My first impression of Nigeria was loading into the transport van at 6am and having two locals turn to me and ask, “Are you ready to dance?”. Oh boy, I “danced”. The bumpy dirt roads with giant potholes caused me to bounce every which way. Looking out the window, I passed dilapidated villages with homes that seemed more like shacks. It made me start wondering what my own accommodations in Egbe would look like. After 8 hours, the van pulled up to a large metal gate and the security guard signaled us through, I was pleasantly surprised to glimpse immaculate lawns surrounding well maintained tan buildings. We drove through another check point to park in front of this adorable blue house, welcomed by my smiling coordinator, Kathy. My accommodations were a breath of fresh air, containing a private room and bathroom with a fan. The main living area was clean and homey, containing a mini library, couches and even a tv. The hospital was just a short walk away, where I would get stopped at least a dozen times by people just wanting to say, “Good morning, you are welcome here“.
Most days, I’d check in with the nurses overseeing the Pediatrics and NICU wards and see what things I could help with. During my downtime, I would go through different patient scenarios the local nurses and nursing students might encounter. I might stay the entire day in these wards or I might go over to the ICU if they had a PICU patient I could help with or round with the doctor. I also got the opportunity to teach several CPR classes to the local nurses.
All of the staff and patients were so welcoming and open to practice changes that would benefit their patients. The most challenging part was figuring out how I could help them provide the best patient care with the limited resources they had. I was so accustomed to having whatever supplies I needed at my disposal that it was hard to see a baby struggling to breathe because he needed CPAP but all that was available for oxygen is a nasal cannula. Or having to wait a full 5 minutes to take a temperature with an old mercury thermometer when over in the states, it only takes a few seconds. It sparked in me a new appreciation for all the simple things I took for granted.
One patient that really stood out was this 15year old male who came in for abdominal distention. He looked like he was 8 years old, with skinny arms and legs but a big swollen belly. It was discovered that he not only had an obstruction but was also in multiorgan failure, preventing him from being able to be operated on. I took care of him in the ICU. I had gotten in report that he had been restless and combative all night. On my shift, the other nurse and I bathed him for the first time in several days, changed his sheets and started him on oxygen. He immediately sighed with relief. I got the opportunity to sit with him, hold his hand and pray for him. Unfortunately, he passed later that day but I felt honored to have helped make him a little more comfortable. He helped me realize how the little things can make the difference. It also gave me this drive to learn what I can do to help prevent more kids from suffering like this. I really felt like I was able to help the local patients and nurses but I also learned so much from them.
(Infant CPR Training)
In the United States, most hospital’s make it clear that my religious beliefs have no place in the hospital. I’ve felt like I’m a Christian, and I’m a nurse, but I’m not a Christian nurse. Serving at ECWA Hospital, really helped me become more comfortable incorporating my faith into my nursing practice. Seeing the staff start each day in prayer or routinely praying for their patients was one of the most incredible experiences. I can’t express enough how impressed I was, working with the staff at Samaritian Purse. They were so thorough about answering all my questions, and ensuring my safety. If you’ve been considering joining Samaritian’s Purse for a medical mission trip, I think this one would make a wonderful option.
– Mimi N., Nurse Volunteer
