My primary role was the care of an 11-year-old boy in respiratory failure, suffering from “tsunami lung” (a severe lung infection caused by swallowing muddy, bacteria laden water). He developed sepsis and complete respiratory failure while being cared for by the Australian medical team at Albidin University Hospital in Banda Aceh.  Requiring mechanical ventilation, the boy was emergently transported to the Mercy by a German helicopter transport team. 

From the goodwill and trust that was created at the bedside, I witnessed a continuum of health care collaboration and assistance resulting in health diplomacy activities both onboard and onshore.  Multinational relationships created by compassionate bedside care, were sustained thru the partnership of various international NGO’s, government agencies, and the local people. 

A year after the tsunami, Project Hope has committed to advancing health care knowledge, through collaboration, by rebuilding and sustaining a pulmonary clinic at the University Hospital.  Returning this January with Project Hope volunteers, I will assist in this endeavor as a nurse educator to the local practitioners, who ultimately will support this clinic for the long-term.  Efforts such as these emphasize collaboration and commitment to elevating the profession of nursing globally.

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)