Rural Health Unit

My second placement in the Philippines is at RHU Tanauan. It's a rural health unit that encompasses three communities. My first day there was quite stressful. I spent the whole day having to explain to the staff why I didn't know how to do anything. Now however, a week into my placement, I am amazed at how much I learned! I can take the patient's blood-pressure, measure the fetal height, dispense medication, admit and discharge patients... this is all due to the staff giving me so much freedom and confidence. If they had it their way I'd also be giving immunizations, checking the fetal position, taking out sutures (and perhaps even putting them in if the opportunity had presented itself!), and assisting in the birthing room!

My day now starts earlier than when I was in the orphanage since I have an hour commute to the clinic. Once there I help the four nurses with their morning tasks, which usually involves admitting patients and taking vital signs. Then once the morning rush is over, I help out at the medication counter where I fill prescriptions (if we have the stock -- which unfortunately is rare) and fill out the discharge records. The late mornings are quite long since there isn't much to do, and we are four doing it!

My afternoons have recently consisted of shopping for the orphanage using the generous donations I received after my "Helpful Ideas" post a couple of weeks ago. So far I've outfitted the orphanage with a bookshelf, 200+ books, a scooter, a tricycle, a basketball hoop, 2 walkers, and a bunch of medication. Still to be bought: another 100+ books, a second scooter (they LOVE the first one), a couple dictionaries, encyclopedias and atlases. I will also use some of the donated money to buy some much needed medication for the health clinic. Many thanks to all those who donated! I will soon post pictures of the kids with the various donations.