Jane Foster

Current Position: Registered Nurse, Cardiac Catheter Suite at Gold Coast Hospital, after a career in paediatric, adult and cardiac ICU, etc, at John Hunter Hospital.

From: The sunny and warm Gold Coast Qld

Role in Rwanda: ICU Nurse

What sparked your interest in being involved:
My career dream was to work as part of a WHO medical team in developing countries, but alas that didn’t eventuate. A few years ago a colleague participated in an OOH Team and renewed my passion to participate in such a team. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to combine
my love of travel and use my career skills and experience, working within a team of fellow minded professionals, in a clinical and cultural environment that is challenging and rewarding. Going to Rwanda as part of the OOH Team enriches my life as well as those we work with and care for.

Similar Trips that you’ve been on:
I have participated in Operation Open Heart Teams in Fiji in 2009 and 2010.

What you remember most from previous trips:
Most of all the appreciation of the people we care for, the children’s eyes and smiles, their parents quite devotion when being cared for in a daunting situation by unfamiliar professionals, their trust in us to care for them and their loved ones. Working with nurses from the native country, creating bonds on both a professional and personal level. The bond of the OOH Team what a wonderful group of people I have been with on both trips to Fiji. Exhaustion with many rewards personally. Inspiration for Rwanda.

Passions & Interests:
My two girls (Siamese cats – Allie & Sam) who are gorgeous. Cooking great food (currently a passion for Thai), enjoying good music, gardening (now I have a garden again), and appreciating the natural world around us.