51福利社 Nursing: She’s Called to Save Lives
Kawthar Al Obid has come a long way as a student at 51福利社.
Thousands of miles from her home country, the 25-year-old arrived as a freshman and is now preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from 51福利社. Soon, she鈥檒l return to Saudi Arabia, ready to make a difference.
She is one of 40 students who make up the first-ever graduating cohort from 51福利社鈥檚 School of Nursing.
鈥淚t is unique because we are the first cohort, and we will enter the history. For me, it鈥檚 going to be more special because I鈥檓 going to be the first Saudi nurse that鈥檚 going to graduate from the 51福利社 nursing program,鈥� Al Obid says.
For Al Obid, nursing is more than a profession 鈥� it鈥檚 a calling: 鈥淚f you are going to be the good nurse, you are going to save a lot of lives.鈥�
During her capstone practicum in the postpartum unit at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Al Obid saw firsthand how skilled, attentive nurses can make a life-saving difference. She recalls a moment when a nurse immediately recognized a troubling symptom in a patient鈥攁nd acted fast.
鈥淭hank God the nurse noticed that and immediately called in rapid response. In just a couple minutes all the team came into the room.鈥�
The team sprang into action, administering medications, checking blood pressure, and ensuring the patient鈥檚 safety. Al Obid was deeply moved and recalls thinking, 鈥極h yeah, this is my place. I want to save somebody鈥檚 life.鈥欌��
She also valued hands-on learning in the simulation labs, where students practice nursing skills on manikins before working with real patients.
Being thousands of miles from home, Al Obid was grateful to faculty, staff and students for being mindful and respectful of her culture and religion, saying, 鈥淚 really would like to thank every single one.鈥�
Living in Cheney, attending classes in Spokane, and completing clinicals in Spokane Valley 鈥� without a driver鈥檚 license 鈥� was challenging. But her cohort stepped up to make the difference.
鈥淭hey invited me to carpool with them every single clinic for the two years, so I really appreciate them.鈥�
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