Paediatrics!

First week in Pediatrics!! My clinical schedule is two days at Gatesville Hospital and the third day at the Tafelsig Clinic, in a more informal health care setting. I'm falling in love with pediatrics! The children that are recovering, or well enough to move around, often wave and even run up to us as we enter the unit. The walls are covered in Disney and other cartoon characters, and the doors alternate bright colors. The sisters (nurses) welcomed us to the unit, showing us around and allowing us to complete patient assessments and view various procedures. The staff couldn't help but point out our "Connecticut accent" and asked us all about the States and our families back home. Already, I feel like part of the unit. Since there is continuity of care at the hospital, being present for both Monday and Tuesday, the children recognize us the second day and sometimes remember our names. I was taught how to color properly, by a 5-year old, who then gave me a Spiderman sticker that covered almost half my arm - to match the one on his arm. Little kids are satisfied by the simplest interventions. Distraction is a big part of making the hospital "less scary," especially when the child needs an IV line started or blood drawn. In the Tafelsig clinic I did well-baby exams, checking 0-6 month old babies from head to toe. I felt the scalp for any hematomas or abnormal fontenel closures. Then eyes, ears, nose, mouth, arms, & legs, etc, making sure certain reflexes were present, and that the baby presented age-appropriate growth development. Babies who need additional care are referred to the Red Cross Children's Hospital. I love being part of the true community setting, and seeing the reality of various health conditions and treatments. As a student, I feel completely welcome in both the hospital and clinic settings, and am able to apply learned assessment skills with each patient seen.
As far as life back on 10 Loch Road, we officially removed the cover off the pool in the backyard! It's slightly green and buggy, but after a good shock treatment, hopefully it'll be good as new. The weather here has been getting warmer steadily, as we are approaching summer. Ashley tested out the grill for the braii we will be holding next weekend. (A braii is the South African term for a barbeque or grilling outside.) We are inviting the UNC Chapel Hill students who also happen to be studying abroad here.The way it works is everyone brings their own meat and beverages, and the host (us) supplies salad and bread. This will hopefully be the first of many!
Last weekend most of us went to dinner at "Mama Africa." I tried crocodile kabobs with Carrie-Ellen, and they were actually pretty good. They had a live band with South African music, and an authentic flare to the restaurant. Long Street is the popular spot for dinner and nightlife here in Cape Town. During the day, there are large flea markets, where you can bargain with locals about how much rand you'll spend on a bowl or animal figurine.
We have passed the halfway point - I can't believe it. The 14 of us will be having our own Halloween, since it is not a recognized holiday here. We're also planning a house Thanksgiving meal in November, with everyone making a dish. There's never a dull moment here to say the least! Missing everyone from home - much love from Cape Town, South Africa!