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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
Emory Nurses and Faculty members meet Luci Baines-Johnson (at right in white top), a Windermere Island resident who sponsored a reception for them.
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Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera - A partnership between Island Journeys, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and the Ministry of Public Health earlier this year has proven to be beneficial once again. A group of 9 nurses and 3 faculty members from Emory visited South Eleuthera for a one-week trip of service learning activities that would change their lives and also positively impact the residents. Strategies included giving support to the local nurses on the island, sharing information with the residents, holding public health campaigns and discussing the possibility of developing a more comprehensive health care system.
Nurse Janet takes clinic patient’s pressure. (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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Island Journeys not only arranged interesting work experiences but also tourist related outings that left a lasting impression. One such unique journey included an emersion trip to Bannerman Town in South Eleuthera that even many Bahamians have not experienced.
Working together – Nurse Bianca Edwards from the Rock Sound Clinic and Nurse Hanna Zolnick count prescription drugs. (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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For the past 7 years the Emory nurses, which include first year and up to graduate program students have visited Rock Sound, Tarpum Bay, Palmetto Point, Governor’s Harbour and other settlements. Besides the cross-training exercises, successful initiatives have been implemented in clinics, schools and home and the visiting nurses have had a dose of reality of what life is like for an island nurse who is sometimes on call, 24/7. As first time visitor Azmina Babwani recognized, “Nurses on the Island have more extensive duties.”
Nurse Velma Dorsett (middle) discusses her trip with Emory Faculty members Kelly Shelby (left) and Corrine Abraham (right). (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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Shared vocations are important and Island Journey’s director, Shaun Ingraham stressed that the ultimate goal of the nurses’ visit is the partnership and the training that can be completed right in Eleuthera. Registered nurse Bianca Edwards is now confident that she will pursue a Masters after discussions with one of the Emory nurses who is in a Masters program and Rock Sound Clinic nurse Velma Dorsett is planning her Emory trip for later this year.
Nurses and Faculty members at Celebrate Recovery Centre in Governor’s Harbour. At left is Brenda Lee, Petty, facility coordinator and administrator. (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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For first time visiting nurse, Janet Sackey, the Eleuthera journey was her first service trip and her first time to The Bahamas. Her group promoted healthy living and lifestyles and taught 7 different classes to junior and senior high students at various schools. “Our classes included hygiene, drugs and conflict resolution, clinics and a health fair. I loved my visit and the spirit of the people is a testament to the people and we enjoyed ourselves.”
Nurse Kelly laughs with senior. (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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Group leader Corrine Abraham who is head of International Service Learning at the School of Nursing shared her delight with their work and complimented their partnership with Island Journeys. “Last year at the Rock Sound Clinic, there were 27 registered ante-natal patients and the women were healthy 18 to 25 year olds. Over the past 5 years, the pregnancy rate has slightly increased but not significantly in teens which leads us to believe that our education programs have helped.” Abraham explained that they are only in the community for 5 days and it is fascinating when things are put into perspective. “This program is so rich and in returning, you get to see the impact of the initiatives that were implemented and to see people leading more healthy lifestyles. The teamwork between Emory, Island Journeys, the Ministry of Health and the community is truly remarkable.”
Visit to Bannerman Town. Local, George Bullard addresses the nurses along with a group of visiting college students about eco-tourism and sustainable development. The groups were then treated to roasted corn and freshly made crab and dough. (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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“The Emory nursing program in Eleuthera isn’t just about projects, it’s about a long term commitment and relationship,” stated Ian Carey of Island Journeys who headed up the logistics and supplies for the group. Last October he visited Emory to become more familiar with the program and noted that the relationships that were built over the years were beneficial to the locals and many of the visiting nurses had become friends.
Island Journeys director, Shaun Ingraham digs in for his crab and dough. (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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Second homeowners like Luci Baines-Johnson have also recognized the value of this partnership. She is the daughter of a former US president, a supporter of SEEP and Island Journeys and president of the Windermere Island Foundation. Baines-Johnson spoke to the nurses and encouraged them to seek new ways to address obesity on the Island. She acknowledged that at one point she was a nursing student and still supports nursing programs at various universities.
Another service session included a senior’s luncheon and exercise at Celebrate Recovery Centre in Cupid’s Cay, Governor’s Harbour where the energetic and hospitable facilitator Brenda Lee Petty made sure everyone was well fed and full of joy and song. The nurses provided yoga exercises and massages to the jubilant seniors and just outside the doors to the Centre was a break-taking view of turquoise waters and blue skies that made one appreciate the beauty of The Bahamas. The songs that were sung touched the hearts of many and brought delightful tears to Nurse Kelly Shelby of Emory.
Bahamian style crab and dough and roasted corn (photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)
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Apart from work, Island Journeys made sure that there was time to explore and arranged many outings like a trip to the famous Glass Window Bridge, Lighthouse Point, an evening at the Fish Fry in Governor’s Harbour and a trip to Bannerman Town where they shared a meal of crab and dough and freshly roasted corn with local, George Bullard and other Bannerman Town residents on a quaint side street.
Nursing student, Azmina summarized her trip, “I wanted to know what it felt like to travel out of the country and be on my own to serve. It felt great and you take it for granted that you think people have the same shared knowledge as yours but it’s not so and I learnt a lot. When you can share and teach, it’s truly rewarding.”
Emory is located in Atlanta, Georgia and is well recognized and has had many Bahamian graduates. The University is recognized internationally for its outstanding liberal arts college, superb professional schools and as one of the Southeast's leading health care systems.
Island Journeys is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming, strengthening and rebuilding communities. Some of their projects include community development through community and volunteer mobilization, emergency management, children and youth development and health and wellness.
On March 13th, Island Journeys will receive 70 students from Clemson University in South Carolina who will arrive in Rock Sound on a chartered Bahamasair flight from Columbia, SC to engage in a week of community service. More information about Island Journeys is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.islandjourneys.org" www.islandjourneys.org or by contacting HYPERLINK "mailto:shaundonovan@yahoo.com" shaundonovan@yahoo.com.
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