Blog de número dos!

My clinical experiences in Panama have been both enjoyable and enlightening! Before coming to Panama, I was nervous about how I was going to conduct my clinicals without knowing any Spanish. I was afraid that due to the language barrier, there would not be many opportunities for me to practice my skills and communicate with the nurses. The USF College of Nursing prepared me to expect many differences in techniques used in Panama compared to the United States, such as not wearing gloves and having to recap used needles. Knowing this, I pictured very outdated hospitals and clinics in unsanitary conditions. At the same time, I was very interested to come to Panama and learn the practices of a unique culture.  

For my first week of clinicals I went to a social security clinic with six other students. They divided us all up and I got to practice wound care, PAP smears, and immunizations. I discovered the nurses in Panama perform PAP smears; where as only nurse practitioners and doctors perform this skill in America. Also, the nurses must aspirate when giving injections in Panama, which is no longer an evidenced based practice at home. While at the clinic, I did not observe any strict sterile techniques compared to standards we were taught in school. However, there were many positive aspects of the clinics as well. For instances, there are a large number of services provided to the patients. Some of these services include: immunization, PAP smears, allergy shots, breathing treatments, minor surgeries, occupational health, home health, and even urgent care services. The nurses and doctors at the clinic were very eager to teach; especially if you voiced that you want to learn.

On the second week I went to a psychiatric hospital with a few wings of internal medicine. The psychiatric hospital was extremely depressing due to the limited amount of resources available. Honestly, I felt as though I had time traveled back to the 1930’s! The facility was exceptionally outdated with just one or two cardiac monitors for the whole hospital! Although the staff was friendly, there were not very many clinical opportunities for students at this hospital. However, I did get to practice one IV and assist with med administration. It was interesting seeing how the nurses managed with so few supplies and I applaud the nurses’ resourcefulness in such unfortunate conditions.

For our final week, we are all at the local hospital where we are rotating through the ER, OR, and ICU. Today, I was in the ER and was given an opportunity to practice IV’s and give an IM injection. Again, the nurses were very kind and sincerely seemed as though they wanted to help. All in all, I am grateful to be allotted such a remarkable learning experience in Panama!