Mercy shares her passion for nursing this International Nurses Day

Mercy Igono started her nursing journey in November 2022 and joined our Trust last August. Since then, she has been a core part of our QEQM ED nursing team, helping to care for our patients in some of their most vulnerable times.

For Mercy, her passion for nursing started from her own personal experience as patient when she was younger. She said: “I remember one night, I had a severe stomach ache and was vomiting, and my dad rushed me to the hospital.

“Unfortunately, we did not receive a compassionate or empathetic response from the healthcare staff. I was very unwell and even vomited on the floor, and instead of a compassionate care, I was spoken to harshly.

“My dad was also trying to get help, but we felt ignored and unwelcome. That experience stayed with me. Even at that young age, I told my dad I wanted to become a nurse who would treat patients with kindness, compassion, and empathy. I wanted to make a difference and ensure patients feel safe, valued, and cared for.

“That promise stayed with me, and it led me to pursue nursing. Today, I still strive to provide the best care possible and continue to grow professionally because I truly love what I do.”

Mercy has brought this passion into her nursing today and feels huge fulfilment from caring for our patients. She said: “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to care for patients and see them improve. It brings me so much fulfilment when I can help relieve someone’s pain, discomfort, or anxiety, even through simple actions like repositioning, helping a patient breathe comfortably, listening to them when they feel vulnerable, assisting with personal care, or just speaking to them.

“Seeing patients feel better and knowing I contributed to their recovery makes me genuinely happy. It gives me a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction in my role.”

For Mercy, passion is the most important thing when deciding to take this career path. She said: “It is a demanding but very rewarding profession, and passion is what will keep you going even on difficult days.

“Nursing requires empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help people. If you are passionate, you will always strive to improve your knowledge and skills and provide safe, effective care. Especially in busy areas like the emergency department, having that passion helps you stay motivated and committed. For me, nursing is not just a job, it is a calling.”

Mercy remembers a patient reaction that left a lasting impact on her, which emphasised how important her nursing was to her. She said: “One experience that stayed with me was caring for a patient who felt like a burden because she needed help with personal care. When I assessed her, I noticed she was uncomfortable and lying in wet bedding, but she hadn’t called for help because she didn’t want to disturb the staff.

“I reassured her that she mattered and that caring for her was exactly why I was there. With support, we helped her get cleaned up and comfortable again. The relief and gratitude on her face were unforgettable. She later told me she felt seen, respected, and valued.

“This experience also taught me an important lesson that as nurses, we must be observant and proactive. Sometimes patients may not voice their needs because they don’t want to feel demanding, even when they are in distress. It is our responsibility to notice subtle signs of discomfort, engage patients in meaningful conversations, and create an environment where they feel safe to express their needs.

“Nursing is not just about responding to calls for help, but about recognising unspoken needs and acting on them to provide comfort and dignity.”

This International Nurses Day, Mercy wants to remind every nurse that the work they do truly matters. She said: “Even the smallest act of kindness can have a huge impact on a patient’s experience.

“Let us continue to support one another, stay compassionate, and take pride in the difference we make every day. Also, remember to care for yourself as much as you care for others, because a healthy, supported and valued nurse provides the best care.”