SRC funding helps Ghana nurse get vital renal training
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Thanks to a thriving ISN Renal Sister Center Program between St-George’s University Hospital and the Kumasi Renal Unit in Ghana, one nurse has received the funding she needs to develop targeted training in nephrology, spending eight weeks at the center in London, UK.
Last year, Yasmin Boateng spent time training at St-George’s University Hospital learning about more about acute and chronic dialysis and observing assessment cases of pre-, intra-, post- dialysis patients.
She also interacted with the team of consultants and nurse practitioners, joined ward rounds and one-to-one sessions with dieticians to review patient’s diets. Finally, she observed two renal biopsies as well as renal transplant surgery. This was the first time a transplant was carried out at the facility in Ghana.
She says: “The most valuable part of the placement was the practical sessions in the dialysis unit. The highlight for me was the emphasis put on standard injection prevention measures, documentation as well as staff competency assessments.”
“I will enforce the use of hospital policies as well as policies on the renal unit and formulate new policies with colleagues back home to ensure better health outcomes for patients receiving care in my center back home. I will encourage the creation of tools to assess competencies of staff in my unit.”
“My amazing supervisor paid me with the nursing staff ad also arranged for me to see some procedures such as renal biopsies for the the first time. I learned new things, which will help me draw policies for my unit.”
An isolation unit is yet to be set up in her home institution. This training will help to implement standard isolation protocols to prevent the spread of infection. Once she returns home, Ms Boateng plans to give presentations and generate discussion on the need to formulate new policies baed on the needs of the unit so that procedures can be carried out without errors.
Plans to form a team of staff to assess the competencies of colleagues at the renal unit, using assessment tools designed by experienced staff. Reinforce the need for daily documentation about patients on dialysis.
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