ETBU nursing students back from Costa Rica

MARSHALL – Students and faculty from the East Texas Baptist University Teague School of Nursing recently returned from a medical mission trip to Costa Rica, where they served local communities through healthcare clinics and patient education.

Led by Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Kelly Arraf, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Britney De La Rosa, and Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dayna Davidson, ETBU nursing students partnered with local churches, translators, and healthcare providers to deliver compassionate care in multiple communities. Students assisted with triage, patient education, pharmacy services, and clinical support while gaining firsthand experience in global healthcare missions.

On the first day of ministry, students established a clinic inside a local church and immediately began serving patients with a variety of needs. Among the memorable experiences were witnessing a mother see her baby on an ultrasound for the first time, assisting during a tooth extraction, and teaching patients non-pharmacological methods for pain management and wellness.

As the week continued, students encountered complex and urgent medical situations that deepened their understanding of the nursing profession and strengthened their reliance on teamwork and faith. Patients arrived with stroke symptoms, severe mental health concerns, and medical complaints that were challenging to address due to limited medications and resources.

“There is a certain beauty in watching what happens when these crises and barriers arise,” senior Autumn Ellis reflected. “Because in those moments, despite time and resource constraints, the focus remains the same: do everything in our power to care for this patient in this moment. Our team exemplified this wonderfully.”

Midweek, students participated in worship before setting up additional clinic locations where they continued serving patients in collaboration with medical providers. Despite heavy rain later in the week, community members faithfully traveled to the clinics seeking care. The ETBU team also hosted a special ceremony to honor the translators whose service and partnership were essential throughout the trip.

Students reflected that the experience served as a powerful reminder that ministry and medicine go hand in hand and that meaningful relationships often leave the greatest impact on those who come to serve.