Buddhini Abeysekera Critical Care Staff Nurse
When people think of nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), their assumptions often fall into two extremes. Some imagine the job is unbearably intense, surrounded by life-or-death decisions every minute. Others believe it is easier after all; ICU nurses often care for just one patient at a time. Both views, while understandable, miss the deeper reality of what ICU nursing truly involves.
As ICU nurses, we are not just clinical professionals; we are humans first, driven by empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. We meet patients and their families at some of the most challenging points in their lives. It is true: we cannot always save everyone. However, what we can do, and do every single day, is fight alongside our patients with everything we have. We provide not just medical care, but emotional strength, presence, and compassion when it matters most. What many do not see is the intensity that comes with managing a single ICU patient.
Each case can be incredibly complex, involving advanced technology, critical thinking, and moment-to-moment decisions. Beyond the monitors and machines, we carry the mental and emotional weight of each life in our care. The work is as much about heart as it is about skill.
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