The unsung heroes in white coats

(GLO) - Nursing is a demanding and stressful job, and sometimes it doesn't receive the recognition it deserves. But above all, they silently care for and support patients with love for their profession and a strong sense of responsibility.

International Nurses Day on May 12th is an opportunity for society to understand and appreciate the silent contributions of nurses.

In addition to the dedication and love for the profession of each individual, it is essential to have the attention of all levels and sectors through appropriate compensation policies, improved working environments, and the building of sharing and respect from the community towards the nursing profession.

Behind every successful treatment case, in addition to the efforts of the doctors, there is the silent dedication of the nursing staff – those who directly care for, monitor, and accompany patients throughout the treatment process.

In addition to performing specialized techniques such as injections, infusions, dressing changes, wound care, and monitoring vital signs, nurses also assist patients with eating, personal hygiene, provide emotional support, and detect early signs of illness for timely intervention.

Having dedicated 15 years to the profession, nurse Do Thi Loi - Intensive Care and Toxicology Department, Gia Lai Provincial Children's Hospital (Pleiku ward) shared: "Being a nurse is already hard work, but working in the intensive care unit multiplies the pressure because most patients are seriously ill or in critical condition..."

According to Ms. Loi, the high-pressure nature of the job, inadequate compensation, and occasional misjudgment from patients and their families deter many young people from pursuing this field of study.

"To stay in this profession, you must truly love it, be dedicated, and have a high sense of responsibility, all for the sake of the patients. Our joy comes from witnessing patients recover their health, be discharged from the hospital, and return to their families," nurse Loi confided.

Nurse Do Thi Loi (Intensive Care and Toxicology Department, Provincial Children's Hospital) caring for a patient. Photo: NN

Besides professional pressure, the nursing profession also demands many sacrifices in terms of time, health, and family life. According to nurse Nay H'Chuin (Emergency Department, Gia Lai General Hospital, Pleiku Ward), the job involves frequent contact with many patients and their families, sometimes encountering uncooperative cases, even verbal and physical violence. But in any circumstance, the first thing doctors and nurses think about is always prioritizing the care and treatment of patients.

“The pressure of night shifts, working through holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), and the high workload mean that I spend most of my time at the hospital while my income is barely enough to live on. My greatest blessing is that my family is always understanding and supportive, allowing me to stay committed to this profession,” shared nurse Nay H’Chuin.

Sharing the same sentiment, nurse Bui Thi Hien, head of nursing at the Intensive Care Unit of Duc Co Medical Center (Duc Co commune), said: "The emergency department is always under stress because it is the first place to receive patients, many of whom are in serious or critical condition."

"The workload is heavy, night shifts are frequent, and the risk of infection is high, while the income and benefits are still not commensurate with the job pressure."

Having worked in the profession for nearly 19 years, Ms. Hien hopes that the healthcare sector will have more appropriate policies to ensure that nurses, especially young ones, can feel secure and committed to long-term service.

Nurse Bui Thi Hien discusses work with the leaders of Duc Co Medical Center. Photo: NN

According to Dr. Tu Thi Mai Linh, Deputy Director of the Provincial Children's Hospital, the role of nurses in treatment is extremely important. They are the ones who directly care for patients, carry out doctors' orders, and have the most contact with patients, so they often detect dangerous signs early.

In many emergency situations, the quick response of nurses helps save patients' lives before doctors are fully present. However, many hospitals are currently facing a shortage of nursing staff due to a declining number of people choosing this field of study...

According to Dr. Mai Linh, what puts pressure on many nurses is not only the workload but also the occasional lack of proper recognition from patients and their families. Some unprofessional behaviors, even insults and violence against medical staff, have significantly affected the morale of the nursing team.

"I hope everyone will have an impartial view and cooperate well so that doctors and medical staff can fulfill their duty of caring for patients even better, and I hope for a commensurate remuneration system for doctors and medical staff," emphasized Dr. Mai Linh.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/nhung-chien-si-ao-trang-tham-lang-post586836.html