NURS W60 Belize: A Nursing Experience

Immerse yourself in the health issues and nursing care of the people of the small developing country of Belize, Central America.

Belize is both geographically and culturally diverse with mountains, rain-forests and the largest coral reef in this hemisphere! Explore health concerns and care strategies for a culturally, socially and economically varied nation of seven distinct groups including Creole, Mayan, Taiwanese, Garifuna and others. Nursing students have the opportunity to serve in community clinics, private hospitals, struggling government hospitals, mental health half-way house & an orphanage. Students learn from local herbalists, traditional midwives and folk healers. Students take an excursion to Guatemala for 3 days to explore the contrast in health care and culture of these two developing countries. Students will also have the opportunity to live in a Mayan village absorbing the culture firsthand. Students learn about village health needs and the role of the traditional birthing assistant. Students meet four times in the fall to enhance preparation for this experience. Clinical experiences, cultural events, reflective discussion and informal lectures contribute to the learning in this interim. Course goals are that students demonstrate Christian nursing care, understand cultural health care and adapt nursing skills to a variety of settings.

Belize

Population

347,369

Climate

Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

Eligibility

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of at least one semester of nursing courses and permission of the faculty.

Cost

$2,990 (exact)