Bartholomew K. Kamlewe is a young innovative nurse midwife leader who is passionate about social entrepreneurship and finding solutions to many challenges in our societies. He is one of the founders of the Nurses and Midwives Gala, an event designed to share success stories among nurses and midwives to inspire excellence in patient care.

Nationality and Location

Zambian from Luangwa District, Lusaka Province.

Background and Education

There are few publications by nurses and midwives in Zambia about issues affecting the nursing and midwifery professions. Against this background, I embarked on this journey to publicize homegrown experiences among nurses and midwives. It is hoped such publications will inspire fellow professionals to document and share their stories.

I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Midwifery, as well as diplomas in Midwifery and Nursing.

Qualifications and Experience

My combined nursing and midwifery professional experience spans over 15 years. I possess clinical experience and skills that have helped me train and mentor students and colleagues in various professional skills and attitudes. As a proficient healthcare provider, the knowledge and skills I have gained over the years can help close the gap between students and instructors, and guide high school students—boys included—to consider midwifery as a possible career.

Inspiration

I write professional literature focused on nursing and midwifery experiences. My publisher once told me, "publish or perish," and there is no better person to share our story than ourselves. This encouraged me to ensure nurses and midwives add their voices to the literary community.

Nurses and midwives have a rich history in Zambia, yet many gaps remain in documenting timelines and key individuals who grew these professions. There is much to write about, and these two books are just a drop in the ocean.

It has been said that teachers make us who we are, but I believe it is the midwives who determine the kind of human beings we become through their care during the labour process. Nurses and midwives are present at birth and death moments, so it is vital to be compassionate and respectful to the clients who entrust us with these moments.

Challenges in Writing

Finance is a major challenge. Writing from passion is good, but putting a story on the internet and bookshelves requires more than passion. From this, I have learned one must be fully prepared to take up this challenge. Fortunately, my publisher has been very supportive.

Another challenge is implementing timelines. Writing demands strict adherence to deadlines set by the publisher. Any procrastination delays the process and momentum, and readers may forget your work.

Handling Negativity

I share the purpose of my publications openly and invite readers to view my work through my perspective. Feedback is welcomed and has been overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging.

Hobbies

Apart from writing, I love cooking and taking on new challenges like saving money for 90 days. I enjoy listening to music and watching TV series and movies. Gardening is also a passion, especially growing flowers and vegetables. I believe every home needs a vegetable garden.

Past Projects and Ongoing Commitments

• Making Practical Attachment a Wonderful Experience
• Applied Midwifery: Managing your Pregnancy, Delivery and Post-delivery Health
• Enlightening the Childbearing Mother and Building Young Leaders

Ongoing commitments include expanding the experiences of practical attachments among nursing and midwifery students in Zambia, and building onto the history of midwifery in Zambia along with experiences of early midwives into a larger volume.