A Day in the Life of a Nurse at Mother and Child Hospital

In honor of Nurses Week
By Mwenda

By 8:00 AM, while most of Nairobi is still warming up to the day, Kevin is already reviewing staffing schedules and patient reports. As Chief Nursing Officer at Mother and Child Hospital, a hospital in Nairobi, Eastleigh, his day is a careful balance of clinical care, team leadership, mentorship, and making sure no patient is left behind.

“I wear many hats,” he says. “But at the end of the day, I’m a nurse first , and I’m proud of that.”

Celebrating Nurses Week

This Nurses Week, we’re shining a light on the people at the heart of our hospital , our nurses. Kevin is one of over 40 nurses who make care at Mother and Child Hospital possible, 24/7. Whether it’s a child with asthma, an adult with high blood pressure, or a mother in labor, the nursing team is always there.

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We’re often called heroes, but really, we’re humans showing up for other humans. That’s what nursing is.”

A Hospital for Everyone

Mother and Child Hospital may sound like a maternity center, but the reality is much broader. Kevin oversees nursing care across all departments, including:

• Maternity and newborn units

• General inpatient wards

• ENT, dermatology, and urology clinics

• Dental, optical, orthopedic, and physiotherapy services

• Outpatient and chronic care units

“We see everyone here — babies, teens, adults, the elderly. It’s not just for mothers and children. It’s a hospital for the whole community.”

Leadership in Action

As CNO, Kevin is responsible for:

• Staffing and shift planning

• Mentoring interns and junior nurses

• Leading quality improvement projects

• Coordinating care with clinical and admin teams

• Handling emergencies and critical patient oversight

He also reviews clinical audits, participates in hospital leadership meetings, and ensures nurses have the tools and support they need to deliver safe, respectful care.

“It’s not just about responding to today’s patients. I’m thinking ahead , about training, systems, and making sure we’re better tomorrow.”

Still a Nurse at Heart

Despite the leadership role, Kevin makes time for patients. He checks on those in recovery, helps counsel worried families, and never hesitates to roll up his sleeves during a busy shift.“Having two kids of my own reminds me daily that every patient is someone’s child, parent, or loved one. That perspective changes everything.”

This Nurses Week, we celebrate Kevin and the entire nursing team at Mother and Child Hospital. Your work is felt in every heartbeat, every breath, and every quiet moment of healing. Thank you for standing at the front lines of care — not just this week, but every single day.