For more than fifteen-years, Nurse Elysa Samvura has been working with Global Strategies caring for newborns at risk throughout Eastern Congo. She has faced many challenges over the years as she and her team have cared for premature babies and those born with life-threatening illnesses. And, it’s not only the babies that need care as at-risk newborns affect the whole family.
Learn more about the challenges and the joys of Elysa’s work through this interview conducted by Dr. Joshua Bress.
Tell us about the babies. What illnesses bring them to your care?
Elysa: The most common reason a baby needs help is preterm birth–born too early. In our neonatal unit, I also provide care for babies with infections, difficulty breathing, jaundice and malaria.
What are the challenges for the families whose babies need care?
Elysa: In our setting, neonatal mortality is common and touches everyone. Many parents must return to work to sustain themselves. We call the parents every day to talk to them about the care the baby is receiving and the treatment plan. I cannot overstate how devastating preterm birth can be on family finances–it is an unexpected shock.
Can you remember a time where you felt you made a big difference in a baby’s life?
Elysa: Many, many memories. One recently is a baby born at 27 weeks and 5 days gestation. Months before term. He was born at 950 grams (~2lbs). Right now I’m actually in the field doing training, but when I left that baby was with his mother at 1.55kg and doing well.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a neonatal nurse? What is the most challenging?
Elysa: The most pleasant aspect is to see a baby born sick or preterm survive without any apparent long-term effects. It is immensely joyful.There are also real tragedies in our profession and witnessing those tragedies breaks your heart.
You have visited families in their homes. What are these visits like and what have you learned from doing them?
Elysa: Home visits are an opportunity for us to interact with the families. We can see where the baby and parents are living. In the community, there are many false teachings by non-medical traditional healers. The home visits are an opportunity to reinforce the education of parents and discourage dangerous practices. In addition, we can provide simple hands-on care in the home.
What is it like to be a neonatal nurse instructor teaching other nurses how to care for babies?
Elysa: It’s my duty to pass on knowledge and skills to other nurses. I’m proud to be someone who has reached a level where I can train others. I also learn by being a teacher and it helps me stay current in my field.
