Why does this organization need volunteers?

Nicaragua is a developing country and as such, medical facilities such as the San Jose Hospital are underfunded and have difficulty obtaining equipment and staff to improve access to health care. Additionally, it is hard for individuals living in the countryside to access health care for reasons of transportation. As a result, San Jose Hospital requires the help of international volunteers to train and provide additional support to improve everyday access to health care for Nicaraguan families.

What tasks will you be required to fulfil?

San Jose Hospital welcomes medical and pre-medical students as volunteers to help in many tasks. Medical and pre-medical students will be useful throughout the hospital in different departments, ranging from pediatrics to the emergency room. The tasks you will be required to fulfill will vary greatly depending on the day. Medical/Pre-medical students may have the opportunity to observe/assist,(depending on their level of medical education), in minor surgeries, take vital signs of women in labour, assist in the delivery room or help administer vaccinations. Medical and pre-medical students will be responsible to seek out parts of the hospital that seem particularly busy and assist in any way they can.

Medical volunteers should expect to fulfil tasks very similar to their jobs back home but will have to learn to perform tasks with very limited access to resources.

How many days per week will you be working?

This placement requires volunteers from Monday to Friday.

How many hours per day?

This placement runs from 8:00am - 5:00pm. However, if the volunteer wishes, he or she may work a night shift.

What age-range will you be working with?

Ages 21 to 62.

What kind of background may be useful at this placement?

Suitable volunteers should have a desire to pursue, or are already pursuing, a career in the medical field.

Will you be required to operate any special equipment?

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What personality traits would be useful for a volunteer at this placement?

This placement is looking for people with a desire to help others, have high standards for themselves, who are responsible and are willing to work in the spirit of cooperation with the staff at San Jose. Volunteers who are outgoing, creative, innovative and self-disciplined are appreciated.

Who may have a difficult time at this placement?

Those who would prefer not to work in a hospital setting may have difficulty at this placement.

What specific skills are they looking for at this placement?

What is the purpose of this organization?

San Jose Hospital provides health care and medical attention to patients with various needs and illnesses. This hopsital has an emergency room that provides a variety of different treatments: from minor to major surgery, treatment of serious injuries, treatment of infectious diseases, pre- and post-natal care for both women and newborns, orthopedics, etc.

The hospital operates on a 24-hour schedule. Doctors visit patients once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and there are at least two nurses in the wing at all times.

What community(s) does this organization assist?

The San Jose Hospital serves several communities in the Carazo deparment including Casares, La Boquita, La Trinidad, Buena Vista, San Gregorio, Veracruz de Acayo, Tupilapa and Huehuete. Patients also come to San Jose Hospital from other departments.

Does this organization have any religious affiliations?

Catholic

When was this organization founded?

July 07, 1955

How are they funded?

The San Jose Hospital is funded by the Nicaraguan government, private Chrisitan organizations and receives donations (mostly medical instruments) from abroad.

How many people at the organization speak English?

One, Dr. Sanchez.

If you find sponsors interested in sending donations, here is what they need:

As the conditions in Nicaragua for health care are very poor, all medical supplies are welcome such as medication, thermometers, gloves, stethescopes, blood pressure kits, nebulizer, sterilization kits and oximeters. Donations of womens diapers, newborn gloves and hats, baby clothes, and educational toys for pediatrics would also be appreciated.

Location description

San Jose Hospital is located on the south end of Diriamba, a small city in the highlands, not far from the Pacific Ocean.

San Jose Hospital is a large green colonial building that contains an emergency room, a large maternity ward, a men's ward, a women's ward, a surgical room, a pharamacy and a lab. In addition, the hospital boasts a large courtyard where patients can go to visit with their families and eat lunch.

The Carazo Department (state) of Nicaragua is located in the south-west of Nicaragua and is approximately 40km south of the capital city, Managua. This department has an approximate population of 177,000 people and encompasses the 8 cities of: Diriamaba, Dolores, El Rosario, Jinotepe, La Conquista, La Paz de Carazo, San Marcos and Santa Theresa. The cities in the Carazo department are much better known than the department itself.

Though the Carazo department has 8 cities within its borders, Jinotepe, Diriamba and San Macos are the three main cities that attract people to the area. San Marcos is the closest to Managua, and Jinotepe is located right on the Pan-American Highway. The main roads to the beaches of La Boquita and Casares start at Diriamba, and Diriamba is also close to the eco-tourism centre La Maquina.

Most of the Carazo department is located on a plateau at elevations up to 700 metres above sea level, however, the department extends all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The entire area is known for its rich and vibrant culture, historic architecture, eco-tourism and its beaches.

Carazo is an important producer of coffee, sugarcane and sesame seeds, which are farmed by the people living in rural areas surrounding the cities. Many farmers from rural villages travel into the cities of San Marcos, Jinotepe and Diriamba every day to sell their crops at the markets and on the streets.

Carazo has a diverse demographic that encompasses many different types of people ranging from rural indigenous farmers to university students studying at the Universidad Nacional (National University) or one of the private universities in Jinotepe. Carazo is well known for its friendly people and warm atmosphere.

Carazo offers many different options for tourism and is easily accessible from the capital of Managua. It is a great location to visit while in Nicaragua!

Historical significance of the area

Carazo has a rich history and was home to many indigenous people before the arrival of the Spanish. The city of Diriamba was home to an indigenous leader named Dirianger who was a great example of the spirit of native resistance against the Spanish. One legend has it that once Dirianger realized that colonization was inevitable, he sacrificed himself by walking into a cave full of tigers rather than negotiate with the Spanish.

The city of Jinotepe used to be an indigenous town named “Xilotepelt” which means “Corn Hill” in the native Nahuatl language. Once the Spanish started to colonize the area in the 1500's, Jinotepe started to develop into a city. Today, Jinotepe is classified as semi-colonial because it has a lot of architecture from the colonial era as well as many modern buildings.

Around the 17th century, a satirical play called El Gueguense was produced by an unknown author. The play was passed down in oral history until 1942 when it was finally written and made into a book. El Gueguense is a way that the indigenous mocked the Spanish and the play is performed in January during the feast of San Sebastian in Diriamba.

What is the weather like?

Nicaragua is a tropical country that has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. Temperatures in Nicaragua vary little with the season and largely it depends on the elevation. The wet season is between May and December and the dry season is between January and April. Rainfall varies throughout the country and the eastern area gets more rain than the west. In the east of Nicaragua, the rainy season can often last longer than the usual 6 months.

There are three different climate zones in Nicaragua. The lowlands, which have an altitude of up to 750 metres above sea level and have temperatures that range from 22 degrees Celsius at night to 30 degrees Celsius during the day. The Central highlands at an elevation of 750 metres to 1,600 metres above sea level have temperatures that range between 15 degrees Celsius at night to 25 degrees Celsius during the day. The highlands, often referred to as the “tierra fria” (the cold land) have much lower temperatures than the other two climate zones and temperatures get to below 15 degrees Celsius at night and peak at around 22 degrees Celsius during the day.

What fun things are there to do in the area on days off?

Mombacho Volcano, near the city of Granada, is always a favourite weekend destination for volunteers. The Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is on one of the most highly protected areas in Nicaragua and is home to many unique species that are found only in that area. Coffee plantations and cloud forests are just a couple of the other fascinating places to check out there.

The city of Granada is definitely worth exploring; especially if you are interested in experiencing the Nicaraguan nightlife. The city is very popular with travelers and has many incredible bars and restaurants that cater to them. As the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua it is steeped in history and is a must see for volunteers. From here you can also visit Lake Nicaragua and its three hundred and sixty-five islands including Isla Zapatera and the community of Sonzapote, which we strongly recommend for hiking enthusiasts!

Leon is another city that is steeped in Nicaraguan history. It is the location of the very first Spanish settlement in Nicaragua and has grown to be the second largest city in the country after Managua. Leon is also home to a historic abandoned city known as “Leon Viejo”, meaning old Leon, that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another volunteer favourite is the active Masaya Volcano, at the Masaya Volcano National Park. Volunteers always have a great time touring the natural volcanic caves and discovering the ancient ceremonial sacrificial grounds of the indigenous Masaya and Tisma people. At night it is also possible to see the bright red glow of lava!

If you only have time to take one trip during your stay and you want to get a true feel for Nicaragua then don't miss a trip to San Ramon. San Ramon has been spared from a lot of the environmental degradation that has enveloped the landscape over the past few decades. Organic coffee and chocolate crops plus beautiful hiking trails are definitely worth the drive to see!

There are a number of beautiful beaches in the department of Carazo including La Boquita, Casares and Huehuete. Volunteers enjoy heading out on a day off to relax, do some surfing, go horseback riding along the beach or try their hand at fishing!