Rutgers-Camden Nursing Students Make a Lasting Impact in Guatemala

Over spring break, a group of dedicated Rutgers-Camden nursing students departed on a meaningful journey to Guatemala, where they applied their medical knowledge while connecting with local communities. This immersive experience allowed them to gain hands-on practice in global health while also learning about the country's traditions.

Their travels took them to several locations, including the town of San Juan La Laguna, where they explored the region’s vibrant history and participated in a coffee tour at Cooperative La Voz. Through this visit, they gained insight into Guatemala’s sustainable farming practices and an understanding of how coffee production supports many families in the area.

One of the most impactful parts of their trip was their visit to Las Majadas, a remote Mayan community. There, they worked on an important public health initiative, building stoves designed to reduce respiratory infections caused by traditional open-fire cooking inside homes. These stoves, which can last 10-15 years, help protect families from the harmful effects of smoke exposure.

The students also conducted health assessments for local women, screening for diabetes and teaching them about its signs, symptoms, and potential complications. They also held breast cancer awareness sessions, guiding how to perform self-examinations, an important skill for early detection, especially in areas with limited healthcare access.

Throughout their stay, the warmth and generosity of the Guatemalan community were clear as the local women welcomed the students with flowers and traditional clothing, inviting them to share their customs and traditions and giving some words of gratitude. "This was a life-changing experience, and I highly recommend anyone to take this trip. We sat with these hardworking women, shared meals, and listened to their stories. It was a truly great experience, and I’m happy we were able to make an impact in their lives," shared one of the nursing students.

This trip was made possible by the dedication of two dedicated professors, Dr. Joseph Cipriano and Dr. Kevin Emmons, who guided the students through this experience and served as exceptional role models. Their leadership and support were invaluable throughout the journey.

A special thank you also goes to Benjamin and Guadalupe, who helped guide the students around Guatemala, providing insightful knowledge about the local culture.

Through their dedication and compassion, the Rutgers-Camden nursing students demonstrated the power of global healthcare outreach and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to service and education beyond borders. No doubt, this experience will help shape them into great nurses in the future.