Many nurses ask, why should I go on a service outreach trip in another country? Why should I spend my time doing this when we have enough needs in our own country?
It wasn’t until I said ‘yes’ to an international service medical trip to the Amazon Jungles of South America, did I realize the devastating need for medical and spiritual care in developing countries and the impact nurses and their nursing gifts could make to significantly make a difference.
Although the USA has pressing needs right here in there own backyard (poverty, sickness etc…), we also have the wealth, technology and social systems of the American people along with developed infrastructures, to make the changes we need. Additionally, we have a democratic society and the premise of one nation under God which has made the difference in all of our lives. We live in the freedom and luxury of having all of our needs and most of our wants met-instantaneously. In addition, Churches, non-profits and other agencies are available to bear the burden of stress from the less fortunate with the support of the American people and government.
In developing countries, many of those key pieces are missing. As a result, the suffering grade is qualitatively higher; and with less available supporting structures, educated professionals, poor technology and limited medical care, the needs of the poor are huge.
When I returned to the United States after my first medical outreach trip, I realized :
1. That my life would never be the same. It was deeply touched by the plight of the poor and their needs
2. The experience enriched and renewed my nursing career. It took on a deeper meaning and purpose
3. I was overcome with gratitude and thankful to the individuals who supported my work when I raised the donations for the service program outreach. My initial squeamish thoughts about asking others if they would donate actually became the foundation for them to give more and for me to be able to do more. Raising donations to pay for the trip was much easier then I thought
4. I understood after the SO trip that my calling as a nurse could have wide-reaching implications in the world and I could make a difference by bringing my nursing talents and Gods love to individuals who were desperate for help
5. I was able to see the results (or ripple effect) of the work I did and the team; almost immediately. It was so rewarding. I had a renewed sense of purpose in my work as a nurse
Finally,
If you are considering a service out reach trip, pray, consider the possibilities and experiences you would miss, if you did not go. Then write down all of the pros and cons on a piece of paper and make a decision. I believe that your ‘pro’ list will come out a lot longer than your ‘con” list. Mine did. . .
It’s a trip of a lifetime. Say yes to that nudge in your heart. Say ‘yes’ to one service outreach trip, only one; and I promise you, your life and your career as a nurse will never be the same. My life and career changed forever from my experiences, and so will yours.
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