A Kelowna nurse completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Okanagan College received some hands on experience during a recent aid trip to Zambia.
Courtney Miller will complete her degree this year, and she recently returned from Zambia where she helped establish a health clinic.
Courtney Miller during her aid trip to Zambia (Photo Credit: Okanagan College)
“The Western province in Mongu, Zambia, is a low income and low resources area of the country. The people there have an immense need for health care, including the most basic of care,” says Miller. “We had to work very autonomously, and feel confident in our decisions. I even got to deliver babies.”
During the trip, Miller was accompanied by only one doctor and another student nurse. Each day she would assess, diagnose, and prescribe medications to more than 100 patients.
“Returning to Kelowna, it certainly makes you grateful for what we have, especially the health care facilities, equipment, and medical teams,” adds Miller.
Courtney Miller during her aid trip to Zambia (Photo Credit: Okanagan College)
Miller is a member of the first graduating class to complete a partnership program that sees students take years one and two of the BSN program at Okanagan College and transfer to UBC Okanagan to complete the final two years. This inter-institution collaborative partnership, announced in 2011, is a successful example of the enriching educational opportunities available for students within B.C.’s interior. Both programs are recognized by the College of Registered Nurses of BC.
Just two days after returning from Africa, Miller started working at Kelowna General Hospital where she is a nurse on the Acute Medical Floor. She provides care to stroke patients.
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