NEWCASTLE KZN: Professional nurse holds reality at a distance
"We have to work together in order to get through this..."
For Reasha Jamaloodeen (33) the hardest part of her job is working with Covid patients and seeing them battle to take a breath and get enough oxygen into their lungs.
She has been working as a professional nurse at Mediclinic Newcastle for the past 9 years, and maintains that the going is tough for healthcare workers on the frontline.
“It’s awful seeing patients so ill… and when they pass on, we have to tell their families and console them. It’s very challenging, physically and emotionally.”
Reasha, who is originally from Wasbank but was born in Newcastle and moved back here after her marriage 9 years ago, said her family has kept her going through this tough time and looking at her son (5) kept her mind clear.
“It’s hard because you leave after your shift but you can’t really close off. You constantly think about your patients and worry about their health. I make it through each day by holding reality at a distance; it helps me cope.”
She maintains the old adage of ‘prevention is the best medicine’ and urges residents to keep using masks properly, wash their hands and sanitise regularly and stay home as far as possible.
“What makes things very taxing on nursing staff is that often, patients are unable to see their loved ones before they pass. This means that while in our care, we form such incredible bonds with our patients and we have so much hope for their recovery. When they die suddenly, it is so heartbreaking… this virus really has changed lives,” she revealed.
Being able to be there for patients and support them when their families cannot, she added, was the most rewarding part of her job.
“I stay motivated by taking each day as it comes. We are fortunate in that we have proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) so we know we are safe while at work.” 
A message from the frontline to the community
“I want to urge residents to stay home and abide by the hygiene rules set in place by government. We all have to play our part and together, we can get through this. We are truly grateful and appreciate all you do for us, especially in calling us ‘heroes’. I know it can be hard being isolated at home but prevention is really the best medicine.”
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