Thursday, March 11, 2010

Clinic

Today at clinic we arrived to see probably close to 80 people waiting for us. As there is only one medical provider (me), typically I can only see 35-40 people. Needless to say this can cause some unhappy disgruntled people. Our clinic is the only free of charge, free medication clinic in the area. Now, keep in mind, this is a very BASIC clinic. The only "labs" I can do is a finger stick to check for blood sugar, and a urine dipstick. Anyone who is sick that requires anything more extensive such as x-rays or other things simply has to go to the hospital. However, I do see many people that I can give patient education to, how to improve their health by lifestyle changes, and to check blood pressure and blood sugar - give pregnant mommies prenatal vitamins, and check them out as well. Some people come expecting much more than I can give. However, it is a service that has been well received and we NEVER see less people than we are prepared to see. We ALWAYS have more patients than I can see in a single day. Today we had so many patients and the beginning of the day started just crazy. We have always required folks to make a line (which almost never happens), and every person must receive a number to be seen. This is the only way to ensure I have sufficient time to see those folks. Today - people were angry, pushing, refused to listen to us as we required a line to be made, and it was just crazy. I actually had to tell them to make a line - they all knew who was here before them, and that I would return in a few minutes once the line was made. We re-opened the door, and not much had changed. It's times like this when it's a little discouraging. People are mad, angry, upset. I feel like we end up being the "bad guys" when we turn people away - but I know we can only do the best we can and don't want to give bad service, hence the reason why we limit the number of people. Anyway - good clinic - saw many people with "gripe" (think cold), two people I sent to the hospital, and one very sick young man with probably pneumonia. So, I feel that we did good today, just a bit discouraged over the people who were not very well behaved :-(

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Sorry E. Take heart girl, you did good today.

Ellie said...

I guess you could always do what we do with kids, "Make a line calmly or we will leave today." Once doing that ought to either start a mob or teach them to line up! Sorry...

Weekly Well Water said...

Sorry to hear about the craziness at your clinic but it sounds like you handled it beautifully! I'm so proud of you and my faith is increased as I witness Philippians 4:13 in you!

Unknown said...

Just read this blog post and have a better idea of what nursing in Honduras might be like. My husband and I spent 2 months in Zacapa, Guatamala 3 years ago and helped with a few clinics which I felt were very discouraging. It is just so hard to help people who drink, bath, and do laundry in dirty water! I am encouraged by your attitude though in doing even just the littlest things and most importantly praying with the people. I see that even just doing a finger stick and a urine dipstick can be useful. I'm proud of you even though I don't know you. : ) Dorothy