Aaron (right) graduated June 5 from the honors program in the Faculty of Nursing with a bachelor's degree
It was the relational nature of nursing instantaneously absorbed Aaron Louette's attention. Four years later, as Aaron graduates from the honors program with a bachelor's degree in nursing, he's still fascinated.
The connections that Aaron was able to create with others created opportunities for him to find meaning in his life. From patients, to the inner-city youth he met during focus groups for his honors project, to his fellow nursing students, Aaron has been able to lend an ear to those who are willing to share their stories.
"Within each one of these inimitable moments, I have been able to find a piece of myself," said Aaron. "A piece of my puzzle. The individual memories and experiences of others add to my own identity. By helping others, they help me find myself."
Aaron was able to find another puzzle piece of his identity while completing his final clinical practicum-alongside eleven classmates-in Accra, Ghana.
How your experience in Ghana?
Busy! We spent several weeks learning about the history, culture, and healthcare system of Ghana before travelling to the rural community of Apemanim. We worked closely with the community's nurse and the chief of the village for a week to explore the how care is delivered in the rural setting.
Once we returned to Accra we began a five-week placement at 37 Military Hospital where I was placed on the trauma/surgical emergency unit.
After our time in the hospital setting, we spent two weeks in a community health centre within a heavily populated area of Accra. We focused our time here to observe the differences between community nursing care in rural and urban contexts.
We also managed to do a great deal of exploring when we had spare time. From hiking the largest waterfall in West Africa to visiting the historical Elmina and Cape Coast castles, our experience in Ghana was not restricted to the settings where our clinical took place.
Why were you interested in a clinical practicum that would take you to Ghana for several months?
I desired to embrace advocacy and actively contribute to and learn from the sense of community that is so vibrant and engrained in the culture of the Ghanaian people. I wanted to build on my engagement in leadership abilities and nursing care through communication and the establishment of collaborative relationships.
I felt-and still feel-that it's my duty to best understand the cultures of those whom I will be caring for when I enter the profession of nursing. With this extraordinary opportunity being available to nursing students, I was fortunate and privileged to expand on my cultural awareness and transcultural nursing practice.
What stands out about your global health experience?
The authentic and cohesive sense of community. Whether it was the hospital staff, the market workers, or those who lived in the rural community we visited, their close relationships and genuine care for one another made every place feel like home.
Is there something you learned in Ghana that will stick with you?
I have discovered a newfound appreciation for both self-reflection and reflection among peers. This collaborative approach to self-care allowed me to emotionally recover and cope from some of the more difficult things I experienced during my time in the hospital.
What are your plans after convocation?
Take a deep breath and reflect on the last four years; and find a job, hopefully sooner rather than later!
Aaron Louette is one of 385 students who received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on June 5.