From the Nursing Students of Saint Luke's

The Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences in Kansas City has had so many wonderful opportunities since we arrived.  The number of things we have been able to accomplish in so few days has been a great learning experience for all of us.  Thanks to the Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, our entire group has been able to go out to barrio clinics which allowed us to immerse ourself in their culture and really get to use our nursing skills.  We have also spent time in the local schools doing basic screenings for the children...checking for lice, fungus, basic vision and dental screenings, skin checks and even a visit with a doctor.  We ended our screenings with a anti-parasitic and a vitamin.  During the school screenings we saw well over 750 elementary aged children. 
We have had a great time exploring the areas around the schools, barrios and the guesthouse.  It never fails during a walk through the neighborhoods to find yourself surrounded by the local children.  The joy you see in their faces just from being in our presence is heartwarming and a reminder for the importance of the simple things in life.  The people here seem quite content to just sit on their porch in a plastic chair. 
I know we have all learned so much more than we ever thought possible...it goes way beyond medical knowledge.  The things we have learned are going to make us so much better as holistic nurses.  It has just been an amazing expereince.
Not only have we got to use our  nursing skills but we have been able to enjoy many cultural traditions with the people here.  This morning we went to a local school to watch the flag raising, had dinner this evening at a local restaurant and enjoyed ice cream at a local shoppe. 

Some of the things that are needed include:
Children's Chewable Vitamins (LOTS)
Prenatal Vitamins
ACE inhibitors
Beta Blockers
Premetherin
toothbrushes and toothpaste (to pass out to the school children)

From all of us at Saint Luke's!