We has a LoNg but exciting week of hands on work in Chitre. The group was split up among 4 clinics. Everyone was able to learn and preform new skills such as child growth and development assessments, child and adult immunization's, pap smears, breast exams and self breast exam teaching. Throughout the week we visited other facilities including two hospitals, a couple different elementary schools and an elderly long term care facility. The students, faculty and nurses have been so warm and welcoming. I can only hope when USF has study abroad students we show them the same respect and enthusiasm.
Something exciting my clinic group was able to do was prepare a little skit on HPV to preform at the elementary school. In Panama vaccinations are mandatory and free for all. Providing information and education to patient is part of a nurse's job and one of the most important parts. In doing the skit we were providing information in a way that was funny and non-threatening. I got to play the "super vaccine" and got to battle with the HPV virus. While it may have been a little embarrassing it was all in good fun and an enjoyable experience.
After a week of clinicals, we had the weekend to play in El Valle!! It was one of the most beautiful and freeing places. With hot springs down one street, rushing waterfalls down another and mountain peeks every direction you looked. This is where we got to go Zip-lining and one of the lines went right over the waterfall! Delicious eatery's and a great market. It was the perfect place to pick up all the souvenirs you need and the most reasonable prices. There was just too much to do in two short days, making it a definite spot to visit again. If you get the chance to go, don't pass up the hiking , the views from the top are incredible!
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