When I see the patients facial expression after the visit, whether minor or life threatening problems, I feel satisfied and I am happy to help them.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021, I was the charge nurse in a 15-bed COVID unit. I was called to the hospital gate where an ambulance had just arrived with a 42-year-old woman in respiratory distress and an 80% lung involvement, as shown by her chest CT scan. Her oxygen saturation was critically low at 65%, despite receiving 12 liters of oxygen via a bag mask.

The patient had been referred from a critical care unit 30 kilometers away, and her condition had worsened over the past five days. Despite my unit not being a multispecialty hospital, I discussed her case with the MD and we decided to admit her after obtaining consent and explaining the risks.

I provided high-flow oxygen, started IV antibiotics, chest physiotherapy, and ventilatory support overnight. Over the next 6-7 days, her condition improved significantly, which was remarkable given her initial state. The patient and her family members still come to see me and call me, they are very thankful and indebted to me for my diligent efforts. Yes I can’t feel their emotional tidings after she was saved but my self esteem and moral has grown so much.