b'Im a pediatric nurse practitioner and one of the trips to HaitiAs interest grew in mission-based service, more students really inspired me to become involved. I saw all the picturesexpressed a desire to participate but for a variety of reasons of the kids they had helped to treat, and I thought thatswere not able to travel abroad. From this need, the Global really where I need to be, Digges said. Outreach committee partnered with Remote Area Medical Due to safety concerns for international travel and with(RAM), a nonprofit organization that provides free pop-up restrictions lifting only during the end of 2021, students andclinics for underserved and vulnerable community members. faculty have not been back to Haiti since the Spring of 2018.The College has been participating in RAM mission trips for However, an opportunity to serve theseveral years now, until the pandemic Haitian community stateside becameresulted in a near three-year halt. available in North Miami this past June,Im a pediatric nurseRAM resumed last summer with service which was a wonderful compromise. Apractitioner and one oftrips to Luray and Emporia, Virginia private donation helped to offset somethe trips to Haiti reallyand in the fall to Grundy, Va. Diane of the traveling cost. This is the closestSmith, DNP, RN and Carrie Butler, MSN, we can get to the Haitian communityinspired me to becomeRN were the faculty leaders for the without doing a full-on international tripinvolved. I saw all theEmporia mission trip, which consisted but still have an impact, Digges said. of eight students and was conducted pictures of the kids theyover three days in August. Students The first day in Miami, studentshad helped to treat, andhelped fill in the gaps wherever support worked alongside MJD Wellness and Community Center and assistedI thought thats reallywas needed in the three areas: medical, dental and vision. This service included with HIV screening for the localwhere I need to be. talking with patients at registration, community. Students also participatedtriage, assisting dentists by arranging in community service by distributing JeanMarie Digges, MSN, RNfood items with local food pantrydental tools and setting up eyeglasses organizations, helping with triage and taking bloodfor patients to try on. All students pressures. Due to their community service, Vice Mayor ofrotated through the triage. Miami, McKenzie Fluerimond, proclaimed June 7 as BonStudents learned about the population of Emporia as Secours Memorial College of Nursing Day. Students receivedindividuals, the kind of services offered and how those who an incredible dose of cultural immersion, Digges said. Sheare vulnerable are matched up with the resources they need. continued by stating, These trips should help increaseIt helped students step out of the hospital setting to have student comfort with patients who are underserved. a firsthand look at how to provide care to an underserved, Student Olivia Bernsley reflected on her experience duringvulnerable population, Smith said. For many students this the trip to Miami last summer. The mission trip to Miami towas an eye-opening experience. They learned innovative serve the Haitian community was a wonderful experience! Itcommunication strategies, witnessed health care challenges, was impactful to see what a large adjustment it can be forand helped coordinate access to much needed health care.someone coming to this country and the challenges that goMission outreach is also a valuable resource for students along with a language and culture barrier, she said. Weto explore what type of nurse they want to be, how they partnered with organizations doing amazing work in Miamican impact an individual and how they want to treat and it was a privilege to work alongside them. My favoritepatients. This hands-on education helps students apply their experience was our last day helping to distribute food at aknowledge and skills to see what a difference they can make community event. through mission and service.16 |BSMCON Annual Report 2022'