Today (May 12th) celebrates International Nurses Day with the theme of “Our Nurses. Our Future” to address the global health challenges, and to emphasize how crucial nurses are to overcoming these challenges.
About 421 thousand nurses have been recorded in Guangdong Province by the end of 2022, according to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province. They work hard day and night, during which there are numerous touching stories worth telling.
Drawing a zoo for a child with leukaemia
“I wish to have a shelter for homeless animals in the future. Do you think my dream will come true?” asked Xiao Bing, a little girl who was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Having known Xiao Bing’s dream, Zhuang Ying, a nurse from the Department of General Practice of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, painted animals for Xiao Bing and recorded their friendship through paintings.
Before they got to know each other, Xiao Bing was reluctant to receive medical treatment due to long-time suffering from disease and pain. With those paintings, Xiao Bing became more and more positive, and she said that she was brave because of Zhuang.
Zhuang Ying (Photos: Nanfang Metropolis)
A good nurse is a good listener
Li Junyi is a nurse who has been working at Baiyun Mental Health Hospital for about 19 years. He is a good listener to his patients, although his job sometimes is very challenging.
“There’s one time I was slapped by a patient who was in a psychotic episode. But I have to learn to deal with negative feelings when facing this, and I know they did not mean to do that. Therefore, I need to listen to them and help them recover and return to their family.”
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
As a nurse, Li feels that his work means a lot, especially when he helps his patients become more mentally stable and be recognized by their families.
A rural nurse: patients are my family members
As a nurse working in rural areas, Luo Chunling understands local patients well.
“I treat my patients as my family members and care about their personal lives. The hospital here sees closer ties among people. Apart from daily care, I also remind them to build healthy habits and comfort their families afar,” said Luo.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
One time, a mother took her 3-year-old child to the hospital. The child had a fever, but the mother brought no money as she left home in a rush. Luo instantly paid for them first and helped them receive emergency treatment, while Luo kept comforting this mother on site and the kid’s father on the phone. She also cooked for this mother and child as she found they did not have a meal.
“Teacher Mo”, a role model for nurses
Mo Xiujuan is a head nurse of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Dongguan Qiaotou Hospital. She has 27 years of nursing experience.
As the head nurse, Mo leads other nurses in learning theoretical knowledge and applying the knowledge to daily work. She avoids complications and errors as much as possible by giving comprehensive care to patients.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread, Mo was responsible for the fever clinic and isolation ward. She spent day and night in the hospital with patients. However, she never complained about her work, because she believes it is her responsibility to be a nurse.
“Regardless of what I stand to gain, I will give everything I have to whatever I should be doing. I will always be surprised by the outcome,” she said.
Mo has participated in five social science research projects in Dongguan, the compilation of two books, and published seven professional papers in recent years. Young nurses in the hospital respect her and always call her "Teacher Mo."
A Hong Kong nurse working in Shenzhen
Gao Yun is a senior nurse at the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital International Medical Center. She commutes between Hong Kong and Shenzhen every day.
Gao has often been asked if she wants to work in Hong Kong and spend more time with her family. She said, "I've thought about working in Hong Kong. However, the close cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong creates more opportunities for my career." She decided to rent an apartment in Shenzhen with her daughter last year.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Gao is particularly good at communicating with patients and is proficient in Cantonese and English. “Many of our patients are from abroad and Hong Kong; therefore, our nursing service represents an image of Shenzhen”. With her professional abilities and brilliant communication skills, she received lots of praise from patients.
“I can’t stay in Shenzhen without the support of my family, which allows me to focus on my work. Although I am still commuting between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, I am full of hope for my future career," she said.
A warrior in the operation room
Liang Jianhao is a nurse at the Second People’s Hospital of Baiyun District Guangzhou. He is the busiest person during the operation, wearing his 15-kilogram lead apron, a primary radiation protective garment used by personnel during operations. His work involves monitoring patients’ vital signs, administering drugs, and delivering medical equipment. He won’t stop until the operation is done.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
“We have to work in a radiation environment, and the lead suit is a protective measure.” Liang Jianhao explained that the heavy lead suit on the body is armour and a trial. His sweat is constantly soaking the lead suit after every operation.
Liang participates in 4-5 operations on average daily, with more than 10 operations at most. He has saved more than 100 patients since 2021.
Author | Rofel, Clarice
Editor | Wing, Nan, Jasmine, James
