Another teaching day.
I am amazed at how quickly the nurses have come up with a plan of action and a list of lectures to do for our class of 15 nurses. And they are amazing teachers.
We had also a scenario of a burn victim brought into the hospital from a fall and burn. Sandy, one of our PACU nurses, we covered with smears of charcoal and vaseline with plastic to make fake blisters. She had charcoal on her nose to inspire a discussion on inhalational injuries, a circumferential "burn" on her lower leg to talk about compartment syndrome, and a large burn on her back that might be missed if no one examined her thoroughly. Len did a fantastic job and so many various teaching points came up as the new nurses were guided through the care of this "patient".
I did a lecture about pharmacology with questions that when answered correctly were rewarded with a peanut M&M. By the end they all chimed in at once and everyone got a treat.
Sandy, Vickie, and Anne did a scenario with monitors and the hooking-up of patients as they arrive in the PACU. There were issues about when and where to put the ECG leads, how to properly put on the blood pressure cuff, and alternate sites for both if burns or other issues. Padding, positioning, assessment, and so many other topics. I got to be one of the patients and lay still as these gentle and tentative little hands moved about trying to understand and do each task. Every now and then something would make me smile and they would all laugh. Now and then I would get a little pat or someone would be holding my hand. I kept my eyes closed to be a good post-operative dummy, but when I opened and saw the seven or so faces around me, they would all smile. Such amazing young women with so much interest and promise.
We have decided to end each day early enough to make an excursion in Kathmandu on our way home so that we can get to know the city in which we are working. This weekend we will go to Pokhara, Nepal and make a trek or two there. This was recommended by Shankar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pokhara
Today on our way home we stopped at the Swayanbhu Stupa. At this point my camera battery died, so I have no photos and will have to borrow from the team. But this site gives an explanation and some photos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swayambhunath
We had some of the best views of the valley from here, and the naughty monkeys were everywhere.
We came back to the hotel and had a meal at the Radisson Hotel next door at their Olive Garden. Don't laugh - the menu has been greatly modified and we weren't brought endless bowls of food. It was elegant and most of the items featured Yak cheese and local items. I got potato gnocchi and was quite happy. Very nice end to a day of hard work.
I think we all felt like it was Friday and heaped into bed as quickly as we got home for a long comatose nap.
Construction work underway and a very small woman toting a load of stones and debris in a basket with a strap over her forehead to help support the load on her back.
Len and Sandy - "It's showtime!"
Attentive audience for a great teacher.
Another little tough guy.
Cantina still in progress - workers washing up in a barrel full of water. Don't drink!
Workers and diners side by side.
Worker taking a rest.
Prayer flags at Swayanbhu Stupa. Rejuvenating.
If only...
As the flag density goes up, so do the blessings.
Tired but amazing team.
I am amazed at how quickly the nurses have come up with a plan of action and a list of lectures to do for our class of 15 nurses. And they are amazing teachers.
We had also a scenario of a burn victim brought into the hospital from a fall and burn. Sandy, one of our PACU nurses, we covered with smears of charcoal and vaseline with plastic to make fake blisters. She had charcoal on her nose to inspire a discussion on inhalational injuries, a circumferential "burn" on her lower leg to talk about compartment syndrome, and a large burn on her back that might be missed if no one examined her thoroughly. Len did a fantastic job and so many various teaching points came up as the new nurses were guided through the care of this "patient".
I did a lecture about pharmacology with questions that when answered correctly were rewarded with a peanut M&M. By the end they all chimed in at once and everyone got a treat.
Sandy, Vickie, and Anne did a scenario with monitors and the hooking-up of patients as they arrive in the PACU. There were issues about when and where to put the ECG leads, how to properly put on the blood pressure cuff, and alternate sites for both if burns or other issues. Padding, positioning, assessment, and so many other topics. I got to be one of the patients and lay still as these gentle and tentative little hands moved about trying to understand and do each task. Every now and then something would make me smile and they would all laugh. Now and then I would get a little pat or someone would be holding my hand. I kept my eyes closed to be a good post-operative dummy, but when I opened and saw the seven or so faces around me, they would all smile. Such amazing young women with so much interest and promise.
We have decided to end each day early enough to make an excursion in Kathmandu on our way home so that we can get to know the city in which we are working. This weekend we will go to Pokhara, Nepal and make a trek or two there. This was recommended by Shankar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pokhara
Today on our way home we stopped at the Swayanbhu Stupa. At this point my camera battery died, so I have no photos and will have to borrow from the team. But this site gives an explanation and some photos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swayambhunath
We had some of the best views of the valley from here, and the naughty monkeys were everywhere.
We came back to the hotel and had a meal at the Radisson Hotel next door at their Olive Garden. Don't laugh - the menu has been greatly modified and we weren't brought endless bowls of food. It was elegant and most of the items featured Yak cheese and local items. I got potato gnocchi and was quite happy. Very nice end to a day of hard work.
I think we all felt like it was Friday and heaped into bed as quickly as we got home for a long comatose nap.
Our driver after we arrive at the hospital with a young Nepali.
