Khitam Y. Shalaldeh
January 2025
Khitam Y.
Shalaldeh
,
LPN
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Nephrology
Augusta Victoria Hospital
Jerusalem
,
Jerusalem
Israel
Khitam’s exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism make her not just a nurse but a true angel in our lives.
Life challenges us in many ways, and some of these challenges are difficult to overcome without the support of compassionate people during tough times. My greatest challenge came when my five-year-old child, R, was diagnosed with leukemia. How can one convince a young child to visit the hospital regularly and help ease his suffering? This was only possible through the extraordinary care of Nurse Khitam, who treated my child as if he were her own.
R often became distressed as his hospital appointments approached. Yet, he always had one condition that made it easier for him: Nurse Khitam had to be there. He fondly called her “Khalto Khitam” (Aunt Khitam). I am deeply grateful for her unwavering kindness and dedication. Even on days when she was not on duty, she would make time to apply his port needle, honoring his request and significantly easing his anxiety and discomfort.
One particular incident will forever remain etched in my memory. R was asleep in his bed when, during his movements, the plastic IV connector attached to his port needle broke unexpectedly. The chemotherapy fluids spilled from the connector, soaking his body, clothing, and bedding. Thankfully, Khitam, while making her rounds, noticed the spill. She handled the situation with remarkable professionalism and utmost care for my child's safety.
She immediately removed his soiled clothing and gently took him to the bathroom to clean his body. She then called for assistance from other nurses to bring special bags for the contaminated linens, ensuring they were safely removed from the room. Together, they cleaned the bed and the surrounding area, ensuring everything was sanitized and comfortable for R.
Khitam’s exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism make her not just a nurse but a true angel in our lives. Thank you, my merciful angel, Nurse Khitam.
R often became distressed as his hospital appointments approached. Yet, he always had one condition that made it easier for him: Nurse Khitam had to be there. He fondly called her “Khalto Khitam” (Aunt Khitam). I am deeply grateful for her unwavering kindness and dedication. Even on days when she was not on duty, she would make time to apply his port needle, honoring his request and significantly easing his anxiety and discomfort.
One particular incident will forever remain etched in my memory. R was asleep in his bed when, during his movements, the plastic IV connector attached to his port needle broke unexpectedly. The chemotherapy fluids spilled from the connector, soaking his body, clothing, and bedding. Thankfully, Khitam, while making her rounds, noticed the spill. She handled the situation with remarkable professionalism and utmost care for my child's safety.
She immediately removed his soiled clothing and gently took him to the bathroom to clean his body. She then called for assistance from other nurses to bring special bags for the contaminated linens, ensuring they were safely removed from the room. Together, they cleaned the bed and the surrounding area, ensuring everything was sanitized and comfortable for R.
Khitam’s exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism make her not just a nurse but a true angel in our lives. Thank you, my merciful angel, Nurse Khitam.