Nurse Mary- Scrub Nurse Theater
Nurse Mary on the further right cutting a surgical suture during a procedure.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in nursing?
I was fourteen years old. Growing up, I used to be quite sickly due to a condition called menorrhagia, which caused excessive bleeding during my periods. Whenever I was taken to the hospital, I admired how the nurses took care of me. Their gentle handling and care inspired me to pursue nursing so I could help others with similar conditions.
What was it about that specific encounter that solidified your desire to become a nurse?
I grew up in a very humble background where access to clean clothes and general body cleanliness was an issue due to the lack of clean water and clothing. My condition made things even worse. During this difficult time, some nurses would avoid me because of my physical appearance. However, one nurse named Frank always embraced me with love and care, regardless of how I looked. This compassionate treatment made me decide to become a nurse so I could embrace and help all people, regardless of their looks or status.
Why did you ultimately choose nursing over other medical professions?
For me, nursing is about giving back to the community. It’s about providing the love and care that I received from the nurses who cared for me. I thank God that I am a nurse because I am doing work that is close to my heart and that I truly love.
What aspects of your work as a nurse do you find most fulfilling?
Nursing is the primary point of contact for every patient. I love that we deal directly with people’s souls because when you treat the body, you also treat the soul. As a nurse, I encounter patients who have lost hope or are questioning why they are ill. It's essential to counsel them and give them hope before starting to treat the body.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your experience as a nurse?
COVID-19 was a global scare. Everyone was frightened, and as a frontline caregiver, I was no exception. The PPE kits were very uncomfortable, but they were necessary. It felt like a struggle to breathe freely. The worst part was seeing patients improve only to suddenly worsen and pass away. This was a painful period. Our families lived in fear due to the virus's deadly nature. It was a traumatic experience for everyone. I must commend my organization, FAME, for their commitment to fighting the virus. They ensured we had everything we needed, which saved many lives.
What do you love most about working in the theater as a nurse?
I love saving lives, it’s a part of me. In the theater, we handle cases directly related to life-saving. My prayer for every patient is for God to use us to save their lives. Working in the theater has also allowed me to learn many new procedures as a scrub nurse, especially during complicated surgeries with Dr. Manjira [FAME’s Surgeon & Head Medical Officer in Charge]. Additionally, it has boosted my confidence, enabling me to handle emergencies without panicking. Working in the theater requires a systematic response to critical situations, and I’ve learned to manage this effectively.
If given the chance to do it all over again, would you still choose the nursing profession?
Absolutely. I would still choose to be a nurse. I have a passion for serving the elderly, who often need primary health care but are frequently forgotten by society. I would also love to nurse children, but they are usually well cared for by society and the government. The elderly, however, are often neglected. I’ve encountered cases where better family care could have significantly improved an elderly person’s health.