| Learning Objective #1: Describe the vocational impact of an international service project among nursing students | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Gain an understanding of the meaningful experiences nursing students identified in their partnership with a mission clinic among indigenous people |
The purpose of this presentation is to describe how student nurses reflect on the vocation of nursing after participating in a service learning experience in Guatemala. For the past two years, the Sigma Theta Tau Chi Chapter-at-Large has developed the themes of vocation and global health. Inspired by chapter presentations, nine student nurses and two nursing faculty have organized a service learning experience in partnership with the San Lucas Toliman Clinic in Guatemala. This mission clinic serves an area of 22 villages with more than 20,000 people, mostly indigenous Mayan natives. The goal of the mission is to enhance and enrich the whole person spiritually, intellectually, and physically through recognition and appreciation of the rich Mayan culture. In addition to accompanying lay midwives into isolated villages ( some of which are only accessible by foot) the nurses and student nurses will be participating in an ongoing research project by collecting data on the number of pregnancies, birth outcomes, childhood deaths, maternal disorders, and birth defects in the families they visit. The group will also provide care at the community clinic and orphanage as needed. Reflection through journaling will be ongoing throughout the experience.
Upon returning from Guatemala, the students will participate in a qualitative research project designed to explore the meaning of the experience as it impacts their personal sense of calling in the profession of nursing. Focus groups will be used to address three specific aims: 1. To gain an understanding of the meaning of deciding to participate in an international service project. 2. To gain an understanding of the meaning of being part of an international healthcare team. And 3. To gain an understanding of how the experience impacts their sense of call in nursing. This project is funded in part by the STTI Chi Chapter-at-Large.
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