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Professional nursing and Operation Smile International
Summary
Hampton University nursing faculty volunteered on medical missions in Africa, providing reconstructive surgical care and enhancing nursing education. They established a human resource development model to improve nursing standards in Liberia.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Nursing Education
- Surgical Care
Background:
- Operation Smile International (OSI) addresses quality of life for individuals with birth defects in developing nations.
- Hampton University School of Nursing faculty and a graduate student participated in two African medical missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the nursing care provided during reconstructive surgeries in Monrovia, Liberia.
- To describe educational initiatives including lecture series, surveys, a research study, and a scientific symposium.
- To report the establishment of a human resource development model for Liberian nursing education.
Main Methods:
- Faculty provided direct nursing care during reconstructive surgeries.
- Conducted educational activities: lectures, surveys, research study, and a symposium.
- Collaborated with OSI to develop a nursing education human resource model.
Main Results:
- Provided essential nursing services for reconstructive surgeries.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer and assessment of nursing education needs.
- Established a framework for advancing nursing education standards in Liberia.
Conclusions:
- The medical mission successfully delivered critical surgical nursing care.
- Educational interventions contributed to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice.
- The developed model offers a pathway to upgrade Liberian nursing education quality.