"Commands" from the heart

(Baonghean) - The medical staff we met were all admirable and worthy of respect: They were always dedicated to their profession and to their patients. Each had a different job, but they shared the same belief: "A doctor must not only be skilled professionally but also have compassion and integrity, treating patients as if they were their own family." Driven by this "command" from their hearts, they stood outside of public honors, silently shining in their work…

The philosophy of a good doctor...

At Vinh City General Hospital, Head Nurse Pham Thi Huong of the Outpatient Department has long been a shining example of dedication to her work, respected by her colleagues and loved by her patients. To elderly patients, she is like a dutiful daughter; to younger patients, she becomes a compassionate older sister and mother figure. Pham Thi Huong's spirit and attitude towards patients are like a painkiller, soothing their ailments and creating a comfortable atmosphere for patients during their visits to the department. Mrs. Bui Thi Suu (66 years old) from Trung Do Ward, Vinh City, a frequent patient, commented: "When I interact with Ms. Huong, I feel very comfortable because she is enthusiastic, serves patients well, and always has a cheerful and open attitude. Even with some elderly, difficult patients who are sometimes irritable for no reason, Ms. Huong remains courteous and treats and cares for us attentively, which deeply touches us." Even when we are sick and have to go to the hospital, we always feel safe and confident because this place has doctors like Ms. Huong who are wholeheartedly dedicated to their patients.

Nurse Nguyen Thi Huong provides advice and guidance to patients.

Sharing her thoughts on the "secret" to gaining the trust and affection of patients, Ms. Pham Thi Huong said: "Medical staff have the mission of caring for and protecting the health of the people, so we always dedicate ourselves to serving patients; we always remember Uncle Ho's teaching, 'A doctor not only has the duty to cure diseases but also to uplift the spirits of the sick,' and we remind ourselves and our colleagues to be dedicated to the profession... Ms. Huong always strives to live and work according to that aspiration, always dedicating time to being close to, encouraging, and sharing with colleagues, actively visiting and encouraging patients and their families, thus always receiving much love and affection from everyone." Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Deputy Director of Vinh City General Hospital, said: "Ms. Pham Thi Huong is always exemplary in all movements, and has passed on the 'flame' of responsibility and solidarity to her colleagues and those around her. Above all, Ms. Huong is always dedicated to her patients and is loved by them."

Dedicated to patients

Ms. Nguyen Thi Sen, a nurse at Nghe An Psychiatric Hospital, has dedicated almost her entire life to caring for patients. At 50 years old, with 32 years of experience, Ms. Sen has spent 15 years working in the Male Acute Ward. She recounts: "When I first started working, I was very scared because the patients were 'not normal.' But after overcoming that 'psychological barrier,' I realized they were pitiable people who deserved care, attention, and love." Every day, in addition to treating patients, Ms. Sen also cares for and serves them, assisting those who cannot eat, drink, or take care of their personal hygiene.

Nurse Nguyen Thi Sen cares for psychiatric patients.

Ms. Sen didn't recount it, but her colleagues are still haunted by a work-related accident she experienced four years ago. In 2011, a male patient from Nghia Dan, suffering from severe epilepsy, had been hospitalized multiple times. That day, Ms. Sen was on duty on a Sunday, so there weren't many staff members in the ward. After getting and distributing meals to the patients, Ms. Sen went to check on them. At this time, the patient became severely agitated, and Ms. Sen was struck by him, falling into a coma for a week. The hospital concluded she suffered a traumatic brain injury, affecting 25% of her health. After a period of treatment, her health improved, but Ms. Sen became paralyzed on the left side of her body, and her arms and legs gradually weakened due to the brain damage. This condition still affects her to this day: her husband has to drive her to and from the hospital, and she has difficulty speaking clearly… With her health stabilized, Ms. Sen resumed her work at the Psychiatric Hospital. She confided, "I can't turn my back on my profession because of an accident. Deep down, I always cherish the job I'm doing. Although the work is hard and dangerous, every time I see patients recover and leave the hospital, I feel happy. Seeing patients cured is the motivation that helps me overcome the difficulties and hardships of this specialized field."

After the accident, Ms. Sen's health deteriorated, so the hospital transferred her to the Traditional Medicine Department. Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Head Nurse of the Traditional Medicine Department at Nghe An Psychiatric Hospital, said: "Ms. Sen is a dedicated nurse who cares for patients very carefully and meticulously. She always advises and guides younger generations, sharing valuable experiences with them. Throughout her 32 years of service, Ms. Sen has consistently received the title of outstanding advanced worker of the hospital every year."

Silent dedication

Nurse Dang Thi Thanh works in the Intensive Care Unit - Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital.

Outside of honors, awards, or simply recognition, hospital orderlies never feel ashamed or inferior. They tirelessly dedicate themselves day and night to their unnamed, ordinary yet noble tasks, silently contributing to the common cause of healthcare. Orderly Dang Thi Thanh, from the Anesthesia and Resuscitation Department of Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, is one such person… Her workday begins at dawn: collecting garbage, separating it into household and medical waste, taking it to the garbage disposal area at the back of the hospital, and cleaning the operating room. Next, she receives surgical linens and instruments sent for sterilization the day before; sorts and arranges them in their designated places for the day's surgeries; cleans the hallway where pediatric patients await surgery, and the restrooms. When a surgery is finished, she continues to collect soiled items for sorting, cleaning, and sterilization; cleans the operating table and brings in clean instruments for the next surgeries.

Ms. Thanh has been working as a nursing assistant at the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital for nearly 30 years. Her salary isn't much, and the job has its share of hardships, but she finds joy in life in her children, her family, and the understanding and empathy of her colleagues.

Thuy Hien - Quynh Trang

Provincial Center for Health Information and Education