Assignment: Global Issues Affecting Vulnerable Populations

The following assignment is designed to increase your understanding of a particular global issue affecting vulnerable populations.  Students will form groups of no more than four persons.  All members of the group will research the global issue and present their critique to the group at our final meeting.  Creativity is important for the group presentation because we are concerned with how the issue affects you and your understanding of the population.  Each presentation should last no more than 15 minutes. 

·         Describe the issue in the United States.  Describe the issue in the Dominican Republic.  Describes the perspectives and approaches and perspectives to the issue in each country

·         Compare, contrast the perspectives and approaches across the two countries

·         What do you think might help explain the differences that do exist between the two countries?

·         Do you think the above responses are influenced in any way by your own values?  If so, how?

Immigration

(documented and undocumented):

1.      Natasha

2.      Abbey

3.      Maria

Nutrition/Malnutrition

1.      Alexandria

2.      Casey

3.      Daniela Pena

Social class and the impact on health

1.      Kelly Benson

2.      Lauren Kidd

3.      Emily Nugent

Mosquito and tick-born illnesses

1.      Jenny Adelstein

2.      Abigail King

3.      Julia Bowen

Sex trafficking/Sex Trade

1.      Caitlyn Wright

2.      Janelle Amoako

Trip Preparation

SAFETY: 

·         Dominican tap water is not safe for drinking. Therefore do not allow any water to get into your mouth while taking a shower and do not use tap water to brush your teeth.  Fill your personal water bottle from the safe water provided in the places where we stay and carry it with you at all times.  Keep a small bottle of safe water with your toiletries and use that exclusively for tooth brushes.  If at any time you feel ill with pain, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. inform your instructor immediately.

·         There are no speed laws posted in the DR.  People drive fast with many people standing up in the back of the trucks.  Use your instincts.  If you don’t think it is safe to ride in these vehicles, then it probably isn’t.  Do not ride motoconcho (scooters). Extra care needs to be taken when walking or crossing roads.

·         NEVER GO ANYWHERE ALONE!!!  You must always be accompanied by another group member.  If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.  Use our flashlight at night when walking to town.  You can avoid many potholes and unevenly paved sidewalks, and the oncoming traffic you will be able to see.

·         Do not pet the dogs, cats or other animals you may encounter.

·         Do not bring any item with you that it would upset you to lose.  This includes expensive jewelry, ipods, iphones etc.  This is too tempting for someone who is curious and may have nothing.

·         *The possession or use of illegal drugs (cocaine, marijuana and narcotics) is a criminal offense.  Don not take ay packages into the Dominican Republic or take any packages back to the US unless you know what is in them.  This could be considered an attempt to smuggle drugs.  If you are caught, in either country, you will be arrested and prosecuted.

Plumbing: 

Nothing can be disposed of in Dominican toilets.  The sanitary system in the DR has not been designed to handle anything except for human excretions.  This means NOTHING else can be disposed of in the toilets.  This includes toilet tissue, garbage, hygiene supplies etc.  There will always be a waste basket next to the toilet where ever you go.  In case you forget, please keep a disposable glove on you at all times to be able to retrieve the paper before flushing.  Most toilets flush like those in the US, but some may not have enough water pressure and will need a bucket of water to flush.  We don’t want to cause a plumbing disaster at our host family’s home.  This will become second nature towards the end of the trip.

Traveling Checklist:

• Passport, Airline Ticket, $10 bill to purchase Visitor’s pass at Airport
• Copy of your passport at home and in another place in your travel bag
• $100 dollars to convert to pesos at the Santo Domingo Airport
• Health Education Project
• House Gift for Host Family (ex. Dish Towels, Table cloth, fragrant lotion, perfume)
• Water container
• Flashlight (needed for walking at night)
• Earplugs and eye coverings (for sleeping)
• Shower bag (not essential)
• Insect Repellent with DEET
• Sunscreen
• Alarm Clock
• Reading light
• Batteries
• Camera
• Notebook for Journaling
• Toilet Paper

Personal Care Items:

·         Medications, eyeglasses, contact lens and solution

·         Sunglasses

·         Analgesic (Tylenol)

·         Pepto Bismol

·         Imodium

·         Tampon/Sanitary Napkins

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Soap, bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth

·         Disposal razors

·         Brush/comb

·         Reading light

·         Snacks: Resealable or individually packed snacks (granola bars, crackers and cheese, crackers and peanut butter, cliff bars etc)

Clinical Material:

·         Name tag

·         Box of latex free gloves

·         Blood pressure cuff – adult (pedi if available)

·         Stethoscope

·         Penlight or small flashlight

·         Plastic trash bags

·         Box of 1 gallon zip lock bags

·         Anti-bacterial wipes (300-400 sheets)

·         Pen/paper

·         Fine tip permanent marker

·         Notebook

·         Wristwatch

·         Drug handbook

·         Spanish-English dictionary

·         Scrubs – 2 pairs

·         Sneakers
*White flat sheet 1/2
*Permanent Colorful Markers (for fabric)

Clothing suggestions:

·         Shirts with collars for men

·         Skirt/collars for men

·         Skirt/cotton dresses for women

·         Lightweight jacket, sweater

·         Swimsuit and beach cover-up

·         Nightgown or Pajamas- two set

·         Cotton T shirts 5, Underwear/bras-5

·         Cap with visor

·         Cotton ankle socks- 5pair

·         Shoes flat (close toed) and sandals – Flip flops for shower

·         Lightweight long pants. Shorts

·         Costume jewelry (EXPENSIVE JEWELRY SHOULD BE LEFT AT HOME)

Donated Items:

·         Baseball caps

·         Sunglasses, reading glasses

·         Personal care items:  soap, lotion, shampoo, toothbrushes, tooth paste, razors, elastics

·         Vitamins (prenatal, children, and adult)

·         Vicks vapor rub (muscle rub)

·         Cough drops

·         Acetaminophen (Adults/Children)

·         Robitussin (cough syrups)

·         Ibuprofen

·         Tums or antacids

·         White socks

Dominican Republic Experience 2014

Meet the Team

                                             

Jenny Adelstein

My name is Jenny Adelstein and I am from Westford, MA. I am a senior nursing major and when I graduate I want to work as a maternity nurse in labor and delivery. At URI I am involved in the Student Nurses Association, a URI 101 mentor, and Alpha Tau Delta, a professional nursing fraternity. I am looking forward to traveling to the Dominican Republic to learn about a new culture and enhance my cultural awareness through this service learning trip.

Janelle Amoako

My name is Janelle Amoako, and I am from Cranston, RI. Currently a senior, I have had the opportunity to be involved in various ways on and off-campus. Some of these things include involvements in the Student Nurses Association, Student Alliance for the Welfare of Africa, and a past URI 101 mentor. I have also volunteered at a free clinic in Providence called Clinica Esperanza, and currently I volunteer with Gentiva Hospice Services in Warwick. In reference to this trip, I must say that I have had prior international exposure to various countries. However, I am uniquely enthralled to be a part of this program as my previous experiences have not allowed to have such hands-on application of my nursing education. In addition, I plan to pursue a master's degree in public health particularly global health so I am very grateful to begin such opportunities as an undergrad. My previous trips abroad have taught me that I will come away from this experience gaining much more from the people of Las Martes (plus surrounding areas) than I will be able to give them. Looking forward to a challenging, but rewarding trip! 

Kelly Benson

My name is Kelly Benson and I am a senior nursing student currently enrolled in Community and Pediatric Nursing. I like to be involved in many activities as I am the vice president of the Student Nursing Association, a member of the professional nursing fraternity, Alpha Tau Delta, supervisor for URI’s Intramural program, and a Nursing Tech at the North Shore Medical Center in Salem, MA. I am really excited about going on this trip because I am very interested in learning new cultures as well as helping people in need. I have been taking Spanish classes periodically since I was in High School and have always had a passion to further my language development by traveling to a Spanish speaking country.  Nursing in a developing country is something that I have wanted to do since I decided nursing was the career for me, and I am so excited to have the chance to experience it firsthand! 

Julia Bowen

My name is Julia Bowen and I am a senior in the nursing program.  My name is Julia Bowen and I am a senior in the nursing program.  I grew up in Cumberland, RI and am now currently living in Narragansett, RI.  My journey as a student nurse at URI has been incredibly transformative and memorable.  I have loved every aspect of my clinical experiences.  I have not yet completely decided what field of nursing I wish to explore after I graduate, however I look forward to beginning my journey as a nurse in whatever specialty that may be.  As the field of nursing is so flexible and ever changing, I am confident that I will eventually find my true passion.  I cannot wait to embark on this trip to the Dominican Republic.  This trip will be a once in a lifetime experience.  I am eager to experience health care in a different country. It will be important for me to see and take part in the real backbone of what nursing is, pure caring.  I am excited and yet a little nervous to step outside of my comfort zone.  Without a doubt, however, I know that this experience will make me a better nurse in the future.  There is something so precious and humbling when witnessing and caring for people who are in such vulnerable states.  Hopefully I will be able to put a smile on the faces of all the people we come in contact with during our stay in the Dominican Republic.

Natasha Escudero

My name is Natasha Escudero, I am currently a Senior at URI. I was born and raised in Rhode Island but both of my parents are originally from Medellin, Colombia. I am fluent in Spanish and English. I currently work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at The Miriam Hospital and hope that I can continue there as a Registered Nurse on the Medical-Surgical unit. In the future I plan to become a Nurse Practitioner.    My goal for this trip is to be able to help the people in the Dominican Republic and make a difference in their life in order for them to stay health!

Ali Hunter

Hi, My name's Ali Hunter. I am a senior nursing student at URI, and very excited to travel to the Dominican Republic with my fellow nursing majors! I am from Cranston, RI, but currently residing in Narragansett, RI for the school year. I work in the Emergency Department at Newport Hospital as a Student Nurse Associate and LOVE it. Emergency nursing is definitely the field I see in my future. I have learned so many different skills from working in the ED that a lot of people in my classes haven't gotten to experience yet, and it is an opportunity I am so grateful for. I am counting down to the hour for the D.R trip, and can't wait to work with so many awesome people there!

Lauren Kidd

Hello! My name is Lauren Kidd. I was born and raised in Vernon, Connecticut.  I am currently a Senior Nursing Student at the University of Rhode Island.  URI has been my home for 3 ½ years now and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life as a registered nurse. I have been a Resident Advisor at URI for 3 years and I am very involved in the University of Rhode Island Student Senate. I currently serve as the College of Nursing Representative and I am the Elections Committee Chairperson. I love to help people and be the best person I can be for them. I am very excited to use my knowledge and nursing ability to help the people of the Dominican Republic. This is going to be a wonderfully inspiring experience!

Abigail King

I was born and raised in West Warwick, Rhode Island.  I first became interested in nursing in the fifth grade. When we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, I said I wanted to be a “baby nurse.”  Although I am unsure now if labor and delivery is the field I want to go into, I still am interested in children.  I have always had a passion for children, and I would love to care for them as a pediatric nurse.  The part of this trip I am most excited about is making a difference in people’s lives, especially the children of the villages.  I am also looking forward to how this experience can better me as a person, as well as a nurse in the future. 

Maria Montoya

Hello my name is Maria Montoya. I am a 22 year old Senior Nursing Student at URI. I was born in Medellin, Colombia but migrated with my family to Pawtucket, Rhode Island at the age of 6 in hopes for a better future. I'm fluent in both Spanish and English and I hope to facilitate communication barriers that may present on this trip. Currently I work as a home health aide and I enjoy working with the geriatric population. In the future, I plan on focusing on community/public health nursing with endless opportunities to travel the world to help improve the health of vulnerable populations. I am eager to begin this amazing experience and make a difference in the lives of the Dominican people!

 Abbey Neureuter

Hello my name is Abbey Neureuter and here is a little bit about myself.  I was born and raised in Massachusetts but the past four years spent in Rhode Island have opened my mind to many opportunities.  I am a world traveler who loves to explore new places and I have realized that there are endless possibilities of places to go, things to see and most importantly people to meet.  I am a people person and love spending time with family and friends and of course meeting new people!  My goal is to be of service to the community and apply my knowledge as well as my core values while working within the Dominican Republic community.

Emily Nugent
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Nugent I am junior nursing major at URI. I am from Arlington, MA where I have lived my whole life. Along with nursing at URI I am also a member of Alpha Tau Delta, the professional nursing fraternity, the student nurses association and I play on the women’s lacrosse team.   I currently work as a nursing assistant at Woodbriar, a nursing home in Wilmington, MA and someday aspire to be a Nurse Practitioner. I am excited to experience the Dominican culture and provide health care in an environment much different than what I know. I am eager to step outside my comfort zone and make a difference! I hope this trip brings me insight and appreciation for what we take for granted in the US. 

Casey Schwacke

Hi my name is Casey Schwacke! I am a junior in the nursing program at URI.  I'm from Pine Bush, New York. In addition to majoring in Nursing, I am minoring in Spanish. That is one of the reasons I am so interested in this cultural immersion service learning program. It gives me the opportunity to use my Spanish and nursing skills!  I can't wait to get to know all of you better and go on this amazing trip!

Caitlin Wright

Hello my name is Caitlin Wright. I am from West Greenwich, Rhode Island. I live on a small farm with llamas, chickens, and a goat. I am a senior in the URI nursing program. I currently work as a student nurse at Newport Hospital in the PACU. I love it and hope to work there when I graduate. I am excited to go to the Dominican Republic and learn a completely new culture. I love to travel and go outside my comfort zones. I hope this trip opens my eyes to what we take for granted in the US.