Our day started out a little slower today, which was nice. The Neurosurgery team arrived today. All the families waited anxiously to hear what they would say. They came with the capability to do thirty surgeries so had to prioritize. They are able to operate on one of our patients. But, they did pull all of our EVDs and consulted on all the patients. I finished my eight o'clock cares before noon today. So I was able to learn more about my patients, bathe and hold them, and attempt to bottle them. I was so much more comfortable today. One patient attempted to teach me Kreyol. Apart from Bon Jour and Merci, I don't remember too much. I think the Haitian nurses felt more comfortable with me as well; we attempted to communicate today. Our hosts have taken such good care of us. Our meals are great, the house is beautiful, and we have running water for daily showers. I had everyone set their expectations so low that we are all pleasantly surprised. all in all, the trip has been great, we are healthy and enjoying our stay. Heidi
One more thought from Kerry... Working a mobile clinic is like being a super south!
Technically, I guess it's a new day! while the others are sleeping, i (Becky) am rocking out a night shift in the Peds ICU at Medishare. If i said that it was anything like where i work at home, i would definitely be lying. We work with children that have hydrocephalus and shunts at home, but never have i seen kids with heads as big as these. Maybe once, but it is just strange to walk into a room with five children of such sort. a visual might be of an adult head on a toddler size body. As i left to take a break, the kiddos were all sleeping in their beds, and the parents were sleeping right there next to them. Not on a nice futon like we have a children's, but on a piece of cardboard on the tile floor. I did take some pictures for the next time i hear a parent complain that the futon in their room isn't good enough! The concept of community remains throughout...some meds are drawn up by the pharmacy, others are retrieved from a community bottle of tylenol, phenobarbital, or whatever else they may have in the cupboard! I like that they stick to the basic TPR (temperature, pulse, respiration) with their vitals. BPs every 4 hours??? It would take a lot to explain, but pictures will show just how nice we really do have it in MN. On the walls, of the unit read many quotes that have to some up a lot of things....
1. "You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. John Wooden." How perfect was today?
2. To whom much is given, much is expected - perfect quote as i think of some of the families that we work with at childrens. only wish i could do something to change this.
3. my favorite of them all, okay my second favorite. "We all smile in the same language."
Just a few more hours to go, and then off for yet another adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment