere around the world.

You will also be expected to attend planning meetings and packing meetings prior to the trip to get comfortable with your teammates and participate in the preparations.  At least 1 planning and 1 packing are required (unless you're out of the Seattle area, then we'll provide reading material and phone calls to bring you up to date).  Meetings are 1/5 and 1/26 0930 - noon (usually at Group Health Central) and packing is 2/2 and 2/9 0930 until finished (also at Group Health)

Organization is Guatemala Village Health.  Spanish is helpful, but not an absolute requirement as translators are available.  You'll be asked to not only be flexible and take on various tasks, but will also be asked to assume a specific role such as triage (and teaching triage techniques to the local nurses), patient education (they've done groups for patients about dehydration, back pain, headache, skin issues, for example 5-10 patients with similar issues and give out Tums, tylenol, ibuprofen, etc.)  Training of nursing staff - sharing what and how we work here in the US with the local nurses and health promoters who have much less formal training.  They see lots of diabetics, hypertension, prenatal care, malnutrition ... These will be less clinic based and more village based, and an opportunity to be with people in their home environments.

Please express your interest prior to December 15.  Send an email to OneNurseAtATime@gmail.com.  Include a brief introduction of who you are, what your nursing background is and tell us why you want to participate in this mission, how this will impact your career/life, what you anticipate your future in volunteering to be.  Tell us what you do well, what you don't.  What you bring to this mission and why you should be selected to participate.  Don't forget your contact information!  I'll follow up with each of you, conduct a phone interview and present candidates to the board of directors for a decision before the end of December.

Let me know of any questions and hope to hear from you by Dec 15.

Thanks, 
Sue