FLORENCE Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing once said that “the most important practical lesson that can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe, how to observe, what symptoms indicate improvement, what the reverse is, which are of importance, which are of none, which are the evidence of neglect, and of what kind of neglect.”
Last June 7, 2019 I was assigned at Obstetrical Ward 2 at Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) for Clinical Instructor’s orientation as preparation for the Level 2 students’ incoming clinical exposure. I was not excited since I was thinking of a very crowded and noisy environment considering that I will be assigned in a ward where there are many clients. But I was wrong, and I must admit that I was amazed on how the environment looked like.
As I entered the ward, I saw a very happy environment. The pink, soft and clean linens make the mothers and babies very comfortable. When I started to look at the surroundings, it was very tidy for me. Most importantly, mothers were smiling with their newborn babies beside them without evidence of neglect. Oh, what a wonderful place to stay after giving birth!
The nurses’ station was like heaven, staff nurses appear to be like angels with happy smiles and nurturing attitude. Most evidently, I have witnessed nurses from time to time personally communicating to patients with utmost attention, carefully observing their symptoms, and alleviating their concerns. What adorable nurses caring passionately!
Mary Elizabeth Flores, the head nurse, is also always calm and extra caring. She makes sure that the environment is therapeutic and that everyone is comfortable. Her healing attitude has contributed to the patients and even staff’s well-being. Her positive attitude has been contagious to everyone!
I must say that not all nurses can be like Florence Nightingale. But thank God that there are still nurses possessing practical attitudes that Nightingale believes to be observed by a nurse. If I were to have the chance of giving birth once more, I will choose to be taken care of these passionate nurses.