In the Line of Duty: A Nurse’s Story of Resilience Amid a Pandemic

T. Janet Shushunova, a Senior Staff Nurse worked at Continental Hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, shares her experience of serving as a frontline warrior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global outbreak brought unimaginable changes, where physical isolation became the new norm, separating families and reshaping daily life. As frontline workers, nurses like her were tasked with navigating these extra-ordinary circumstances. She never expected such drastic shifts in her profession and personal routine.

Her first assignment with COVID-19 patients began on March 13, 2020, during a night shift. She was entrusted with the care of two patients—one from Tamil Nadu and another from Chennai. When her In-Charge informed her about the responsibility, she accepted it without fear or hesitation. Both patients were isolated in separate rooms, and all necessary precautions were in place. Initially, she was unfamiliar with using the full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but soon, the hospital management provided guidance on its proper use, precautions and maintenance.

As the days progressed, the number of COVID-19 cases surged, and the demand for medical staff increased. The entire ward was converted into an isolated COVID-19 unit, separated from other patients. During this period, she observed that some staff members were scared and reluctant to attend to COVID-19 patients. The Nursing Administrators, including the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), counseled and reassured these hesitant staff members. Those selected for COVID-19 duty, including her, were designated as “ISOLATION STAFF” and stayed apart from other healthcare workers handling non-COVID patients.

To ensure safety and uninterrupted care, the hospital management arranged for the isolation staff to reside within the hospital premises. They were divided into four batches, working six hours shifts — Morning, Evening, Night, and Midnight. Although the shifts were shorter, the physical and mental strain was immense. Wearing the PPE for extended hours left her drenched in sweat, and the tight N95 masks caused deep marks on her face. Yet, these challenges only strengthened her resolve and made her more determined to serve. Seeing her patients recover and test negative for the virus brought immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Each “Goodbye” from a cured patient and their grateful smiles were her greatest rewards.

Her dedication and perseverance did not go unnoticed. The Chief Nursing Officer recognized her efforts and honored her as the “HEROINE OF COVID WARRIOR,” a title that filled her with pride and reaffirmed her commitment to nursing. For her, the essence of nursing has always been about caring for patients and fulfilling their needs, no matter the circumstances. She took the pandemic as a challenge, devoting herself entirely to serving patients. Her education at CMC Vellore and her professional experience at Continental Hospitals had already instilled in her a deep passion for nursing. The gratitude expressed by patients who often remarked that she cared for them like family further strengthened her love for her profession.

Throughout this journey, she credited her parents’ unwavering support and encouragement for giving her the courage to face the crisis. Her father reminded her that the meaning of life is to find a gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away. He encouraged her to view her role as a calling to serve, offering consistent moral support through phone calls and reminding her to stay strong and resilient.

By God’s grace, she remained healthy throughout her COVID-19 duty, never showing symptoms or requiring a test. She considered this a blessing and a testament to her faith and perseverance. As she reflects on her experience, she urges all healthcare workers to stay safe, remain strong, and face challenges head-on. She emphasizes the importance of wearing proper PPE, following protocols, and prioritizing the safety of both healthcare workers and patients.

T. Janet Shushunova concludes with gratitude to God for choosing her for this noble task and giving her the opportunity to serve patients when even their families were unable to. Her story is a shining example of courage, resilience, and dedication to the nursing profession during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.