Nursing Health Missions

Guatemala: In February each year, student nurses spend an intensive week serving in Guatemala. They partner with Health Talents International (HTI) and a surgical team of experienced nurses and physicians as they assist with pre- and post-op care. The headquarters for HTI is located in Searcy, Arkansas, making it convenient for our students to connect and receive additional cultural preparation. To learn more about HTI, go to www.healthtalents.org.

Cambodia: Students have the opportunity to participate in a 4 to 5-week community nursing trip in Cambodia and Thailand. The nursing group will assist on the Ship of Life, a mobile clinic on the Mekong River of Cambodia. Possible activities include assisting a physician, dentist or nurse in health assessment and treatment of patients, assisting a pharmacist to fill prescriptions, health teaching, and spending time with the patients demonstrating the love of Jesus to adults and children. Students also go into the villages along the river and teach health topics such as hygiene, prevention of dehydration and malnutrition, dental care, and sanitation. In addition, students stay with missionaries in Kampot, Cambodia, working with them to help promote health and lift up the name of Jesus in the church, schools and community. Activities include teaching health, Bible lessons and songs in surrounding villages. Students have an opportunity to attend a cross-cultural, service-learning nursing program at a university in Bangkok, Thailand, learning about the needs and culture of the Thai people. Students form relationships with Thai nursing students and faculty, and they serve the health needs of rural Thai villages through activities such as health screenings, home health visits and health promotion.

Africa/Tanzania: For four to six weeks in the summer, senior nursing students have an opportunity to work and serve in a mission hospital in a rural resource limited region of East Africa. They participate in all areas of the hospital: pediatrics, adult, maternity and community nursing. They have an opportunity to learn about and care for patients with a wide variety of tropical diseases, as well as the delivery of babies and the care of critically ill children. They gain a better appreciation for how the majority of the world receives their health care and better understand many of the barriers to vulnerable populations.

Harding University in Zambia International Program: The International Programs have been specially designed to further enhance the stated mission of the University to help students develop a Christian understanding of and respect for other cultures. As an extension of the Searcy campus, these international experiences provide unique opportunities for study and travel overseas for both students and university faculty. The international living experience realized by the quantity and quality of time immersed in another culture yields insights and perspectives that can be gained in no other way. As with our university course offerings on the Searcy campus, the international programs of study provide rigorous, yet flexible courses of study by drawing the best opportunities for expanded study and growth from each unique international locale. Because of these special experiences, students and university faculty develop lifelong relationships.

• IHCF (International Health Care Foundation) African Christian Hospitals
• Tanzania Christian Clinic
• Chimala Mission Hospital & Schools
• Healing Hands International