Nurse Gabriel... Nursing is not a nine-to-five job.
IN LIFE there is a job, at times a profession, and then there's a calling. When you commit yourself to a cause for almost four decades, you are a committed soldier. That's the case with Sister Elin Gabriel, one of Jamaica's long-serving nurses and a beacon in her profession.
Many describe Sister Gabriel as an angel because of her quiet and reassuring character and her warm, charming smile. Currently, she is the nursing supervisor at the St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Centre that has been home to her for the past 37 years.
"I always knew I wanted to work in this profession from I was seven years old. I often admired the caring nature of the nurses I knew then and I was always in awe when I saw a nurse clad in her white uniform," Sister Gabriel said.
"I decided to do my training in England and in 1968 when I was finished, I did not hesitate to return to Jamaica because this was the only home I knew. When I arrived, I began to look at the hospitals here and few of them seemed to offer the kind of work environment I was looking for. Finally, I happened upon St. Joseph's and instantly fell in love."
For six months, she worked as a midwife and recalls many memorable experiences during that period.
PROMOTION
At the end of her six months in midwifery, Sister Gabriel was promoted to supervisor on the medical and surgical ward. This she said has been a challenge but she loves the job and finds pleasure in leading her staff.
"I often found it very difficult to be stern with the staff because I dislike making people unhappy, but at times, it is necessary. And I often try my best to do it within the boundaries of love."
FIRST PRIORITY
Her patients are her first priority and for this reason, she has never been married or had children.
"Family is important but I have dedicated so much of my time and energy to my profession that I have made my patients my family. I live to see them happy and if my services can bring them even a little joy, I am grateful."
She admits that few things make her upset and one stems from individuals who are unwilling to give their best to the profession.
"Nursing is not a nine-to-five job. When you have the matter of life or death in your hands, you have to be focused and committed to the task. Nursing is about caring and every one of your patients must experience that."
A staunch Christian, who loves reading and gardening and hails St. Joseph's as her home; she plans to continue working there as long as she has the strength.
"I am leaving a legacy here, one of love and kindness. This is my calling and my life."
