Ugandan Nurses Midway Through Foundation-Sponsored Critical Care Training Share Impact

Over a dozen nurses are halfway through a year-long critical care training program sponsored by Health Carousel Foundation. The initiative supplies the nurses with access to class-leading online training offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It aims to develop more nurses with specialized skills within Uganda.

During review meetings held at least quarterly, the participants shared the program's impact. Here's what some of them had to say.

"I want to thank the team for the incredible opportunity they have provided. We are very lucky that our country has this great benefit. This program has been a meaningful contribution to the nurses' careers," stated Cliff Aliga, who is a senior nurse assisting the nurses enrolled in the program.

"I am so grateful for Health Carousel for giving me an opportunity to study. I am glad to say that I have learned a lot. Before this program, I did not know much about intensive care, but since I have started studying, I been able to begin working in a surgical theater," stated participant Joan Mugabi.

"I want to express my appreciation for the Health Carousel team for providing us with this opportunity. The courses have greatly impacted me, and I have learned a lot. Because of the courses, I was able to recognize a patient with an aneurysm that, in the past, I would not have been able to do. The most valuable lesson I have learned is to be able to interpret an ECG. This is a skill I have always wanted to learn and has allowed me to be more hands-on with the physicians for our patients," stated student Natukunda Sylivia Mystica.

"I take this opportunity to thank the Health Carousel team for this opportunity. I have learned a lot, and besides the knowledge gained, I have exercised it with others. I have learned to use the acronym SBAR and have been able to share that knowledge with my coworkers," stated participant Justine Mbatudde.

"I was among those treating the COVID-19 patients. During this time, an ICU was introduced without any kind of training. We watched patients as they were dying because the staff lacked the knowledge required in an ICU. When I saw this opportunity, it was golden. I have been able to interpret patients' results and communicate with them about their conditions effectively when in the past I was not able to do that," stated student Sanon Lubaale.

The students have 5-6 months of training until course completion. The Foundation will be sure to share more stories of expanding skills and improved patient care as it concludes. Stay tuned!