Day 5: Developing as a Future Professional Nurse

Today we had an early start, on the bus at 5:30am. I was placed in triage today, taking blood pressure, weight, and height. Even though there was a language barrier, everyone trusted me. This was a great confidence boost for me. I met some wonderful people today. Being here in Panama has really made me think about the kind of nurse I am becoming. I’m realizing that nursing is not just about skills or memorizing information from textbooks. It’s about being compassionate, flexible, and willing to serve people wherever they are. The resources here are different from what I’m used to, so it has taught me to be creative and really focus on the patient in front of me. I’m learning that a good nurse listens, respects different cultures, and does their best to care for people even when things are not perfect.



One of my favorite parts of today was getting to see and interact with the children. Their smiles and excitement were contagious. Even though we may not speak the same language, you can still connect through kindness and simple gestures. Seeing the children laughing and playing reminded me how meaningful small moments can be. Those interactions really stuck with me and made the day special.



I practiced integrity and accountability by being honest about what I knew and what I still needed help with. Nursing is a team effort, and it’s important to speak up and ask questions so patients receive safe care. I also tried to stay present and give my best effort in everything I was asked to do throughout the day.

Most of the people we are helping do not have the same access to care that we do back home. It reminded me how important it is to treat every patient with dignity and respect, no matter their situation. Cultural respect is also very important. We are guests in their community, so it’s important to approach every interaction with humility and understanding.

I also noticed some great leadership qualities in the nurses and team members around me. The leaders on this trip have been calm, organized, and encouraging. They take time to teach and support everyone while making sure the focus stays on the patients. Watching how they guide the group and work together has been really inspiring.

Overall, today was a meaningful day. Seeing the children, helping where I could, and learning from the team reminded me why I chose nursing in the first place. Experiences like this help shape the kind of nurse I hope to become—someone who cares deeply for people and is always willing to learn and grow.

Comments

  1. Felecia SernaMarch 17, 2026 at 11:17 AM

    I love that this has helped you grow and your realization about how good nurses listen is spot on. You worked hard and tried your best to communicate and I am sure they appreciated that more than you know.

    ReplyDelete

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