BY JOY OFASIA
KRISTLEE Horoto, a senior emergency nurse consultant for the Emergency Department at the National Referral Hospital, says the most rewarding part of being a nurse is saving lives.
“Being a nurse, the most rewarding part of my journey is when you receive someone who is lifeless and you save him by giving him another chance in life,” she told SOLOMON WOMEN at the 2024 International Nursing Day celebrations in Honiara. “Sometimes, when you smile at a patient and, in response, he or she says thank you, it makes you prouder.”
Kristalee, who has been a midwife nurse for 29 years, said these acts are heroic acts that a nurse takes to save the lives of patients. She also shared a memorable patient story that touched her heart.
“There are many memorable stories I have experienced that have touched my heart these past years. But one of them was when a patient came in very sick to the hospital. That time, we were out of stock and there were no resources, and I remember the least I could do was touch that patient, put him against my chest, and talk, saying, “You can do it, just breathe,” as he made it through. Days later, the patient recovered.
“So, the point is that seeing the patients continue with their lives is the most rewarding part,” said the senior emergency nurse consultant for the Emergency Department at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Kristalee’s childhood inspiration to become a nurse came from her nursing aunt.
“I was inspired by the caring attitudes she had towards her patients; this motivated me to strive for this career,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kristalee shared some of the challenges she faced in her nursing career.
“Among so many challenges faced in the nursing profession, there are two that I would like to highlight. Essential medical supplies going Out-of-stock has often become one of the main challenges faced in the hospital. For example, in the past few years and during the COVID pandemic, we did not have enough resources in terms of medicine, commodities, and consumables. We were out of stock,” she said.
“Another challenge was losing my partner. He has been my support all these years, but he passed away four years ago. Trying to help a patient and putting you in her shoes became my emotional challenge,” she added. “I utilized my personal challenges to enhance my services and assist others who may be worse off than her.”
