‘The pandemic has redefined our roles as nurses forever’

International Nurses Day observed across the globe

Kanili Kiho
Pughoboto | May 12

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses continue to remain at the forefront in the fight against the virus. They are the vital link in providing primary care and treatment to the patients. And for the most part, their struggles go unnoticed.

International Nurses day is observed on May 12 celebrating nurses across the globe for their selfless service to humankind. It commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the first “professional nurse.” 

“We have been nurses for as long as we know it. But this pandemic threw us all off-guard. It came like a cyclone. And it has redefined our roles as nurses forever,” shared Bursenla on behalf of the staff nurses at District Hospital Dimapur (DHD). With the COVID-19 pandemic in its second year, she shared that they are still in a learning process every day.

This International Nurses Day, the staff of DHD and the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) Dimapur Unit, celebrated virtually by uploading a pre-recorded programme for all to watch on YouTube and their WhatsApp groups. Bursenla who is also the President of TNAI, Dimapur Unit said that they could not simply let their ‘special day go by unnoticed.’

Hence, despite their workload, the efforts put in by the entire team in making the video was a way of acknowledging all the healthcare workers for their sacrifices, all the while strictly maintaining all the guidelines, she added.

Keeping in line with this year’s theme: ‘Nurses – a voice to lead, a vision for future healthcare’, she stated that it is through this pandemic that the healthcare system in the State has been upgraded with the latest facilities. “We as a team are all getting acquainted with new technologies with the coming of the pandemic.”

The day also honored all the lives of the nurses lost during the pandemic. Bursenla informed that so far, the State has not witnessed COVID-19 casualty among the nurses. “I believe Nagaland is being saved by God,” she shared and credited it to the “earnest prayers of individuals, churches and the many prayer warriors across the State.”

Giving ‘all glory to God,' she held that the declaration ‘Nagaland for Christ’ has been a blessing for the State. “Because our families are safe and sound, we are able to deliver our services without any hindrance,” she added.

She further encouraged all the healthcare workers during these difficult times to continue to work as a team. “Till now, victory is all because of teamwork. Let us continue to appreciate one another, instead of finding faults. Teamwork is the answer,” she implored.

Inaholi Asumi, Staff Nurse at District Hospital, Zunheboto conveyed a message to nurses across the globe- “Uncertain times like this is bleak, but your light shines true. Never quit, the world needs you nurses-- the heartbeat of healthcare.”

“Nursing is one of the most underrated professions. So much is done by a nurse, yet so little appreciation is given,” shared Aremsungla, Staff Nurse at Nikos Hospital and Research Centre, Dimapur.

Confessing that it is one of the toughest jobs, she acknowledged all the fellow nurses who are working tirelessly during this pandemic. 

“My heart goes out to the nurses who are working selflessly and risking their lives away from their own family to take care of the patients and their family.”

With nurses acting as the essential link between the patient and the rest of the health care team, Lalthanzami, Nursing Director at Eden Medical centre, Dimapur said that getting stressed out and exhausted, and worrying that something bad might happen are the everyday narratives among the nurses.

Today, they were in for a surprise as they received overwhelming support from the public, she shared. They even received cupcakes and masks which made it ‘so meaningful,’ she added.

Stating that the ‘dog days’ are ahead, Lalthanzami further requested all to continue to stay at home.