When I was a child one day my school teacher asked me “Kristina what are your dreams?” I answered promptly, “I want to be a nurse and work in a remote area”. At that time I didn’t know anything about nursing.
After passing my school-level certificate I studied nursing at Tansen Nursing School in 2009 for three years. Passing this, I joined United Mission Hospital Tansen as a staff nurse. I worked there for over two years. I really enjoyed working there and learnt so many things related to nursing, how to deal with patients, how to show empathy and sympathy to patients and their visitors, etc.
Next came Bachelor of Nursing, with another three years of study. Later, while I was working for a short time at another hospital, one day I was in conversation with my friend who works at Okhaldhunga Community Hospital. She told me about a vacancy at Okhaldhunga School of Health Sciences (OSHS) for a Nursing Tutor. I was successful in being appointed as a junior nursing instructor and began work here in late 2019. Within four months the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, disrupting every aspect of life. Our nursing school was closed for eight months and the students were sent to their homes. The School was turned into a COVID isolation ward. During that time, I worked in the in-patient wards which provided refreshment for my clinical knowledge. I am grateful for that opportunity to serve people who needed health care throughout OCH.
Since 2021, I have been working at OCH as Deputy Nursing Superintendent. I always wanted to work in rural areas of my country. This is my journey with UMN hospitals: Tansen to Okhaldhunga. I found a pleasant working environment at OCH where the small group of medical teams are like a family. I have learned many new things and honed my skills whilst working here and I am willing to learn more in the future in a managerial role. So far, I have partially completed my childhood dream. I am definitely still learning about the position that I have here at OCH and I will give 100% effort in seeking improvement for the nursing department.
I would like to thank our almighty God who gives me lots of blessings and strengthens me more and more. I am sincerely thankful to my line managers, supportive friends, and all staff. I am not able to achieve my goals without your support. I am also grateful to all who gave encouragement and advice for the managerial role.
Now you have an idea of the blessings I have experienced so far at Okhaldhunga Community Hospital! I hope and pray that OCH will grow even bigger and better and be able to provide all kinds of quality treatment and facilities in the coming days.
KRISTINA PRITHI
Acting Nursing Superintendent
