Screening

Hi there!!!! First and foremost let me apologize for the length of time between blogs. When I first arrived back to the ship I had a new position, I became the Screening Coordinator. I am in change of the 3 weekly screenings, the special Friday screenings and the surgeon screenings on Mondays. When I first returned I didn't really know what this would entail. My job started slowly and rapidly picked up speed and busyness. When the ship arrives in Togo I found myself working long hours and playing catch up with the "things of management" . Not being in management before I quickly learned about having meetings for everything, having at least 20 e mails when I logged on every morning and having to understand and clearly communicate every detail of everything I was not only doing, but thinking. These were often details that I didn't consciously think about and having to put them into words was often difficult.

Once screening began, there was a lot of fear and anxiety and worrying that I had forgotten something or wondering if I had made the right choice. My dreams the first few nights were of those that I had to tell that we could not help. It broke my heart. My waking hours were filled with crew and day workers staffing and patient flow layouts. There was so much that I had not even considered.

I know all new jobs are a bit overwhelming, but I hate feeling like I am totally in over my head. There were many times in the first few screenings that I had that feeling. Thankfully, now, those feelings are beginning to dissipate and the excitement of each day is coming forth.

"Who will I see today?" "Will we be able to help??" There are still challenges, like waking up every day between 0500 and 0530, but God has met me in them. He has given me a wonderful group of people to work with. Mentors, colleagues, friends and bosses. He has continued to provide at every turn. I'm excited to see what he has in store!!!

Hope you enjoyed thephotos by our incredible PR team!!!!!