CURE Uganda Staff Profile: Nurse Anita Kirunda
Anita Kirunda has worked at CURE Uganda for four years now. She first started out as a primary care nurse, then she was promoted to ward/ICU charge nurse, where she served faithfully for two years. She was then promoted to OR in-charge, and, after a track record of solid performance, she has been promoted to the Assistant Nurse Manager position at CURE Uganda. Meet Anita!
Edwin: Hi Anita. What do you enjoy the most about being a nurse? Why did you choose nursing as a career?
Anita: Hi there. I enjoy being able to put a smile on those in pain and to give hope to the sick. I chose nursing because I love the rendering of a helping hand to those in a state of pain and hopelessness.
Edwin: If you could do one thing to change nursing, what would that be?
Anita: I would empower the nurses here with more skills and knowledge beyond just the basics.
Edwin: What is the most satisfying patient outcome for you as a nurse? Do you recall a patient that will always stand out to you?
Anita: I remember a baby who was very sick in ICU, and the condition was very worrying. The baby was on life support, and there was very little hope for survival, but the medical team continued fighting for the baby’s life. Then one day, as we were doing manual ventilation, we decided to pray for spontaneous respiration, and believe me or not, the child responded and eventually got better. The baby’s mother didn’t believe in God, but after the incident she said, “There is God in CURE.”
Edwin: Where do you see your career in the future?
Anita: I am hoping to attain a masters degree in nursing.
Anita is such a wonderful nurse! Thank you to all of our CURE hospital nurses!
Edwin: How do you manage your nursing responsibilities with family and other commitments?
Anita: I work with the charge nurses for the daily running of the nursing activities in the ward, ICU, and OR. I work eight hours a day for five days in a week and spend the rest of the time with my family.
Edwin: What support do you need for your career in nursing to be professionally stimulating?
Anita: My career would be best supported by scholarships for further education, more equipment at the hospital, and continuous capacity building.
