Nursing students help man get needed surgery

Giving back to the community took on a new meaning for nursing students at the UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk.

The students’ 180 hours of community service, performed last November through the Healing Hands of Nebraska M25 program, will help a Norfolk man get surgery he can’t afford. It’s part of a unique program that provides surgery in exchange for patients paying it forward.

The students’ service hours will fulfill part of the 560 community service hours the patient needs in exchange for surgery, which is scheduled in February by Norfolk physician, Demetrio Aguila III, M.D.

Thirty students, two faculty and a staff member sorted and prepared clothing for shipping through Orphan Grain Train, a non-profit volunteer network that shares housing, medical care and clothing resources with people in need. The organization also has assisted with Nebraska;s flood relief efforts.

The students’ service also counted as credit for a class about health disparities and working with diverse populations.

“Knowing that our community service hours were contributing to alleviate health disparities by closing the gap to quality care was tremendously rewarding,” said Liz Vargas, a UNMC student at the Northern Division. “Realizing that at the end of the day we were able to empower a member of our community to take control of his health, while simultaneously providing clothing for diverse populations in need on a local and global level was such a heartening experience. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”