The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and togetherness. Still, for families with a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it can be a challenging and emotional period.
But for Registered Nurse Yoshada Khairu, spreading joy to parents on Christmas Day helps make her heart full.
Nurse Yoshada Khairu
A JOURNEY INTO NEONATAL NURSING
During an interview with ThingsGuyana, Khairu related that nursing was a natural choice influenced by her upbringing.
Surrounded by family members in healthcare, she often tagged along with them to work, observing their compassion and dedication. From a young age, she assumed responsibilities for younger cousins, sparking a nurturing instinct.
While on her paediatric ward rotation during nursing school, her heart was captured by the resilience of children with terminal illnesses.
While doing my rotation on the paediatric ward when I was a student, the thing that drew me closer was the little ones who were diagnosed with terminal illnesses, and watching the family members care for them along with medical professionals inspired a deep sense of care in me.
This experience solidified her decision to pursue a career in neonatal care, where her empathy and skills could make a profound difference.
MOMENTS THAT INSPIRE
The NICU is often a place of uncertainty, but it is also where miracles happen. Nurse Khairu recalled a particularly touching experience:
A very small baby defied all odds and made it through. Today, she’s alive and strong. Moments like that remind me why I chose this path.
CHRISTMAS IN THE NICU
Since joining the medical field eight years ago, Khairu has been working every Christmas Day.
If you love your job, not even this day will make you sad, but knowing I’ll be spreading joy to the parents satisfies me.
However, working during the holidays comes with its challenges. Being away from her own family is bittersweet.
By the time I return home, everyone is usually asleep. Seeing the babies take steps closer to stability and knowing they’ll soon go home with their parents makes it all worthwhile.
For Khairu, Christmas is a time to cherish loved ones and celebrate the small moments.
Though I dedicate most of December to my patients, the time I do have with my family is precious.
Her dedication to her patients and their families during the holiday season exemplifies the true spirit of Christmas: selflessness, compassion, and love.
CREATING A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE
Attached to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), the NICU team ensures the holiday spirit touches even the tiniest patients.
We dress the babies in Christmas colours or do a little photo shoot with the stable babies with either hats or socks so their parents can reflect even though they are attached to wires or tubes. Also, we would extend a few more minutes to the parents so they can bond with the baby. Families are supported by granting their wish to hold their baby or sing to him/her. Pictures are prohibited since it’s against hospital policy, but we try to grant each parent’s wish.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES EMOTIONALLY
The holiday season is emotionally charged, especially for families with critically ill infants. This Nurse and her team provide unwavering emotional support, encouraging parents to stay positive.
We remind them that their baby is sensitive to their emotions, so staying hopeful is vital.
MESSAGES OF HOPE AND DEDICATION
Think positive thoughts, pray, and trust that soon you’ll be able to cuddle your bundle of joy. Focus on the steps forward, no matter how small they may seem.
To those considering a career in neonatal nursing, Nurse Khairu highlighted the importance of passion and dedication.
It’s hard work and commitment. If you don’t love what you’re doing, it’ll feel miserable. But if you do, it’s incredibly fulfilling.
