ENS Nicole Beblo

Duquesne University

At La Tuna, I worked in the pharmacy under the direction of Sheila Veikune. The pharmacy is in the hospital portion of the prison and it is similar to a "caged" room. Only the tech and Sheila had keys to the pharmacy.

I had several projects to do: One on diabetes where I interviewed inmates (not alone of course!!) about their understanding of their disease state and I then presented my findings to the medical staff. I also completed a project on Lassa Fever and presented that to the medical staff. I did several self study projects including one on Tuberculosis and one on drugs of choice for infections.

During my time there I also helped fill prescriptions. While I was there they recieved a new computer system that was windows based, so I got to learn how wonderful it is to fill scripts on that system! I also greatly improved my patient counciling skills. Sheila feels that all the inmates should be counciled--whether or not their prescription is a refill. Also, since many of the inmates are Spanish speaking I not only counselled in English but Spanish as well!!

Overall, I had a wonderful experience. With the help of my Mom and a wonderful church congregation in El Paso, I found a family to stay with. They lived in an upscale neighborhood and had a pool, maid and gardner!!! The only payment they would accept, was for me to house sit and watch their 3 dogs when they went away. They were wonderful people!!

I also met many great contacts and great friends as well. The facility also had 2 dental PHS costeps that I grew quite close to. We even took a long weekend and drove 9 hours to San Antonio!! We also went to Juarez, Mexico..the "sister" Mexican town to El Paso.

The thing I miss most about El Paso by far..is the great Mexican food. After living in Pennsylvania all my life I've now realized that Taco Bell and Chi Chi's doesn't hold a candle to real Mexican food!! What I would do for a flauta right now??? Anyway...I had a wonderful summer, one that I'll never forget!!

If anyone wishes to get more information about the Bureau of Prisons...you can email me at beblo215@duq.edu!! And I'll be more than happy to tell you all about it!!

Sincerely,
Nicole Beblo
4th year student at Duquesne University