11 Kuwait, Mirvat Marwan Al Masri
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Kuwait
Kuwait, situated in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. With a population of around 4 million people, Kuwait is a small yet vibrant country in the Middle East. The healthcare system in Kuwait is highly advanced, providing comprehensive coverage for its citizens through a network of public and private healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Health oversees the healthcare sector, ensuring high standards of care and accessibility to services.
I am Nurse Mirvat Marwan Al Masri, a senior nurse of Jordanian nationality working in Kuwait at a government hospital called Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital in the pediatric outpatient clinics. I have 24 years of experience in providing nursing care for children from birth to adolescence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced many challenges, requiring us to rise to the occasion and provide the best medical services. Among the precautionary measures in the hospital, we had to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, goggles, and gloves, when providing medical care, along with regular hand sanitization and maintaining social distancing in the hospital.
We also established a triage point, a sorting area where we ask patients questions upon entering the hospital, such as whether they have traveled, take their temperature, and provide them with sanitizers and masks. Additionally, a thermal camera was installed to measure patients’ temperatures upon entering the hospital. Patient waiting rooms were marked with distancing signs on chairs, aimed at maintaining health and safety.
It was a tough period during which we endured longing for our families and children. Our working hours increased significantly, and we couldn’t leave our departments to attend to the patients. I learned a lot from this ordeal, including the ability to handle pressure at work, behave well in difficult and emergency situations, and show compassion to patients.
In Arabic:
مستشفى مبارك الكبير في العيادات الخارجية للأطفال. لدي خبرة 24 سنة في تقديم الرعاية التمريضية للأطفال من سن الولادة إلى عمر البلوغ.
خلال جائعة كورونا قابلت تحديات كثيرة فكان علينا التحدي والمواجهة وتقديم أفضل الخدمات الطبية. ومن الإجراءات الاحترازية في المستشفى كان علينا لبس ملابس الوقاية الشخصية PPE مع ارتداء الكمامة وارتداء واقي العين، النظارات الوقائية، ولبس القفازات عند تقديم الرعاية الطبية مع ضرورة تعقيم وتطهير الأيدي بصورة منتظمة والحفاظ على التباعد الاجتماعي في المستشفى.
أيضًا تم وضع نقط “تراياج”، منطقة الفرز حيث نقوم بتوجيه الأسئلة للمراجعين عند دخولهم باب المستشفى، على سبيل المثال هل كانوا مسافرين؟ وقياس درجة حرارتهم وإعطائهم المعقمات والكمامات. كما تم وضع كاميرا لقياس الحرارة للمراجعين عند دخول المستشفى. كما أن غرفة انتظار المرضى تم تجهيزها بوضع علامات تباعد على الكراسي وكان الهدف من ذلك المحافظة على الأمن الصحي.
لقد كانت فترة قاسية عانينا فيها اشتياق الأهل والأطفال، وقد زادت ساعات العمل بشكل كبير وكنا لا نقدر على مغادرة أقسامنا للإهتمام بالمرضى. ولقد تعلمت كثيرا من هذه
المحنة ومن ذلك القدرة على تحمل الضغط في العمل وحسن التصرف في المواقف الصعبة والطارئة والرفق بالمرضى
Additional Information About Nursing in Kuwait
Kuwait boasts a growing nursing workforce, with approximately 15,000 registered nurses serving the population, representing a ratio of about 3.8 nurses per 1000 population. Nursing education in Kuwait is rigorous and evolving, typically consisting of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in nursing. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical skills development, and cultural competence to meet the diverse needs of Kuwait’s population.
After completing their education, Kuwaiti nurses play essential roles across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, primary care centers, and specialized clinics. They provide compassionate care, promote health education, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Additionally, Kuwaiti nurses have opportunities for professional growth through continued education, specialization, and research initiatives, contributing to the advancement of healthcare in the country.
Media Attributions
- Mirvat Marwan Al Masri Photograh