"Patients Need Not Only Help but Also Understanding": An Interview with Nurse Aigul Kurmanalieva, Who Has Worked in Medicine for 35 Years

Арестова Татьяна Health
VK X OK WhatsApp Telegram
Nurse Aigul Kurmanalieva, who has 35 years of experience, currently works in the emergency department of the At-Bashinsky District Center for General Medical Practice.

Turmush correspondent spoke with her about her professional journey, life experiences, and views on the future.

Aigul Kurmanalieva was born on May 14, 1970, in the village of Bash-Kaiyndy in the At-Bashinsky district to a farming family. She received her secondary education at the Chypai Asekova Secondary School. In 1987, she enrolled in the Naryn Medical College and obtained a specialization as a pediatric nurse.

She began her career in 1990 as a nurse at the blood center of the At-Bashinsky District Hospital. She worked there from 1990 to 2004, gaining valuable experience.

Then, from 2004 to 2008, she worked as a laboratory technician in the direction of AIDS at the Sanitary and Epidemiological Center. By order of the ministry, in 2008-2009, she was transferred back to the blood center and continued her work as a nurse.

Since 2008, she has been working in the emergency department of the At-Bashinsky District Center for General Medical Practice.

- Why did you choose this profession?

- In my childhood, I wanted to become a teacher. I would line up the children and "conduct lessons" in play. I applied to the Arabayev University for the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics but did not pass. At my parents' suggestion, I entered the medical college, and since then I have been working in this profession. I love and respect my job. I have never regretted the path I chose. Although I retired in 2020 due to age, I continue to work.

- What is special about working in the emergency department?

- The emergency department is very responsible. Because patients primarily come here. Our duty is to provide urgent first aid and timely direct the patient to the appropriate department.

- How do you cope with psychological stress?

- No one comes to the hospital "for a good life." Except for the maternity ward, all other patients come with health problems. Therefore, each person must be treated patiently. Sometimes there are disagreements, but I try to resolve everything calmly. I try not to escalate conflicts.

- What do you think the future of nursing will be like?

- Previously, everything was done on paper. Now we work by entering data into a computer database. I would like the system to become completely electronic in the future. Let there be enough modern devices and tools, and that conditions, like in developed countries, are created in all hospitals in the Naryn region.

- What would you advise girls who want to become nurses?

- Everyone should choose a profession according to their abilities. Those who choose medicine should study well and love their work. Since the job is related to people, it is important to have high human qualities. It is necessary to maintain cleanliness, ethics, and deontology, and to know both your rights and the rights of the patient.

- Do you ever get tired or bored with your work?

- Of course, it happens. We work shifts both day and night. People come in different conditions. Sometimes we have to hear sharp words. But this job also has its joys: you support your family and help people. Our profession is diverse and interesting.

- What is the most memorable case?

- There are many cases. Once, parents brought in a three-year-old child. The father left an open glue container, which is used for cars. The child was playing and shook the glue — splashes got into his eyes. We immediately rinsed his eyes with cold water, gave a pain-relieving injection, and sent him to the city of Naryn to an ophthalmologist as per the doctor's direction.
VK X OK WhatsApp Telegram

Read also: