- by Siham Mohamed
In this blog post, I share my interview with a pediatric ICU registered nurse who gave me a glimpse into her daily routine, the challenges and rewards of nursing, and her advice for students.
As part of my journey to learn more about pediatric nursing, I recently had the opportunity to interview Warda Hussein, a pediatric ICU registered nurse whose compassion and dedication truly inspired me.
She’s achieved so much and is still pursuing her doctorate. Her drive and dedication is similar to the kind of nurse I hope to become. Our conversation gave me a clearer picture and understanding of what nursing really is.
Why I chose this interview
I chose to speak with Warda because I see so much of who I want to become in her. Her dedication to her patients, strong work ethic, and passion for helping others truly inspire me. She represents the kind of nurse I hope to be one day.
Nursing
As a nurse who works 12-hour shifts and is on her feet most of the day, she described a typical day in nursing as unpredictable. One moment you’re doing routine vitals and assessments, and sometimes , you’re handling more critical situations.
She shared a story about a long shift where she helped care for a patient with serious respiratory issues and afterwards all the work pays of and its all worth it because in nursing, you’re never alone, and you’re always helping someone who truly needs it.
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This provided a clear picture in my head, how nurses have to stay calm under pressure and be ready for anything, while still showing kindness and care to their patients.
She also emphasized the importance of self-care. The reason she’s able to handle these intense situations, she said, is because she makes time to treat herself with good food, relaxing by the lake with a book, taking days off, and holding on to memories of the good cases. In nursing, learning to set boundaries and prioritizing mental health is crucial.
reminder: you can’t fully care for others without first caring for yourself.
Why This Matters
This interview fits into a bigger goal I have which is to learn more about pediatric nursing and understand what it truly takes to work in healthcare. I want to go beyond what textbooks portray and hear directly from people living this work every day, their motivations, challenges, and what inspires them to keep going.
Talking to Warda gave me a glimpse into that world. It made me even more excited to continue learning, interviewing nurses, volunteering, and building experiences that will prepare me for a future in nursing. I hope to shadow professionals in pediatric wards, volunteer in clinics.
Advice for students
The importance of never doubting yourself and staying open to learning, especially since medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving fields.
“I feel like many people struggle with imposter syndrome. It’s also incredibly difficult when you don’t see yourself represented,” she said. “But be persistent, ask for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to try new things.”
She also encouraged aspiring nurses to start their applications early and build strong connections with teachers. She recommended taking advantage of available resources seeking out opportunities, joining programs, and staying actively involved as these can help you stay focused and motivated.
Final Thoughts
I’m really thankful to Warda for taking the time to talk with me and share her advice. Our conversation helped me see how really nursing is like, it’s a mix of science and care. I know that it takes a lot of heart, skill, and dedication.
Even though this was just the start of my journey, I become more motivated and excited about the my future. nursing is a career where you never stop learning and where being kind, strong, and open to helping others truly matters.
