After graduating from the American University of Beirut (AUB) with a B.S. in Nursing, YES alumnus Nazih Raychouni began his career as an emergency room nurse at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic gave Nazih the chance to assist his community with a critical role.

Although being a nurse during a pandemic is very stressful, it has been rewarding for Nazih. He shares, “Even though we graduated during one of the most uncertain times in history, and especially here in Lebanon, this left the 2020 graduates with no choice but to fight against COVID-19. No complaint here, though. At first, it was scary, I wasn’t sure what I was putting myself into, but part of my nursing oath states: 

‘I solemnly pledge myself…,

to pass my life in purity

and to practice my profession faithfully.’”

To Nazih, being a nurse means devotion and selfless sacrifice. For instance, once Nazih cared for an 85-year-old patient with fluctuating oxygen saturation due to COVID-19. The doctors wanted to put him on oxygen again, but Nazih decided to ask the patient what he wanted instead. The patient replied that all he wanted to do was walk, as he had been on bed rest for 35 days. The patient explained to Nazih how he used to be active before being admitted to the hospital and how he has felt so weak since. Nazih helped his patient walk around the room for five minutes and look out the window. The patient was so happy and grateful. His saturation increased to 99% and he didn’t need oxygen anymore.

To Nazih, nursing care is not restricted to pharmacological interventions — it is about caring for the patients holistically. Nazih emphasizes the importance of listening to patients and giving them the best attention until they are discharged from the hospital. 

Nazih says, “YES taught me the gift of giving back. I think as a nurse I am giving back to my community every day. Anyone from any profession can give back. We need any help offered during this pandemic, especially with all the crises Lebanon has been going through. Spread awareness, report breaches, aid people in need, anything that is in the scope of your capabilities and is beneficial for your community. Together we can fight this virus.”

Nazih Raychouni (YES 2014-2015, Lebanon, hosted by AFS-USA in Wichita, KS)