- Providing care for people is often deemed a thankless task. How do you remain caring and positive about your work?
It is probably the way I was brought up. I was taught by my parents to be kind to everyone. Whether one knows the person and whether that kindness will be paid back, it doesn’t matter. All I want to do is to make that person I care for happy and to know that I have made a difference in his or her life.
- What was the biggest stumbling block in your path to becoming a Nurse Educator? How did you overcome it?
I made an error at work. At that point, I wanted to call it a quit as I thought that I was not good enough to be a nurse. However, I did not want to disappoint my parents who unconditionally believed in me. I motivated myself by taking some time to learn the job and continued to believe that I can do it. I do not believe in giving up.
- What would you be if you were not a Nurse Educator? Why?
I would probably be a homemaker. In reality, I really do not want to work and I do enjoy doing housework.
- Do you remember your first day at work? How did it feel?
The ward was very busy on my first day at work. It was very stressful and nerve-wrecking. I had to struggle to perform many tasks at the same time. I actually went home crying. However, my love for patients and the job kept me going no matter what. (By the way, nursing is my first love)
- Would you encourage your children to follow your footsteps?
If my children possess my personality and qualities, I don’t see why not.
- Did you have to make any major sacrifices in order to become a Nurse Educator? If yes, what were they?
Yes, I was given the chance to be married and become a homemaker. I would have been given the opportunity to settle down overseas… However I turned down the opportunities as I love my job more.
- Is your job everything you’ve made it out to be while you were working towards it? How do you feel now?
I love teaching the new nurses and sharing my experience and knowledge. As a nurse educator, in addition to my pre-existing role and duties, I am now able to educate and share knowledge. I can now motivate my nurses and encourage them to pursue their careers in nursing. I am very content and overwhelmed.
- What’s your version of job satisfaction? How does it make you feel?
Job satisfaction means to me that I have achieved my objectives for that day. It makes me feel in control and confident that I am good in my job.
- What is the greatest highlight of your Nurse Educator Career so far?
The greatest highlight of my Allied Health Career is the ability to interact with people of different races, cultures, countries and social backgrounds.
- What five words best describe a typical day at work for you?
Patience. Knowledge. Emotions. Confidence and Frustration.