Costa Rica Blog: Nursing Aspect

My experience here in Costa Rica was one that I will remember for the rest of my life. The

people here are amazing and their culture is so rich and diverse. Helping the elderly at the

nursing home was a wonderful and humbling experience. I was saddened and shocked to see the

condition that a lot of their feet were in. I was glad to be able to make some kind of difference

in their lives and their healthcare status. The greatest part of the nursing experience was how

satisfied and happy the residents were with the work that we did. Something so simple like a

pedicure that we as Americans and young people take for granted can make a world of difference

for someone else. They really enjoyed the exercise/dance activities. Some of them were

surprisingly limber and able to move very well. Most were really open and accepting of our care

to them while a few others refused to be seen. The most challenging aspect of providing care

was the language barrier. It was difficult to convey what it was I wanted them to do and what

I was trying to ask them. Learning a few simple phrases as well as asking Ms. Laura for help

translating eased the confusion a bit. Overall this experience was very enjoyable and a learning

experience. It taught me how to work with people of different backgrounds and culture as well

as how to effectively communicate with someone that speaks a different language. It has also

taught me that patience is key in these situations and though their may be barriers that may make

providing care frustrating and difficult, that you have to make do with the tools, space, materials,

etc. that you have in order to provide the best and most effective care for our patients and that

their health and well being are the most important aspects of the situation.