What Is an Auxiliary Nurse?
An auxiliary nurse in Guatemala is equivalent to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the US.
Duties include essential patient care (administering medications under supervision, monitoring vital signs, assisting with medical procedures) and provision of hygiene, feeding, and mobility support. Nurses also offer health education, perform first aid, maintain documentation, and ensure a clean, well-stocked environment, all under the supervision of licensed nurses or doctors.
Is the School Accredited?
Escuela Maya is accredited by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), ensuring that students will be receiving a high-quality education, and graduates will be able to work in the national public healthcare system. Many nursing schools in Guatemala do not achieve this accreditation level. The Hospitalito cannot hire nurses who are not graduates of a MSPAS accredited school.
What Is the Curriculum?
The curriculum is designated by MSPAS, which also determines the teaching timeline and testing materials.
Topics covered include emergencies and disasters, skin prep prior to surgery, bio-security, hygiene, diagnostic techniques, therapeutic measures, attention pre- and post-surgery, instruments of communication, attention for seriously-ill patients, attention during pregnancy and birth (prenatal, actual birth, post-delivery) and attention to children (0-5 years and 5-10 years).
What Are the School Location and Hours?
Escuela Maya is housed in the Hospitalito Atitlán Annex and operates Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
How Will Escuela Maya Donations Be Used?
Donors can sponsor a student for the year. Contributions can also cover partial scholarships,
training materials, laboratories, and uniforms. Each student’s financial need will be determined so they can focus on learning without financially burdening their families.
The Guatemalan Healthcare System
Guatemala has both public and private healthcare systems, as well as programs run by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies. The country struggles with significant challenges in healthcare access, quality, and distribution, especially for its rural and indigenous populations.
Public: The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) offers free services to all citizens. The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) provides low-cost or free healthcare to registered business employees. The system appears comprehensive on paper. The reality is different. Rural MSPAS hospitals often face shortages of medicines, supplies, and equipment, resulting in a fragmented, inefficient system that fails to provide equitable healthcare services.
Private: The private sector includes for-profit hospitals, clinics, and private insurers, mainly serving those who can afford high quality care.
NGOS: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies offer healthcare services, focusing on rural and underserved areas.