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Lauren Day
Public Health Student at the University at Buffalo
Lauren Assadi is a registered nurse with expertise in caring for critically ill, orthopedic, and trauma patients. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Health Services Leadership and Management from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Assadi is empathetic, dynamic, and committed to promoting safe patient care, empowering nurses, and improving nurse-driven outcomes.
Assadi has worked in several healthcare organizations, including Ascension, where she serves as a Clinical Coordinator for Total Joint and Spine Program. Previously, she worked as a Critical Care Registered Nurse at Alliant Healthcare Staffing, an Intensive Care Nurse at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, and a Lead Clinical Nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Assadi's clinical expertise and commitment to safe patient care make her an asset to any healthcare team.
Highlights
Last week was the start to my internship in Belize and I am so excited to share some of my experiences from my first week and a half at Cleopatra White Polyclinic!
I have been working in the Maternal and Child Health unit which has been an incredible experience so far, filled with lots of learning and growth. I have had the opportunity to work closely with dedicated healthcare professionals who are truly passionate about improving the conditions of maternal and child health within Belize.
I have gained hands-on experience in various aspects of maternal and child healthcare:
🔹 Prenatal and Postnatal Care I assisted in conducting prenatal check-ups, where we monitored the health of expectant mothers and their babies, measured pregnancies and fetal heart rates, provided essential health education, and ensured that they received the necessary supplements and vaccinations. In postnatal check-ups, we provided support to new mothers as they recovered and offered guidance on new born care to ensure that the mother and baby were healthy and thriving
🔹 Immunizations I participated in immunization drives at local schools and preschools, where we went to conduct outreach and administered vaccines to infants and children. We worked to vaccinate children against TB, HPV, DPT, Oral Polio, and Tetanus, as well as provided de-worming pills and vitamin A capsules. It was an extremely fulfilling experience to be able to contribute to the prevention of childhood diseases and ensure a healthy and safe future for over 1,500 children
🔹 Child Development Assessments I observed and assisted in child development assessments, where we tracked the growth and developmental milestones of children from as early as 3 days old. I learned about the various developmental stages and the importance of early detection and intervention measures
🔹 Health Education I had the chance to engage with mothers and families, providing them with crucial information on nutrition, breastfeeding, hygiene, pregnancy risk factors and early childhood care. Empowering families with knowledge has been a key part of the work at the Clinic and I have seen firsthand how it can positively impact their lives
Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to to travel to a rural village, Crooked Tree Village, to observe the vital role of the Public Health Inspectors. Witnessing their commitment to ensuring safe and healthy living conditions in these communities was inspiring. It was very clear how essential their work is in promoting public health and preventing disease outbreaks.
The past week and a half has truly reinforced my passion for public health and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. I am so thankful for this incredible opportunity and the amazing relationships I have already formed. I look forward to the upcoming weeks here and all the continued learning and experiences my time in Belize will hold!
I am thrilled to share that in just 2 short weeks I will be leaving for the opportunity of a lifetime! I have been selected to participate in a prestigious summer internship opportunity abroad, where I will be diving deep into the dynamic world of global healthcare in Belize City, Belize!
During my internship program, I will be working closely with healthcare professionals in a leading polyclinic, the Cleopatra White Polyclinic. This opportunity will allow me to learn about the intricacies of healthcare management on a global level and contribute to important initiatives aimed to enhance patient care, operational efficiency and preventative measures. This hands-on opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion for healthcare administration and my desire to make a difference in people's lives.
In addition to healthcare administration, I am excited to gain valuable clinical experience across a range of departments, including: - General Patient Care - Pediatric - Gynecology - Family Planning - Pregnant Mothers Clinic - Dental Clinic - HIV Testing - Lab Results
This comprehensive exposure will not only deepen my understanding of healthcare delivery and clinical outcomes but also empower me to develop solutions to address diverse healthcare needs.
Embarking on this journey abroad will not only be about gaining professional experience but also immersing myself in a vibrant new culture while making a meaningful impact.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and am beyond eager to apply my skills and knowledge to real-world challenges in a global setting. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way and I look forward to sharing my experiences and lessons learned throughout this journey! #BelizeBound 🇧🇿
