Auburn University - School of Nursing

On March 12, 2005 Dr. Regina Bentley, Assistant Professor at Auburn University School of Nursing and three nursing students, Sarah Lacy, Sarah Grace Jackson, and Courtney Wolf traveled to Santo Domingo de los Colorados , Ecuador to provide healthcare and education to the women of that area. Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT) from Lineville , Alabama organized the trip. There was a team of 16 women from six states who traveled with the group. The women of Ecuador are more comfortable seeing a women health care provider.

Upon arrival at the clinic every day women and children were gathered at the gate waiting for us after having walked or traveled for many hours. Over 400 women were evaluated, triaged, and treated (curative medicine) in 4 ½ days-working from 8:00am until 6:00pm. More than 200 women had their teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. Health education (preventive medicine) was provided by Dr. Bentley and the nursing students. Small classes of 20-25 were held 5-6 times each day. The women spoke only Spanish and therefore a physician, Dr. Roberta Contreras, interpreted all of the teaching. He said it was very important to him that the women not only get treated, but that they understand the treatment and how to identify normal and abnormal findings for themselves. Topics included nutrition in general and during pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, self-breast exams, good hygiene practices, cervical cancer and effects of smoking. The students created posters in Spanish to explain their topics. Most of the women had limited knowledge about normal changes of their bodies. They were very interested and asked a lot of questions. Several women returned a second day to the clinic to see the Nurse Practitioners after hearing the education information. Two had found lumps in their breast and were referred for follow-up.

The nursing students also had the opportunity to work in the triage area and the pharmacy. There were so many patients that it had to be determined who must be seen and who could just receive vitamins and the education classes. The pharmacy was stocked with several different antibiotics, vaginal creams, pain relievers, and vitamins. All patients received a six month supply of vitamins.

The children's activity center was also fun for the students. They spent all of their “free” time assisting with the children. They played ball, jumped rope, and had many activities that these children had never seen.

The last day of the trip was spent at the Middle of the World (the Equator). It was interesting to actually see water drain counterclockwise on one side of the equator and in the opposite direction on the other side. We were also able to balance an egg on a nail. The equator is the only place this can be done.

This service-learning trip was fun and very educational for both the faculty and the students. There were many who helped make it possible. We would like to thank Nancy Kickliter at AU Pharmacy for providing all of the antibiotics, Dr. Barbara Wilder and East Alabama Medical center for providing plastic speculums, and Dr. Barbara Witt, Dean AUSON for her support and providing funds to assist with posters and bookmarks for the patients.