At the heart of neonatology: Clara’s unwavering passion
The story of neonatal nurse Clara Peraza is an example of vocation, perseverance and hope.
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Life faces its earliest and most fragile challenges in the neonatal ward of the Roberto Rodríguez General Hospital in Morón, Ciego de Ávila. Nurse Clara Peraza Rodríguez works there. Her story is an example of vocation, perseverance and hope amid great difficulties.
Clara works tirelessly. Her schedule is challenging: 24 hours straight and then 48 hours off. The dedication and sacrifice demanded for this work is huge and Clara has taken it on with admirable strength.
When asked why she continues in this area despite the difficulties, Clara answered with emotion: “I majored in Nursing 27 years ago and the only thing I have done in my life is neonatology. That is what I like to do the most. I am passionate about this speciality. The day I can no longer practise it, I will sit at home to live on my memories.”
In a country where everyone deals with problems, Clara knows there are many difficulties, but when she walks through the door of the neonatal ward, her focus is on the welfare of the babies.
“Here, I fulfil myself professionally. I enjoy being with the children, seeing how they improve, how, after three months, the mothers send me photos and tell me, ‘Look at your child; look at your patient.’ That fulfils me because it’s the only thing we have here.”
In conversation with Clara, one story in particular stands out as a moving testimony to her commitment and dedication. Six months ago, a little boy named Angel Jesus was born premature and underweight. His health deteriorated rapidly, and Clara found herself fighting tirelessly to save his foot, which was in grave danger due to complications. “It was several days of me standing for hours in front of the incubator, holding him up so that he wouldn’t lose that foot.”
The relationship between Clara and the baby created a special bond. “Angel Jesus became so important to me as was I important to him, to such an extent that when I spoke to him, if he was crying, he would try to find me,” Clara recalls fondly. Finally, with unwavering care and love, Angel Jesus overcame his challenges. He lost only the tip of his big toe and was able to return home to his family.
Clara values the importance of collaboration and support in her work. Recently, the hospital received a new incubator purchased by UNICEF Cuba. Clara describes how this has made a significant difference: “It gives us more peace of mind for the work. It's a new incubator, very practical when it comes to handling the patient.”
The support of the Spanish Committee for UNICEF, thanks to the contribution of the Government of Extremadura, through the Extremadura Agency for International Development Cooperation (AEXCID), has contributed to strengthening neonatology, paediatric intensive care and child care services in primary health care, through the acquisition of 21 incubators, two mechanical ventilators, 15 thermal blankets, 1,420 paediatric sphygmomanometers, 150 pulse oximeters, 720 scales and consumables.
Clara also underscores the urgent need to add new equipment to the neonatal ward, including a cardio monitor. The equipment currently in used is more than 25 years old. By upgrading the technology, Clara and her colleagues would be able to significantly enhance their work in the neonatal ward.
Clara Peraza’s story is a reminder of how passion, commitment and dedication can make a remarkable difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in the midst of hardship and deprivation.
