How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.

– Florence Nightingale

Mankind is Indebted to Them

For taking care of sick and helpless, caregivers need courage and fearlessness, especially in these tough times hit hard by a pandemic. It is not surprising that such a powerful quote came into the mind of the ‘Lady with the Lamp’, Florence Nightingale, who revolutionized the idea of the nursing profession, an occupation based on empathy, care and knowledge. She dedicated her entire life to the vulnerable and miserable.

Mankind is indebted to her and millions of nurses like her for spending their golden period of lives in the service of strangers who are sick and very very sad.

In reality, nurses are noble souls whom people hardly notice and barely appreciate. These caregivers keep in mind which medicine is to be given to which patient at which time. They take the utmost care of patients, keep checking vital functions of their bodies, show compassion, give warmth to patients and sometimes scold. Their ultimate aim is to keep patients in sound health, fulfill their requirements and support doctors during the critical period of surgery and other procedures.

These compassionate souls maintain the patient’s dignity and purity throughout treatment to keep them hale and hearty. Without a doubt, with compassion, sick bodies can be healed and lives can be saved. Mankind can learn ‘compassion’ from our sisters and brothers who are working hard as nurses in hospitals and health care centres.

Defeating COVID with Compassion

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged that sheer hard work and dedication of nurses and midwives have contributed to India’s impressive recovery rate. Needless to say, these are exceptionally challenging times for nurses.

As a caregiver they have to take care of themselves along with patients in hospitals and ICUs. And it’s obviously not easy to deal with COVID-19 patients while following all protocols like wearing PPE kits constantly and practicing hygiene throughout the duty hours.

Everybody should value the guidance and contributions made by nurses and have a firm belief that the ongoing war with this disease will be won sooner or later with the help of kindhearted caregivers. Moreover, the most beautiful form of compassion is when it’s shown to someone who will never know of your kindness.

There is no expectation of receiving anything in return and there are no words of appreciation or a loving pat on the back. It is a simple act of kindness performed since it is the appropriate thing to do.

Such a pure form of compassion is quintessential to nurses. This virtue is their key characteristic. In any society, one priority must be to make sure nurses are never forced to beg for basic amenities and protection. Right now they are dealing with mental stress and exhaustion and they deserve the seamless support that should be provided at all cost.

It should be kept in mind that health care infrastructure may face irreparable damage without these embodiments of care, kindness, and support. So, everything must be done to keep them in good health and a happy state of mind.