Kristina Daining, RN, BSN, an RN Transfer Specialist at Conduit, recently embarked on a transformative mission trip to Guyana, South America. Her experience not only deepened her commitment to health care, but also opened her eyes to the profound challenges faced by vulnerable populations in underserved areas.
A Lifelong Dream
Kristina’s passion for medical missions was ignited during her nursing education. Inspired by the stories of missionaries, she made it her goal to provide care to those in need. When her local church announced support for medical missions, Kristina saw the perfect opportunity to fulfill her long-held aspiration. With a desire to make a meaningful difference, she signed up for the mission trip to Guyana.
The Health Care Landscape
During her time in Guyana, Kristina witnessed firsthand the stark differences in health care access and infrastructure. The medical team operated in a multi-purpose building with limited facilities—uneven wooden steps led to a hot, open second floor that lacked air conditioning and reliable plumbing.
“It was a multi-purpose building and to get up to the second floor, they had very uneven wooden steps and not very secure banister railing at the top. While there was no air conditioning, they did have bathrooms, but sometimes the toilets did not work,” shared Kristina.
Despite these conditions, Kristina and her colleagues delivered critical health care services, including general medical care, dentistry and vision screenings.
Heartfelt Connections
Kristina’s interactions with patients deepened her empathy and understanding of health care challenges. Many women who sought care had experienced significant trauma, which impacted their health. For Kristina, it was not just about treating physical ailments but also understanding the emotional and psychological toll of their experiences. These interactions were profoundly impactful for Kristina, as she recognized the connection between social issues and health outcomes.
A New Perspective on Patient Care
The language barrier posed an additional challenge, with many patients speaking Spanish or Creole. Kristina learned to adapt her clinical skills, focusing on effective communication and education to ensure patients understood their care. This experience made her more conscientious of resource utilization, emphasizing the importance of being mindful and efficient in providing care.
A Family Affair
Kristina was joined by her husband and son on the mission trip and is grateful to have shared this experience together.
“Instead of a family vacation, we used this as our time to be able to help pour into other people’s lives that hopefully was impactful and life changing for them to be able to get some of the answers and the care that they would have not been able to get otherwise,” shared Kristina.
A Renewed Commitment to Service
Now back at Conduit Health Partners, Kristina feels a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for vulnerable populations. Her mission trip has fueled her desire to engage in volunteer work closer to home, particularly for those facing socioeconomic challenges. She understands that while the needs may vary, the importance of compassionate care remains constant.
“It was such a great experience. We want to make this something that we do more regularly. We feel very blessed here, and we want to be able to help in any capacity that we can,” shares Kristina.
As Kristina continues her journey in health care, her mission trip to Guyana remains a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and the vital role health care providers play in advocating for those who need it most. She is happy to share her mission trip experience with her colleagues at Conduit, driving compassion and inspiring others to make a difference in their local communities.
Through her work and dedication, she exemplifies the spirit of service that can transform lives—both for patients and for health care providers alike.
