SISTER Luisa Finau started as a nurse at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Now, she is enjoying every minute of her time with residents at the Samabula Old People's Home.
Originally from Kadavu, Sister Luisa said she was inspired to become a nurse after watching the nurses in the hospital on the island as a little girl.
Now, the 34-year-old is the acting Superintendent at the Samabula Old People's Home. She supervises staff who take care of the 54 residents and 20 staff.
She graduated from the Fiji School of Nursing in 1997 and was posted to the CWM Hospital.
"When I completed my internship I was sent to Lau where I served for four years before coming back to CWMH."
Sister Luisa was brought up by her grandparents and that is how she became interested in taking care of the elderly.
"I see my work at the home as a blessing because I get the opportunity to spend time with the residents. My grandparents are dead and I miss them at times but being with the residents here gives me comfort," she said.
Before she was appointed acting superintendent at the home this year, Sister Luisa was a registered nurse.
"Most of my nursing experience is from the islands where I was based and spent most of my time but I believe that being here is the best thing that could have happened to me."
She said the senior residents at the home had no one to look after them in their own homes.
"They have done so much for their community and their children and deserve to be treated well and taken care of."
She said some of the residents had children who were doing well in life while there were some who did not have anyone to take care of them.
"They see living here at the home as a blessing because they would not have had a home otherwise."
Sister Luisa said looking after the sick and elderly was a noble task that should motivate every young person who is thinking of becoming a nurse.
"We should not lose any opportunity to take care of our elderly because they were taking care of us when we were children. Now, they deserve the same treatment."
Sister Luisa said many people in the community saw the Samabula Old People's Home as a dumping place for the elderly parents.
"It should not be seen as such and people should try to look after their old parents and grandparents."
She said she would love to continue working with the residents at the home if the Ministry of Health allowed her to.
