Wesley Lemayian was in the pioneer class of The Karen Hospital Medical Training College (TKHMTC). He joined the institution in September 2013 and completed his Kenya Registered Nursing (KRN) in 2016. “I always wanted to get into the medical field. When I completed my high school education, one of my friend’s dad, a doctor who worked in Nairobi, brought to my attention that the TKHMTC was being established, and that is how I got to know about it,” he explains.

Lemayian applied and successfully passed the interview, acquiring admission to the institution. Though it was tough to get someone to sponsor him through the college which was then located in Ngong town, he was fortunate to receive a 50 percent scholarship from Dr. Betty Gikonyo which helped him begin his nursing dream.

He has fond memories of his days at the college. Lemayian expounds, “The college has a personal involvement in the students’ lives. The warmth with which students are addressed makes it very much like a family.” He is grateful for the clinical experiences as they gave him exposure to the healthcare profession and adds that “Training in an institution like this sets you apart because of the level of facility, equipment, technology and personnel at your exposure in the Karen Hospital. In addition, students also get clinical exposure to other hospitals, giving them a wide experience.”

On completing his studies, Lemayian got a job at the Karen Hospital where he was placed as an Accident and Emergency Nurse in the Casualty department. “Working in the Casualty department has provided me with plenty of opportunities to grow. I have learned to respond to new situations at a moment’s notice, learn and practice leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills,” he says. With most people experiencing emergencies in their lifetime, Lemayian’s expertise in this area is invaluable. As part of his career growth, over time he has taken up short emergency courses. Today he is also a trainer in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Paediatric advanced life support (PALS), and Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) which are all short-certificated courses. He also does ISO audits, and Trains on the same in the main hospital, clinics, and various organizations. Lemayian rose to the role of the nurse manager at the accident and emergency.

After 7 years of working at the Karen Hospital, this year Lemayian took up a new role at the Narok Referral Hospital. “Change is inevitable and I believe it’s time to give my experience back to my community. For instance, there is so much ignorance around non -communicable diseases, and I see this as an opportunity to educate, enlighten and change the mindsets of the community. I look forward to engaging with the community in a deeper way as well as gaining new perspectives, “he says.

He considers it a privilege to serve people and finds fulfillment in knowing that at the end of each day, he has made a difference in someone’s life. Lemayian’s story is a testament to the impact TKHMTC and the Karen Hospital have had on his life and career. His dedication and passion for healthcare continue to be instrumental in transforming the lives of those he has served.