Medical Mission to Romania

About the Book

This book describes the experience of a pediatric advanced practice nurse who participated in a short-term medical mission trip to Romania. Working with a translator, mentoring in the mission setting, and aspects of clinical practice are addressed. The book contains an interesting comparison of the health care systems of the United States and Romania and information about global health issues. The author also describes a state orphanage in Romania and the health conditions of its' residents.

Spiritual aspects of the trip are discussed. Guidelines on providing health care in a spiritual setting are presented. Religious places that were visited during the trip are represented in the book pictorially. An anecdote about a late night visit to an Eastern Orthodox monastery will amuse readers.

The book provides guidelines for conducting a cultural assessment and includes information on the history of Romania and its customs. Ideas on how to find short-term mission trips, a packing list, and a list of key phrases to know when going on a medical mission trip would help readers who are interested in mission trips. Insights into the author's thoughts before, during, and after the trip help to personalize the book.

About the Author

Theresa Puckett lives in University Heights, Ohio with her husband and four children. She has a B.S.N. from Ursuline College, a M.S.N. from the University of Akron, and is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. Furthermore, she is currently a doctoral student at Kent State University with a dissertation focus on the cognitive neuropsychobiological aspects of abuse in children. Ms. Puckett teaches at Cuyahoga Community College and Ursuline College. She is responsible for courses at the associates, bachelor's, and masters degree levels. Ms. Puckett is in nursing practice at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit/stepdown, at the Portage County Board of Health as a pediatric nurse practitioner, and at the St. Angela Center as a charge nurse. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, reading, and camping.