Murdoch University nursing group headed out to the beautiful Laos countryside as they settled in their homestays, commenced mobile clinics and delivered health education. Nursing student Craig shares his experience including highlights from daily reflection.
Nursing
Murdoch University
Laos
November 2019
Favourite part: Being immersed in a different culture with a different language but still finding a way to communicate vital health care messages
Author: Craig Lehmann
Where we went
Trip Itinerary
Perth, Australia
Luang Prabang, Laos
Seuang Valley, Laos
Travel Log
Week 1
The day had finally arrived where we were to depart on what, for nursing students, could be considered as a ‘trip-of-a-lifetime’, meeting at Perth Airport for our trip to Laos. We skilfully negotiated baggage check-in with all the excess items we were carrying and breathed a collective sigh of relief as the last person received their boarding pass without the need for repacking or leaving items behind.
The flight to Singapore and then to Luang Prabang were uneventful and on our approach to Luang Prabang Airport, we were treated to some amazing views of the meandering Mekong River and the mountains that surround the area of Luang Prabang. Our guides were there to meet the extremely travel weary and tired but, excited students and our three Mentors.
We had the opportunity for some down time before heading on a walking tour of the town. This included a ‘climb’ to the top of Mount Phou Si for inspiring views of the mountains and surrounding areas. A visit to the night markets where bargaining skills were put to the test and for some, good bargains were found.
An early morning start for some, as they observed the Buddhist Monks’ morning ritual. Breakfast by the Mekong was followed by a visit to the Royal Palace where we discovered more about the history of the area. Our walk through the laneways and streets were exciting as one of our Mentors attracted the interest of a local who then subsequently fell out of a tree onto the head of said Mentor and just like that a new species of ‘Drop Snake’ had been identified, both Mentor and snake are doing well.
The journey continues
Our language lesson provided the opportunity to learn phrases that we will require over the next three weeks but a gentle reminder that if we emphasise on part of a word, we could be talking about water buffalo rather than saying hello. A trip by taxi by some of the students to purchase items for the villages we will be visiting and then a welcome dinner on the banks of the Mekong River with some lovely food and excited anticipation of what is to come over the next few weeks.
The impact we made
Week 2
After packing the Songthaew we headed out from Luang Prabang through the outskirts of the city, the flat roads soon gave way to breathtaking scenery. The mood of everyone appeared to be a mixture of wonder and excitement as we made our way towards our base of Ban Pakkeng. On arrival we were greeted by some of the local students who presented us with flowers as we were warmly welcomed into the village. A greeting by the Chief of the Village and allocation to our homestay accommodation followed. After settling into our homes and meetings about the week ahead and dinner we headed over to the school where we were again welcomed into the village and treated to some traditional dancing by the local students and were given invitations to join them. This was a great way to end the first day in the village as it was a way to begin the communication process where the language is not shared.
Our first clinic day arrived and after packing our transport we headed off to the village where we would begin seeing people from the villages and surrounding areas, to me, this was one of the most exciting parts as this what we had come here to do. Our first clinic went very well as we were all able to perform our roles and work well as a team in an unfamiliar situation. At the conclusion of the clinic and back in our home village we had our team meeting and were asked to reflect on our highlight, lowlight and something we had learned.
We continued this over the next three days with more busy clinics and seeing up to 80 people each day, but we were able to deliver in conjunction with our wonderful interpreters, Laos Health Care workers, a service that is of benefit to the community.
This weeks:
Highlight – being immersed in a different culture with a different language but still finding a way to communicate vital health care messages.
Lowlight – not being able to do more for some of the people who visited the clinics.
What I learned – that I am with a terrific team of people, including Clinical Facilitators, interpreters and students.
“We continued this over the next three days with more busy clinics and seeing up to 80 people each day, but we were able to deliver in conjunction with our wonderful interpreters, Laos Health Care workers, a service that is of benefit to the community.”
- Craig Lehmann, Bachelor of Nursing,
Murdoch University