Author Interview with Bejoy Varghese

Author of the book: "The Long Haul: Understanding the Complexities of 12-Hour Nursing Shifts in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Qatar: Exploring Nurses' Endurance, Wellbeing, and Patient Care Impact"

1. Please introduce yourself. What would you like your reader to know about you?

Hello, I’m Bejoy Varghese, a dedicated and passionate nurse midwife educator with a profound commitment to the advancement of nursing education and the improvement of patient care. My professional journey has been deeply intertwined with Hamad Medical Corporation, the largest healthcare institution in the State of Qatar, where I have consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism and demonstrated an unwavering work ethic.
As an educator specializing in Neuroscience and medical departments at Hamad General Hospital, I have had the privilege of contributing significantly to policy and protocol development, translating research findings into practical and meaningful implementations. My commitment to excellence is not just a phrase; it's a guiding principle. I've had the privilege of leading my team to multiple accolades in national poster competitions, a testament to our dedication to advancing healthcare standards and patient outcomes.
Furthermore, I have had the honor of serving as a research reviewer, underlining my passion for rigorous and evidence-based healthcare practices. Through my dedication to education, research, and quality projects, I aim to make a positive and lasting impact on healthcare standards and patient well-being. My journey in the field of healthcare and education has been an exciting and rewarding one, and I'm eager to share some insights into what inspires and motivates me.

2. What is your inspiration/motivation for writing?

My parents and my sister and wife, have always been a tremendous source of inspiration in my life. Their unwavering support and encouragement have fueled my passion for nursing and education. Additionally, my co-authors, including my colleague Chithra Maria Joseph, my supervisors Adnan Anwar Ahmad Al-Akkam, Rida Moh’d Odeh A. M. AL-Balawi and Esmat Swallmeh have been a constant source of motivation throughout my career. Kalpana Singh, a dedicated biostatistician and valued member of our research team, has been instrumental in shaping our research endeavors through her expert guidance and mentorship. Their collaborative spirit and dedication to research and education have inspired me to continually strive for excellence in my field.
Furthermore, I find inspiration in the dynamic and innovative work environment at Hamad Medical Corporation. The collaborative efforts of my esteemed colleagues in the Facility Education Department and the Corporate Education Team have provided me with valuable insights and perspectives. Engaging in research activities, participating in various educational initiatives, and witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts have further deepened my motivation to excel in nursing education.
In summary, the unwavering support of my family, the dedication of my co-authors, and the collaborative spirit within the Facility Education Department and Corporate Education Team at Hamad Medical Corporation have collectively shaped my commitment to enhancing patient care and nursing education.

3. How long did it take to complete your research from the idea to the book?

Completing my book, "The Long Haul: Understanding the Complexities of 12-Hour Nursing Shifts in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Qatar," was a journey that spanned approximately six months from the initial idea to publication. During this time, I dedicated myself to thorough research, data collection, analysis, and the intricate process of putting my findings into a cohesive narrative.
The journey commenced with the conception of the idea, driven by a genuine curiosity to explore the challenges faced by nurses working extended 12-hour shifts in a high-stakes healthcare environment. Once the research objectives were defined, I embarked on the meticulous process of data collection, which included surveys and in-depth interviews with nurses.
Next came the exhaustive task of data analysis, where I applied both deductive and inductive approaches to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of my findings. This phase involved identifying patterns, themes, and critical insights that would ultimately shape the narrative of the book.
The drafting process was an intricate dance between presenting the quantitative data in a clear and informative manner and weaving the qualitative interviews into compelling stories that conveyed the real experiences of the nurses. This balance between quantitative and qualitative aspects was crucial to providing a holistic view of the subject matter.
Throughout the drafting and editing stages, I collaborated with colleagues and mentors, seeking their valuable feedback and insights. Their input was instrumental in refining the book and ensuring its academic rigor and readability.
Finally, after months of dedication and hard work, the book was ready for publication. It was a moment of immense pride and fulfillment to see the research findings and insights transformed into a tangible resource that could benefit healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in the challenges of nursing in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
In retrospect, the six-month journey from idea to publication was a rewarding endeavor, driven by a passion for nursing, education, and research. It stands as a testament to the importance of understanding the experiences of healthcare professionals and the dedication required to bring meaningful insights to light.

4. What's the main message and idea of "The Long Haul: Understanding the Complexities of 12-Hour Nursing Shifts in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Qatar: Exploring Nurses' Endurance, Wellbeing, and Patient Care Impact"?

The primary message and idea of the book revolve around the challenges and complexities faced by nurses working extended 12-hour shifts in a tertiary-level hospital in Qatar. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of these nurses, including their physical and mental wellbeing, job satisfaction, and the impact on patient care. The book underscores the need to acknowledge and address these challenges, advocating for improvements in nursing shift patterns and support systems to enhance both nurses' quality of life and patient care outcomes.

5. What was the most unexpected conclusion you came up with while preparing "The Long Haul: Understanding the Complexities of 12-Hour Nursing Shifts in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Qatar: Exploring Nurses' Endurance, Wellbeing, and Patient Care Impact"?

The most unexpected conclusion from the research was the depth of stress and burnout experienced by nurses working 12-hour shifts. While we anticipated that long shifts might have negative effects, the extent of stress and burnout, as revealed through interviews, was startling. This high level of psychological strain had profound implications for job satisfaction and the overall health of nurses, which was somewhat unexpected. It highlights the urgent need for healthcare organizations to address these issues to protect the wellbeing of nursing professionals and maintain the quality of patient care in the healthcare system.

6. How would you describe your publishing experience with Eliva Press in a few words?

My publishing experience with Eliva Press was excellent. Throughout the process, they provided regular follow-ups and offered necessary guidance to ensure a smooth publishing journey. As a first-time author, their support was invaluable, making the entire experience both manageable and rewarding. Their professionalism and commitment to quality were evident at every stage, from manuscript submission to the final publication. Overall, Eliva Press made my debut book publishing experience a positive and memorable one.

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