Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Patient and Nurse Education is Vital

Above, Suellen Breakey with patient Djuma and physiotherapist Emmanuel Muganwa.
Before patients go into the Operating Room, Suellen Breakey, PhD, RN, educates them about what will happen during surgery, what to expect in the intensive care unit and how they will feel afterward. The patients and their families exclaim in excitement when Suellen hands them a booklet of information translated into Kinyarwandan, their native language.

“The patients are surprised and excited to see that the books are in their language and translated perfectly,” Suellen said, adding that the books are helpful in teaching King Faisal’s nurses about heart surgery as well.

The books were translated by Egidia Rugwizangoga, RN, a BWH nurse and native of Rwanda. Although Egidia was not able to join us on this inaugural mission, she has been one of our greatest supporters. Her guidance and many insights are vital to the success of this mission, and words cannot express our gratitude to her.
Above, Egidia Rugwizangoga, center, with Leslie Sabatino and Ceeya Patton-Bolman at a February fundraiser for Team Heart in Boston.

8 comments:

eileen said...

Suziawellen-Good luck and be careful! love,mara we miss you. love, xo Ali

eileen said...

Suze- What an amazing gift you are all giving! Your dad would be so proud of you ...The world needs more people like "Team Heart!"
Be safe-Eileen

Anonymous said...

SUZIE
KEEPING TRACK ON LINE DOING A GREAT JOB. SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HOME.
ROGER

Anonymous said...

Hey Suellen! What a good egg you are! Best wishes to all of Team Heart for a successful mission and safe return home. Love Kathy, Shelly and Hannah!


Terry,
Love you, miss you! God bless all!
IOU LCF at Gennaro's!
Heidi

Anonymous said...

Suellen,
Thinking about you and everyone every day.
Love,Annmarie

Anonymous said...

Love you so proud of you and the whole team. Love you Mom.

Anonymous said...

Hi Suellen! Your selflessness is amazing. I am proud to call you a friend. Be safe and see you when you get home. Go Team Heart! Love, Bonnie

Unknown said...

This is amazing! Thanks TeamHeart for keeping Rwanda at heart! Thanks Egidia for being there for your country!!

Dr Felix Ndagije