Hands that save lives
Angyl Fayth Ababat’s remarkable story has captured hearts all over the country. The nursing student, who fearlessly rushed to attend to a mango vendor’s life-threatening wound on the streets, had once never considered becoming a nurse at all when she was younger. Now, her name has been shared far and wide, proving that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, anyone can rise to the occasion and make a difference in the lives of others.
Destiny
Much to everyone’s surprise, Angyl was set to pursue a pre-law degree in Accounting. However, she realized that working in the corporate field was not where her passion lies.
“A part of me, deep inside, always would be in awe of the beauty of science. I’m also a type of person who’s fond of communicating and interacting with other people. I think the closest course where I can see myself enjoying my field of work in the near future is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing,” said Angyl.
Before the incident that catapulted her into the public eye, Angyl had been grappling with doubts about whether she had chosen the right path. Although she had once been fearful at the sight of blood, it was somehow like she was destined to pursue nursing, a noble profession that can test one’s endurance to the limit.
“I guess what has changed the most right after receiving such recognition was the way I presented myself and my confidence. Before the incident even happened, I was continuously doubting myself if I was really on the right course. But then, after everything, I found myself even more confident. I found myself believing in my own capabilities and thinking that these hands can save a life,” she said.
Angyl also admitted that it was her first time saving someone’s life. She recalled how even a CCTV captured her trembling seconds before she responded. What made her believe in herself were the words of her instructor which came to her mind, “It’s okay to be afraid. Just don’t show it to your patients because they will feel the same.”
“I really appreciate the recognition and I would express my gratitude in my own little way. I just did what I had to do — an application of knowledge per se. These rewards and recognitions from our act of kindness are just the cherry on top,” said Angyl.
Recognition
Despite the overwhelming outpouring of appreciation that Angyl received for her heroic actions, she admitted to feeling shocked and surprised by the attention. She revealed that she wasn’t constantly checking her phone on the day of the incident.
Still, Angyl remains grounded, seeing herself as just a regular nursing student like any other.
Angyl received a scholarship from the University of Cebu and was also recognized by the local government unit. Additionally, many brands came forward to show their appreciation by gifting her with products and certificates.
Now certain of her path, Angyl said that the key to being a good nurse is to be compassionate, empathetic and understanding towards a patient.
First-year nurses
As the world commemorates International Nurses Day, this article pays homage to the selfless contributions of healthcare heroes. Like Angyl, who transforms knowledge into life-saving actions, these fresh graduates also share their experiences as a first year of being a nurse.
Faye Andrea Francisco, who is now working at Cebu Velez General Hospital, shared that graduating at the height of the pandemic and becoming a registered nurse shortly after presented challenges on her end.
“I was experiencing anxiety, stress and fatigue due to the long working hours and the emotional toll of caring for patients who needed immediate treatment or care. Despite these challenges, I find my line of work to be very rewarding, having the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients, and having to feel a sense of fulfillment just by helping others,” said Faye.
She draws inspiration from the experienced and nurturing nurses who have been in the medical profession for several years and have assisted her in adjusting in the field.
“As a nurse, I uphold most strongly the values of respect and compassion, above all else. These values create a foundation of trust and build rapport between nurses and patients. Patients are more likely to trust when they feel respected and acknowledged. Also, by having compassion, it enables nurses to empathize with their patients, ease their pain, all the while providing them the emotional support that they require,” said Faye.
On the other hand, Fritzie Vanbelle Lopez shares similar sentiments during her initial year as a registered nurse in Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital. It required significant adjustments and compromises before she fully understood her responsibilities in the medical arena.
“The first few weeks, it was a bit overwhelming since the profession itself is not a piece of cake, but after a few months following the same routine, being a nurse became a huge part of what I do on a daily basis. Being a nurse doesn’t feel like a burden but more of a privilege,” said Fritzie.
With a heart full of compassion, she makes it her top priority to incorporate empathy into her nursing practice. She firmly believes that cultivating an atmosphere of understanding is essential in providing quality care to her patients.
“We were taught to be patient-advocates our entire four years in college, so it’s best we put that to good use now that we are nurses responsible for patient-centered care. Nursing is caring after all,” said Fritzie.
Through long hours, countless sleepless nights, and sometimes heart-wrenching moments, these nurses are the hands that work tirelessly to make a significant impact on the lives of their patients. They embody a sense of compassion and dedication that extends beyond just a job description; it’s a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.