Cross-cultural nursing programme changing lives

For Canadian nursing student Hannah Staggs, her journey to Jamaica has been nothing short of transformative.

Stepping out of the well-equipped clinics of British Columbia into Jamaica's resource-strapped healthcare system was an eye-opener, but what truly struck her was the unshakable spirit of Jamaican practitioners.

"Coming from Canada, which is a very well-off country, and working in clinics here, where they may not have enough supplies, yet still seeing such a positive attitude, has been extremely humbling," Staggs said. "We sometimes take for granted the resources we have back home."

Staggs is one of several nursing students from College of the Rockies in Canada who joined forces with peers from Trench Town Polytechnic College in St Andrew through a Collaborative Online International Learning initiative. They have been sharing knowledge, promoting community health, and immersing themselves in the realities of cross-cultural nursing.

From educating locals on managing hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol, to distributing brochures and digital tools for better healthcare practices, the Canadian team showed up for the community.

During the visit last week, nursing students and lecturers of the College of the Rockies learnt about the nursing support given to Eira Schaeder Home for the Aged in Trench Town by Trench Town Polytechnic College students.

"We've shared knowledge from our nursing programme about stress, anxiety, alcohol and tobacco use, and prevention methods," Staggs said, highlighting the hands-on impact of their outreach.

Yet, it wasn't all giving -- there was plenty of learning, too. Staggs quickly noticed the stark differences between the two countries' healthcare systems, especially when it comes to food accessibility.

"In Canada, it's easier to access healthy food options," she observed. "Here in Jamaica, eating healthy is more expensive, so we've been encouraging people to eat in-season foods, beans, and anything less processed."

For Jamaican nursing student Colie Lyn, a third-year trainee at Brown's Town Community College School of Nursing, the collaboration has reinforced a message she holds dear: "Prevention is better than cure."

Lyn's approach to health is refreshingly practical.

"The more you know, the better it is for you. Many people can't afford expensive nuts like almonds or cashews, so we encourage them to eat peanuts instead. It's all about making small, affordable choices," she reasoned.

The exchange of ideas between the Jamaican and Canadian students has fostered a deeper appreciation for each country's healthcare system.

"They actually complimented us on our healthcare system," Lyn said. "For example, in Jamaica, public dental care is free at health centres, whereas in Canada, patients have to pay. We sometimes don't recognise the advantages we have here."

The exchange wasn't a one-way street. Canadian students walked away with a new-found respect for Jamaica's healthcare system.

Lyn's passion for the nursing is reaffirmed whenever she interacts with grateful patients.

"There are days when you wonder, 'Why did I choose this path?'" she confessed. "But then you have moments when a patient looks at you and says, 'Thank you, my daughter. God bless you.' That makes it all worth it."