Where are we and where are we going?

I attended a “National workshop on strategic direction for strengthening nursing and midwifery development” recently, and believe me; I am seeing this large group of nurses for the first time. I definitely felt lucky to be part of that gathering. Besides, the actual mandate of the workshop, I personally felt it was like a “family reunion”, a forum that gave us opportunity to renew the relationships of ‘Teachers and students’, catch up with friends, greet and respect our seniors and make new friends. I never felt happier than this occasion before…..

From that gathering I am of the opinion that we have been very much aware of the magnitude and the seriousness of the issues pertaining to Nursing and Midwifery; and it was during these two days of workshop we discussed in good spirit of professionals and quality nursing care services, with opened minds, mutual respect and with tolerance to the diversity of views. We learned so much form one another.  We engaged in constructive group work, shared our experiences, insights, concerns, expectations and hopes.

From all this experiences, I strongly believe that “Nursing and midwifery” has already taken its rightful place in the Health care system. This workshop also gave us opportunity to delve into the time of conception of modern medicine Bhutan and the time where village girls being trained in the matron’s offices to fulfill the role of a nurse to – until this day where nurses are earning PhD. Nobody can deny the fact that nurses have actively and persistently worked towards providing, ‘quality health services’ to our fellow citizens. This has been our greatest task and noblest goals that we perused and will continue to do so.  

Therefore, bounded by collective interest, shared destiny and common challenges, we will have to demand ourselves the same distinction in carrying out the responsibilities, in the profession we practice in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of our people, towards building a “happy and healthy nation”……….. with all these experiences, “A zero draft on “National workshop on strategic direction for strengthening nursing and midwifery development” was born.

(Why Nurse shouldn’t stop talking, Part I)

 

Namcha and Doring

Normal day in the hospital, amongst hustle and bustle, lot of commotion, staff brushing shoulders with each other, patients in agony, attendants moving in and out of hospital in the simplest pretext. Amidst all these, our ambulance arrived in the parking with case of ‘retained placenta’. We immediately shifted the patient to delivery room and assessed and I was shocked to see that the cord was tied to a stone like structure and someone said it is called Namcha and Doring. I still now don’t know in which language but the principle behind that is to pull the cord outside or to prevent from cord stump from receding back to uterus. (Picture can be posted upon viewer’s request). We all will agree that 50% of our time is gone talking to these people and trying to educate on safe practices if not advising them on compulsory institutional deliveries, yet, there are people like these people who would opt to do things as they believe.

And I came across a case where the cord stump was tied to a small wooden peg where the cows are tied (in sharchop we call it Phur). It may sound funny and unbelievable but I have seen these. So, occasion such as these indicates that Nurses shouldn’t stop talking on health issues, till our communities practices only the ‘safe practices’ to stay healthy.

Am I destined only to be a Senior Nurse ?

I am worried as I see each day flying out of the window only to get one more day older. These days I was able to see my own future, not getting anywhere as a nurse......and each second the question crops up, "where did we failed as a nurse?", This question is not the byproduct of my ambitious thoughts but the result of my hard-work and sincerity each day. It hurts me not that I aim for something higher in life but I feel for my Junior friends as they will also become simply the senior nurse........

Anyway, these thought is not going to deter my hard-work for the betterment of our people who comes to avail our services. I will work with utmost sincerity and make sure that the people who comes across me goes back home satisfied and regains their health optimally.