HOLISTIC NURSING: Nurses Help “Sendong” Victims
Tammy L. Sulit, RN
It is emphasized in nursing education that nursing is a holistic profession. Nurses do not only bestow physical care but they touch even the mind, soul and heart of their patients. This virtue is encrypted in every nurse thus even outside the workplace nurses practice holistic care.
When typhoon “Sendong” resulted to an inevitable tragedy which killed a thousand of Filipinos in CDO and Iligan, massive food, clothes, water, cash, health care items, and emotional counseling were needed to support the victims. All Filipinos were working hand and hand to provide these needs and Filipino nurses were one of the active volunteers during that devastating period. Nurses who were under the Philippine Nurses Association Marawi City (Lanao del Sur chapter) working with the Division office Medical Team Department in Saduc, Cagayan de Oro chapter and Dumaguete Chapter were distributing emergency relief goods in Iligan which was the city greatly affected by the typhoon. The relief goods distribution transpired last December 20, 2011 wherein hundreds of families received a little support that can surely help them a little in the midst of this misfortune.
After the catastrophe, these affected families of “Sendong” still need to recuperate from the tragedy and this includes psychological recovery. That is why, PNA plans to provide a follow-up mission that includes debriefing and post-trauma management of “Sendong” victims. The group focuses on the affected children who lost their family and parents. On a larger scope, the mission also helps communities to its recovery by providing psychosocial support and rehabilitation.
Aside from these series of assistance, the Philippine Nurses Association national office convened a Disaster Preparedness Committee just this January 14- 16 2012. The group’s purpose was to plan out assistance program for the “Sendong” victims. The group also prepared cash donation for the flood victims.
Nursing therefore is a profession which extends to a wide array of settings. These types of events affirm that Filipino nurses’ have compassion, are reliable and united. In times like these, nurses play a great role in the community. Nurses are battle-ready to offer what the community needs—a nurse.
