Professional nursing and Operation Smile International

Operation Smile International (OSI) has a commitment to make a difference in the quality of life for people in third world countries by performing reconstructive surgeries on patients with birth defects and other deformities. Faculty members from the Hampton University School of Nursing and a graduate student were volunteers on two African medical missions. This article focuses on two of these faculty members as they provided nursing care services during reconstructive surgeries in Monrovia, Liberia and as they conducted lecture series, surveys, a research study and a day-long scientific symposium. Additionally, a model for human resource development was established in Monrovia, in conjunction with OSI, to upgrade the level of nursing education for Liberian.