I Love West Africa

My fuzzy memory tells me I last blogged off somewhere before the group left for a sweet spot called Big Milly's Backyard (BMB).  This delight of a beach resort is located in Kokrobite, a small, lively fishing village about 30 km west of Accra (a relatively short distance minus chaotic traffic and detours!).  The ambiance of  this resort proved to be as upbeat as the reggae music blaring from the speakers.  Following some much appreciated bronzing in the hot African sun, the nursing troops were assembled and the festivities commenced.  Reggae night at BMB proved to be a blast complete with amazing food and chocolate brownies, singing, dancing, games (internationally renown "Never Have I Ever" which I have vowed to not play past the age of 25 years), new friends, beach shenanigans, and getting a tad "arseholed" for the bargain price of approximately 20 GHC (about 12 bucks).   I LOVE WEST AFRICA!

More blog-worthy mentions include a change in practice environments. The group has officially completed the acute clinical component at 37 Military Hospital.  March 5th marked my final shift in the general pediatric ward and while I am sad to leave, the experiences I will be taking home with me from my time spent in each placement will resound in my future practice for years to come.  I have finally reached a point in my academic formation where I can soundly say I understand the importance of policy development and adherence to best practice standards (that's right TAG!).  I remember when I flipped a nugget over witnessing a nurse who did not swab her IV ports with alcohol swabs (still important by the way) - OMG do I have stories to top that one now!  Lately I even find myself missing the redundant, mundane, and time consuming aspects of nursing like signing a MAR, charting my complete assessment findings, or searching for something in a well-supplied equipment closet.  Working in a practice setting inundated by health disparities, scarce resources, and little to no accountability is more than an eye opening experience - it's a motivator.  I would delve deeper into more specific examples but in all honesty I fear it would depict health care in Ghana in such a way to dissuade the reader.  The truth is that while there is so much hard work left to be done, there are so many committed and determined individuals here to get the job done.  On our last day at 37, heart-felt goodbyes and best wishes were extended from the staff and donations presented to each ward as a token of our appreciation.  There are countless people I have to thank for contributing to my successful experience thus far.  There are also several departed souls that I will keep in my prayers and remember forever.

Post-clinical at 37 Military, we were asked by a presenter to reflect on our life and priorities and discuss where we saw ourselves in 10 years.  I have always felt that this was a trick question.  My future plans have always been in flux - this is probably why I have been a student for nearly a decade! My time in Ghana however, has brought me back to some of the original life goals that have been deeply rooted for a long time including travel and new cultural experiences.  My brain is firmly planted on "where to next" while I am worried about  what my plans are when I get back home.  This odd state of limbo is astonishing and mildly distressing.  Regardless, the insight I have gained into myself is extraordinary.  I can liken my current state to my favorite book for the first time EVER. "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." Paulo Coelho, I love you.


Spring break was spent...you guessed it...laying on a beach (if you haven't noticed we really love the beach).  But this beach was an ultimate experience for a reason other than tanning my tush.  Aside from the hair pulling experience of getting to Kineshi station, mechanical challenged tro-tros, pushing said mechanically challenged tro-tro, scorching heat,  crazy tro-tro mate impersonation (link), and roadside micturation, Busua beach has come close to topping the list as one of my most memorable travel experiences to date.  It wasn't the soft sand, the savory taste of the burritos, nor the cute little monkey that picked debris from my hair I dubbed Maurice that made me fall in love with Busua.  It wasn't even the fact that I got to surf for the very first time of my life.  The honest truth is that the girls and I had the privilege of meeting a very inspiring and humble young man with a heart the size of the Atlantic ocean.  His name is Ebenezer Felix Bentum and never have I ever met a person so dedicated to the betterment of his community.  Ebenezer is the coordinator of several grassroots programs, one of which is an official NGO.  All of the different programs Ebenezer is involved with aim to tackle some of Busua's major community challenges including sanitation and environmental issues, education, and gender equality just to name a few.  I am often skeptical of charitable organizations but was thoroughly impressed with the programs and awe-struck to see first-hand the difference people like Ebenezer make in this world.  I urge anyone who reads this to check out the following links:

http://www.blackstardevelopment.org/
http://surfnshine.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/TakeOne1KidToSchool

If you are so inclined to learn more about any of the above organizations or how you can help I strongly encourage you to contact Ebenezer (contact info on the website).  A big thank you to Ebenezer for being such a gracious host and I hope someday to plant my feet on Busua Beach again with a cold Club in hand! 

Elmina

I have officially been in Ghana for over 1 month and have relished every second of my experience thus far.  I have so much to catch you all up on and based on my obvious aversion to journaling/blogging I better get this stuff down before I run off to enjoy the next experience.  On February 23^rd, my compadres (follow this link, it’s hilarious) and I hopped on a lovely air conditioned bus to Cape Coast accompanied by our instructor and spirited Lieutenant Colonel, Abayiwa.  The small fishing community of Elmina proved quaint and inviting.  Picturesque sea-side landscapes complete with stunning palm trees were hailed with “ooohhhs and aaahhhs” from the bus windows.  The townspeople waved and smiled in true Ghanaian fashion.  And then there it was – Elmina Castle (a.k.a. Sao Jorge De Mina).  One of the oldest European structures built south of the Sahara and one of the most important trade settlements involved in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.  The Elmina Castle was originally erected in the 1400s by the Portugese, was seized by the Dutch in the 1600s, and eventually rendered to the British Empire during colonial rule in 1872.  The fort was initially established to mine gold but soon discovered wealth in trading human beings to ship to the developing countries in the West.  Elmina essentially served as a massive depot for human trafficking.  It is needless to blog about how disturbing this dark stain on human history really is – but to stand within the walls and rooms where so many lost their lives, their families, and their roots is one of the most sobering experiences of my life.  At one point during the tour of the castle, our guide locked us in one of the slave holding cells.  I cannot to this day describe the feeling this evoked.  A blend of fear, shame, and the purest form of humility is the best I can come up with.  To all the souls lost in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and to those who suffered direct/indirect repercussions, I am so sorry that humanity failed you.

 After the life-altering effects of Elmina, the group ventured to the cozy Stumble Inn for some much needed downtime on the beach.  The night was full of laughs with some shenanigans involving poultry, magical fruit, sachet whisky, and one ultimate beach jump pic (MIA: Kayla and Nathaly L).  New budding friendships were formed with other “Obruni” foreigners that continue to enrich this experience.  The weekend was topped off with a wonderful canopy adventure at Kakum National Park where unfortunately no critters were in sight.  No worries, the 40 m drop from over the treeline was enough for some of us as evidenced by the expression on Carly’s face!  A not-so-speedy “bite” at Hans Cottage to finish the weekend off and we were back to the grind Monday for more nursing learning.  All in all, one extremely successful weekend! To be continued... (still weeks behind SORRY)!

It Takes A Village To Raise A Nurse

                                                                                                                                 

Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay in-between posts but there is so much going on! Clinical days in the heat, post-conference chats and assignments, new cultural experiences, illness, and power/water outages are keeping this obruni busy.  This past week has been a whirl in the world of gynecology and obstetrics and I am learning TONS!  The nursing staff or "sisters/aunties" as we call them are wonderful and continue to extend warm welcomes and learning opportunities our way.  There is an enormous focus on team nursing here and the nurses and physicians are more than eager to pass their knowledge on.  I continue to be amazed by the level of hospitality and respect.  Ghanaian culture brings a while new meaning to "friendship" and even an acquaintance is treated like an old friend.  I know more of my neighbors here at ISH than I ever did living in an apartment complex in Canada where people frequently feel rushed and avoid spending an exorbitant amount of time on a greeting.  Speaking of ISH, here it is (above)!  

My clinical experiences have been... interesting.  The vast difference between the health care systems is very apparent.  Each shift brings new knowledge and, at times, extreme frustration.  Working in a resource poor system is probably the most challenging experience I've ever encountered in nursing.  If you don't have a tourniquet, use the rim of your latex glove or cut a piece of IV tubing.  No gauze, cotton will have to do.  The nurses here find a way to get by one way or another.  I'm even learning how to be cautious in how much "plaster" or tape I use to secure nasal prongs or an IV.  Every resource counts.

Some of my new besties in Ghana are included in the above.  The first pic is my new friend Kofi.  He can make any bad day better because he is always smiling. I know I can depend on my girls here at ISH.  All of them are so unique and adventurous.  The center picture is of some of us venturing out in "tro-tros" (think city buses only crowded sweaty, vans).  Lastly, WATER!  Can't get by any day without it!  I have tons of other pics but I will have to attempt the upload on a better WIFI night and a full battery.  Love you and miss you all! XOXO

Akwaaba!

Dated February 10

Hello again everyone! What a great first week in Ghana!  I have so much to tell you already.  To date I have worked my first two shifts at 37 Military Hospital.  I am currently working in the FOPD which is an outpatient obstetric ward.  I am learning tons regarding the assessment and care of high risk pregnant women.  I am very privileged to work with the midwives in Ghana and am recognizing how essential this health care speciality is in this part of the world.  The health care professionals here are some of the most dedicated individuals I have ever seen.  The high volume of patients coupled with few resources makes for an interesting mix and it is amazing to see how resourceful some medical professionals have to be to get by.  My biggest struggle so far is with the language.  Often some of the clients do not speak much English or are more comfortable speaking Twi (sounds like CH-WE).  So much emphasis in health care in Ghana is focused on rapport building and language is crucial.  This can pose a problem for this “Obruni” (white person) but my efforts are being recognized by the clients and they smile and laugh with me.  This helps and bit by bit clients open up to me more.  I completed my first independent assessment with the help of one of my peers and Grandma Abigail (my preceptor).    I will be posting more specific stories about my clinical experiences once I get a full week of shifts.  For the meantime, here are a few pics of the hospital and the girls in their “sexy” scrub dresses.  Just so you know, we are not nearly as cute by the end of shift once we have sweated through our slips and uniforms!

The best experience so far has been living in the hostel.  Every day I meet someone new and interesting from Ghana or another part of the world.  Everyone is SO WELCOMING which is why I titled this post “Akwaaba” which literally translates to “you are welcome” in Twi (sounds like CH-WE).  Hostel living does have a few inconveniences.  Rolling blackouts, water shortages, mosquitos/cockroaches/ants, just to name a few BUT I wouldn’t trade this for anything at the moment.  Silverlinings my friends is what it’s all about.  For instance, I can buy my breakfast from the car window in the middle of rush hour traffic and barter the price down without pulling into a drive through.  That’s efficiency.  I also have the best roommate in the world, Jaime, who is extremely easy going and a great soundboard for those not so great days when I miss home.   

  

This weekend the gang went to Labadi Beach.  We got to relax with some chilled drinks all afternoon and enjoy the ocean and sun.  I got to play soccer with some of the locals and show them my skills…NOOOT.  Even though I have two left feet and cannot kick a ball straight to save my life I had a fricken blast!  BEST CLINICAL EVER.  I look forward to week 2 and cannot wait to share more experiences with all of you! Thank you to my friends and family who continue to send me encouraging messages.  I re-read them all the time to feel closer to home J.     

Hot Mess

Hello from Africa! I am so happy to finally be in Ghana! I must admit the flight was not my favourite part. I now have a new definition of "hot mess". Hot mess = +30 C humidity and no running water! After over 30 hours of fly time, lay overs, and no sleep, I finally landed in Accra on Feb 3 at approximately 2000h local time. After the chaos that is Accra International Airport, my peers and I finally made it to ISH (International Student Hostel) where we were told there was presently no running water and that most toilets were backed up. This was hardly enough to damper my mood on the first night. By night  two however, I was feeling particularly ripe and quickly learned where to purchase plastic buckets at the night market. For the first time since I was small enough to fit in my grandma's sink. I was less than efficient and most of my bucket water ended up on the floor. I could not wash my hair and that was unfortunate because my mop of a head soaks up sweat like a sponge. My first impressions of Ghana are that of shock and amazement. The culture is energetic and unique. The people are warm and welcoming. But images of extreme poverty and disparity are everywhere. Lesson #1 so far is to be grateful for the little things, even something simple as a shower (even I it is cold).  Love you and miss you all! XOXO from Africa! Pictures to come soon!

P.S. FYI as I finished this post, the electricity cut out!

Chimamanda Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

Countdown

The countdown to my journey to Ghana is officially on...24 days and I am ditching -20 C for +20 C!  Actually probably +35 C!  I look forward to this life changing experience with anticipation and a twinge of fear.  Fear mostly of leaving the ones I love, including family and friends, and how this experience may impact my relationships when I get back.  Regardless, when I return I will also have to shift my own self-image from that of a nursing student to a new graduate nurse.  I cannot wait :).    

P.S. I miss you mom + dad and BB!