Nancy O’Connell joined members of her nursing department on a mission trip to Fiji last March. Growing up in Newport Beach, she had done mission trips with her church, but different than this one. In Fiji, Nancy found this trip to be an all-hands-on-deck situation, realizing that some work would require her to “MacGyver” certain assignments and be resourceful with limited supply.

“It really allows you to think critically and act creatively, which was amazing!” she said. “We all rotated our duties, so we were able to see and experience a good bit—from community and home visits to in-clinic stations, there was always something to do.” 

She volunteered to help run the dental clinic, which she recalls was “gangbusters” since everyone needed to see the dentist. Nancy also handled the “autoclave” for the dentist, which is a pressure cooker they used to simulate a real autoclave. In addition, she was able to complete her community health requirements before graduating with her BSN this year.  

By doing many jobs, she had an effective group to accomplish everything with. “I think what is important to remember in a situation like a medical mission is that everything you do is in the service of your patients. None of this is about you. It’s 100% about the community you are called to serve,” Nancy said. 

She generously answered some questions for us to get a look into her experience in Fiji. 

Were you challenged in any way during the mission trip?  

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging, but I don’t think it is anything you can’t handle. Also, when you remember why you are there—to serve the community—it puts everything into perspective and the challenges fade into place. There isn’t anything you can’t do without Christ!  

How did this mission trip benefit you? 

This trip has totally ruined me for global health. I know this is my calling. I learned that I am not as delicate as I once thought, and I really can handle some unique situations.  

Was there a moment during the trip that impacted you the most?  

Oh, man! I think the trip was a series of impactful moments. The most impactful was the hike we did at the end of the week. We climbed to the top of Mana and could see all the other islands around us. With everyone there, all of us and the community of Mana showed me what we can do when we come together; individually, we are small, but together, we can accomplish anything.

Tell us about the people you met. Was there anything about the culture that surprised you?  

The people were amazing and were so warm and welcoming. I think I was a little shocked at how quickly they took to us. Not the people who always attend this trip, but we students. It was amazing because that kind of ease and welcoming nature helped me feel confident in what I was there to do.  

Outside of working, what fun activities did you do? 

Oh, man, the beach! There is just nothing like it! You see the same beach every day, but with each day, you have a different view–it’s beautiful! On two of the nights, the villagers did fire dancing, which was awesome! It was a very fun experience.   

What was your favorite part about Fiji?  

If forced, I would say all of it! I want to go back. It was the most amazing experience, and I am so happy I did it!  

What do you want to remember about this experience moving forward with your education and career?  

I want to remember that kind of determination that filled me when I was there. I was nervous about the trip. I had just finished the ADN program. I was not yet a registered nurse, and I didn’t have any relevant clinical experience (I technically still don’t), and despite the fear I had, I was able to do this. We had amazing leaders, a wonderful community, and each other!  It was just so special and empowering.