A life-changing experience
CBU nursing students reflect on recent volunteer trip to Ecuador
A recent trip to Ecuador has changed Mary MacKinnon’s life forever.
MacKinnon was one of 24 fourth-year nursing students at Cape Breton University, accompanied by four staff members, to travel to Quito, Ecuador, to volunteer at nursing practices such as medical-surgical, emergency, obstetrics, neonatal, operating rooms and pediatrics.
“It was truly a once in a lifetime experience,” said MacKinnon, a resident of Westmount. “I was simply amazed at the cultural differences I witnessed. I now feel as though I have gained the cultural competence to bring with me on my way to becoming a registered nurse.”
The students left Cape Breton for Ecuador on Feb. 20 and spent 10 days in the South American
country before returning to Canada on March 3.
Aside from nursing practices, the students also had community experiences at seniors day clinics, occupational and physiotherapy clinics, children’s clinics and orphanages. Students also had the opportunity to visit an indigenous community to experience other ways of healing and treating medical issues.
“I think a lot were thinking that their health-care system wouldn’t be as advanced as it was,” said the 21-year-old MacKinnon. “They are doing a lot of things better than we are here in Canada. They make use of what resources they have and it works for them.”
The highlight of the trip for MacKinnon was visiting an orphanage.
“At the end of our visit, a little boy told me that it was like magic that we were there,” said MacKinnon. “It makes you appreciate how just being there for someone can make a difference in their life.”
Wendy Russell of North Sydney also participated in the trip. She said she’s grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the trip.
“It opens your eyes to how good we really have it in Cape Breton,” said Russell. “We met children with incredible stories of abuse and hardship, but they still laughed and played with us — they were truly inspirational.”
This year’s trip isn’t the first time Cape Breton University nursing students have visited Ecuador. In February 2015, 21 students made a similar trip, spending more than a week in the country, increasing cultural competence and observing health practices.
Russell said prior to the trip she didn’t realize how many children were abandoned on a regular basis in Quito.
“It really opened my eyes to the struggles of women and children in the country,” said the 36-year-old.
The annual trip is important to the university’s nursing program, as the students are completing their last required nursing practice before graduation.
The Ecuador experience fulfilled 80 hours toward the
program’s practicum course requirements.
In order to make the trip possible, the students held a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, raising close to $70,000.
Stacey Wall said the trip has made her a better person.
“It has definitely allowed me to grow as a nurse and be the best I can be for my patients,” said the 30-year-old. “Although the fundraising was a lot of work, we all said numerous times during our trip that it was definitely worth
it.”
MacKinnon said the trip is something she will never forget.
“Not only did we gain so much knowledge and culture from this trip, but I enjoyed spending this quality time with my classmates before we graduate
in the spring,” she said.
The students will graduate during Cape Breton University’s spring convocation on May 13 at the Canada Games Complex on campus.