We rose earlier than usual this morning as we headed to CAESC, the small clinic owned and operated by UPOLI. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the UPOLI staff, students, and some of the women from the barrios we have been serving. Every Tuesday, the women of the barrio have been able to obtain pap smears from the clinic workers here. Prior to them receiving care, we gave them a presentation on cervical cancer and family planning which addressed some of the major topics them and their provider would be discussing that day. After the presentations, the clinic’s staff allowed us to individually participate in pap smears, breast examinations, and paper charting for the patients.
During examinations and pap smears we experienced first-hand the differences between American and Nicaraguan health care. Paper charting is still utilized here, whereas in the United States, mostly all care facilities use electronic records. We also observed differences in the application of clean techniques during these examinations. There are more resources available in America that allow us to practice a greater level of clean/sterile techniques when providing patient care. Despite these disparities, the staff nurses were extremely effective in their assessment of the women here in Nicaragua. It was great to collaborate with the staff, and even provide some of the items they did not have in stock, such as gloves and sanitizing hand gel for the clinic.
After our experience at the clinic, we headed to a local market to grab some souvenirs for our loved ones back home. The market was massive, with everything from sweets, locally grown food, art, clothing and beer! We were particularly impressed with a lot of the wood carving décor around the market, as well as the coffee ground paintings done by one of the artists. It is impossible not to notice all the beautiful artistry represented in their poetry, paintings, and music! It was certainly a place you could vet lost in for a couple of hours.