Hana Jirků
Workplace: Children's emergency department - children's collections
Born: 24. 1. 1970
She studied: SZŠ School – major child nurse
Career idea: Work is a second home, because we spend as much time here as with family (sometimes even more).
Most popular activity: I like playing with my granddaughter and working in the garden.
The idea of an ideal holiday: Sun, swimming, travel, peace, family, shared experiences...
Favorite movie/book: Beds, Tears in the Sand by Somali writer Nuri Abdi
Life motto: It's never so bad that it couldn't be worse. Smile!
When did you decide to become a nurse and who or what gave you this idea?
From early childhood I liked to look after and play with my neighbors' children, the smaller the child was, the more I enjoyed it. Even then, the idea of becoming a nurse occurred to me. I knew it for sure when I was about 12 years old, that's when I said to myself: "Yes, I want to be a children's nurse," and in the 8th grade I applied to SZŠ and hoped to be accepted.
Do you remember your first working day at FNM?
I experienced my first day at FN Motol twice, in 1988 I joined the Neonatal Department after graduation, I was scared, full of hopes and plans. In 2020, it was my next first day here in Motola, when I returned after 23 long years, this time to the collection center for emergency admission of children. Everything was new to me and at times challenging. I was worried if I would be able to do it at 50.
You work at the Children's Emergency Department. What brought you to this field?
I have been working for the third year at the central collection of the Children's Emergency Department. However, I have been working as a pediatric sampling nurse for 24 years, when I worked in private laboratories and for 8 years at the central sampling of the Vinohrad Hospital. I really like the work of a collection nurse, every patient has their own wishes, every collection is different, sometimes easy, other times difficult. And what brought me to this field? Chance. I was looking for a job in an ambulance after maternity leave, and a friend working in a laboratory told me that they were looking for a sampling setter. So I became this nurse many years ago.
What qualities and prerequisites do you think a person who decides for this profession should have?
One has to decide for the profession of a nurse with consideration and care, it is work with people who are currently going through a difficult period full of pain and fear, and a nurse should be optimistic, empathetic, tolerant, responsible and professionally competent. Just a professional.
Can you remember a small patient who pleased or amused you the most?
I won't name anyone in particular. Almost every child patient enters the collection room with fear, sometimes even crying. A huge reward for me is when we say a nice hello and the patient leaves with a smile on his face. Sometimes I even get compliments that it didn't hurt at all. A great reward is when such a patient comes again after some time and says that he wants to see nurse Hanička.
How do you relax, what do you think is the best rest?
My greatest relaxation is my granddaughter Andělka and the garden. Then I forget everything around.
What was your biggest childhood dream?
My childhood dream was to have a big family. I partially fulfilled it, I have two wonderful daughters and a beautiful granddaughter.
Do you have a guaranteed recipe for stress management?
For example, I cook, bake, clean or slam the door and go to the garden. I will clear my head and in a moment I will look at the situation that caused me stress with perspective or at least with more calmness.
When was the last time you laughed heartily?
I try to laugh every day. "One smile is sometimes worth ten doctors," my grandmother used to say, and I agree and try to follow that.
Is there anyone who is life inspiration for you?
My inspiration in life was my father, a hard-working, calm, fair person, ready to help and, above all, almost always in a positive mood. I would like to be like him.
Text: Hana Jirků
Photo: Anežka Konrádová