Promoting Health Around the World

Most people go on vacation to take a break from work. Sheila Rinker went to the Dominican Republic to continue her work: keeping people healthy.

Rinker spent one week in the Caribbean island where she gave de-worming medication to about 350 children and some adults. Rinker went there with two other nurses and four nursing students from San Diego as a volunteer for Children of the Nations International, which works in “poverty-stricken areas of the world to provide care for orphaned and destitute children.”

While in the Dominican Republic, the group spent their time educating children on good hygiene practices and adults on how to obtain safe drinking water.

“It’s really rewarding to be able to go and work with children and families and just remind them, educate them on good practices to keep them safe and healthy,” said Rinker, a County public health nurse, explaining that she originally wanted to go to Haiti, but went to the Dominican Republic because the clinic there was more established.

“It’s quite a thing when you are able to see changes, even if they are small. It’s great to watch the kids show you how to wash your hands properly. They are sharing it with their parents and their siblings,” added Rinker, who did get to work with children in communities at the Haitian and Dominican Republic border.

Rinker, 35, worked as a County social worker and human services specialist for eight years before deciding to take a break to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She got her degree from Cal State University San Marcos and returned to work as a social worker in February of this year.

In July, she transferred to Oceanside when a position with the County’s Nurse -Family Partnership became available. The Nurse-Family Partnership program pairs a first-time mom with a registered nurse, who makes regular home visits throughout the pregnancy and until the child’s second birthday.

“I always wanted to be a nurse, but circumstances in my life prevented that,” said Rinker, adding that “I really like the program that I work in right now. I think they are doing wonderful things and I am proud of it.”

This is not the first time Rinker has worked with children and communities in impoverished countries. On a trip to the tiny African nation of Lesotho, she worked with HIV and Tuberculosis patients, as well as pregnant women in community clinics and villages.

“I have always been interested in international nursing. Their methods and the way they carry out nursing is very different,” Rinker explained. “Sometimes they are not able to do things because of lack of supplies.”

Is another working vacation on the horizon?

“I would like to go back to Haiti,” Rinker said.  “It’s a great way to combine the two things I love which are nursing and travelling.”