A Different Kind of Mother's Day

We all know that being a mother is not an easy job.  Imagine being a mother in a underdeveloped country.  The obstacles they face seem insurmountable!  According to the World Health Organization, "Maternal mortality is unacceptably high. About 1000 women die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications around the world every day".  One of the most significant ways to decrease maternal mortality is to have skilled health personnel involved in the prenatal care, present at births and continued follow up and provide care of the mother during her child bearing years.  Nurses are the ideal educators for teaching these community skilled health personnel!  Kimberly Garcia, a 2009 One Nurse Scholarship recipient, traveled to Guatemala with Refuge International to teach Guatemalan lay midwives about nursing interventions to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death in the third world. Results of the study were published in the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing in January 2012.

Save the Children has published their annual report "State of the World's Mothers 2012" which gives an in depth look at the complexities of being a mother in different parts of the world.  It's a fascinating report and one well worth the time!

How can you help?

1.  Volunteer to teach maternal nursing to skilled health workers with organizations like Refuge International, Midwifes for Haiti, Grounds for Health or Empathy Uganda.  You can also search our Directory for more organizations that focus on Women's Health.

2.  Not able to travel overseas?  Try volunteering at a women's shelter or crisis pregnancy center locally.  These women have struggles and needs that can be addressed by those willing to reach out and care.

3.  World Vision has fantastic blog articles related to Mother's Day to read and consider sponsoring a child. 

Happy Nurses Day!

“Nursing is much more than just holding someone's hand. 

It is mathematics, no less than construction. 

It is science, no less than a chemist. 

It is task management, no less than a CEO. 

It is research, no less than a detective. 

It is hard work, no less than manual labor. 

It is giving, caring and guidance, no less than any advisor. 

It is multi-tasking, no less than a foreman. 

It is nurturing strengths and working with the weaknesses, no less than a chaplain. It is helping others be all they can be, just like the ad for the Army. 

It is accepting that women have strengths, as well as nurturing skills. 

It is accepting that men have compassion, as well as caring skills.”

Verbatim comment from “Men in Nursing” Survey (2004)

Happy Nurses Day and Week from One Nurse At A Time!

"I am taking this layoff as an opportunity to travel to Peru"

Emily Sorman, LPN will be traveling to Cusco, Peru with the organization A Broader View. There, she will be working in a small community clinic or hospital providing basic medical care. Most indigenous people, especially the children, lack medial attention. These clinics provide necessary health care including dental check ups and immunizations free of charge.
In her own words,"I am excited to be submerged in another culture where I am

not completely comfortable. I want to understand what it is like for those who don't have access to the resources we have in The United States. I want to learn and brush up on my Spanish skills. Most importantly, I want to help others who are in need. This is my life's passion, and it is why I became a nurse. I am looking forward to applying to an LPN to RN program in the fall. Many require volunteer health care experience. I can't think of a better or more unique way to get this experience."


Emily feels fortunate to have worked for Swedish Visiting Nurse Services as a Home Health Nurse. Due to financial constraints, the company closed its doors April 27, 2012. This job meant the world to her, but she refused to let it get her down. "I am taking this layoff as an opportunity to travel to Peru and while help provide medical care in a clinic. I am grateful for this scholarship, and look forward to sharing my experience with others."


Emily Sorman graduated from nursing school in her home state of Minnesota in 2009, then worked in Hawaii for a year and a half. She moved to Seattle in 2010, and now considers it home. She will be applying for LPN to RN programs this summer. Emily volunteers regularly at my local food bank. She has also volunteered through One Brick at various events for local community and non-profit organizations.