Abigail Lee
Overall Experience
This experience significantly changed my perspective on nursing and healthcare. As nurses, we often encounter various challenges and barriers that prevent us from providing safe and equitable care to all individuals. This experience offered me a deeper understanding of universal healthcare systems and presented new ideas for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and improving access to care.
Learning experience
One valuable learning experience I had regarding social determinants of health involved the care of migrants and refugees in Norway. It became clear that many migrants and refugees face income instability. Often, they are undocumented and unable to obtain a Norwegian social security number, which prevents them from securing a job and earning an income. This situation leads to challenges such as unemployment, low-paying jobs, and limited access to financial support, all of which contribute to health disparities within this population. These social determinants of health can result in poor housing conditions, food insecurity, and an inability to afford healthcare, ultimately negatively impacting their overall health. I had the opportunity to tour a clinic dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by undocumented individuals in Norway. These individuals encounter numerous difficulties, including a lack of access to universal healthcare. This patient population has fears that visiting the hospital may involve language barriers, cultural differences, and the possibility of deportation for undocumented individuals. I found this experience to be impactful because it is humanitarians in action, helping people who, for various reasons, are unable to obtain documents in Norway. The important take away is no one is illegal and every person has the right to quality healthcare.
Memorable experience
One of the most unforgettable experiences I had was visiting the traditional saunas during our trip. Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the fjords, the saunas offered a unique blend of warmth and tranquility. Imagine sitting in a wooden sauna, the heat enveloping you while you revel in the stunning views outside. After relaxing for a while, we dared to take the plunge into the icy waters of the fjord, which hovered around a brisk 48°F. The exhilarating contrast between the warmth of the sauna and the shock of the cold water was both shocking and invigorating, awakening all our senses. Sharing this adventure with my classmates was particularly special, as I watched many of them face and conquer their fears of the cold water. Witnessing their transformation—from hesitation to exhilaration—made the experience even more memorable and bonded us in a way that I will always cherish.
What did you not expect?
As an Emergency Department Nurse, I encounter a wide range of individuals and their diverse complaints. One particular group I've found challenging to engage with is patients struggling with substance addiction, and I've realized that I held some biases toward them. My experience in Norway opened my eyes after visiting a Street Hospital, which focuses on supporting people with addiction. It became clear to me that this is an area where I need to improve in my profession. I genuinely appreciate their approach of allowing individuals to receive medical care that alleviates withdrawal symptoms. They emphasized, “We look beyond the addiction and treat the person.” Providing judgment-free care, free from stigma and bias, allows those affected by substance abuse to receive the help they desperately need, ultimately benefiting the whole community.
What advice would you give?
My advice is simple: go for it! Take the plunge and challenge yourself to step beyond your comfort zone. While you’re in the country, make an effort to spend as little time as possible in your hotel room. Instead, immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the people around you. The more you engage, the richer your experience.
How has this experience impacted your life?
This experience contributed to my educational and career goals while challenging my views on international nursing. I had the opportunity to present my research proposal on an aggregate population project at an international forum. This experience enhanced my understanding of the universal healthcare system, which aligns with my long-term career goals of becoming a nurse practitioner and providing assistance to people in other countries.
How did you learn about this experience?
I first learned about this international opportunity on orientation day from my professors. It became my goal to work as hard as I could to be selected for this unique cross-cultural experience.
International Connections