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!
