“She has five children.” “What?” I had completely zoned out. “Five children?” I glanced at the health record in my hands. “But when I screened her in Kandi she told me she has eight children. Eight pregnancies, eight deliveries, and eight living children. That was only three months ago.” Esther, my fellow team member and … Continue reading Moons & Menstruation
Tag: nurse
Unrecoverable
I glance at my watch. Eleven o'clock. I rub my eyes, aware that my hands are far from clean. Dried sweat and grimy hand sanitizer cling shamelessly to my knuckles and nails. But I couldn't care less. Twenty feet in front of me over two hundred people wait patiently, both anxious and eager to be seen by … Continue reading Unrecoverable
Playing God
"We have been waiting here since Monday. We came from Nigeria." Our eyes meet. I glance at the four-year-old twins next to him, both struggling to balance on extremely bowed legs. I try to hide my expression from their father, fearing my transparency will only make the situation worse. "Please. You can help us?" His … Continue reading Playing God
From Michigan to Madagascar
“That sounds so cool. You should totally do it,” I affirmed, cupping my steamy, tea-filled mug. Kelsey, my dear friend and college comrade, smiled. “You should think about doing it with me.” I inhaled earl grey steam and pondered. “Mercy Ships? Nah. I'll do my own thing.” I withheld my genuine reason for declining. Truthfully, … Continue reading From Michigan to Madagascar
Why You Shouldn’t Triage Your Date
"Welcome to the Emergency Department. What brings you in tonight?" "I'm having chest pain." (I now initiate eye contact and pay more attention) "Okay. [typing noises] When did it start?" "Five days ago." (less concerned now) "Does it hurt more when you breathe or cough?" "Yea. It hurts the worst when I cough." Bingo. You can … Continue reading Why You Shouldn’t Triage Your Date
six feet & growing 