SUNYIT Nursing Students return from providing care to tribes in Brazil

Tools

SUNYIT Nursing Students return from providing care to tribes in Brazil

By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: Mar 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 26, 2008 at 2:10 PM EDT

MARCY - More than a dozen students in SUNYIT's Nursing Program spent their Spring Break providing care for tribes in remote sections of Brazil.

Faculty members and students on the trip say it was a memorable experience. They said being introduced to the Brazilian culture and learning some of the basic things they didn't have taught them more about their profession than expected.

The students made home visits to tribesmen and women in Canuma and Macubata among other small villages.

During the visits they did blood pressure screenings, handed out tooth brushes, and spoke to women about sexually transmitted diseases so they can be better prepared to handle their health.

Organizers of the trip say the point was to teach students about public health and expose them to a global health system.

"I also really wanted my students to see is that the most important thing we give as nurses is ourselves," said Pat Zawko of the SUNYIT School of Nursing.

One student said the only major issue she had to deal with was the bugs, that were a little different than what she was accustomed to here.

That said, two of the 17 on the trip plan to head back to Brazil when during the next trip in December.

Professors at SUNYIT say this was the first trip of its kind at the school since SUNYIT doesn't have a traditional " study abroad program."

While some funds were raised, students for the most part paid their way.

Friday, Apr 4 at 6:16 PM Jennifer wrote ...

This is so great, I am so jealous, it makes me want to get my BSN if this is what I can do. I have always wanted to give something back to the world, Wouldn't we all be better off if we all gave something back to those who are less fortunate than us. The nurses at SUNYIT are setting a great example for all of us.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:16 PM Kristy wrote ...

That is an opportunity of a lifetime. I am sure they will appreciate those moments for the rest of their life. I am a nursing student and given that same opportunity- would have taken it. Maybe next break, SUNY and its affiliates should open it up to other schools...namely MVCC.

Flag for moderation

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Weather On Demand

Weather Radar
Icon
Current Temp 64 °F
Fair
Wind : From the Southeast at 6 MPH
Humidity : 41 %
Pressure : 29.70" (1005.7 mb) in.
Wind Chill : NA °F
More Weather

On Demand

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

The Italian Chef

The King of Wings - Pizza at its best!

What's On

8.00
most outrageous tv moments
8.30
most outrageous tv moments
9.00
dateline nbc