Lets get lost in the world together: 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*