The Meaning of Nursing in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal - Cheryl Wraa, ReSurge volunteer nurse educator.

We went to Kitipur today for the opening ceremony of the nursing education program. All of the nursing leaders, Dr. Rai, the health minister for their health association and the head of the new hospital including its new staff were present. Everyone gave speeches; the health minister's speech in particular was very moving. The new hospital is in a beautiful location and the facilities will be very nice when they are complete in about four to six months. They have an entire floor dedicated to acute burn patients with its own operating room, PACU, ICU and ward. They will need lots of support when they are ready to open the burn center. It will be the largest in Nepal! 

We were part of the inaugural ceremony and Dr. Rai talked a lot about ReSurge and their dedication and support.  He then listed 16 mantras for the new nurses. The new nurses read them and then talked about what they meant to them. They have all agreed to give at least two years to this hospital. We spent the afternoon with the nursing leaders and educators and Dr. Rai. We gave lectures on “Novice to Expert” and “Relationship Based Care”.  We then broke into groups to discuss what they wanted nursing to look like at the new hospital and how they wanted to change nursing in Nepal. We will spend the next two days working on how to make this a reality.

The nurses we are training are a very willing and energetic group. We are tired but energized by their enthusiasm and Dr. Rai’s support!