Nursing study abroad offers service in Peru

Mary Adams, a Cumming, Georgia, resident pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner, called it a "once-in-a-lifetime experience." She worked in accounting for 10 years before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at UNG in 2020. Now she's back to grow her skills in the profession.

"All the professors are really great and caring. They want you to succeed. They are all very knowledgeable," said Adams, who works as a bedside nurse in the progressive care unit at Northside Hospital Forsyth.

The service settings for the students and faculty ranged from mountain villages to more populated areas like Cusco, Peru. UNG partnered with CerviCusco, a nonprofit "committed to improving the health and quality of life of Peruvians living in the Andes Mountains," according to the group's website.

"Our students also had to be creative with how to manage large groups and process patients accurately," said Dr. Heather Harris, department head of nursing.

Valerie Ferris, secretary general of CerviCusco, expressed gratitude for the UNG nursing students.

"Volunteers are at the heart of CerviCusco's work to serve the Indigenous populations of Cusco, Peru. The nursing students from the University of North Georgia were an outstanding group," she said. "They engaged with our patients, worked diligently and truly made a difference for the families we serve. We are deeply grateful, and we hope to see UNG back at CerviCusco again soon."

Students also had a chance to visit the iconic Machu Picchu site.