A nurse from the Philippines who recently had the coveted privilege to speak with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said the conversation “inspired” her and impressed upon her how the UAE’s policy of tolerance is effectively communicated from the top leadership to the grassroots.
The video conference, said Jessa Dawn Ubag, also made her feel that “it was a recognition of the Filipino community in the UAE along with all front liners.”
It was held with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in the third episode of the Sheikh’s virtual majlis.
Majlis is Arab culture is a casual venue where community members gather to discuss local events and issues, exchange news, receive guests and socialize.
“We believe that we are an instrument of hope to give spiritual, mental and emotional support to our patients in time of despair. That’s why when Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince personally appreciated me, I felt he was recognizing all nurses for spreading hope,” Ubag, 31, a staff nurse at the Infectious Disease Unit of Rashid Hospital in Dubai, told Emirates News Agency (ENA).
“This country treats its citizens and foreigners alike. The idea of tolerance and accepting people of all nationalities from across the globe have created a social environment that resonates well with our professional values of compassion, empathy and caring to others,” Ubag said.
After speaking to Sheikh Mohamed, she said she felt how such values have effectively been communicated from the top leadership to the grassroots of the government and society.
“I got this opportunity despite being a foreigner. I am a Filipina and I felt it was a recognition to the Filipino community in the UAE along with all front liners,” said Ubag who hails from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental in the Philippines.
“His words,” she added, “have inspired me and my fellow nurses to spread more hope to patients and community at large.
“We nurses felt that we are somewhat heroes in our own small way. It has inspired me to be a better nurse and a better instrument of hope.”
She said she got the impression that she was “talking to someone who has known me for a long time” when speaking to Sheikh Mohamed. “Within seconds I realized his genuine personality and humility. He made me feel comfortable,” she said.
“I admire his sincerity and thoughtfulness to ask about my family and wellbeing here.
“It was a nice experience to hear from him and to know that all our efforts during this pandemic are highly appreciated.”
The job of a nurse assigned to the infectious disease unit is risky, Ubag said; and giving hope is a major part especially noting that patients in this wards are also battling loneliness in isolated rooms, she added.
“When patients are in critical condition and put on life-support systems, it is more stressful. We [colleagues] support each other and give a feeling to those patients: ‘You are not alone, we are with you,’” Ubag said.
“When critically-ill patients get well and go home with a smile, expressing their heartfelt thanks, we realize the importance of our human touch in our job.”
Ubag has been working at Rashid Hospital for six years. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She moved to Dubai in 2014 after working back home for three years. Her older sister is also a nurse and is in the UK.
“I don’t have any big dreams. I would like to start my own family, that’s my dream,” said the single woman.
According to Filipino Nurses’ Association in the Emirates (FNAE), there are approximately over 20,000 Filipino nurses in the UAE working in the government and private sector, including homecare companies.
The group said the number of OFW nurses in the UAE represents approximately 60% of the overall total.
UAE is second home to people from over 200 countries around the world. Ubag’s video conference with the Crown Prince was held May 13, according to ENA.
The Daily Bread 