This morning I woke up a little early as usual a light cool breeze was blowing outside and the sun was slowly emerging from between the clouds in the sky. Like every day, the day started peacefully – took bath, prepared clothes and then had a light breakfast with a cup of hot tea. The taste of morning tea always adds to the energy of the day. Looking out the window I felt that the day was going to be a bit special because today I had to attend a surgical conference which was related to modern technology and robotic surgery.

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Within a short time I left for the hospital. People on the way were seen busy in their daily lives. As soon as I reached the hospital there was a different excitement within me because this conference was going to bring new information and experience for our team.

Doctors surgeons and healthcare professionals were sitting together in the conference hall. The topic was Robotic Advance Surgery: Benefits, Cost and Health Outcomes. The speakers explained in detail how robotic technology has given a new direction in the field of surgery. He explained that this not only increases the accuracy of the operation but also speeds up the recovery of the patients. Whereas earlier operations were done by making big cuts, now this technology completes the work through small incisions.

I was most interested in the session where hands-on experience was being given. The attendees there tried to control the machine themselves through the simulator — the experience was truly amazing. It was felt that the nature of surgery will completely change in the future, and the contribution of nursing profession will become more important in it.

When I returned to my ward after the conference I started morning rounds as usual. I visited every patient and inquired about their condition I encouraged them with a smile and I assured them that they would get well soon. I think the biggest contribution of a nurse or a healthcare worker is to make the patient mentally strong. Some patients smiled after listening to me and that moment became the most satisfying moment of the whole day for me.

After finishing the rounds I also interacted with my colleagues. We reviewed today's actions with the nursing staff, doctors, clinical pharmacists and the rest of the team. I then started hand hygiene training sessions, which is an important part of my infection control work. I reminded everyone how important hand hygiene is before and after patient care. Also explained about WHO’s “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” and explained with real examples how carelessness can increase infection.

I told them that hand washing is not just an action, but it is the first step in patient safety. Some new hires asked questions about this — like which solutions are most effective, how long to scrub for, and what techniques are used in surgical handwashing. It was nice to see their curiosity that the team is really taking infection prevention seriously.

Lunch time came in the afternoon, but I did not eat food today. Instead I had fresh fruits apple, papaya and some banana. The lightness that is felt by eating fruits reduces the fatigue of the whole day. There was some sunshine outside, the greenery of the hospital garden looked even more beautiful in the light coming from the window.

After lunch, I did some paperwork and documentation again, checked infection control records, and at the end of the day felt like it had been a very productive day. It is a new responsibility for me to apply the new information gained from the conference into my future nursing practice.

By evening, when the corridors of the hospital started becoming quiet, I cleaned my desk, applied sanitizer and came out. A light orange color had spread in the sky, as if the day had left behind some stories while bidding farewell. There was a balanced peace in the air.

On the way home I started remembering all the scenes of the day the discussions at the conference the smiles of the patients, and the dedication of the team. That's the greatest joy of my profession and learning something new every day and bringing a little relief to someone's life.

When I sat on the balcony and drank tea at night I felt that today was certainly a tiring day, but also full of knowledge experience and satisfaction. Perhaps this is the real beauty of the nursing profession to keep learning, to serve, and to end each day with new hope.

All Images by @alfazmalek

THANK YOU

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