Anne Hartman: Our Nursing Mentor

Behind a strong nursing team is a commitment to keep learning, growing, and improving the care we provide. Over the years, Professor of Nursing, Anne Hartman, has been among the key people helping to strengthen and shape our Nursing Department through her continued mentorship, knowledge, and dedication to advancing patient-centered care at FAME. 

Each year, Anne spends more than a month at FAME, working closely with our Nursing Department to strengthen clinical skills, share knowledge, and support professional development. During her extended volunteer visit earlier this year, she helped guide our nursing competency assessment initiative, led by our senior Nurse Manager. The exercises covered cardiac rhythm assessment in the Emergency Department, vital signs assessment and interpretation in the Medical Ward, male catheterization in the Surgical Ward, newborn resuscitation in Maternity, hand scrubbing and sterile field preparation in the Operating Theatre, first-visit antenatal history-taking in Reproductive and Child Health (RCH), and pre-anesthesia preparation in Anesthesia. These practical assessments reinforced existing skills, identified opportunities for further growth, and strengthened our team's commitment to consistent standards of care. Her support continues well beyond her time at FAME, with regular follow-ups and ongoing guidance whenever needed.

“Anne and I have a call every other week to discuss the Nursing Department's progress and areas where we need support. Even between our scheduled calls, she is always available whenever we need her guidance. Her continued mentorship makes a real difference in how we strengthen our team and improve the care we provide to our patients,” says Joram Sumawe, FAME Nurse Manager.

Anne's commitment extends beyond clinical mentorship. She has consistently supported FAME's fundraising initiatives, including our local marathon. This year, while runners took to the course here in Tanzania, Anne and her husband supported the cause by running in the United States and making a donation. Her husband's contribution to strengthening our data tools and middle management competencies has also been incredibly valuable, reflecting the couple's shared dedication to FAME's mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anne and her husband for the time, expertise, generosity, and unwavering commitment they continue to give to FAME. Their support reminds us that advancing patient-centered care is a shared effort, reaching across borders to make a lasting difference in the lives of the rural communities we serve.