Celebrating Nurses Week: Meet Hanan

Why did you become a nurse?

I became a nurse because of my passion to make a difference, to lend the hand I have to offer, and to serve daily. I choose to serve those who need someone to show them how special they are, those who don’t understand what’s going on with their child and need words of comfort, and those who aren’t able to turn or change themselves. I choose to pray for those whose hopes have failed, and to be the friend, support, and backbone to those who feel they have none.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a nurse?

“When you’re a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life, or a life will touch you.” I pray that I continue to serve wholeheartedly and not just make it a job. I pray that for others as well, who also have their hearts set to be a nurse. Never let it just be a task. Be patient and kind no matter what the situation is and never judge or assume, that’s not your job.

What are the most important traits of being a good nurse?

There are many traits that a nurse needs, but I think the most important are compassion, communication skills, and patience. Patients need compassion and support, and need someone who is empathetic. Is is essential to develop that rapport with them and make them feel understood and cared for.

Proper communication skills are extremely important because you are the patient’s front line and advocate, making sure they are clearly understood and heard out. Be patient with them, and don’t rush. Don’t become aggravated when they don’t understand and need teaching repeatedly. That’s when they need you the most.

What’s your favorite part of being a nurse?

Being a pediatric nurse, my absolute favorite part is allowing my inner child to come out and do very silly things to let my patient laugh, or even just smile. I love seeing the simplicity in children and how easily they forgive you and still laugh at how funny you are. I get to see the change from tears and pain to smiling and joyful laughter. It makes it all so worth it.

What self-care do you recommend to your fellow nurses?

Always remember to take care of yourself. Rest, eat healthy, and do something you love to do; whether shopping, exercising, reading, just do anything you enjoy. As a nurse, taking care of others just becomes a part of who we are, and we typically forget to think of ourselves.