International nursing: reflections on working in Sierra Leone

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• International Health
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• A nurse with experience in the UK's National Health Service and private sector recounts her deployment to Sierra Leone.
• The context of healthcare provision in a resource-limited West African nation is explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a personal narrative of nursing practice in an emergency department (A&E) in Sierra Leone.
• To reflect on the unique challenges and learning opportunities encountered during this international assignment.

Main Methods:

• Personal reflection and anecdotal reporting.
• Qualitative narrative of clinical experiences.

Main Results:

• The nurse details specific cases and situations encountered in the A&E setting.
• Observations on the differences in medical resources and patient care compared to UK standards.

Conclusions:

• The experience provided valuable insights into global health disparities.
• The narrative underscores the adaptability and resilience required of healthcare professionals in diverse settings.