Nursing school grad focused on caring for women and children in Tanzania

The coronavirus pandemic has presented obstacles for students, but it hasn’t stopped senior and nursing major Cierra Battle from making post-graduation plans.

With the help from staff at the Kentucky Institute for International Studies, Battle has accepted an elective program at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. She will spend her time in the maternity, pediatrics and emergency medicine departments for six months.

Battle knew she wanted to work as a nurse in another country after studying abroad in 2018.

Caretaking, she says, comes naturally.

“I grew up in a large family and helped my mom with my younger siblings. I love babies and wanted to be able to do something that allowed me to do the things that make me truly happy,” Battle said. “Doing my own research and getting some advice from a mentor of mine brought me to the conclusion that midwifery was exactly what I wanted. Supporting and serving women during the process of bringing life into the world is amazing.”

Battle said her goal is to become a certified nurse midwife and open her own practice in Louisville for women of the immigrant population and Black women.

“I want to be able to provide care to these women that is appropriate, accessible, and what they deserve. I eventually want to open a practice in Tanzania,” Battle said.

Battle is a Woodford R. Porter Scholar and previously served as president of the Black Student Nurses Association and as a Diversity Student Ambassador for admissions.

Adrianne Kelly contributed to this story.