This January, 12 individuals from Elms College embarked on a life-changing medical mission trip to Jamaica, led by Professor Andrea Bertheaud, MSN, RN-BC, and joined by Dean of Nursing Dr. Julie A. Beck, her husband Joel Kevin Beck, and nine exceptional nursing students. The trip was a learning experience for the students and a testament to the values of compassion, service, and cultural exchange that Elms College instills in its community.
The journey began early on January 2. The group departed and made their way to Our Lady of Dusinane, a mission house nestled in the mountains of Mandeville, Jamaica. The mission’s purpose was clear: to provide healthcare, companionship, and support to communities while allowing students to grow as compassionate healthcare providers.
Julie Beck, Dean of the School of Nursing stated, “Our Elms College Nursing students agreed that this Mission Trip was a transformative experience. I was incredibly proud of our students for their compassion, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and leadership skills that they shared with the patients at the clinical sites. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity to experience Jamaica through a service learning lens where each client interaction brought joy and thanksgiving.”
A Week of Service
Day 1: The team’s first visit was to the Mary Help of Christians Home for the Elderly in Balaclava. The facility serves elderly residents with nowhere else to turn. Nursing students quickly immersed themselves in their work, providing blood pressure checks, manicures, and heartfelt conversations. “These students are going to be incredible nurses,” said Joel Beck. “Their professionalism, empathy, and willingness to engage were inspiring.”
Day 2: The team ventured into the Morgan Forest communities, visiting shut-ins alongside Father Simon Peter. This intimate day of walking through the mountain village allowed the students to perform health screenings and educate residents about healthy living. The group also experienced the community’s generosity firsthand, enjoying fresh coconuts and oranges offered by their hosts.
Days 3-5: Sunday began with joyful Mass celebrations at St. Croix Catholic Church in Santa Cruz and a nearby mission. The group continued with home visits, connecting with residents on a personal level. Over the next two days, they split into two teams to work at clinics in St. Croix and Maggotty. At St. Croix, students conducted assessments and worked alongside Sister Helen, who will celebrate 40 years of service. At the Maggotty clinic, students embraced roles in patient care, pharmacy assistance, and offering kindness to those in need.
Day 6: The visit to Gift of Hope, a Mustard Seed Community for children with disabilities, was profoundly moving. The stigma surrounding disabilities in Jamaica has made facilities like these essential sanctuaries. Students helped children with their physical therapy activities and spent time playing games.
Reflection and Growth
Throughout the mission, the students proved themselves as skilled future nurses and compassionate human beings. This mission trip wasn’t just about healthcare—it was about embodying the spirit of Elms College, where service, education, and compassion come together to inspire meaningful change.