IMU Nursing Alumna Awarded Inspiring Nurse Leader Award

Chong Mei Sin, is currently working as a senior nurse in one of the private hospitals in Malaysia. This year, she was awarded Inspiring Nurse Leader Award during the Central Nurses Day 2018 which was organised by Parkway Pantai. Mei Sin was an Assistant Nurse Manager in ICU/HDU in one of the hospitals of Parkway Pantai when she received the award. Recently, she completed her master degree in nursing from a local university. She relates her journey studying her degree in nursing and her working experience here. “One of my favourite quotes on education is, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” by Nelson Mandela. As my parents were unable to pursue higher education back in the 60s, they placed great emphasis on their children’s education. For my parents, having their children pursue their studies in university would be the proudest thing. After I’ve completed my STPM, I decided to pursue Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) at IMU. However, my dad asked me, “Are you sure you want to be a nurse?” He threw the question at me knowing that I would be the first person who vomits when I see vomitus and shudder at the very sight of needles. Nonetheless, I was very determined I could be a nurse, not just a nurse but a nurse who will make a change! I was very fortunate to be selected as one of the awardees for the full scholarship by IMU. In September 2005, I began my journey as one of the pioneer students in N105. Like other undergraduate students, I juggled my time between studies and activities with my cohort mates. I could still vividly remember some of the activities which included the health screening in an orang Asli village, teaching some orphans from an orphanage, joining the IMU 15^th Anniversary 10km marathon etc. I enjoyed the clinical postings in Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar the most. We had clinical posting in each semester and our clinical postings were supervised by experienced clinical instructors who motivated us to grab every single opportunity to enhance our knowledge and improve our clinical skills. Prior to our clinical postings, we had our lectures and simulated clinical skills practices in the skills laboratory. I enjoyed studying at many of the University’s well-equipped facilities for students such as the library, PBL rooms, computer laboratories and the clinical skills laboratories. In addition, I must say that my lecturers in IMU have encouraged me in many ways throughout my journey in IMU and inspired me to be a dedicated nurse. I have learned that nursing is not all about getting tasks done and being a nurse is not all about caring for the patients. Nursing is holistic and a nurse must possess knowledge, clinical skills and soft skills. Besides, nurses do not work alone but in a team of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Thus, teamwork and mutual respect are essential values of nursing. When I was studying in IMU, we often had activities with the students from other faculties. They provided important insights into working with other healthcare professionals. The experiences I gained during my years in IMU have shaped me to be the person I am now.

After my graduation, I started to work in one of the private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and I was placed in ICU/CCU. In December 2011, I packed my bags and left for Saudi Arabia as I was intrigued to find out about the different working cultures in a foreign land and also the fact of getting a high-paying job. I started as a junior nurse in Cardiac Paediatric Surgical ICU and I was promoted to senior nurse after I completed my probation. In the cardiac centre, I was given opportunities to care for many critically ill patients with rare abnormalities.

I then decided to come home after spending two years in Saudi Arabia. I continued my role as a senior nurse in one of the private hospitals. Recently, I have completed my master degree in nursing from a local university. I hope to achieve more in nursing and probably concentrate in researches to improve the nursing care of the patients in the future. Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my lecturers in IMU for their endless dedication to educate their beloved students.”