What are the plans for 2012?
I do not plan to return in 2012. The next trip will be in 2013.
The focus in 2013 will be?
Building on 2011 by offering the three-day course to a wider list of locations, including outside the KTM Valley. Also, working with the people I trained in 2011 to build local capacity. The best description of the 2011 project is to be found ina 24-minute YouTube video. Please watch that to learn more.
Will you take others?
Yes. I will do better with a team that can help run more than one megacode station at a time and maximise the hands-on aspect of critical care nurse training. I hope to include some Nepali nurses on the team but also others from the West.
How will these persons be selected?
On a practical basis, this project costs money, and people need to be able to self-fund such a trip – probably $3,000 US Dollars including airfare.
Obviously, some kind of background in critical care is needed, but I would be willing to take undergraduate students if they are quick learners.
Beyond that, there will be some sort of application and screening process.
What would be the criteria?
First and foremost, a being a flexible team player. Having a sense of humor. Willing to devote time to learn in advance about culture etc.
Dealing with stress, and healthy coping are important, but I am not sure how to predict those things. We will build in some time to relax, but this is not a party trip.
Alcohol, and it’s use, are an important factor. Team members will be screened carefully regarding this. Putting yourself out of commission via substance abuse is not a way to help the team. If a potential team member’s idea of relaxation involves mainly partying and drinking, they will not be selected. You can stay home and do that!
Things like dressing conservatively and respecting the Nepali culture, are very important, and have been a key to my own effectiveness in the past.
what else?
I dunno – ask a question here and I will answer it!
