Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a Meeting with a Group of Nurses

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

We welcome you, dear nurses, who are truly angels of mercy for all patients and caregivers in society, and we congratulate you on Nurse's Day, which coincides with the birthday of the devoted lady of Islamic history, Zainab (peace be upon her). That great lady, like you, had the most difficult task on the battlefield of Ashura; that is, caring for children, the helpless, women, and the homeless.

Today, in this meeting, which, thanks be to God, I have the opportunity to hold with you dear ones, what I will express is solely about the nursing profession and the responsibilities of everyone towards those engaged in this very challenging profession; both the people and the officials.

I will say one sentence that is clear to you, as you are nurses; many people know it as well, but the general understanding of our society and the culture of our people must correctly grasp this matter: for maintaining health in society, the importance of nursing is paramount; that is, if the best doctors and surgeons perform their work with the patient in the best way, but that patient is not cared for, generally, the work of that esteemed doctor or surgeon will be in vain. The role of nursing and caregiving in preserving health and restoring the patient's health is of utmost importance; it is equivalent to the role of a skilled physician. Many overlook this point; therefore, the weight and value that should be considered for nurses remains neglected in their minds, and they do not pay attention to it.

Another point that you know better than anyone else, but our people and officials must know and pay attention to, is that nursing is one of the most challenging jobs in terms of mental and physical pressure for the nurse. Sitting beside the patient, being in constant companionship with the patient, hearing the patient's complaints, treating them kindly, smiling at them, and alleviating their numerous pains during the illness requires immense endurance; the nurse faces such a situation. The patient who is suffering, the patient whose hope for life is weakening, the patient who has no access to anyone or anywhere; especially patients who are children, or suffering from very severe illnesses, or in special care periods, see how much nursing and caregiving for such individuals exerts pressure on the spirit, body, and nerves. What a tremendous investment of patience, endurance, compassion, and kindness is required for a nurse to cope with this patient. However, the demeanor of the patient towards the nurse, unlike the demeanor of the nurse, is not kind; sometimes it is harsh. In addition to the patient, the relatives of the patient who are around them, if a service is delayed even slightly, their expectations from the nurse turn into a state of protest; sometimes they become harsh and sometimes aggressive; enduring these is very difficult. The difficulty of the nurse's work is not physical hardship; it is not like digging or going to a hard environment like a mine or similar places; but in terms of mental and nervous pressure, it is harder than that. All those who rank the difficulties of jobs must consider this point. Apart from this, the nurse is away from home, from their spouse, from their children; night, day, midnight, holidays, Fridays, and days off when people are busy enjoying their leisure time, the nurse is away. The nurse cannot abandon the patient and the hospital; these matters must be taken into account. The hard work, lack of time, always being present, and being separated from their living environment multiply the difficulty of the job. In my opinion, all our people and all those who care about the fate of patients and the health of the country must show attention, affection, and importance to the nursing community; both officials and the general public. The culture of society must recognize the importance of the nurse's work and its difficulties. This is the matter I wished to convey, and I wish both the general public and officials, within the limits of governmental capabilities - whether for the possibility of hiring new nurses, or for addressing their livelihood issues and all the expected matters - to pay attention to it and look at the subject from this perspective.

However, what I want to convey to you nurses is that the work, as we said and much more than that which you feel and experience, is undoubtedly difficult, but in divine scales, the weights of difficulty and reward are always equal. It is impossible for a job to be more difficult, but its reward to be equal to or less than a job that is less difficult. In divine scales, everything is calculated; "the weight of an atom" that you have read in the Quran; that is, as heavy as an atom. An atom means those particles and dust that you cannot see with your eyes; unless when a ray of light enters the room, then you see these floating particles in the space. How much weight does one atom have? It is calculated in divine scales according to its weight. Therefore, if you do a good deed, this good deed is accounted for in the divine accounting, and when you do it with pure intention and for God and with a spiritual and divine motivation, that atom before God Almighty gradually turns into a mountain; a mountain of reward, look at your work in this way. As I said, the nurse is an angel of mercy for the patient. At the time when the patient is deprived of everything, in those hours when even the spouse, children, and parents of the patient are not by their side, their hope after God is on the nurse, and it is this nurse who, like the heavenly angels, like the angels of mercy, responds to their pains, problems, and physical and emotional needs; these are very important; these are not forgotten before God Almighty. Of course, it may be that no eye sees your efforts. Many of the efforts you make and the pains you endure are not seen by anyone. Sometimes, a smile from you to a depressed patient gives them a new lease on life. Who sees this smile? Who accounts for it? Who places a financial and monetary equivalent for this smile? No one; but the honorable scribes see it; the accountants of divine scales see this smile of yours. If you frown instead of smiling, they see your frown as well. No good deed and no bad deed is hidden from the keen sight of the accountants of the divine court and divine scales. Appreciate this valuable work and service. If at any time others do not appreciate it, you yourself should value this work; it is a very important task. It is narrated that whoever visits a patient is like someone who is immersed in divine mercy. Some may be surprised that what characteristic does visiting a patient have. You, who know the needs of the patient and the impact of your work, understand why such a great reward has been set for caregivers and nurses; because its impact is immeasurable and superior to ordinary calculations. Uplifting the spirit of the patient is sometimes much more life-giving and effective than giving them their medicine; this spirit you provide. In prayers, we read: "O God, I ask You for the causes of Your mercy"; divine mercy is not given to anyone without calculation and reason; we must plead with God to grant us the causes of mercy; that is, to do the work that causes mercy, so that later God sends His mercy. This work is the greatest cause of mercy, which is very precious and valuable. This was the point I wished for you to pay attention to and know what valuable work you are engaged in.

And as for the point I want to convey to the officials - I saw that Dr. Pezeshkian just told me this point, and it is correct - it is that the relevant officials in the country's management must open a separate and new chapter for this profession. The issue of hiring, the issue of training during service, providing rest for the nursing community, are topics that affect the nature of nursing work. If the role of the nurse is so important - which it is - then a tired nurse, an overworked nurse, a nurse who has worked several shifts in a row out of necessity, can no longer fulfill this role. A nurse who wants to work with boredom and fatigue and is dissatisfied with their work can no longer fulfill this role. The nurse must be energetic, lively, ready and eager to serve, familiar with the knowledge that helps them in their service, and the officials must provide the facilities and prerequisites for these matters. Of course, there are certainly limitations for the officials that neither you nor I nor anyone else should expect the government to do anything beyond its capabilities and limitations. The issue of the government is a matter of responsibility for the entire country and all classes, but within the framework of these capabilities, they must make every effort and do all their work to be able to bring this great duty and this valuable service to fruition as it should be. We must seek help and success in service from God Almighty. If God Almighty grants us the ability to serve at any level, this is the greatest happiness and the greatest fortune for us. Let us ask God that each of us, wherever we are, can fulfill our duties, God willing, and God willing, your efforts and the services of the dear nursing community be encompassed by the grace and mercy of God Almighty and the special attention of His Holiness, the Awaited Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him).

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.