CSM students, faculty and alumni take service trip to Ghana

OMAHA, Neb. – Nursing students, faculty and alumni recently returned from a service trip to Ghana, where they provided healthcare support in local clinics.  

The immersive experience allowed students to apply their clinical skills in real world situations and build meaningful cross-cultural connections while positively impacting communities in need. 

“I can confidently say that I am leaving this place with a completely new outlook and perspective on life. This trip reminded me that joy isn’t found in material things—it’s found in connection, compassion and community,” said nursing student Kylee Brown. “I’ve learned so much—not just as a nursing student, but as a human being. I will carry these memories, faces and lessons with me forever." 

The group of 17 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, faculty, alumni and others spent nine days in Ghana working with Global Brigades, a non-profit organization that helps communities meet their health and economic goals with university volunteers and local teams.  

“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. My team of students, nurses and non-medical participants displayed exceptional leadership, teamwork and compassion throughout their time in Ghana. Their dedication to serving others was not only inspiring, but also recognized,” said Tracey Toney, associate professor of nursing. “The impact of this journey goes far beyond the medical clinics we conducted, it lies in the mutual exchange of knowledge, respect and humanity. We are forever changed.” 

 Participants worked in mobile medical clinics assisting with patient intake, including gathering vital signs and medical history. They helped local healthcare providers with basic assessments, health screenings, medication distribution and education. 

The group served almost 800 people during four clinic days. The meaningful, hands-on work enhanced students' clinical skills, cultural understanding and public health knowledge.  

“My experience in Ghana was truly life changing. I had the opportunity to work alongside local healthcare providers and other CSM students and faculty in rural clinics, where resources were limited and compassion was abundant. This experience deepened my understanding of cultural humility and strengthened my ability to adapt quickly in challenging environments,” said nursing student Denni Layne. “It taught me the importance of holistic community-based care. Something I will carry with me into my nursing career. Ghana prepared me to be more empathetic, resourceful, and globally minded future nurse.”  

Students also participated in community outreach delivering health education workshops on preventive care and hygiene to rural communities.  

“The most profound impact Ghana will have on my nursing career is being able to see beyond the medical aspect of the patient and see the patient as a whole person. Overall health is so much more than what is physically happening within someone’s body and so many outside factors play into it, including socioeconomic considerations and access to affordable and appropriate healthcare,” said nursing student Amanda Chizek. “These were things that were addressed while I was in Ghana and gave me a unique opportunity to explore while assisting in managing those gaps in services and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to reduce these barriers to equitable healthcare.” 

In addition to healthcare outreach, the group explored the culture, history and traditions of Ghana through guided excursions. They visited local markets, museums and historical landmarks, including Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. They also learned about spiritual beliefs, family dynamics and dietary practices that influence health. 

“It makes for a better nurse when you can experience other cultures, especially dealing with those who are under-resourced,” Toney said. “We are in rural communities that have no access to healthcare. For every one volunteer, 55 patients receive care.” 

At the end of each day, the students attended a session to reflect on their work. “Reflection on each day helps build their critical thinking skills,” Toney said. “They can reflect on their day, their work and how it impacts these communities.”