Hello everyone, my name is Jasmine Thomas. I am a Theatre Nurse working in University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Originally from India, I moved to Ireland two years ago and have been enjoying my time here ever since. Outside of work, I love exploring new places, trying out different cuisines and spending time with my friends and family. I also love preparing good food, this is my way of having quality time for myself. As a nurse, I feel it's very important to focus on self-growth and maintain good psychological wellbeing, which in turn impacts on patient care.
On days that I’m working, I wake up at 6am and do my chores at home. I typically start my work at 8am in the theatres in UHL. Each day is a learning curve for me, and presents new challenges. As a theatre nurse, I can never say that “I know everything”. This is simply because every patient is unique and faces different challenges. This is also why I enjoy every moment working in theatre. I get so involved in work that I don’t realise when the day has ended and it's time to go home, the day flies by.
As a theatre nurse, my typical working day starts with going through the checklist in the morning, setting up the theatre for surgery and co-ordinating the theatre list with Clinical Nurse Managers. Sometimes I am involved in assisting the anaesthetists and other times I scrub for the case. Depending on the need, I am required to be flexible in my work environment.
My favourite part of the day is when I reflect and realise that I have done justice to my job. I feel proud to have played a part in saving peoples’ lives. That is what keeps me motivated and gives me strength to wake up next day go to work again.
I have had many moments which made me feel proud as a nurse. One such moment is when a colleague on one of the wards said, ‘You are the best nurse I have ever come across’. This compliment is one every nurse loves to hear. It's something every nurse deserves for the hard work and huge effort we put into caring for our patients.
My key area of focus right now is to provide the best possible care to all my patients. Also, to learn new things every day which will make me better as a human being. On this International Nurses Day, I wish for nurses all over the world to have an equal opportunity to grow, to be empowered and receive respect for their work. There are many nurses around the world still experiencing workplace burnout so work-life balance is important.
In conclusion, I feel honoured to be a theatre nurse and to be able to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.
Happy International Nurses Day to all!