Laura's Nursing Observation at San Ignacio Hospital

Laura at San Ignacio Hospital
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

From November 21st- December 2nd I participated in a nursing observation at the San Ignacio Hospital. This is a public hospital that provides free healthcare. The first week of my nursing observation I assisted in the maternity ward where I was fortunate to observe and assist in the births of several beautiful babies. This picture is of me in the delivery room at one of the two beds where the mothers are stationed to have their baby. Since the husbands were not allowed in the delivery room I held the mothers' hands as they painfully delivered their child. After the birth, I assisted the nurse in cleaning up the mother as well as taking her blood pressure and escorting her to the recovery room. Once in the recovery room I would attach the IV bag and get it started for her. After this process was complete I would aid the nurses' assistant in recording the weight and height of the baby. After the baby was dressed I would sometimes be the fortunate person to deliver the baby to the proud mother. My favorite part was seeing the big smiles on the moms' faces after they had seen their baby for the first time. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to share in these moments with the mothers.

Laura Gaugler
Messiah College