As an OR Nurse at St Luke's Hospital in Manila, I often encounter high-stress situations. These scenarios range from high-risk surgeries to handling patients' families anxiously awaiting updates. One of the most stressful instances was during a complex, 12-hour surgery when complications emerged. In these situations, one has to stay calm and efficient, regardless of the pressure.
During that procedure, I relied on mindfulness techniques that allow me to stay present and focused. I also kept clear communications with my team, and we all supported each other throughout. This ensured that we were coordinated and efficient, despite the stress. After successfully navigating those challenges, I saw that our collective effort paid off, and the patient stabilized. This was a testament to our capability to handle stress and underlined the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenging situations.