Lessons In African Healthcare

 

My education in the world of African health care continues. My teachers are very patient with me, answering all my questions and allowing me time to understand even the simplest procedure. It will be some time before I’m able to admit a patient to the unit on my own, but I’m okay with that. My teachers are enthusiastic for the day when I can be on my own. I don’t feel pressured by them to start working on my own. But I can tell they want me to learn and experience everything.

 

Something I didn’t expect to follow me to Sierra Leone from the States is the thing that gets on the nerves of all Pediatric Nurses: Coco Melon. For those of you who are not raising young children in this modern day and age, I envy you. You’ve never had to hear beloved songs mangled by whatever autotune voice modulator the site uses, and you’ve never had to watch creepy CGI babies and children sing and dance to those tunes. In the States, I would go home at night after work and hear those songs in my sleep. But the kids at the hospital always loved it. They could watch it for hours. I shouldn’t have been surprised the kids in Sierra Leone like it too. But I could hardly believe it when I heard that dinky little jingle coming from the Pediatric Ward. And lo and behold, a mother was using it the same way we used it back in the States; to distract her child from an IV placement. Again, it’s funny how many things are similar to things back home instead of being different.

 

My lessons at the hospital tend to get interrupted because I have other things I need to attend to, like getting a work visa and buying things that I need. The only way I’m able to get to the market or to church or anywhere is with my hospital driver. So sometimes in the middle of being taught something, someone will drag me away from my instructors and take me to perform another task. I don’t mind really. I’m happy to do whatever needs to be done so that I can live in this new country. But I can tell it frustrates my fellow nurses to have me taken away in the middle of their instruction. For their sakes I feel bad, but a break from their teachings is always appreciated because it helps me process what I’ve been taught so far.

 

I was able to go shopping for the first time today! My driver took me to a mini mart where I was finally able to buy dish soap, laundry soap, a lighter for my stove, and toilet paper! The driver came into the store with me, and he made sure I got everything I needed. It made me feel more comfortable having someone go with me. I like the driver a lot. He always picks me and Sister Peace up from Stocco Compound with a wink and a smile. His name is Sandee. I’m sure that’s not how you spell his name, but that’s how everyone pronounces it.

 

According to the hospital manager, I should be getting a Sierria Leonean ID soon!

 

I can’t wait!