February 17, 2010

• The Only Thing I Left Behind

  "There were patients scattered amongst the trash; they were basically left here to die.  It was awful. It was one of the most horrible things I had seen," the co-founder of our NGO described to us her first impression of the hospital a few years ago, and how that first impression led her to begin her work there. 

  "When I saw this, I asked myself, 'how could I not do anything?'" 

  ~ ~ ~

  I dreaded this morning. Today was my last day at work, and I was really worried... would the nurses resume the work we had started after we left? Or would everything fall apart?

  Then, unexpectedly... there was a new patient admitted to the unit.  He was breathing hard and fast. 

  Instead of jumping in the room, I stood back and watched, testing to see if the nurses would apply all the knowledge and skills I taught them when a sick patient presented right before them.

  And surprisingly... they did it.  There was a nurse at the bedside, along with several medical and nursing students.  They were checking his vital signs and adjusting his oxygen.  They called for the local staff doctor and the doctor came right away.  The doctor ordered medication, the nurses gave the medication, and soon after, the patient's breathing improved. 

  Behind my mask, I hid a big smile.  I was beaming.  I was so proud to see the nurse taking responsibility, moving into action, and being committed to his patient.  His concern and worry for the patient indicated that he, as the nurse, had learned how to identify an emergency when an emergency arose. 

  If having taught this one nurse this critical skill- knowing that this one skill will save many many more lives- then all the stress, trouble, and time invested here was well worth it.

  ~ ~ ~

  "The knowledge that God has loved me

  beyond all limits will compel me

  to go into the world to love others

  in the same way."

  -Oswald Chambers 

  • 10:55 am
  • 3 Comments