Ásdís began her career at SAk in 1992 as a nursing assistant student. She worked in the pharmacy ward and home care before studying nursing at the University of Akureyri. “I actually intended to become a midwife,” she says with a smile, “but after being asked to work in the ICU one summer, there was no turning back. I’ve been here ever since.”

Challenging and rewarding work
The ICU at SAk treats critically ill patients – following accidents, surgeries, infections, heart and circulatory problems, poisonings, respiratory failure, and more. “We care for a very diverse group of patients. Without the ICU, we wouldn’t be able to offer essential services like surgeries and childbirth here at the hospital,” Ásdís explains. “We’re a backup hospital for the country – that’s an important safety measure, not just for North Iceland but the whole nation.”
The work is both technical and demanding. In the ICU, ventilators, dialysis machines, and a wide range of advanced equipment are used, requiring specialized knowledge. “Good equipment and facilities make a big difference – for both patients and staff. The department is being renovated; we’ve received some new equipment and are expecting more. But we constantly need to improve the environment and continue developing the service.”

Teamwork, onboarding, and support
Ásdís emphasizes the importance of teamwork and trust among professions. “We all work together – nurses, nursing assistants, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, support staff, and more. It’s teamwork from the ground up, and everyone matters.” The ICU also collaborates closely with other departments.
Great emphasis is placed on a well-structured onboarding process for new staff. “We want people to feel welcome and ensure they get support from the start. The job demands a high level of responsibility and knowledge – but we build competence and confidence together.”

Professionalism and family-centered care at the heart of the work
Family-centered care is a major part of ICU nursing, as patients often stay for long periods under difficult circumstances. “Sometimes we literally have someone’s life in our hands for weeks or even months. When we see a patient recover after such a long time – that’s the most rewarding part. The feeling of seeing that progress is indescribable.”
When asked what has kept her in the job all these years, Ásdís replies: “I enjoy taking on challenges, making a difference, learning new things – and I have fantastic colleagues.”