Typical Day

Here in Belize there really is no typical day. I’ve found that you make a plan and a few minutes later the plan is changed. I like “going with the flow” so adapting here in Belize hasn’t been too difficult. I try to organize my week and figure out which patients I’m going to see. My plans are quickly changed when I get calls from patients who need me to see them for various reasons. I just go with it. I’ve found you have to be adaptable and flexible being a home visit nurse for 50 or so patients. Let’s just say I’m best friends with sticky notes!

I’ve been spending most of my mornings working at Hillside’s clinic from 8am-noon. In the clinic we have about 4 medical students, 1 doctor, 3 Belizean pharmacy /medical techs, and a student pharmacist. Working closely with the medical students, pharmacists, and doctors has been rewarding in so many ways. They know I’m eager to learn so they’ll discuss patient conditions with me and will grab me to assist with patient care.  In the clinic I’m available for anyone who has questions or if someone needs my assistance. This week I helped by drawing blood, performing EKGs, assisting with PAP smears/vaginal exams, performing wound care, administering injections, and providing diabetic education.

For lunch I usually head over across the street to see our neighbor Charlotte. She feeds me well. Maybe actually too well! I get a large portion of rice, beans, and chicken, which costs about $2.50 U.S. After lunch, I head out for some home visits.

The majority of my patients are 60 years and older.  Common medical diagnoses I see are: cerebral vascular accidents, hypertension, diabetes type II, chronic heart failure, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, heartburn, and high cholesterol. I have around 50 patients at the moment. I’ve had two patients pass away. Both were in their 90s. I’m finding my job is geared more towards hospice nursing. I do enjoy working with the family and helping the patient feel comfortable during the end of life process. I also find it’s very important to take the time and explain to the patients what exactly is going on with their body. Patients may be told what they’re diagnosed with but many of the times don’t fully understand what is physiologically going on.

I like to see 4-5 patients in the afternoon. I do a full head to toe assessment, which consists of reviewing all their systems. I’ve had 4 months here in Belize to get to know all my patients so I now know what exactly to check on or focus on during their home visit. I’m also responsible for filling patients medications. I give them 35 days worth of each medication. This helps me keep track of the patients’ medication compliance. I’ve found pill boxes have been helping my patients take their medications correctly. I also learned that pill boxes can be extremely confusing to some. Pill boxes and medication compliance could be a blog in itself!