Chaminade University

MEDICAL MISSION

Chaminade University School of Nursing

philippines

Chaminade University of Honolulu School of Nursing offered their first capstone course (clinical immersion) to their first graduating class this Spring 2014. A group of students took advantage of the international clinical immersion options to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Eight students were accepted to go to the Philippines. Chaminade University pride itself as a place where people grow: professionally, intellectually and spiritually as we are a catholic University with Marianist values. The immersion experience brought "discomfort" to the students and faculty but the true essence of the learning came with the immense self- awareness and the ability to understand that "being present" in the moment is a valuable service to the people ( patients, elected officials, healthcare providers, student body and acquaintances) we interacted everyday. A characteristic of a Marianist education is to educate for adaptation and change. Students and faculty definitely learned to adapt when clinical expectations (e.g. lack of privacy, limited resources, use of limited technology, care for chronic diseases, view of death and dying, etc.) were different than what they are used to in the United States health care systems. The strong desire of the faculty oversights to educate for formation in faith was very crucial in this clinical immersion.

Service is about giving back. At Chaminade, we educate for service, justice and peace. Students and faculty felt that we can do more. Students assigned in the Philippines spent 4 days with families to be immersed in the culture and use stories as an avenue for personal and professional growth. We gave our service the best way we can by providing several health teachings and performing medical tasks within our scope of practice. Students gave blood pressure equipment, stethoscopes and pen lights donated by MDF to the community that was in need. We also gave additional medical supplies donated by some of our local clinical partners. Chaminade School of Nursing donated community bags and students donated boxes of gloves to the hospitals. The appreciation by the administrators, staff and community was overwhelming. Services that we performed included but not limited to blood pressure screenings, school health physicals, and immunizations. This service learning portion of this immersion was summarized in their capstone papers with a sense of gratitude for the experience.