Marianna Colon
UF BSN Student
SERVICE LEARNING
Health Fairs
Throughout the 9 days of the trip we were able to perform two health fairs, one in St. George's and another at a Secondary School. These health fairs were opportunities to put into action what we have learned all year and to sharpen our basic nursing skills.
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There were several stations set up like arts and crafts, breast exams, blood sugar check, blood pressure checks and education. We each had the opportunity to rotate stations to broaden our learning and hands on experiences. In both of these health fairs we had the opportunity to work alongside Nursing students of St. George's University and nurse practitioner students studying from Boston. It was a great experience working with these various women and having nursing link us together as a whole.
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During the health fair we were able to care for and educate over 500 people. people from all over the island came out to the health fair and were intrigued as to what we were doing. We got the word out the day before while being hosted on the local radio and television station. It was rewarding seeing this many people actually follow through and come out to get looked at.
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My favorite part of the health fair was performing the breast exams. I was uncomfortable at first teaching and educating women on breast health, but I even surprised myself with how much knowledge I poured out and the information I knew to provide to these women. I became more and more comfortable as the days went on and learned to trust my learning and have confidence in what I knew. The health fairs taught me more about myself than anticipated and being able to gain this insight while serving others is a treasure like no other.
Disabilities Health Fair
One of the great health fairs that we participated in was a health fair for the disabled. Taking part in this health fair holds a special place in my heart. I have always held a passion for children with disabilities and being able to serve those who are disabled in another country was very touching.
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Coming from a very diverse and cultural background, I understand the stigma certain cultures place on the disabled and how many countries shun those who are disabled. I was proud to see the people of Grenada caring for those who are not able and for being able to be a part of this journey even for a couple of hours.
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During this health fair, we did blood pressure and blood sugar checks, education, and presented exercise techniques along with breathing exercises to help alleviate stress. I learned a lot about communicating and caring for those with disabilities and how to adapt to their needs such as guiding individuals who are blind, lowering my voice to decrease stimuli and just treating these men and women with the respect and dignity they deserve.