A smile may not cure illness, but in healthcare it can shape a patient's experience.
A Kenyan nurse working in the United States is reminding colleagues that professionalism, patience and compassion are just as important as clinical skills when caring for patients.
A Kenyan registered nurse based in the United States has advised nurses planning to relocate abroad to prepare for a major cultural shift in patient care, warning that disrespectful behaviour towards patients could carry serious professional and legal consequences.
Speaking in a video shared on her TikTok page, Nurse Doll said some healthcare workers who have become accustomed to speaking harshly to patients in overstretched public hospitals may struggle to adapt to the expectations of the American healthcare system.
'You Need to Change Your Attitude'
Nurse Doll urged nurses to reflect on how they interact with patients before making the move overseas.
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"Before ata ufikiririe kukuja majuu kama nurse, jiulize are you ready to fix your attitude, especially if you've been working in a public hospital and you talk to patients the way you want. You need to change that sababu hapa uta lala ndani tena masiku mingi sana," she said.
Nurse Doll // Tiktok
Her remarks suggest that behaviour considered unacceptable in American healthcare settings can result in disciplinary action, dismissal, civil lawsuits or, in some cases, criminal investigations depending on the nature of the misconduct.
The advice comes as increasing numbers of Kenyan healthcare professionals seek employment opportunities in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, driven by better pay, improved working conditions and global demand for nurses.
Patient Care Standards
Healthcare systems in the United States place significant emphasis on patient rights, informed consent, confidentiality and respectful communication.
Medical professionals are expected to uphold strict ethical standards, with hospitals often investigating complaints related to patient treatment.
Nurse Doll // Tiktok
Professional bodies such as the American Nurses Association encourage nurses to provide compassionate, patient-centred care regardless of a patient's background, race or social status.
Social Media Users React
Nurse Doll's advice sparked a lively discussion, with many agreeing that respectful treatment should be the standard everywhere, not just abroad.
Instagram user @chiki_lee commented:
"Not just abroad, pia hapa Kenya y'all should treat patients well.. nkt."
Another follower, @akum1, joked:
"Nikiona tu dollars mdomo inarudi reset. Nafunga mdomo. Lakn salary ya Kenya hasira inapanda kila siku."
User @BECKY_BECKS observed:
"Abroad can really humble all professions."
Meanwhile, @Mwanaliza wrote:
"Na inafaa iwe hivyo... medics should be kind."
Some responses were humorous. @SilentOne quipped:
"My wife will not survive even the first hour."
Similarly, @Jackie❤ joked:
"Me nitafungwa day one."
Others shared personal experiences. @Lydia_Mkenyamarekani 🇰🇪🇺🇲, who recently gave birth in the United States, praised the level of care she received.
"The way I was treated when giving birth two weeks ago weeh... I was treated like a queen... and when I compare the way I was treated in Kenya... next year same place nazaa tena," she wrote.
