There are countless films and television programmes that glorify and celebrate doctors. While they are undoubtedly important, we often forget that there are other nursing staff who don't receive much of the spotlight — yet work just as hard. This Nurses' Day we’re highlighting these unsung healthcare heroes: Nursing Aides.

The Red Cross Home for the Disabled is home to nursing aides from all over the world. Meet Arosha and Sheranthi Kandambi, cousins from Sri Lanka, and Gurpinder Kaur from the Punjab region of India. We sat down with these three ladies to discover what drives them to continue serving with a smile and bringing joy to the residents at RCHD year after year.

Every (Healthcare) Hero has an Origin Story

Arosha and Sheranthi Kandambi: We used to work in an Accident & Emergency department. It was very different because there were always a lot of patients and a lot of problems. It was very busy; we never sat down for a second. We were always running around and updating machines. Patients would come and go; they never stayed for long. 

Here, it is not that it is relaxed. However, we stay with the residents. From when they wake up in the morning to when they sleep, we are the ones taking care of them. They are now like our family. Our workflow becomes calm and the staff always tell us not to rush or panic, just do things slowly. 

Gurpinder Kaur: Before this, I worked only with newborn babies, and with disabled adults for two or three months in Punjab. When I came here, for the first four to six months, I was afraid of the residents because I am very emotional. If someone was crying, I would get emotional and cry too. But now I have more confidence and can talk and work very well. I worked for five years in India, but I did not have this much confidence. Here, my confidence is high, and I can talk easily, which is very good for me.

Arosha Kandambi: I knew that I wanted to help people, especially persons with disabilities who may not be able to communicate or express what they wanted. This is because my grandmother was disabled and I was her caretaker. She is the reason why I became a nurse. Therefore, I feel very blessed to be able to work at RCHD.

A Day In The Life of an RCHD Nursing Aide

All: First, we start with a morning shower for the residents. We make the beds and ensure the ward is neat and clean. At around eight o'clock, breakfast arrives. We feed the residents, and our staff nurses administer their medicine. After breakfast, we bring the residents with wheelchairs outside for some sun. 

Then, we do their grooming and check their vitals. Some residents will have a nap, while others have special feedings. 

Lunch service starts around 11.30 am to 12 noon. After lunch, some residents have another wheelchair session, so we might take them out to the garden on level eight or just outside. 

We serve dinner around 4.30 pm. Afterwards, we transfer them back to bed and start their evening oral care. If they have special medication, we give it to them. The day ends around seven in the evening when we give them tea and then it is bedtime.

Building Bridges with the Residents

Arosha Kandambi: At first, it was hard for me due to the communication barrier. I couldn't understand what they were trying to tell me. 

Gurpinder Kaur: However, when we started, we were given a mentor to teach us. That's how we learned to understand the residents better. Now, when we talk, they understand us very well. They can talk, ask for things, and call for us. When we come on duty, they call for us because they want to talk with us.

Sheranthi Kandambi: In the beginning, we couldn't understand them, and they didn't know us, so they weren't as friendly. But over time, as we cared for them, they got used to us. That's how we build the bond. The residents develop their own special communication system after a while — this makes it easier for us to understand what the residents are trying to tell us.

Arosha Kandambi: My seniors taught me, for example, 'If she does this action, you need to give her water.' It just takes time; now they can understand..

The Non-negotiables of a Nursing Aide

All: At RCHD; everyone goes through training, three to four times every month. We are always learning. We also have clinical instructors and staff nurses who guide us on how to follow protocol. We wear a mask every day, and if needed, the N95 mask. We also do proper hand washing.

Arosha Kandambi: I sometimes ask Sheranthi if we can go out for a walk when I need to take a break and get some fresh air, maybe drink some coffee. If I have anything on my mind, I will share it with her, and she shares her problems with me. We discuss it and just agree to let it be, that everything will be fine. Don't worry, all is well. It is also nice to talk to my mum.

Gurpinder Kaur: Sometimes I pray, sleep, or eat my favourite food gobi paratha. I drink coffee or tea, which helps me relax. 

Sheranthi Kandambi: If I feel burnt out or stressed, I always share it with someone else, like Arosha, my friends, or anyone close to me. Sometimes I ask Arosha to go to church with me. Having coffee and talking, that is how we stay happy. 

Advice For Fellow Nurses-in-Training

Gurpinder Kaur: When I first came here, for about six months, I really did not have any confidence. I could not talk to other people; I felt very shy. But the staff nurses always encouraged me, and now I can talk with others. Now, whenever I go back to India, I will miss the residents because we have a very close emotional attachment to each other now. 

Arosha Kandambi: Yes, therefore, you must be confident. Without confidence, it is very hard to work with our residents. During my training period, I did not have much confidence too, but very slowly, we took the time to learn everything. Do not give up at first. Just try hard and be positive. We can do anything if we set our minds to it.

Sheranthi Kandambi: That takes patience.Just because it is hard at the beginning, doesn’t mean it will be hard forever.

As we celebrate Nurse's Day, what message do you have for other healthcare workers?

Arosha Kandambi: ‘Nothing is permanent’ — we will get old one day, and we will need someone to take care us too

Sheranthi Kandambi: We do not know who will stay with us until our life ends. We do not know who will help us when we are in need. Therefore, I have learned that I cannot say "I do not want you" to anyone because I do not know when I will need their help

All: Life has sad and happy times; they come like waves. We must know that any time can be sad, and any time can be happy. So, during hard times, do not give up. Keep fighting! Focus on making a positive impact on the lives of others. Happy Nurses’ Day!