Submitted by Heather O’Connor on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…
During my third week abroad, I had the opportunity to really absorb the British Virgin Island culture, particularly in healthcare. As a nursing student, I think it is vitally important to be exposed to as many different cultures as possible in order to be fully prepared and ready to understand my patients and advocate for my patients. What I found in the hospital was that units were understaffed and under-resourced. In fact, I found nurses were forced to improvise because they did not have enough supplies for dressing changes and other medical therapies. I think this is something we strongly take for granted in the United States. In fact, the hospital does not even have a blood bank. I was fortunate enough to donate blood to one of my patients in need, as I am a universal donor. You can see that in action in the photo! Though the BVI has always struggled with resources, it has only gotten worse during the pandemic. I truly hope to spread the word and ensure everyone has access to the care they need.