Palliative nurses are special helpers who visit patients right in their homes. Unlike regular nurses, they meet seriously ill people where they actually live. Sometimes they find patients in strange places like storerooms or backyards, where families might have hidden them away. These nurses go everywhere – from houses without chairs to fancy air-conditioned homes. They see patients in all conditions, and each visit touches their heart deeply. For them, no patient is less important whether they are rich or poor.
Helping Beyond Medical Care
Selvy, an experienced nurse, shares a touching story about helping a dialysis patient. When the patient’s wife was struggling to raise money for treatment, Selvy and her colleagues quickly collected Rs 6000 and sent it to the wife’s account. They understand that care is more than just medical treatment. The local panchayat gives about five lakh rupees yearly for palliative care. They provide wheelchairs, medicines, and special beds to patients who cannot move. Interestingly, well-off people often demand more free resources, while poor patients remain quiet.
Emotional Connection of Care
These nurses develop deep connections with patients. Patients eagerly wait for their visits and notice every small change in the nurse’s appearance. Some patients seem to wait just to have one last meeting before passing away.
“When I go to a patient, I become part of their story,” says Selvy. She feels blessed when patients find comfort in her presence. The palliative care system works in three levels – primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals, with one nurse assigned for every 30,000 people.
Despite seeing many sad stories daily, these nurses find joy in their personal lives too. Selvy, after a day of difficult visits, was looking forward to her wedding anniversary and a movie with her family.
For detailed story, please visit: Awaz the voice
Also Read: Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Shyam Sundar Paliwal Transforming Rural India Through Piplantri Model
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