Submitted by Kendall Edwards on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in the Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…
After spending almost a full two weeks in the clinics in St. Croix and Peebles Hospital in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, I have learned so much about the culture here. We like to believe that health care is standardized around the world, however, that is simply not the case. It was apparent to me that even though nurses may all go through similar training, the way we practice is very different. For example, in Peebles Hospital in Tortola, the nurses do not label their medications, tubing, or IV bags. In the States, nurses and clinical instructors make it a point to label everything we have since will prevent errors. By observing these differences and knowing that there is evidence that backs the care that we give, I believe I will become a better nurse.