Working as a nursing intern and a registered nurse since 2018 has given Husna a varied experience in the field. From medication administration, family education, patient health assessment, to immediate care, preparing patients for certain procedures, and assessing their emotional needs are some aspects of Husna’s daily life.
Nowadays, Husna is on the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis while working at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, and that presents new challenges. While she has managed patients with infectious diseases in the past, nothing compares to the precautions needed to contain Covid-19. Just the physical toll of changing personal protective equipment between each patient encounter can be grueling. Add to that, Husna has the constant anxiety of not only being exposed herself but also being the reason for exposure for her family and community members.
But, as a nurse, she also sees the other side of the story: patients whose only solace is the communication they have with their nurse. They are the only people that patients can talk to, serving an emotional support role. There are days when Husna spends hours with patients diagnosed with Covid-19, wearing an N95 mask, which makes even breathing a chore. But, she comes out feeling rejuvenated, knowing that she was likely the only person to make her patient smile that day — that helps Husna through most days.
“I advise every member of the Jamat to stay home, and follow precautions. Together, we can change the world. As Mawlana Hazar Imam said, we are a community that welcomes the smile — so keep a smile on your face through the most difficult challenges.”
