In addition to being excited, I'm very nervous; I've only been out of the country (well, off the continent) once; I'm going to be thrown in the deep end of a crazy ER where improvising with equipment is the norm (for example, often the power goes off and people take shifts using ambu bags when the ventilators fail); I don't speak the language (I speak decent Spanish and pretty good French but for some reason Haitian Creole is really confusing to me); and I often get homesick when away from my own bed and my hubby.
BUT:
I'm a huge fan of doing things that are significantly outside my comfort zone; I'm looking forward to practicing nursing that will actually make a difference to people that really REALLY need my help; I'll be working with a few people I know and trust; and I'll have a great chance to use that thing between my ears--you know, my brain. I love critical thinking and relish the chance to figure things out quickly and efficiently.
I know I'll have a hard time for at least the first few days as I adjust to everything. I'm sure there willl be some crying into my pillow at night. I know there will be a few tearful emails to my husband: "Why did I do this? I miss you and the dogs! Why why why?" But I know by the end of the first week I'll be really in to the swing of things and ready to rock it out for the second week.
So, faithful readers: I'm asking you for advice. WHAT should I bring? WHAT should I pack it in? Have any of you done anything like this? Can you give me advice? Here's some of the advice I've gotten already:
- It's going to be 90 degrees, so wear scrub pants and t-shirts. And a headband.
- And clogs, but be prepared to throw them out when you leave. You'll be wading in rivers of blood and poop.
- Bring a BIG "fanny pack" to fit all your equipment in. (I've been looking at this one).
- Bring a headlamp, mosquito netting and spray, forceps, sphygmomanometer, shears, water purification tablets (I have some of this stuff, but not all of it, and though I will be staying in a hotel, mosquito netting is necessary because they may not have air-conditioning).
- 99-cent-store party favor toys for the kids.
22 comments:
What an opportunity -- the experience of a lifetime and the chance to make a real contribution all in one trip.
I live on a nearby island, and can tell you that it's not only going to be 90 degrees during the day and 80 at night, there's also going to be 90 percent humidity all the time.
Two words based on my experience down here: wet wipes. Lots of 'em. They'll refresh you when you're hot and sweaty, and help you do quick clean ups when the power goes out (no electricity = no water pumps).
Don't forget to pack plenty of batteries for your head lamp.
And if your skin is prone to irritation from being perpetually damp from the humidity and sweat, creamy Desitin will soothe and protect spots where skin makes contact with other skin.
Sleeping bag liner, preferably silk, but cotton will do (dont know if the hospital beds are super-clean, this way you wont touch them)
Sunblock!!!!
DEET bugspray if you're going to be out and about at dusk
your OWN pillow case (makes things feel more like home)
tiny notebooks to write vital signs on and hand to people in the absence of computers
That is really cool. I'm curious what organization is it?
No words of wisdom from this homebody. But, congratulations on a great opportunity, and thanks for putting yourself out there to help. Very impressive!
Hand sanitizer, travel packs of tissues (multi-functional), water bottle, a bunch of plastic ziploc baggies, color photocopy of the photo page of your passport - carried separately, Immodium but also (more importantly) Sennakot
...will they have gloves available?
Oh, and lots of changes of underwear (if you are like me - I don't mind washing anything else out in the sink, but I do like a nice fresh pair of undies).
Good luck! Have fun! Thank you so much for doing this - I love international travel and my eventual goal is to do a lot of aid work. I would love to go to Haiti and help out but right now I gotta start honing the ole skills stateside. I certainly don't want to be a hindrance rather than a help.
-snurse8 (nurse8 as of Saturday!)
@Hip Crip: Aha! Wipes are a great idea. And ditto the desitin--I tend to get a little chafey in the heat.
@Little D: Yes, I was considering a sleeping bag liner. I won't be sleeping in the hospital, but this way anywhere I sleep will be clean--ish.
@GirlVet: It's International Medical Corps, based in CA.
snurse8: Tissues! I totally forgot that. I think they'll have gloves but I'll be bringing boxes and boxes of hospital supplies also: meds, bandages, IV stuff, all donated by my hospital. That stuff will go in my checked luggage. My personal stuff will be carried on, I hope. I've been told to get the super fast drying hiking undies, but I too love a clean pair of underwear. And CONGRATS on dropping the S on Saturday! Woohoo!!
One of those little hand held battery operated fans might be nice for nighttime but make sure to bring extra batteries. Also, baby powder might come in handy for that extra humidity.
don't forget chapstick and wear cotton socks- bring several pairs. wearing clogs or a croc type is a good idea and I suggest 2 pairs so you have a separate pair to work off duty.if your hair isn't short i do highly recommend cutting it- i've done this type of work before and long hair- even in a pony- is a PIA. i also recommend baby powder as it can double as a dry shampoo.
Tampons! They are a great bartering item, too.
Skin so soft (from Avon) great against bugs.
BABY WIPES!! good for a multitude of things! Never travel outside the country without them. Chapstick with SPF--the sun is strong in the Caribbean, don't underestimate it. Disposable razors because they'll make u feel human again once u shave your legs! plus u can barter them too! and don't forget disposable lighters--good for anything!
One of our OB/GYN's goes to Africa every year, and she collects the opened C/S packs that we don't end up using on the unit (They will open in case of a C/S and then end up not doing the case). The C/S packs come with Laps and sponges, wash basins, and other goodies that will be a great help...Get a script for some ABX before you go just in case you get some traveler's diarrhea. Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer, Bug Spray, if you have a scrub hat, bring that, it'll keep the hair off your face and neck and out of open wounds and what not.
Try to talk to an Anthropologist that has studied the Caribbean- esp. Haiti. You can call your local University with an Anthro dept and either talk to a professor or grad student that has done work in the area. Learning cultural taboos and morays before you get there will be a huge help. They will also know some of the language, and can give you some key phrases to know.
I'm sorry- but you need DEET in your bug spray. The Avon Skin So Soft or citronella works for wussy little suburban mosquitoes, but for the serious malaria carrying ones (or black flies) you need some real repellent. That is not an area I would mess around with. You won't be much help if you go and get sick!
My brother, a Marine, made this mistake. Fortunately he did not get too sick.
I love the idea of using open c/s kits! How much luggage can you bring?
Congrats, and good luck.
Baby wipes definitely. Toilet paper and tampons, just in case. Would recommend against cotton socks, all-cotton underwear and cotteon t-shirts simply because they will take for ever to dry. If you go to a hiking store like REI, you can get some quick drying stuff you might like in the humid air.
Don't bring anything valuable and personal. Sadly, their may be some desperate people desperate for what you have. Don't take anything you can't lose.
Clogs are comfortable, but you might rather take shoes you can wash off. Try REI, or something similar. They also have pocket-size water sterilizers so you won't have the chlorine taste of water purification tablets.
If you're going to be spending much time treating patients outside, you might want a hat- useful for keep the hair out of your face, too.
Earplugs and eye coverings, if you think you might have trouble sleeping with other people in the same room.
I think you're doing a fabulous thing, Guitar Girl. Please try to tell us about it while you're over there.
I don't have any advice but I admire that you're jumping in with something like this. You go!
What a wonderful opportunity. I'm starting out in the "nursing world" barely, and it's my dream to travel out of the country to help. Congrats. Stay strong!
Extra zip lock bags will always come in handy...not only for carrying things or wet undies or for carrying water or wet washcloths or food... but also bring a small jar of Vicks Vaporub so if you come across any harsh smells (and I am sure you will) you can put a dab under your nose ..... Bring your own supply of ibuprofen, benadryl,carmex, bandaids....just in case........
I’ve been involved with the military since 2006. The nursing… well… an English major at present, I start that BSN program next fall as I’m changing careers and knocking-out pre-req’s, so I’ll leave that to the professionals. Packing lists, however, are no stranger when you have to carry your life on your back...
On to the packing list!
** These are my recommendations for the “field” (everything is situation-dependent, of course): **
Liquid Soap. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Peppermint Soap (available in almond, eucalyptus, etc.); the peppermint will have you feeling nice and as an added bonus is a natural bug deterrent, but is no substitute for DEET. Which brings us to…
DEET. Already mentioned, but don’t skimp on the concentration. If you can get military-grade, do it. It works, and you know it’s working as it burns when you put it on. No joke.
Ziplock bags. Already mentioned. Each should be large enough for a day’s set of clothes (undies, socks, undershirt, scrubs, etc.) Be able to grab a bag and go.
Baby Wipes. AKA, “field shower” – AMEN! I’m with the other commentators on this one. Definitely a life-saver.
Gold Bond Medicated Powder. For your feet or whatever ails you.
(RoadID bracelets are awesome, especially if you’re somewhere unfamiliar/with unfamiliar people and you go down. It’s a cheat-sheet for the important peeps in your life. Not sure how functional for an ER, but it’s a good thing to have “just in case.” I was a life flight patient myself once and wish I had it then. Cheap, easy, to-the-point.)
Mosquito netting ala Bivy-sac. You can pick these up at REI or online. Again, depends on your accommodations but can pack down to the size of a small fist. Lightweight and portable, keeps the creepie-crawlies out.
Electrical outlet plug-converter thing. It’s possible they won’t have the standard outlets we have here in the US. Most generators there can/are set-up with an inverter, and you can charge your cell or what-have-you on that. Find out before you go!
Underwear. I may be a dude, but I can girl-talk some underwear options. If moisture-wicking is an option, and this goes for all clothing, I highly recommend it. There’s a brand called ExOfficio. They are hands-down, the best boxer briefs for intense activity/ass-kicking climates EVER. (During officer candidate school, some of my gal pals swore by the female boy-shorts.) Patagonia is another option. Regardless of how your "form meets function," they’re pricey, but last forever and you can wash them with the liquid soap (mentioned above) in a pinch and hang them to dry – they’re good to go in an hour or less, typically. Look no further for trip/travel underwear.
Food. As much as you can carry. Calorie-dense is better. I have extra MREs left-over from our last field exercise. If you want 'em, they're yours, and I would consider shipping those off to you as "doing my part"... in part. Just let me know.
Hydration system. Depends on your work environment, but if you’re hyper-mobile I recommend a CamelBak. Consider a filtration system if the H20 processes in-country in your area are not yet up to par; by now they should be, though. Iodine tabs if need-be.
Electrolyte supplements. If you can't replenish fast enough, they will help keep you going. Endurolytes by Hammer Nutrition is what I use for endurance events.
Digi Camera and laptop with travel surge protector. Grab as many photos and memories as you can and push them on to inspire everyone!
Ear plugs. 'nuff said.
Solid Duffle bag. Cordua nylon bags are built to take a beating and can be found for cheap.
Good luck! Keep the updates flowing if you can!
All these are awesome! I'm meeting with some people who have been to the exact situation I'll be getting into, and will pick their brains too.
I'm so excited! Can't wait. Hopefully I got the time off work, though-looked on the schedule and I'm scheduled to work those weeks. Probably just a mixup...I hope.
Only thing not mentioned yet that is important. A honest to goodness, good flashlight. In a area that has rolling blackouts a mag light is possibly the best thing in existance. In 6 years of EMS, including 6 disaster deployments, my most valuable tool has been my maglight.
Lots of good coments here, but forget the water-purification tablets and get a SteriPEN with a solar charger. They work great and no chlorine/iodine taste. I used it on my last mission trip to Thailand and it works great! Keep a few tablets just in case it rains for several days and you can't charge it. Good Luck. I'm due to go out with a medical team in August.
Hey!
I was in Haiti a few months ago working as an RN in Milot at Hospital Sacre Coeur.
I would like to ditto EVERYTHING Coffee Run said. Although the place I stayed in had a TON of mosquito nets left over from when other people left so I didn't need my own net. Electolyte gummies saved my life, and ziplock bags were my best friends.
Bring some toilet paper too. You can get wicked tiny rolls at a local sporting good store to keep in your fanny pack.
I don't know what kind of technology you roll with but I loaded up my ipod touch with a Creole translation app, a Haitian Creole Medical Dictionary and Epocrates Drug Guide all for free and found these things indispensable.
A headlamp was the other thing I couldn't have survived without.
It was great for walking to and from the tents at night, but I even used it for wound care and examinations during the day since some parts of the patient tents stayed pretty shady.
I also brought some extra shoes and donated both pairs when I left. They needed a ton of shoes for physical therapy/rehab stuff.
A lot of other people did the same.
I am so jealous.
I want to go back so badly!
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