Volunteer Spotlight- Vonnie Kane- 19 and Counting

For anyone who has ever seen the television show chronicling the Duggar family in Springfield Arkansas, you may think that we're talking about a large family. Actually, we are actually referring to Vonnie Kane's impressive 19 missions to nine different countries over the years.  

Vonnie earned CEUs this year with the Medical Missions Foundation course "The Role of the Mission Nurse" and graciously has allowed us to share some of her insights. As her participation in the September MMF mission to the Philippines was obviously not her first, she chose to go about her final report by listing what she's learned over the years.

Here is what Vonnie has learned about being a mission nurse:

1. The start of a mission is never smooth or without glitches! There are always some unforseen problems or small crises. One can lose sight that this is a developing country with less resources than our own. Complaining and a negative attitude makes things worse. The group becomes closer and more efficient after we have resorted to "Plan B" or even "Plan C."
2. It's easy to get hung up in personal wants and needs, especially when the work is so tiring and the days are long. We must stay focused on our purpose and not dwell on personal issues. It might be necessary to remind yourself (and others) often of why we are there! This is not our vacation! Some inconvenience and discomfort are expected! Be willing to lower expectations!
3. I've learned to let the local nurses "teach" me new or different ways of doing things. Just because we have more resources in our country, we are not "better." We are in a poorer, less fortunate country, and the tendency is to think of ourselves as superior.
4. It is crucial to respect the culture of the country we are visiting. Americans tend to be ethnocentric. We are just different, not better. We are guests in another country and we should be mindful of their ways. Whether we are in Asia, Central America, Africa or Eastern Europe, all medical missions are similar in that we are hosted by another country and we should respect its people and their customs. Learning phrases and speaking words in the native language helps form a bond with the patient and their families. Talking with other volunteers about the patient in our language in the patient's presence is rude, if nothing else. Communication is key and translators are a must! Mission participants take lots of photos... asking for permission is a good rule to follow. Give patients and families as much control as possible!

Vonnie wrapped up her report with the following:

After 19 medical missions to 9 countries, I am still learning. I am humbled by the courage patients and parents have shown. I cannot imagine trusting foreign doctors and nurses in ways I have seen. I am honored to have been part of medical missions making a difference in so many lives.

Thank you, Vonnie, for your years of service and for sharing your valuable words of wisdom.

Medical Missions Foundation offers 15 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the course “The Role of the Mission Nurse." Medical Missions Foundation is an approved provider through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Click here for more information about earning CEUs with MMF.