Day 12: 1/15/15

Our last full day in the DR started with a unique tour of the Colonial Zone or Historic City on Trikke scooters. Yes, I know scooters! Quite the way to ride in style! Along with our adorable tour guide, we went throughout the town visiting sites of the early Spanish settlers of the country including Columbus, El Museo de Las Casas Reales (Museum of the Real Houses), and had just enough time to get our souvenirs! ! 

Once back at the hotel, most of us jumped into the pool for one last swim. Finishing off our time in the sun, we were reminded all too well that we'd soon be returning to New England freezing temperatures. 

Through the wonderful Funglode/Interdom staff, we celebrated our last night in DR at the resturant El Conuco. Not only did we enjoy the wonderful cuisine, some of the girls got right to the dance floor! It was truly a great way to end the night and our time in DR with many laughs and precious memories!

Written/Photos by Janelle Amoako SN

Day 8: 1/11/15 Campo Day 2 Hondo Valley, Elias Piña

Today was our second clinic day. We were situated in the local church  in a town called Hondo Valle in Elias Piña about 2- 3 hours away from Las Matas de Farfan. We provided health care to over 150 residents of the community; women, men and children of all ages. We set up four nursing stations where we worked in teams of three. Our nursing assessments consisted of completing subjective and objective data including the medical health history. Many of the chief complaints consisted of stomach pain, skin itchiness and joint pain. The clients we saw that complained of a stomach ache explained that they felt something moving inside their body, we believed it to be parasites. Many people had parasites. Over half of the adults we saw had systolic blood pressures of 140 and over. Almost everyone were prescribed medications to manage their blood pressure but many reported lack of money to buy their medications. Some do not remember the last time they received medical attention in a hospital/clinic. Some didn't know how old they were.

As the church based clinic came to an end some of the students had an opportunity to visit another site to set up a second clinic. The second clinic area was at  the greatest distance from the center of the town. It was mainly agricultural  community where the workers attended to the crops but did not own the land. Most of the workers lived their entire lives in small wooden  houses near the fields they tended.  As we traveled up the uneven dirt road and through a stream, we saw adults and children walking around.  None of the children had shoes. As the agricultural workers arrived, we began assessing their health. Their living conditions were reflected in their health. Unfortunately every worker we assessessed suffered from one common issue: hunger.Three girls in a row sat down and complained of the same concern. Each had pain in their stomach, particularly early in the morning, so they would vomit to feel better and then they could have breakfast, yet the pain never really subsided. One said she used salt and juice of a orange to take away the pain. Now we were there to provide some simple pharmacy medications like Tums or Tylenol, but how do we fix hunger? How can we see the physical effects of malnutrition and not be able to do anything? We had some calorie packed peanut butter, but only enough for one pack per person. As our time came to an end, we had to leave through the back door to avoid being bombarded by people with more medical problems.  The personal products we gave away as we were leaving to try to give at least something to those who were waiting --- since we had no more supplies.  The most heart wrenching part of it all was sitting in the back of the truck to leave and having the entire community standing around us in hopes that we would stay and help them.

This was one of the most eye opening experiences for a group of nursing students to see, as we had to physically leave people who still needed help. We are all in this profession to help and heal others, and to leave someone behind is devastating. And these were not people who complained of a headache just to get pills, they genuinely wanted to be helped and could care less about having a bottle of pills that would eventually run out. Today we smiled, laughed, and cried together. The experience of today and the ones prior to this have molded us into one. These experiences have influences our perception of health, need, love and life.


By: Daniela Pena, GN and Kelly Benson, SN

Day 7: 1/10/15 Field Day/El Cecada/ Santa Lucia

Today was fun filled day, better yet a total shift from what we have experienced the past few days. Our field day was originally planned  with several activities for the children of las Matas but it turned out to go smoother than planned. The children were stoked to play baseball (which they take very seriously), soccer, frisbee, jump rope, and bracelet making (which turned out to be popular activity). Over a 100 children from ages 2-14 participated and received goody bags that contained crayons, candy, oranges, glow sticks, beanie babies, sun glasses, hats, and stickers.

Field day ended at noon. We transitioned our day by taking a trip to El Cecada where we had a delicious lunch with nursing students from San Diego university. It was interesting to hear their purpose for being in the DR as well as how their nursing program was structured. Apart from this we took a small tour of the retreat center and took pictures with amazing scenery. 

We then took a trip to meet the women who started the Nutri-Fort movement.  Nutri-Fort  is fortified peanut butter supplement given to malnourished children and adults. It was interesting to hear how these women initiated the movement with literally nothing and how they their business has expanded. This Nutri-Fort workgroup of women served to empower the women of this community. This occurred within a patriarchal society. We were astonished to learn that these women do not work for themselves but for the business as a whole. We ended our time at El Cecado by buying peanut butter and "dulce". The money that they made will help pay for their electricity bill.

Our day ended with attending Mass at the Catholic Church, Santa Lucia of Las Matas de Farfan. The people of this community take religion as a source of strength and hope. We were honored to have been invited to the front of the church at the end of mass to be acknowledged publically by the congregation.

To wrap up our night, we went out dancing to El Clasico, a small night club in Las Matas, where we danced to a variety of music, bachata, merengue, salsa and even techno. It was quite an eventful day and definitely one to remember.    

Written by: Maria Montoya

Photos by: Maria Montoya, Emily Nugent, Caitlynn Wright

Day 9: 1/12/2015 Travel Day Las Matas to Santo Domingo

Day 9: 1/12/2015
Back to Santo Domingo

Today, our journey has ended at Las Matas De Farfan. It has been very difficult for us to say our goodbyes to our host families since our experiences have touched us significantly. It is a bittersweet feeling to be going back to Santo Domingo. During the ride home there were a few military stops. We also stopped to buy some sugar cane which was very interesting to see!

After the five hour bus ride back, we arrived at El Embajador Hotel. What a complete difference! Most of us spent the afternoon by the pool trying to get some sun! After our time in the pool, we decided to end our night by going to a fancy restaurant right outside the hotel called "Argentinos." We enjoyed the cuisine. What a wonderful evening we had!

Written by: Natasha Escudero, SN

Photos by: Natasha Escudero, SN and Emily Nugent,SN

Day 6: 1/9/2015 Campo Day 1

Today we had our first campo day in Las Matas. We arrived at the site in the morning and began to set up all of our supplies. We spilt into groups and set up three different tables to consult with the local residents about their health concerns. Each group had a Spanish speaker, documenter, and runner. The runner would help with the assessment by taking vital signs and then run into the tent to gather the medications. We set up the tent with all of the donations and medications including analgesics, stomach medications, topical creams, personal care items, vitamins, and miscellaneous items. Based on the interviews and assessments, we would present our assessments to our professors and then provide each person with the medications and personal items needed. We gave each resident a number and interviewed them in that order. We helped well over 100 people from the community that day. Many of the chief complaints involved gripe, stomach problems, parasites, and musculoskeletal pain. We worked continuously for 6 hours that day to try and help as many people as we could. The residents were so thankful we were there to help and looked to us with such respect. Some students presented their health education projects on nutrtion and dental care. Many of the people had limited access to health and dental care, and limited resources to purchase necessary medications. Many people had diabetes and high blood pressure, but were not taking medications because once again they could not afford them. Overall, it was such a rewarding day to be able to help all of these people.

By: Jenny Adelstein

Day 5: 1/8/2015 Las Matas Public Hospital Day 2

Today we had spent our second day at the public hospital in Las Matas de Farfan. We were able to work with the nurses in different areas of the hospital. The nurses were very innovative with the the limited resources available. Kelly Benson, SN went to labor and delivery and was able to see a birth by a young mother. Natasha Escudera, SN went to the labor and delivery after she presented her charla on nutrition at the prenatal clinic.  When she arrived, the young mother had already given birth, gotten off the delivery table and walked to her bed in the post partum unit.

In the afternoon we went to the Senior Center in Las Matas de Farfan. We really enjoyed visiting and interacting with the older adults at the center. We took vital signs on each older adult. Students presented their health education projects on Nutrition and Parasite/Infectious Diseases. Later in the afternoon we went to a private, non-profit elementary school in Las Matas de Farfan. One student group presented their health education project on dental and oral health care and gave each student a tooth brush.  URI nursing students sang, "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" from the movie Annie with Abby King, SN as our lead singer. The children loved the singing and sang back to us in Spanish. Written by: Caitlin Wright, SN.

 

Day 4: 1/7/15: Public Hospital, Day 1

Today was our first day at the public hospital in Las Matas. We all split up into different departments of the hospital including the Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Prenatal Clinic, Pediatric Clinic, Cardiology Clinic, and Immunization Clinic. Some students were able to provide prenatal assessment for the pregnant women. Others visited the newborn babies and their mothers to provide BCG vaccine. Several students worked with the children in pediatric clinic and immunization clinic.

As the day went on we all found out about the public health care system is compared to the U.S. It was different in some ways from what we have experienced. Patients get in line as early as possible and are seen in the order they arrive. There was very limited medical supplies, medicines, and linens. Although, there is little resources the staff still managed to efficiently treat patients. Due to unfinished construction projects in the hospital, there were areas of exposed dirt floors, unconnected water pipes, and electrical wires disconnected on the ceiling.

I had the opportunity to be in the ER.  Nurses were creative when starting IV's due to lack of resources. They did not have any tourniquets, so instead they used gloves. There was a very fast turnover in patients in every department. The physicians worked very fast, and even assessed two patients at the same time in an open unit environment. It is difficulty to find a private space. The nurses role was to triage and provide medications needed ( IV antibiotics, etc..). Assessments were  done by the physician. After the assessment, the patient brings the nurse his/her prescription, and the nurse administers the medication. This experience makes me realize the amount of resources  we have in the US Health Care System.

When our clinical day was finished, two nurses, Sra. Marcia Perez and Sra. Montiera, provided a charla for us about nursing. These women were so inspiring! They LOVED their job so much and were so passionate about caring for their patients. They stressed how important it is to love yourself in order to love the people you care for. Also, they wanted us to take care of our fellow nurses, as if they're your family. To hear these two women be so passionate about their nursing careers, truly made all of us feel empowered and reaffirmed our choice of profession. We were all so grateful they took the time to share their stories, and we will certainly try to carry their words with us as we treat the people of Las Matas and in our own future careers.

Posted by Ali Hunter, SN.
Photos by Julia Bowen, SN.

Day 3: 1/6/15 Trip from Santo Domingo to Las Matas de Farfan

We left Casa San Pablo in Santo Domingo in the morning and headed to Las Matas de Farfan.  We were all very eager to arrive in Las Matas making the bus ride seem much longer than 4 hours.  The bus took us on the highway where we passed through beautiful mountains, fields and small Dominican towns,  When we finally arrived in Las Matas de Farfan we were greeted by Soler, a former nurse at the local hospital and a very good friend of Alicia's.  We all enjoyed a Dominican lunch at Soler's house and headed downtown to explore.  Las Matas is very different than the traditional American Towns we are used to.  It was very busy and the streets crowded with people selling fruits, vegetables, clothes and other items to purchase.  The mode of transportation seemed to be mainly by motorcycles.  Some of the students bought fresh coconuts for a refreshing drink of coconut water.  After exploring the local town we returned to Soler's to relax and eat dinner.  It was getting late and we were all tired from a long day of traveling so we were brought to our homes where we would spend the next 6 nights and were introduced to our host families.  Written by: Abbey Neureuter, SN  Photos by: Julia Bowen, SN

Day 2: 1/5/15 Funglode

Today was a very informational day. We ventured to Funglode to learn about international relations that the DR has with other countries. Funglode actually stands for "Fundacion Global Democracia y Desarrollo". Here they focus on holding conferences and debates related to public health and social issues around the globe. We also had an opportunity to view their very extensive library full of encyclopedias and their beautiful gallery with very inspiring photographs. The photos gave strong depictions of what life is like in the Dominican Republic and it was an honor to be able to analyze each beautiful picture. After our tour we signed some documents regarding our trip to Las Matas De Farfan, and then went to lunch. The place was called Cappuccino, and it was delicious! We were treated to a 3 course meal and honestly couldn't move by the end of it we were fed so well. 

                When we finished lunch we headed back to Funglode to learn and interact with Stefano Todde, MS,consultant for Ministry of Education of the DR. He is also a  consultant for the Univesity for International Cooperation of Costa Rica. He taught us about project management, proposal development and sustainable project development. He was educated in Italy and later studied global health Copenhagan University in Denmark speaker, This information was very vital and helped prepare us for our own projects we were implementing in Las Matas. There are many steps in making a successful and effective project so we had a lot of planning to do for ours. A big part of this trip is promoting primary prevention of health and to do so we have to provide education to these rural areas of the Dominican so that they can lead healthier lives and avoid hospitalizations. After our information session with Stefano we headed back to our homes to have a nice light dinner (as we were still full from lunch!). Since our day was very long and full of brain power, we spent the rest of the night relaxing and chatting under warm skies of the beautiful Dominican Republic.

By: Kelly Benson SN

* Stefano Todde is a consultant specialized in planning monitoring and evaluating projects. Mr. Todde has a bachelors's degree in Political Science and Relations as well as a masters degree in Goverenance and Global Systems. He was also trained in International Public Health and is currently working as a specialized consultant with the department of Inter-institutional Projects and Stratagies in the Dominican Republic.

Day 1 - 1/4/15, Arrival in the Dominican Republic!

We made it!! Feeling excited we got off the plane and then had a long drive until we arrived at Casa San Pablo. We were all exhausted from traveling so after some breakfast we took a rest. Some girls went for a walk to explore the area, where there was a lot of activity on the streets even though we arrived on a holiday (Epiphany or more commonly known as Three Kings Day). Something we found interesting was the driving- there seems to be no road rules, if any at all. We also saw a lot of homeless activity including children asking for pesos. Later on after a delicious dinner at Casa San Pablo we went to Colonial square to explore the festivities going on. Colonial square is where Columbus first colonized land, before he went to America. At the square there was a lot of couples and families, vendors selling toys, music playing, and decorative holiday lights including a huge Christmas tree. The Dominicans really seem to enjoy the night life.  Some girls bought ice cream, which seemed to vary in price depending if you spoke Spanish or not and could bargain (haha). The weather here is beautiful!! It has been hot during the day, but not too humid. And at night it cools down a lot making it easy to sleep. So far we are doing great and can't wait to see what the rest of the trip will bring! 
We can't figure out how to post pictures from our phones but when we do we will be sure to share them! 
By Emily Nugent, SN