Foto: Malin Christoffersson
The tip from the Norran reader perfectly captured the essence – it described someone who had discovered their true calling. They spoke of a woman "who smiles both on her way to and from work when she thinks about all the good she can do for her patients."
It painted a picture of someone who had truly found their place.
Her name is Abril Jarret. When we call to ask for an interview, the answer is: "Of course you can have it."
She smiles broadly when she meets us in the entrance of Skellefteå hospital. A little later than planned.
– It's been busy this morning, she explains.
But there's nothing that seems to affect her mood – she shines anyway. She talks to us for a while, and then lets us follow her for a tour of the ward.
Ending up in Skellefteå was due to her Swedish husband. But living here wasn't always a given. The couple have now been together for over 19 years and have had three children. They have lived both in New York and in Abril's home country of Argentina. They moved to Skellefteå 11 years ago. Abril was then working as a translator and interpreter.
The pandemic served as a catalyst for her shift towards healthcare. The growing demand for nursing assistants ignited a spark within her, leading her to pursue this new path. Graduating earlier this year, she quickly transitioned into the role, realizing instantly that she had found her perfect fit.
– There's an indescribable joy in helping others, Abril explains.
– It's a privilege to be part of their journey, from the beginning of their shift to the end of mine.
Her commitment to service extends beyond her current profession. Abril has a long history of volunteer work, dedicating her time to causes that support the homeless and vulnerable animals. Becoming a nursing assistant allowed her to transform this passion for helping others into a fulfilling career.
– Now, I get to be the one who ensures that my patients receive the best possible care, she says with pride.
– Knowing that I'm making a positive difference brings immense satisfaction.
The appreciation she receives from her patients is clear. As Abril and a colleague meticulously adjust a patient's pillows, ensuring their comfort, a woman expresses her gratitude.
– She's absolutely fantastic, the patient beams.
– She always takes care of me and makes sure I'm alright. No matter what the situation, she's always happy to help.
The role of a nursing assistant in Sweden holds a particular fascination for Abril. It differs significantly from what she observed in other countries.
– Here, nursing assistants are the ones who spend the most time with patients, she explains.
– We address their needs throughout the day, from morning routines to bedtime, while nurses and doctors take on distinct roles. Even though many of them want to spend more time with patients, there simply isn't always the time available.
Abril Jarret thrives in her role as a nursing assistant at Skellefteå Hospital. "The patients mean everything to me," she says.
Recently, Abril shared her experiences with an obstetrician from Argentina, highlighting the role of Sweden's midwives. Here, childbirth is primarily led by nurses, not doctors, which surprised her colleague immensely.
– He couldn't believe it! she chuckles.
– 'Delivering babies is the most rewarding part of my job!' he exclaimed.
– What I find particularly commendable in Sweden is the comprehensive training programs offered for various healthcare professions. These programs allow for specialization within chosen fields, she adds.
Nursing assistant Abril Jarret speaks particularly warmly about the opportunity to care for the elderly.
What fuels Abril's dedication and makes her work so rewarding?
– It's the opportunity to demonstrate genuine care, she replies.
– The patients become like family to me. We're often there during some of their most challenging moments, whether it's during recovery from an illness or even during their final days.
Isn't it emotionally challenging sometimes?
– Yes, it can be, she acknowledges.
– But at the same time, knowing I'm there for them during such vulnerable times provides a sense of purpose. It's a profound responsibility, almost spiritual, to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Abril Jarret sees her profession as a nursing assistant as more than just a job. "It nourishes the soul."
For palliative care, a specialized field focused on end-of-life support, Abril emphasizes that she isn't an expert.
– There are others on our team with far more experience in that specific area, she clarifies.
– But of course, we also encounter that, she says.
– My guiding principle has been empathy. I ask myself, 'If this were my mother or sister, what would they want?' My primary focus is to show them they're not alone and to create a sense of security. This is often the best advice for relatives as well. Sometimes, simply being present is more important than words.
Abril Jarret previously worked as a translator but retrained as a nursing assistant.
Abril is also a strong advocate for working with the elderly. While she encounters them less frequently in the surgical ward compared to a nursing home setting, she still sees them occasionally.
– They are at their most vulnerable point in life, she says.
– As nursing assistants, we serve as a vital bridge between them and their ability to live a fulfilling life. We assist them with daily tasks like eating and bathing – it's a humbling experience.
Abril Jarret found her dream profession later in life.
If healthcare professions ever needed a passionate advocate, Abril is a shining example. Her dedication to her work, her workplace, and her colleagues is truly inspiring.
– While I can't speak for the entire healthcare system here in the surgical ward, we have a phenomenal sense of camaraderie. Everyone, from managers to doctors to nursing assistants, is deeply committed to patient care. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of such a dedicated team.
If healthcare professions ever needed a passionate advocate, Abril is a shining example. Her dedication to her work, her workplace, and her colleagues is truly inspiring.
– While I can't speak for the entire healthcare system here in the surgical ward, we have a phenomenal sense of camaraderie. Everyone, from managers to doctors to nursing assistants, is deeply committed to patient care. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of such a dedicated team.
Healthcare care has a reputation as a demanding field, so would you still recommend it to young people?
– Absolutely It's an incredibly stimulating career path! There are countless opportunities for further education, personal growth, and professional development. And healthcare isn't just for young people – it's a great option for those considering a career change at any stage of life.
Even as a nursing assistant, you can choose specialized directions. "There are many options for those who want to further their education," says Abril Jarret.
"I get a chance to be the one who ensures that a fellow human being receives the best care they can get. That feeling is so rewarding" says nursing assistant Abril Jarret.
"The healthcare sector is an incredibly exciting workplace," says Abril Jarret, who hopes that more young people will choose careers in healthcare.
It was during the pandemic that Abril Jarret realized that the job as a nursing assistant might be something for her. For the past couple of months, she has been working at Skellefteå Hospital, where she thrives.
There is certainly much that needs to be improved, she says. It's undeniable that there are challenges in healthcare.
– It's important for staff to feel that they are being paid a salary that is commensurate with the mission and that they can live on. Working conditions are also incredibly important for people to want to stay.
But the positives outweigh the negatives.
– I hope that more people will discover the joy of our work, how satisfying it is.
As our visit to the surgical ward draws to a close, it's time for Abril to call it a day. She gives a patient a big hug and tells us she'll be leaving for a few days:
– Then you know why I'm not here. But I'll be back soon!
For Abril Jarret, the interaction with patients is the greatest reward of the job.