The Puerto Rico experience was a total immersion into this unique culture. We also saw parts of the island that few tourists will ever see.
Our purpose was to get a first-hand experience of the healthcare system in this beautiful, and financially struggling, island. We met the President of the equivalent of the Nursing Association (the Colegio de Enfermeras), visited homeless addicts near the main medical center, accompanied a visiting nurse to deliver recycled christmas toys to low-income children, toured the medical center campus (which houses 6 different hospitals), visited the Central Hospital, the helipad and helicopter, and lastly performed patient education at the methadone clinic (within the campus).
Puerto Ricans are a friendly and hospitable people. I was moved by their generosity and eagerness to share their personal experiences with us. My life and my nursing career will be changed from this experience.
Here are some visual highlights:
Artwrork by residents of Salvation Army shelter in San Juan
Scope of Practice of the “Colegio de Enfermeras”
Jerrica holding the cutest baby around
Delivering a donation to our partner organization
A typical street scene
About to board our wah-wah (van)
Our first taste of Mofongo
Saying goodbye to Ricardo, our documentarian
Submitted by Jennifer Ratcliffe
