3rd year Bachelor of Nursing students and supervisors, Clinical Placement in Laos 2010
On their arrival in Luang Prabang the group including three academic supervisors, were met by the manager of the health project and a translator who introduced them to the clinical placement schedule and Laotian phrases and words with a focus on health and the body.
Following a day of exploring world heritage listed Luang Prabang, the group loaded into two trucks with their bags on the roof and travelled to Pak Xeng Village in the Seuang River District, their base for the next three weeks. On their arrival they met their host families and quickly settled into their new homes. The group was quickly embraced by their host families and the larger community of Pak Xeng Village
Each week day, the team loaded their supplies onto the trucks and travelled to another of the 10 scheduled villages in the district to conduct health clinics for mother’s and babies, children and adults. Students were divided into three groups with one academic supervisor, two local health workers and a translator for each group. They worked in one clinic for 3 to 4 days before rotating to the next clinic. This enabled the students to develop and specialise their observation and assessment skills while improving their language comprehension and cultural awareness.
On return to Pak Xeng Village in the hot, dusty afternoons, students and academics would relax by bathing in the freezing Seuang River (extremely refreshing!) or spend time with their host families. Meals were carefully prepared by a team of cooks and local women and served at a central dining area where the group could come together to socialise, de-brief and plan for upcoming clinics.
The group also participated in local cultural activities such as village concerts which showcased traditional Laotian dance and music, rafting along the Seuang River to emphasise of the importance of rivers in landlocked Laos and participation in activities such as weaving and food preparation to highlight the essential role Laotian women play in the family and the community.
On the final day of clinics, the group’s efforts were honoured by the District Governor who presented students and their academic supervisors with a certificate of appreciation. In return, the group offered gifts to the District Governor, the Director of the District Hospital and the local health workers to thank them for their time and assistance.
The experience required the group to immerse themselves into another culture, its language and customs, and to identify and work towards meeting the short and long-term primary health care needs of the village communities along the Seuang River in consultation with the project managers and the communities themselves. The immediate need for accurate client assessment data, medication and clinical equipment was successfully realised during the placement, as well as the permanent connection of electricity to the Pak Xeng Village clinic. Future placements aim to build upon these health initiatives with the continued emphasis on community consultation, participation and sustainability.
The sincerity and generosity of the people of the Seuang River District left a great impression on the group and this was evident in the sad farewells between students, academics and their host families. Following a series of ceremonies with the larger community of Pak Xeng Village, the travelling group from the School of Nursing and Midwifery boarded their trucks for the final trip back to Luang Prabang.
Academic supervisors:
Elizabeth Emmanuel, Hazel Rands and Rachel Walker
Academic supervisor Hazel Rands at the Mother and baby clinic in Laos February 2010