Welcome to the start of a three part series on the six nurses, currently training in the UK, who have flown to Cape Verde to complete four weeks of work experience. We’ll be following their journey as they work with the wonderful healthcare professionals of Cape Verde.
Healthcare in Cape Verde has come noticeably far since tourism started to boom on the Islands and make an impact on the number of patients. The health services are always in need of more equipment as demand grows. The Resort Group work closely with them and also Medical Services SA, Cape Verde who have a fully equipped villa on MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa to help the people visiting on holiday and avoid any extra strain on the local resources.
It seemed only natural to continue this collaboration by helping to facilitate this. It was Dr Monica, who runs the Medical Services SA, and her colleague Dr Leah (right and left respectively in the photo above), who liaised with the University of Nottingham to organise the trip and helped place the nurses at the Hospital Ramiro Figueira in Espargos.
We spoke to the six of them at the start of this exciting experience so we could find out their first impressions.
Jasmin Purdy
Age 21, Nottingham
Why do you nurse?
I used to work in a Nursing home and wanted to be able to give something back to society.
What do you want to do once you qualify?
I want to be able travel with my nursing for humanitarian aid or a GP practice nurse.
What were your first impressions?
I’ve really enjoyed chatting with the nurses and patients. I’ve been able to help make a real difference to people lives.
Kieren Gill
Age 19, Leicester
Why do you nurse?
My family all work within the Health Care sector so I wanted to help make a positive impact on another person’s life.
What do you want to do once you qualify?
I want to work in a GP Practice.
What were your first impressions?
I have found it very rewarding helping people through the journey of being ill – helping them preserve their dignity whilst they are most vulnerable.
Lauren Walker
Age 20, Nottingham
Why do you nurse?
It is the only job I could see myself doing, as I love caring for people and seeing people through all stages of life.
What do you want to do once you qualify?
I want to go to Australia for 6 months to work there and then to join the Royal Air Force as a Commissioned Nursing Officer.
Kim Green
Age 20, Nottingham
Why do you nurse?
I enjoy helping vulnerable people who are unable to help themselves, and giving people a better hospital experience during their time of need.
What do you want to do once you qualify?
First, I want to work on a hospital ward to gain experience and more knowledge, then I’d like to work in a GP Practice, nurse or do district nursing.
What were your first impressions?
I have been quite surprised by the differences in Cape Verdean hospitals – they aren’t as equipped with the higher end equipment like MRI scans although they do have X-rays, ultra sound machines and automatic blood pressure. But they’re actually more in need of basics than the larger expensive equipment such as blankets, gowns and scrubs. Plus, they really need more incubators and cots in the maternity ward.
Alys Owen
Age 21, Leicester
Why do you nurse?
I want to help people while they are vulnerable, and want to leave a positive impact on their life.
What do you want to do once you qualify?
I want to start working on a ward to gain experience first, then I will decide what I want to do long term.
What were your first impressions?
If I could change one thing about healthcare it would be more money for resources – they are desperate to provide the best care. They take huge pride in being clean and sterile but they need more plastic aprons, sharps boxes, croc type shoes, etc.
Julie Rowlands
Age 38, Netherfield, Nottingham
Why do you nurse?
Since I can remember I’ve wanted to be a nurse but never had the chance before now to act on my dream. I love being able to care for people when they most need it. To make a positive impact on people’s experience when they’re most vulnerable.
What do you want to do once you qualify?
I really enjoyed my placement in Emergency care and would like to work within NHS Emergency care, however I’ve also considered moving abroad further down the line to share my knowledge with less developed countries.
What were your first impressions?
There is a difference in attitude – less communication and a more ‘just get on with it’ attitude. Our healthcare system and theirs could learn a lot from each other.
There’s more to come as we follow the nurses on their four-week placement in Cape Verde. Don’t miss the next installment; follow us on twitter and like us on facebook.