More than a profession – being a nurse in crisis zones
María José Cáceres is an Argentine nurse specialised in neonatology and emergencies. With 15 years of experience working with the Médecins Sans Frontières NGO on humanitarian missions, she has tackled conflict and health crisis in Haití, Sudan, Mozambique and a host of other countries. Leer más
María José Cáceres, a nurse with extensive experience in crisis zones, provides insight into the role of nursing beyond the technical aspects. She emphasizes the importance of language skills, public health knowledge, and empathy when working in conflict areas. Cáceres highlights the significance of nurses as the backbone of patient care, often being the first point of contact and providing daily support to patients.
Cáceres' passion for working in conflict zones stems from her early awareness of global health issues, particularly social and geographic injustices in Africa. She was drawn to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) due to its mission of providing healthcare to forgotten populations. Cáceres' next assignment takes her to Congo, where she will work in complex zones bordering other conflict-ridden countries.
The International Nursing Day has underscored the urgent need for safe and fair working environments for nurses, especially in conflict and disaster zones. Cáceres stresses the importance of prioritizing self-care for nurses, as they often prioritize others' well-being over their own. She argues that exhaustion, both physical and emotional, is a common consequence of the demanding nature of the profession.
The WHO estimates a global shortage of 13 million nurses, a gap that has not been adequately addressed despite the increasing recognition of the vital role nurses play in society. Cáceres attributes this shortfall to low salaries and the extensive time commitment required for nursing education. She believes that international organizations, such as MSF, are working to bridge the gap, but more needs to be done to improve working conditions for nurses worldwide.
Cáceres encourages aspiring nurses to consider the profession, emphasizing the personal growth and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the world. She encourages these individuals to embrace the challenges and complexities of the role, as it can lead to a fulfilling career that transcends cultural boundaries.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
