06/08/2019
Lesson 3: Always strive to be nice to the nurses and Ask doctors questions.
Our journey with Nathan has been one full of Hospital admissions and clinic visits. He has been to hospital way more my entire family combined. .. in short! ni nyingi sana!
This year alone we have had: 5 admissions and 8 clinics.
So this are my ways of making sure that all my hospital visits are fun and impactful.
1. I decided to view hospital admissions as opportunities to learn something new. eg. reading a mercury thermometer, checking BP etc.
2. I always make a new mum friend at hospital. Pediatric wards are full of worried mums and I always make sure I make friends with whoever is sleeping in the next or opposite bed. This is important because at some point you will want to go to the toilet and its easier/ you will be more at peace knowing exactly who is keeping an eye out on your baby AND.... Kuomba charger! haha... The first day of admission is usually unplanned and simu huisha charge for some weird reason so be good to your neighbor, You will need a charger.
There is also the long nights so mnaweza chapa stories as you keep each other company. A little laughter will come through, A bit more of encouragement and you will end up actually having a chilled time at hospital instead of staying worried the entire time. I practice my listening skills here!
3. BE NICE TO NURSES! Hospitals are stressful environments already, You dont need to dump your frustrations on the nurses via yelling at them. They are human! They are someones child, mother, wife or husband. Learn to practice some peace, patience and positive compliments.
Being nice to them also has some perks like they always look forward to coming to my ward bed to check on Nathan even when they really did not have to pass by. They also take more time to explain to you what they are doing so that you also understand whats going on or what the medicine you are giving is meant to help with.
4. ASK DOCTORS QUESTIONS! ... The more you understand your child's condition the easier it is to know exactly how help them and whats good for them. Knowing why you are giving the doses of medicine required makes you under stand the importance of each mg. You also get to note changes and you can eventually tell when to run to hospital, when to walk and if there are any home remedies you can use. They will also be happy to pick your phone calls.
5. GET A HOBBY!.. Carry some of it to hospital and keep yourself busy instead of sleeping all day. you can knit, draw etc
I love making pompoms or making paper flowers!. This keeps me busy. I also teach the nurses how to make them and in turn this helps me market my business.
Leave each place you visit better than you found it. :) You may not always have money to give but you have time and the ability to make someones day better!
