Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as
any painter’s or sculptor’s work.” said Florence Nightingale
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Florence Nightingale was born on May 12th, 1820, in Florence, Italy. She was a great figure in healthcare whose influence goes on to this day. Often known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” Nightingale’s great work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for modern nursing practices that we see today.
Just like their model of inspiration, Florence nightingale, our nurses too work hard in dire situations for our betterment. We don’t need a proof of their dedication, During the Covid-19 pandemic so many nurses laid down their lives for the sake of humanity. In the battle against Covid-19, nurses were frontline heroes. They fought the virus putting their lives on the line. They were the source of support for isolated patients who couldn’t meet their loved ones due to strict visitation policies. They were living examples of humanity in those times of fear and uncertainty.
Nurses are a significant part of healthcare systems involved in providing essential services, from hospitals and clinics to homes and communities. They play a pivotal role in patient care, serving as advocates, educators, and caregivers, often going beyond their duties to ensure the well-being of those they serve.
“I always saw nursing as a noble profession, nurses offer a mix of hands-on care, emotional support and personal growth. Being a nurse gives me a chance to positively touch people’s lives, something that has always attracted me, the thought of doing so is so fulfilling.” says Nurse Ashyl Pereira from Navelim.
In hospitals across Goa, nurses work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive utmost care. They administer medications and provide emotional support to patients and their families during times of illness and recovery. Their presence is a source of comfort and reassurance, turning hospital rooms into place of healing and hope.
Nurses have been welcoming and are hospitable, which is clearly visible in the service they have been providing. Well known for their professionalism and commitment to patient care, they provide a vital link between doctors and patients.
They do not only offer medical assistance but also provide emotional support during times of distress.
“I enjoy being a nurse as it allows me to make a positive difference in people’s lives every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients during their most valuable moments and to be there for them when they need support and care. It also gives me joy to see all my patients happy and smiling”, says Nurse Richal from Velim.
One of the greatest qualities of Goan nurses is their multicultural competence. In a state like Goa, known for its diverse population, nurses have to acknowledge the various languages, cultures, and belief systems of patients. They ensure that every patient receives personalized care regardless of their background.
“I wanted to be a nurse since I was young because I saw what nurses do for others every day. Becoming a nurse was important to me because I wanted to do something in my career that is interesting, challenging, that made a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. I love being able to help others and make them smile while doing it. As a nurse I have the privilege to change people’s lives and leave a lasting impression. My mom told me that every time I made a patient feel better, count that as a blessing. I’m still counting my blessings every day. Being a Nurse I have worked with patients for 12 hours at a stretch. We Nurses are there to experience the first as well as the last breath of an individual!” exclaims nurse Wendy from Velim.
Beyond the walls of hospitals, Goan nurses also play an important role in community health. They conduct health camps along with other clubs with similar intent, providing health education, and promoting awareness to improve the overall health of people in their neighborhood. Whether it is through organizing vaccination drives or outreach programs in rural areas, nurses in Goa are the pillars to promote health and wellness for all.
“From a very young age I used to like providing first aid. My younger brother used to go to play and get hurt several times. When he came home I would clean his wounds and apply medicine and this is what led me to become a nurse” says Cenia Vaz, Nurse at Royal Hospital, Margão.
The long hours of work and demanding shift timings keep nurses on their toes. They attend to the needs of patients, sometimes even sacrificing their own well-being. Whether attending a distressed person in the middle of the night or assisting the doctor in an emergency they are always ready. They witness suffering, pain and loss almost every day. This has a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
Behind the nurse’s uniform and their gentle approach towards society lies a narrative often overlooked by the numerous hardships that nurses face in their line of duty. Many healthcare institutions worldwide grapple with understaffing issues. Nurses frequently work in environments plagued by resource shortages. Beyond the physical demands of the job, nurses are confronted with emotional challenges that often go unnoticed. Irregular shifts, long working hours are also problems for them.
Nurse Franzila Fernandes from Cuncolim working in Dubai says, “Being a nurse abroad is different, we are individual patients allotted to us, the first check up and inquiry is done by us. If any negligence happens from our side then we have to pay from our own pockets, even our license can get cancelled.”
Nurses are the unsung heroes of our societies, their dedication to serve others makes them true heroes. Goan nurses deserve recognition and support for their hard work and service. The legacy of Florence Nightingale continues through the lives and daily practices of Nurses around the globe. Just like Florence who tended to the soldiers of the Crimean war, Goan nurses have seen their own hardships
in the pandemic. This International
Nurses day, lets us honor these nurses who have shown us what true compassion and care looks like.
