Kerrie Bull, a Clinical Midwife/Nurse at Mater Mothers Hospital in Brisbane, embarked on a life-changing journey on a Nurses in Action program in Nepal, November 2024. Her experience was nothing short of incredible - a blend of professional fulfillment, cultural immersion and heartwarming connections.
From the very first days of getting to know her fellow volunteers and working through any concerns with team leader Jen, Kerrie embraced every moment "I just let Nepal soak into my being," she said. She worked on the gynae/post-Caesarean ward at a local Hospital, where she quickly bonded with the local staff despite the language barrier. These colleagues soon became friends and Kerrie was touched by their surprise at her young age and their warmth in sharing family photos.
One of the most rewarding experiences for Kerrie was assisting new mothers with breastfeeding. "One mother had not been able to get her baby to attach to the breast since birth. It was 24 hours later and she asked for my help. After 20 minutes, baby was on and suckling beautifully. Her smiles and Dad’s smiles will stay with me," Kerrie recalled. Moments like these, though part of her everyday work in Australia, felt even more meaningful in this new setting.
Kerrie also found great joy in visiting aged care homes during health camps, where she had to think on her feet to educate residents, often turning health exercises into moments of shared laughter. "We all had a great laugh doing exercises," she said. The children’s homes were equally memorable. "Their happiness and love of dance - how they cared for each other was incredible." Her time in local villages and being surrounded by mountains, beauty and a sense of community, left a lasting imprint on her heart.
The inspiration behind Kerrie’s decision to join Nurses in Action stemmed from a lifelong desire to volunteer abroad. "I have always wanted to volunteer abroad and help those in need in whatever way I could, but life interrupted," she shared. When the program appeared on her Facebook feed, she shared it with friends and before she knew it, they were on their way. Kerrie felt well-informed and supported throughout the entire process, which exceeded her expectations in every way. "I went well-informed, nervous but confident we would be well looked after - and we were."
Reflecting on how she contributed, Kerrie humbly acknowledged that while she may not fully grasp her impact, she knows that leading by example - demonstrating breastfeeding techniques, identifying unwell babies and sharing insights about healthcare differences between Australia and Nepal all made a difference. "I am not really sure how helpful I was," she said, "but I believe these things were."
She firmly believes that quality healthcare for these communities is crucial, as Nepal continues to work towards improving its health and education systems despite economic challenges. "One of the things that is abundantly clear as soon as you get to Nepal is how fortunate we are in Australia. Nepal is a poor country that is trying very hard to improve its health and education systems. It is so important to help in any little way - to reach out to the communities that get forgotten and to support those providing health services."
Kerrie’s love for Nepal was immediate. "I fell in love with Nepal probably on the first day! The people, the beauty of the country, and the friends I made at the hospital and in the places we stayed have drawn me back. I decided I wanted to come back before I even left!" And that’s exactly what she’s doing, joining a Nurses in Action program in Kenya! What makes her next journey even more special is that she’s bringing along friends and colleagues, who were inspired by the stories she shared. "I think it is just sharing my experience that awakens the same desire to volunteer in others... Perhaps my age - if an old girl like Kerrie can go, so can I!"
The bond Kerrie formed with the five midwives who travelled with her is unbreakable. "The five midwives who were on the trip with me have formed a special bond with our shared experience. Being able to talk about our experiences - good and bad - and being there to support each other has been amazing." They are now eagerly preparing for their next adventure in Kenya. "Four of the girls are coming to Kenya next year with me! (I) Can’t wait!"
Kerrie’s advice to anyone considering joining Nurses in Action for the first time is simple: "Do it! Just do it! You won’t regret it."
She urges volunteers to keep an open mind, have no expectations and remember that even the smallest acts of kindness - a touch, a smile, a moment of listening - can leave a mark. "Remember the changes you can make are small and may seem insignificant, but they won’t be. People remember kindness, touch and smiles more than procedures. The impact of your care is huge and just as big as the impact they will have on your own life!"
