We started our morning with our Norwegian friends putting together a phenomenal presentation for OSU Primary Care group providers. The presentation outlined in great detail the healthcare system in Norway. It was very interesting to learn that the most they would pay is only $300 dollars a year before hitting what would be equivalent to our out-of-pocket max! It was clear that in Norway they prioritize preventative medicine much more than in the United States where we generally excel in critical care and management of acute illness or trauma. We learned the impact the sugar tax has on improved cardiovascular health in Norway. It was interesting that Deon pointed out that area’s near the border of Norway where people could cross the border to get cigarettes and sweets for little money had the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease.
We quickly packed up into our cars and headed south to the Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road, a community food pantry for those that qualify. Immediately we felt as if we had entered a massive grocery store! Aisle upon aisle there was nutrient dense food with very few processed foods in sight. The SDG goal “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” is an excellent representation of our shared goal during this clinical. We set up our station for health screenings right after registration so that we could easily offer health screenings(blood pressure, blood glucose) to pantry patrons. By offering health screenings we are promoting well-being by helping educate on indicators of health and direct people to resources in the community if necessary. It was a great experience for many of our students who are working on their Spanish Language skills to practice conversing as there were not any translators present.
Today was somber as we knew it was our very last clinical day with our sweet Norwegian friends. After a long day of service and education we ended out the day at Budd Dairy Food Hall, a local market with a wide array of tasty eats and treats. We said our farewells on the rooftop as this would be the last day we would all be together(that is until we visit our friends again in Oslo one day).
Looking back on the COIL experience I feel incredibly grateful to OSU College of Nursing for facilitating this enriching experience. I have gained a new perspective and have recognized all the areas of growth we have to impact and change our communities through our role as a nurse practitioner. I recognize the importance we have as future nurse leaders to be involved politically and support leaders who seek to expand nursing roles and preventative medicine. During my community clinicals, I have gained a new perspective on all of the healthcare disparities and lack of culturally affirming care that exists and how this greatly effects the health of our community members.