I still cannot believe the trip we have been planning for months is now over. My experience in Panama was absolutely amazing. All of us had the opportunity to accomplish so many tasks we have not even thought about completing at our point in school. After working with so many children throughout the trip, it made me realize how much more I want to be a pediatric nurse. Although it may seem like Panama's healthcare facilities are not technilogically advanced, or they may not be as sterile as our hospitals, but it is amazing how educated the nurses are and how anyone and everyone in the country is able to receive medical attention. There were many instances throughout the trip that showed me how responsible the nurses are. The main thing is the ratio of patients to nurses. Many nurses in the states complain when they have 6 patients for their shift, while Panama's nurses may have up to 30 patients for their shift, yet they LOVE their job! Another situation was in the labor and delivery unit. I was amazed to see the delivery room containing only nurses and nursing students. The doctor simply walked in (while on his cell phone) looked at the patient and walked out. Seeing the responsibilities held by the nurses puts a whole new perspective on nursing in my head. Being in another country and focusing on their healthcare systems the entire time opened up my eyes to the different cultures and communities in our world. Although our country may be extremely advanced in healthcare and technology, it does not mean other countries, less fortunate, don't have as many benefits, if not more, than more advanced countries. Overall, I wish Panama had some healthcare changes, such as the resources to be more sanitary, but their system is very successful for their population.
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