‘It’s a calling’: Meet Dubai Health’s nurses whose humanity heals beyond medicine

Dubai: On International Nurses Day, May 12, Emirati and Arab nurses at Dubai Health, including a Palestinian male nurse, remind us that nursing is more than a profession, it’s a calling.
“Since I was young, I’ve always felt a deep calling to care for others. Nursing, to me, is more than just a profession – it’s a purpose,” said Marwa Al Falasi, an Emirati nurse working in the surgical ward at Dubai Hospital. “The ability to comfort someone in their most vulnerable moments and be a part of their healing journey is what truly inspires me. Every day, I’m reminded that even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference.”

For Marwa, the greatest reward lies not only in patient recovery but also in the human connections forged along the way. Once, after a long and exhausting shift, she spent a few quiet moments with a patient who had remained withdrawn throughout the day. Just before Marwa’s departure, the patient opened up and said: “Your presence made everything feel less frightening” – this acknowledgment was a priceless experience for Marwa.

“This was the moment I realised that nursing is truly for me. The physical and emotional demands may be great, but the opportunity to offer comfort and human connection – even in the smallest ways – is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Despite the emotional toll and long hours, she finds balance in life’s simplest joys – a coffee before a shift or a laughter with family. 

For Hessa Ishaq Mallala Saleh Al Ali, who serves at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital’s OPD, the turning point came when a frightened child finally smiled through tears, placing their trust in her.

“I knew nursing was meant for me the moment I comforted a frightened child and saw their fear melt into trust. As a paediatric nurse, every tiny hand I hold and every brave little smile I witness helps me grow not just in skill, but in heart, compassion, and purpose.”

Hessa sees each day as a chance to make a meaningful difference.
“I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing by my passion for helping others and making a positive impact during their most vulnerable moments. The ability to provide comfort, care, and support to patients and their families truly motivates me every day.”

At the paediatric wing of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Yuser Hamad, a Jordanian and Acting Director of Nursing, finds her motivation in the fragile triumphs of young patients.
“What keeps me going and striving in my work as a nurse is the smile we bring to the faces of our patients and their families. This is my motivation every morning.”

A smile from a child recovering in intensive care became a moment she’ll never forget.
“I visited a child who had been recovering from a serious surgery. After 10 days in the critical care unit, he smiled at me for the very first time. In that moment, I felt like I owned the world. His smile touched my heart deeply. And this… this is my story every day.”

Ali Al Khalidy, a Palestinian charge nurse at Rashid Hospital, leads psychiatric and community mental health services. For him, nursing is about empowerment and education – offering patients and families the knowledge they need to reclaim their lives.

“The power of nursing lies not only in its scientific knowledge but also in its ability to connect with the patients on a human level.”

Khalidy’s work touches lives often left in the shadows, and he finds meaning in every breakthrough, every regained sense of self a patient achieves.
“It’s a career that provides meaningful work where I can make a real difference in someone’s life. Also, nursing job gave me a career growth opportunities and job stability.”

Growing up, Samantha McStravick was driven by a passion for working with children.
“I’ve never been the type of person to sit behind a desk all day. When I was young, I knew I wanted to work with children, perhaps be a nursery teacher.”

Her career path took a transformative turn during her college years when she was introduced to the world of nursing through first aid sessions conducted by medics and nurses.
“I was so impressed by their knowledge, skills and ability to talk about the most gruesome sights without flinching. These professionals could actually save lives! What else could be more important?”
McStravick went on to become a paediatric nurse and currently works as a Clinical Resource Nurse at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital.
“Straight from university I began working in the emergency department. I thrive in organised chaos and love how dynamic nursing is, no day is the same. Being able to interact, help and care for different families every day is a privilege, I am very grateful to my younger self for choosing this career,” McStravick noted.