Tirelessly working to provide care and comfort, playing an essential role in patient recovery, nurses often remain in the shadows of the healthcare system. Their unwavering dedication that allows hospitals to run efficiently is rarely recognised. From soothing newborns to holding the hands of the elderly in their final moments, nurses embody compassion and resilience ensuring that patients receive not only medical treatment but also the human touch that is vital for their healing.
In this issue of WOW, we recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution of nursing staff even as we talk to some of them about their work.
SWIKRITI SHRESTHA
Chitwan
Swikriti is a dedicated nurse on a mission to bring healthcare awareness to every corner of Nepal. With unwavering determination and a heart full of compassion, she travels tirelessly to various districts, leading a campaign to educate people about basic healthcare. From remote villages nestled in the Himalayas to bustling towns in the Terai region, Swikriti’s presence brings hope and knowledge to communities in need. Her initiative aims to empower individuals with the information they need to lead healthier lives, covering topics ranging from hygiene and nutrition to disease prevention and family planning.
What inspired you to become a nurse? The role of nursing care is often overshadowed in the healthcare system, how do you view this?
I always wanted to join the medical field and help people. Studying MBBS was too hectic so I thought of nursing, I would still be helping people and be in the medical field anyway. Yes, we do get shadowed in general but we become family to our patients and I think that’s worth everything.
What are some misconceptions people have about the nursing profession?
People often assume that we are very rude and frustrated because we work so much and get paid so little. But it’s not that we are rude, we are just little strict for the patient’s welfare. It’s for them to adhere to the doctor’s prescription and treatment that it is necessary to be strict at times.
Can you share a particularly memorable experience you have had at work?
I had looked after an elderly woman patient well and while leaving she gave me a tip. She just gave me a hundred rupees from her savings as blessing; the amount wasn’t much but the gesture, her kind words and appreciation meant everything.
How do you handle the emotional toll of caring for patients and their families during difficult times?
It gets very hard at times. If anything bad happens to the patients, along with the doctor and hospital, we nurses get ill treatment and abused and cursed at, but we are used to it. We just take it as an emotional outburst that comes from the love for their dear one and we try to handle the situation very calmly.
Are nurses unsung heroes?
Being in medical field helping people with their life and health, I think that makes all medical personnel unsung heroes. Talking about my journey, I have been volunteering extensively and have travelled to almost 15 districts last year conducting basic health education campaign during my leave. I have 15 districts more in mind this year. The goal is to provide basic health education to everybody especially to people in rural areas.
SUBODH TIMILSINA
POKHARA
Amidst the flurry of white coats and hurried footsteps, there stands a compassionate and dedicated male nurse who not only tends to the needs of patients with precision and care but also goes above and beyond in his commitment to social work. Meet the unsung hero of Manipal Hospital, Subodh Timilsina, a man whose love for nursing is only surpassed by his passion for making a positive impact on the world around him.
In Nepal, nursing is often viewed as a female-dominated profession; how did you choose this career?
Since I was young, I have always enjoyed taking care of people. Hearing about male nurses abroad made me realise that men can do this job too. Even though nursing is seen as a female role in Nepal, I believe men are needed just as much. I don’t worry about nursing as a career being over shadowed, I just love helping people. It’s who I am.
Can you share any experiences where you have had to advocate for a patient’s rights or needs?
Doctors are the one who do the treatment and nurses are the ones who take care of patients, befriend them, provide comfort when they are ill, counsel them, are always available on call, and provide them suggestions and support. Through my career, I have always been there for my patients and ensured they get the best care possible.
Can you describe the level of teamwork and camaraderie among nurses in your workplace?
Being a male nurse, I thought it would be very hard for me to fit in the workplace but all the female nurses are very cooperative. We just do our work; we coordinate very well despite the gender differences, and stigma of being a male nurse. We communicate well and ensure our patients are our priority.
What makes nurses unsung heroes?
Being a nurse itself is a shadow job, we do so much and get neglected by the government. In Nepal, the scenario is the worst. I think deciding to be a nurse in this female oriented field itself for me was heroic. However, all nurses are heroes but just neglected a lot.
How do you handle the emotional toll of caring for patients and their families during difficult times?
It is not easy. I stay very patient, calm and composed. I do my best at counselling. Cultivating compassion has helped me navigate difficult emotional situations with empathy and understanding.
AKANSHYA SAPKOTA
NAWALPUR
A dedicated nurse working in Nawalpur, Akanshya is compassionate and dedicated to community service, particularly in her efforts to combat diabetes. During her well earned leave, Akanshya organises and leads free diabetes screening camps, bringing essential healthcare services directly to the people in her community. Her passion for preventative care drives her mission to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and management of diabetes, aiming to empower individuals to take control of their health from a young age.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
Despite the challenges and low appreciation that often accompanies a career in healthcare, we nurses are driven by our passion for caregiving and our commitment to serve our communities. In Nepal, where healthcare resources are limited and access to medical care can be challenging for many, my motivation to become a nurse is fueled by a sense of duty to alleviate suffering and promote wellness.
Can you share a memorable experience you have had while working as a nurse?
A patient once hugged me and burst into tears thanking me for my service, called me part of her family, and told me she will never forget me.
What are some rewarding aspects of being a nurse?
One of the greatest rewards is the opportunity to directly impact the lives of patients and their families by providing holistic care that encompasses physical and emotional support.
What makes you an unsung hero?
During leave, I make sure I volunteer for diabetes screening camp. I lost a very dear person to me to diabetes and I make sure I do my best to create awareness. I don’t know if I am a hero or not, but I don’t want my story to go unheard, I want other nurses to be inspired as well. We have a duty to save the world just like doctors.
How do you handle the emotional toll of caring for patients and their families during difficult times?
Caring for patients and their families during difficult times can take a significant emotional toll on us requiring resilience and coping strategies to navigate the challenges effectively. In Nepal, where cultural norms and familial dynamics play a significant role in healthcare decision-making, we approach each situation with sensitivity and empathy.
AJITA SHRESTHA
DHULIKHEL
A resilient nurse stationed at Dhulikhel Hospital, her unwavering dedication and courage during the Covid 19 pandemic makes her a true hero. Throughout the pandemic, Ajita not only stood at the forefront of healthcare but also faced a personal battle with the virus. Despite her own struggles, she remained steadfast in her commitment to caring for others, selflessly putting the needs of her patients above her own.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I am drawn to nursing because I always had a strong desire to help others, make a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to the well-being of our community. Additionally, the variety in daily tasks, the opportunity to continually learn and develop new skills, and the potential for meaningful connections with patients and colleagues are motivating factors for me.
What are some misconceptions people have about the nursing profession?
One of the common misconceptions about nursing is that it’s just about assisting doctors or following their orders. In reality, nursing is an autonomous profession with its own scope of practice, decision making responsibilities and critical thinking requirement.
Another misconception is that nursing is only about providing physical care. While that’s an important aspect, nursing encompasses holistic care which includes addressing patient’s emotional, mental and social needs as well.
To address these misconceptions, it’s essential to educate the public about the multifaceted nature of nursing. This can be done through outreach programs, media campaigns and highlighting diverse nursing roles in various healthcare settings.
Can you share any experience where you have had to advocate for a patient’s rights or needs?
Since I work in a country where patients and their supporting heads are unaware about their rights to healthcare facilities, I have to often be an advocate for patient needs and rights. I counsel them on understanding that they have every right to know the ongoing treatment and prognosis of disease and right to deny treatment plan with their respective doctors. Besides, the most advocacy I do in my nursing career is the need for right investigation and medication without delay.
What makes you an unsung hero?
Nursing can be immensely fulfilling and impactful profession if you approach it with strong dedication, resilience and a focus on both personal and professional growth. It can be deeply rewarding. Forming a committee and working actively during Covid 19, fighting a battle with a disease myself yet working for other people gave me a deep level of satisfaction that I did my part for humanity.
Can you share an unforgettable experience from your career?
I have lots of memorable experiences in my nursing career. The most unforgettable experience is the survival of a baby boy despite being in a mechanical ventilation for four consecutive times being admitted to pediatric ICU for approximately one and half month. When I see him on his follow-ups, I feel it’s all worth it.
NIKITA DULAL
JHAPA
A compassionate nurse working with B&C Hospital in Jhapa, her dedication extends far beyond the hospital walls. Nikita’s commitment to serving her community goes beyond her role as a healthcare provider. She is deeply involved in social work, particularly focusing on the well-being of residents in old age homes. Despite the demands of her job, Nikita devotes her time and energy to bringing comfort and companionship to the elderly, offering not just medical assistance but also emotional support and companionship.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
It wasn’t something I decided, it just happened. I enjoy my profession even though it comes with many issues. We get a lot of taunts, insults but we also get praise, love and appreciation. There was a time when I questioned myself if I should leave this and start a new career, but the appreciation from my patients always wins.
Can you share a memorable experience you have had while working as a nurse?
There are so many. Mostly, it is the good feedback and appreciation given by patients and their families when they leave.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a nurse?
Celebrating small victories and milestones with patients, witnessing their progress is very fulfilling.
What makes you an unsung hero?
Being a nurse itself makes me an unsung hero. We live in a country where the government does not give you enough credit and stipend, even our family humiliates our choice of career, yet we stay on and serve the people. I personally volunteer for old age homes whenever I have time. I make sure I visit the old age homes near me and look after their basic medical needs and give health advice. It’s not just me, our whole squad does the same every month.
How do you handle the emotional toll of caring for patients and their families during difficult times?
I give personal counselling, and also maintain personal boundaries when needed. It’s a roller coaster emotional journey with the patients and their families.
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