Navya shares her journey of working on "Thank you" #Nurse2020 Campaign #Youthforcaregivers

Youth Catalyst *Navya Narang

Youth Catalyst *Navya Narang facilitated the campaign run by Nada India Foundation and Young India Network for Good Health to appreciate the hard work and efforts of Nurses and Health Attendants by spreading awareness and getting network members and volunteers to connect with nursing assistants and thanking them for their service, patience and dedication. 

In conversation with Nada team member Riya Thapliyal, Navya shares her journey of working on the campaign. #Youthforcaregivers

Riya: Hi! Navya. First of all, thank you so much for associating with the campaign and working so hard to make it a success. What motivated you to join the campaign in the first place? 

Navya: I personally feel that the work all the nurses do is always worth saluting and thanking. I saw a nurse at work when I was 9 years old, taking care of my grandfather who was on his deathbed. She used to stay with us the whole day, helping us everywhere wherever she could; whether it was cooking food for my grandfather or consoling our family members when they were broken seeing the state my grandfather was in. 
The nurse even took out time from her personal life, to help us. That was why I joined the campaign initiated by “World Health Organisation” and run by Nada India Foundation to support and thank the nurses on the occasion of “World Health Day”. The nurses work beyond the time allotted to help and serve the needs of their patients. Words are always small for the work they do for the sake of humanity. They are the ones who fight all the hurdles that come their way to serve their patients. 

Riya: How did you contribute to the campaign and how has your experience been?

Navya: The overall experience of the campaign was fabulous. I learnt what people think about the nurses at this crucial hour. I was glad to get so many positive responses from the people I am connected to. Though I could find that many people were not comfortable sharing what they felt about the

nurses face to face, many volunteers were ready to write to them and support the campaign. This showed that they do respect them and value the work they do. As a part of my work, I contacted 10 friends of mine and explained to them about the campaign and asked them if they wished to join it. Since they were an integral part of the campaign that revolved around thanking health attendants personally, I sought their approval and consent. They were more than happy to become a part of the campaign and worked to make this campaign a success. I was the link between Nada India and the volunteers, sharing knowledge, spreading awareness, forwarding templates, instructions and following up with them.

Personally, I gained a lot of experience. It was my first time working around digital advocacy, hence I learnt how to run an online campaign as well as how to work in a team with everyone. I also learnt how to speak to people regarding a campaign, how to collaborate and work with them. Working on online documents, like google spreadsheets and google documents was also a new experience for me.

Riya: Would you like to give a message to all the nurses and health attendants working tirelessly out there on the occasion of “International year of Nurse and Midwife” 

Navya: For the nurses and health attendants who work round the clock I would like to say that I know at certain times they may also get tired of their work, but still with a huge heart they come forward to help their patients. 

Their services to the people are extremely praiseworthy. Everyone should be indebted to their acts of kindness in the most difficult times such as the present-day scenario across the world. It will be very difficult to match the standards set up by them in terms of their service and dedication and kindness, which makes me say that even though temples are shut, God has found a new abode in hospitals.

This “International Year for Nurses and Midwives”, I would like to express my gratitude to the nurses through a few self-composed lines:

“Every day, you come to the hospital with a smile;

Keeping your priorities aside, you take care of patient’s priorities with utmost perseverance;

Whatever may be the season, you are always kind and help your patients in every way possible ;

Next to God, you are the true preserver of mankind especially when a patient needs you, you always reach them without any delay.”

Riya: Thank you for your time and efforts Navya, the nursing attendants appreciate your dedication and commitment and so do we.

Navya: Thank you for the opportunity.

*Navya Narang is a Youth Catalyst at Nada India Foundation and is currently a first-year student at Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi, pursuing Psychology (H). She is interested in learning about human behaviour.