This week has been a whirlwind of awesomeness! On Monday, Sara, the other RN on my team and I volunteered in the clinic that is in the hospital. The clinic area includes departments like general consults for adults, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, family planning and dentists. We started out with being given white scrub jackets. We were asked to start with weighing babies and taking vitals; but began to follow around others nurses as they started to do interesting patient care. I had flashbacks to nursing school as I was instructed on how to remove sutures and do dressing changes. It was fun to spend time talking with the nurses about the differences in medical care between Guatemala and the US.
A number of members from the squad squished into the back of a truck Tuesday morning for an hour ride to Sally’s clinic. It was about an hour ride through the windy mountain roads. Her clinic is located in the middle of green hill and is surrounded by corn fields. Upon arrival, we were greeted by lines of men, women and children who were waiting to be seen. The women were dressed in traditional, embroidered skirts and blouses and brought embroidery projects with them to work on while they wait. The clinic is a large room with an exam table, ultrasound machine, cabinets of medicine and homemade blankets. I knew instantly that this what I want in the future. The idea of being in the middle of the mountains doing rural healthcare makes my heart skip a beat. The day was filled with seeing patients and patient education. I was thrilled when my teammates were interested in learning how to take a blood pressure, give an injection and use a glucometer. It was neat to share a piece of what I do with them. It was also incredible to see what Sally loves to do and to see her passion for the people of Guatemala. Babies came in with their families that were healthy—a change that occurred because Sally was able to deliver prenatal care and regular checks. We met a married couple who first met Sally during her first pregnancy a few years ago. Sally took care of the mother through the first pregnancy, attended their wedding, helped them through the second pregnancy and continues to be their provider. To see the love and trust in their eyes as they walked into the clinic was inspiring. I hope I can one day help a town of people the way she has.
Today Sara and I joined two of the local doctors and their nurses to one of their clinics. We drove about 30 minutes and let up the clinic in a room in the school. These doctors travel daily to different locations in Quiche and the surrounding towns to help bring healthcare to those in need. There were about 100 patients waiting when we arrived at the clinic. I was taken back when the patients applauded when we were introduced as nurses who were volunteering from the United States. The people had such patience while waiting throughout the day to see the doctors and were smiling and so happy when they came into the clinic. While packing up the clinic, one of the doctors said that the patients started lining up for the clinic at 2 AM. I don’t know about anyone else; but I used to get finicky if I had to wait more than 10 minutes on the phone for something. I can’t imagine waiting all day or all week for something and being so happy throughout. What a lesson in patience.
