Nursing Student Looks to Extend the Reach of Healthcare Worldwide

Chamberlain College of Nursing student Stephanie Tauber is busy preparing to embark on the International Nursing Service Project trip to Kenya, leaving Sept. 1. Tauber previously traveled to Honduras for a service trip and she discusses the challenges and rewards she encountered below:

Why did you want to go on this trip?

I would like to be a part of this experience because I can think of nothing more rewarding than sharing what I have. Health is a concept only available to those whose communities have learned, applied and can afford it. Being one of those privileged individuals who has been blessed with the means made possible to learn the concepts of health, I feel honored and devoted to making healthcare available to as many people as possible. I plan to pursue this duty in the states for the rest of my life, but also seek out opportunities outside of my homeland. Before I am a part of America, I am a part of mankind and look to people from all over the world to help and be helped by. Any opportunity to expose myself to the world I not only live in, but the one I live on will help keep my mind and heart open in my practice.

What do you anticipate will be the biggest challenge?

This being my second medical excursion, I have experienced before the highs and lows of an experience like this. It’s hard putting a smile on your face when you tell everyone at home how great of an experience it was, when inside you’re thinking about how sad it was to witness the living conditions. My first trip was extremely rewarding, but also very hard on my conscience. My biggest challenge will be reminding myself not to focus on the unfairness of their situation, but the sweetness my future holds in giving back to mankind.

What do you hope to take away from the experience?

My hope is that we will all learn a little about ourselves and gain a greater appreciation for how we are all truly blessed individuals to have the opportunity, hearts and knowledge to extend healing to people from far away and right at home. At this time we are all at the straightaway to graduation, thoughts elsewhere in future planning, but I hope this trip slows us down for a moment so we may remember why we chose this path and understand that we have a gift to share with the world.

Follow along as students and faculty discuss the International Nursing Service Project trip, leaving Sept. 1!

By Molly Mattison