Here are a list of some of the things that stood out to me in the pediatric ward:

• Open room with 25 cribs

• No air conditioning

• Beautiful views of the ocean

• Only two nurses for 20 patients

• Pediatric ward has children from birth to age 6

• Many medical students 

• Paper charting

• Cleaned, reused syringes

• Patients play throughout the unit

• Nurses know all patients on the unit, even if they are not their patients

• Large percentage of children on breathing treatments

• Non-computerized medicine cabin

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The most impactful part of the experience was meeting my friend, Sean. He has a congenital condition called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. He has clubfoot on one lower extremity, no hands, a heart murmur, and an intellectual disability.  I had the opportunity to comfort and hold him as the medical students listened to his heart. The impact Sean had on me has motivated Dr. Delpech and I to create the Caring for Sean Project. We will utilize Erikson's and Piaget's developmental stages to create developmentally appropriate learning activities for Sean. For example a sensory book for his current developmental age. The goal is that the next group of students that go to Grenada with the UF Nursing School will prepare developmentally appropriate stimulating activities that he can use independently. This will take a lot of creative energy. Luckily, nurses are some of the most resourceful and innovative people. 

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