With more than three and half decades of experience in nursing, Archana Ranjit has played the roles of a mother, sister, and daughter to many patients. She is a nursing officer at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital where she has been specializing in surgical nursing, primarily focusing on the burn surgical ward and the operation theater. Recently, she transitioned to the role of sister-in-charge at the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD), following her dedicated service as the head of the burn ward for eight years.
During her teenage years in Bhairahawa, her hometown, she fearlessly practiced the ear-piercing culture and rushed to the first aid treatment of those in need. Her career choice was perhaps only an extension of that. A visit to the hospital introduced her to one of her relative’s sisters who inspired her to pursue nursing as a profession. Since then, Ranjit, now 56, has maintained a steadfast dedication to nursing, progressing from a staff nurse to eventually taking on her current prestigious role at one of the most reputed hospitals in Nepal.
She has expertise in the field of surgical nursing, particularly in burn care. Additionally, she serves as a trainer in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program. In Nepal, she proudly mentions, “Our trainer group was the pioneering team to receive and provide ToT for burn ward training.” In Nepal, she is among the ten people who have received advanced training in burn care.
As a nurse, Ranjit has always had a strong connection with burn patients. At the burn ward, her focus is on comforting patients both physically and emotionally including managing their fluids, nutrition, and diet, offering counseling, and closely observing them for the need for potential surgeries. Despite her varied responsibilities, her primary focus remains on ensuring her patients are as comfortable as possible. “Managing burn injuries requires a lot of vigilance. Patients come with minor to severe, life-threatening burns and each case is different,” she says.
Throughout her nursing career, she has actively volunteered for numerous initiatives. As a trainer under Burn Violence Survivors Nepal, she has participated in various training camps. In the past, she was associated with Impact Nepal, an organization that conducted ENT (Ear Nose Throat) camps, where she provided her services in various remote areas as well as several other medical and surgical camps organized by the hospital she works at. She is also associated with Astitwa, a non-profit working for the rehabilitation of acid and burn survivors, to bring about awareness on burn violence and its treatment.
The most important aspect of patient care is building trust and creating a familial atmosphere, she says. She views the act of caring for her patients as a form of worship, equating hospitals to temples; embracing a belief in a religion centered around service.
Emphasizing the importance of politeness, Ranjit says, “Nurses need to view patient care as their responsibility rather than just a job.” She is proud of relationships akin to motherhood and sisterhood with her patients. Her enduring patience and meticulous attention to patients are the qualities that she believes make her a true healer.
Five years ago, she came across a burn victim who had recently given birth. Given their challenging financial situation, they couldn’t even afford the basic necessities for the baby. Ranjit took it upon herself to care for the child while the mother was in a critical condition. Even now, when the mother has recovered, she continues to provide assistance within her means. “They refer to me as their mother,” she says with a smile that lights up her eyes.
She believes that an autocratic approach to leadership is detrimental, especially in healthcare. As an in-charge, she values and respects every team member. Despite her round-the-clock responsibilities, she persistently strives to create a comfortable space while remaining professional. “The hospital feels like a second home and I want people I work with to feel the same,” she says.
Despite irregular shifts, she doesn’t have any complaints about her work. On the contrary, she loves that no two days are the same. The only challenging thing is seeing patients in pain. Their suffering and tears still break her heart even after all these years.
“Advancement in treatment has made things bearable. Now, we don’t feel as helpless as we used to when a burn patient is admitted,” she says. Years ago, burn care basically meant dressing the wound. But now many effective procedures ensure rapid recovery and that makes her heart swell with joy. Nonetheless, what disappoints her is the lack of burn wards across hospitals in Nepal.
Through her dedicated work, Ranjit has emerged as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients’ needs and concerns are acknowledged and respected. She also strongly believes in raising social awareness about the need for immediate burn care.
Ranjit highlights the importance of educating every household about the immediate first aid treatment for burns, specifically emphasizing on the use of running water for 30 minutes instead of outdated methods like applying aloe vera or ice. She says there is a lack of awareness among people and says the government must incorporate these essential skills into the school curriculum.
At conferences and meetings that she participates in, Ranjit advocates for the provision of free treatment for every burn victim in Nepal, similar to what acid victims stand to receive under the new policy.
Ranjit values the love she receives from her patients and the satisfaction she feels when someone gets better is immense. These are, she says, the real awards. At work too, she has received prestigious honors like the ‘Dirgha Sewa Padak’ and the ‘Best Nurse Award’. The Nepal Burn Society has also recognized her for her steadfast dedication and contributions to burn care. Retirement is looming and Ranjit has plans to volunteer at a nursing home and provide free medical care.
With the growing opportunities in the nursing field worldwide, there is a rise in the number of students pursuing this profession. She urges aspiring nurses to enter the field with a spirit of service, alongside professional growth instead of just being enthralled by the international opportunities it offers.
