Health Care Strike

Kenya has been very interesting the last couple of weeks. The death of Nelson Mandela, Independence Day (December12th) and a nationwide health care strike, all affecting the wellbeing of Kenyans, Tabaka Mission Hospital and health care in general. It’s quite interesting being caught in the middle of it. It’s a true testimony as to how politics affect health care.

The strike began December 10th after health workers and the government could not agree on devolution of health services and the way their salaries would be paid. Health workers are opposed to devolution of health services to the counties and want their salaries paid by the national government. Honestly, the entire situation is confusing, but I believe it comes down to money. Because of the strike, several government hospitals have closed, kicking patients out and locking their doors. As a result Tabaka Mission Hospital has been packed.

These past couple of weeks I swear our OBGYN has not slept. C-sections and tricky delivers around the clock. I have had the pleasure of assisting in a few vaginal deliveries and C-sections.  I have also delivered a few babies of my own. In addition, I have had the pleasure of working with several preemies, some who have been born at Tabaka and others who have been kicked out of government hospitals to seek refuge at Tabaka or other private hospitals. In fact, I am working very closely with a preemie born 28 weeks 4 days gestation. He was born at one of the hospitals that has since shut down.

Although I enjoy how busy we are, I feel there is something morally wrong with this situation. I can only look at this situation from an objective point of view, and try not to take sides. However, I do know Tabaka is feeling the effects of inadequate health care and inadequate access around the country.  Although we are not at full capacity I can see the staff and resources are being stretched thin. Tuesday we ran out of blood for transfusions and we are running low on some supplies. For example, I spend more time looking for a cannula to start an IV than actually starting the IV itself.  

I’m still trying to get my bearings here. I would say it’s a lot to take in as a new nurse, but really it’s a lot to take in in general.

I have learned so much in my short time here. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s what not to do. Each day I’m on the unit I realize more and more how specialized maternity nursing is. I remember taking maternity in nursing school thinking how I was never going to use any of this information... I found it stupid and pointless. Now I find myself looking up medications, Apgar scoring, and disease that pertain to this population.

I am also trying really hard to learn Kiswahili. Partly because I want to be able to communicate with my patients but also because a couple of the nursing students refuse to speak to me in English, they say it’s for my own good. It’s extremely frustrating not being able to understand anything, but, in the last few weeks I have gone from completely clueless to only clueless. I have to admit I am thankful to have them as unofficial language teachers.

Although my week days are dedicated to work I have been able to go out into the village of Tabaka. It’s not the most exciting place, but, it is known for one thing, soap stone. This part of the country has an abundance of soap stone which the locals use to create carvings. I live amongst a village of artists, these carvings are absolutely incredible. This is the number one thing I love about traveling, you see the beauty in the world, whether that be through art, surroundings, or the people. Will continue to blog.

*Permission by patient or parent was given to take photo*

                                                     

Newspaper comic December 12th

 

 

After delivering this baby girl

Pre C-section

Soap Stone Carvings

 

Tabaka

I have arrived at Tabaka. Tabaka is small town located in western Kenya (Nyanza province). I would like to say the ride from Nariobi to Tabaka was uneventful but my car was involved in an accident. No one was injured (thank god) but it resulted in waiting four hours at a police station located in Rift Valley. Needless to say the situation made me nervous.

I have finally started working. I have been placed on the maternity ward. Never in a million years did I think I would be a maternity nurse. I never really thought I was “cut out” for mommies and babies. Although I just started, I know this ward is going to be full of emotions. Seeing life happen in front of you is truly a miracle, it’s the most amazing experiences to be a part of a healthy birth. Unfortunately, mother or baby death are far too common here. Today, I lost my first patient. Her name was Juliet. Juliet was born 30 weeks gestation. Despite being premature she lived 4 weeks and 5 days. In fact, she was getting strong and healthier by the day. Then, I arrived to work this morning and baby Juliet had died. The nurse had no explanation as to what happened, in fact looking through the notes baby Juliet had not been monitored all night. The doctor believes the mother fell asleep on her.

Situations like this are extremely frustration. In such a fragile state this baby should be monitored throughout the night and slept separate from her mother. How did this breakdown in care occur?

There are several other things I have witnessed that would never occur in the United States. Seeing this I am beginning to realize why I am here. To educate and hopefully set a good example as to what it means to monitor, access, and care for your patients.

Tabaka Mission Hospital (outside the maternity ward)

Delivery room

 

Looking way more important than I am

Nairobi

I spent about four days in Nairobi. While in Nairobi I had the opportunity to meet most of the CMMB staff in Kenya. We were able to eat pizza and have lots and lots of tea. I also had the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Nairobi. I visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that focuses on conservation, preservation, and protection of orphaned baby elephants. They maintain a safe environment away from poachers and provide education to all their visitors.  It was an incredible experience to watch the baby elephants in a safe and natural environment. I also was able to visit African Fund for endangered species. It’s a similar organization that protects giraffes. They also educate the public and provide protection for the giraffes. However, the giraffes are domesticated (with names) and enjoy being fed and kissed by the public. I never thought I would kiss a giraffe. I finished my stay in Nairobi by going into the City Center observing all the iconic buildings.  I will be starting work at Tabaka Mission Hospital this week.

After being kissed by Ed.

 

Orphaned Baby Elephant

 

Nairobi City Center

Arrival

I have arrived safely. I can’t express how thankful I am for all the well wishes, goodbye cards and love I received at home. Leaving home was a lot harder than I thought it would be… even though I am doing something I am passionate about. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it will be to leave Kenya.

I left Thanksgiving at 10:15am. My flight left from Washington Dulles International and flew into Addis Ababa (airport in Ethiopia). I have never really thought much about Ethiopia, but, flying into Ethiopia was beautiful. As I flew above the incredible rocky terrain, I finally had the realization I would be living in Africa for a year.

Navigating my way through the airport was an interesting experience, I would say it was comparable to herding cattle. Walking on the tarmac, busses, busses and more tarmac. I had to go through security again. One line for males, one line for females. Too bad I didn’t realize that until about an hour after waiting in the men’s line. Lucky for me they didn’t make me go to the back of the female line.  After waiting my flight left 10:30am, (Ethiopian time) for Nairobi. When I arrived in Nairobi, there were more busses and tarmac. While on the tarmac you could see a section of the airport had been burnt down. A whole terminal gone! I would have taken a picture, but, after my traumatic experiences of taking photos at the Rwandan Congo border, the Mexico USA border and an Indian airport, I have finally learned my lesson not to take photos at places such as these. Gate to gate it took me about a day to get to Kenya.

I was picked up by a very nice man at the airport. He was to drive me to the CMMB office. I wanted to sit in the front so we could talk. Immediately I walked to the passenger side. Confused, I then realized the driver’s side and the side of the road they drive on, is backwards from the US. We made it to the CMMB office but not without excitement. We got stuck is HORRIBLE traffic, by far the worst I have ever been in! There were also people running across the highway as cars passed. Finally, we made it to the CMMB office, exhausted I met several CMMB employees and the country coordinator, Damaris. They were all very nice but I was so tired, it was hard to stay focused. Good thing I will be seeing them again Monday.

Finally I made it to my hotel, equipped with a toilet, internet, and a HOT shower!!! It’s almost romantic. Too bad I will be leaving this place soon. I took a shower and forced myself to stay up till 8. I guess being a night owl is officially over. No more staying up well past midnight.

First night in Kenya I would say was a success. I can’t wait to get to my placement. But, for now I will be taking full advantage of the internet and hot showers.

Kenya it is

Oh my goodness, so much has happened since I lasted blogged. First, my final placement has been selected. I will be spending the next year of my life at Tabaka Mission Hospital located in Western Kenya. Second, I leave Thanksgiving Day!

 

I have so many mixed emotions. I’m more than ready to start my career as a nurse. I’m also ready to pursue my dreams of working towards improving international health care. Finally I’m excited to be engulfed in a new culture and meet amazing people.

 

As Thanksgiving Day approaches it becomes more real that I will be leaving the people I so deeply love and the comforts of my own country. In fact, the other day I stood under my shower watching the water flow out of my shower head and through my fingers. Honestly, running water is the least of my worries. As a new nurse I worry that I will not be good enough or experienced enough. I won’t be what they need. But then I think about how much I loved my past experiences with international health care. I also think about where I’m going and the lack of health workers and resources. Because of that I need to push aside my worries and be confident in my education, for there is a reason I have been lead down this path.

See you in Kenya.

Orientation

Hello everyone,
I am finishing my week here is NYC and New Jersey. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to come here and meet amazing people. It’s always refreshing to meet people with similar interests and goals. It was nice to be away for a week with a group of people that understood why I want to volunteer. Never did I get ask the infamous question WHY?? It was a great experience and gave me a new perspective on volunteering and CMMB as a company. Honestly, I wish every single one of my donors could see how this company functions. Every donation, dollar, and medical supplies are meticulously calculated. There is a very stick method as to how every dollar is spent and how all medical supplies are used. 97% of all cash donations are used on volunteers, I think that’s pretty amazing! This next week I will be deciding my final placement between Kenya or Honduras. Please if you have not done so look into CMMB. Please donated or share my page with your friends. I will be uploading some pictures from the week. Thank you all for your continued support.

http://support.cmmb.org/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1010&pxfid=2060

Beginning on something

I have been asked to tell my story... something that encompasses my past, my passions and my goals. Where to start? Why do I want to pursue volunteer work?    If I had to start somewhere, I guess it should begin with my cousin Tyeliah. Tyeliah and I are only related by marriage, and, in fact I had never met her when she initially inspired me as a young teen.  She was a Peace Corps volunteer, and from what I know she served two years in Africa as a teacher. Although I don't know much about her experience, I wish I could somehow put into words the incredible work she did abroad. Hearing about her experience opened my mind to the idea of using volunteer work to make this world a more positive place than I found it.

Fast forward several years later and the idea of volunteering was still a thought I toyed with. In high school I began to give it some serious thought, and by the time I entered college I knew volunteering was a passion I would have to pursue.  However, I questioned how could I be an effective volunteer? How could I turn my interest in biology into something productive and meaningful to other people? I enrolled in Salisbury University with the goal of obtaining a nursing degree that I could use to positively affect people anywhere in the world.

Throughout my college career I was blessed with a very supportive family. So supportive that they encouraged me to seek out my interest in health care in the poorest and most resource constrained countries in the word. Thus, this began my travels to India and Africa. The experiences I had abroad not only opened my eyes to how fortunate I was to be a part of a western health care system, but  also saddened me how many people do not have access to even basic health care.  I saw first-hand that not everyone had access to proper health facilities, education, or even clean drinking water or food. Recourses such as electricity, gloves, or the ability to sterilize instruments were scarce. I met many adults, families and children that had illnesses and diseases that were nonexistent or eradicated in the United States. Working closely with patients who suffered from malnutrition, Tuberculosis, Polio, Malaria, HIV, and the list continues,  gave me the opportunity to connect and learn their stories and change my life educationally and spiritually.

According to The World Health Organization it is estimated that over 4 million health workers are needed to bridge the gap of inadequate health care. I honestly believe this is my purpose. Therefore, I extensively researched volunteer organizations in which I could fulfill this purpose. It has been a process to say the least, but I needed an organization that was right for me and encompassed my values and beliefs about healthcare. After much research, I was lead to The Catholic Medical Mission Board. This organization possessed the same vision I had for the world "A world in which every human life is valued and quality health care is available to all."

So here I go... a brand new Registered nurse from Salisbury University volunteering aboard through the Catholic Medical Mission Board to provide quality health care without discrimination. In order for me to achieve this I need your support. All donations directly support volunteers traveling, living, and working abroad.  The Catholic Medical Mission Board is recognized by the IRS, therefore all donations are tax deductible.

Thank you so much for reading my story and supporting my endeavor. Together I believe we can make a difference in global health care by providing access, exposure, and education.