On 17 August 2025, IMU University came alive for its Open Day. One of the activities during the day which involved the Nursing programme, themed “In Their Shoes, With Healing Hands — Where Compassion Comes to Life.” Guided by Ms Deepa Kaliappen, the event wasn’t just another showcase of academic programmes from the Nursing faculty and the nursing students; it was a celebration of passion, skill, and the heart of healthcare.

For us, Semester 8 nursing students, this Open Day was more than just another activity. It was our last contribution as students before graduation, a chance to give back to the university that has shaped us, and a meaningful way to close our chapter at IMU.

Our team took charge of two interactive stations, the Infant CPR demonstration and the application of a cervical collar. At first, many visitors watched with curiosity, but soon the crowd leaned in with excitement, asking questions, trying the techniques, and realising just how vital these skills are in saving lives.

It was rewarding to see their faces light up when they succeeded in a CPR compression or placed the collar correctly. These were simple demonstrations, but they told a bigger story —the story of how nurses play a frontline role in emergencies, balancing hands-on skills with critical thinking and quick judgment.

Beyond the practical skills, we had the privilege of sharing our nursing degree journey at IMU University. We discussed the late-night study sessions, the intensity of clinical postings, the challenges of balancing theory with practice, as well as the joy of patient interactions, the pride of mastering new skills, and the resilience built along the way.

Many visitors were surprised at the depth of the nursing profession. Some admitted they had never realised how broad the opportunities were. We were glad to be the ones to open their eyes, to show them that nursing is not just a career, it’s a calling, one that blends science, compassion, and leadership in ways that touch lives every day.

What made this Open Day unforgettable was its timing. It marked the end of our journey as nursing students. As we stood at our booths, guiding visitors and reflecting on the past four years, waves of nostalgia hit us. We remembered why we chose nursing in the first place: the passion to care, the drive to serve, and the determination to grow into professionals who make a difference.

There was laughter, pride, and even a touch of sadness, knowing this was our final chance to represent IMU University as students. Yet, it felt like the perfect ending to close one chapter by inspiring others to begin theirs.

Walking away from the event, we carried not just gratitude but also hope — hope that more young people will choose nursing, just as we once did, and find meaning in this noble path. The IMU University Open Day was not just about showcasing a programme; it was about reminding everyone that compassion is at the heart of healthcare, and that nurses are the hands that bring it to life.

For us, it was a day of pride, reflection, and celebration. As we step into the professional world, we carry forward the lessons, the passion, and the promise to keep making a difference — one patient, one family, one community at a time.

Written by: Lennon Wong Chee Fung & Aishvarrya Lakshmi Arut Chelvan (in the photo on the right)
Reviewed by: Ms Deepa Kaliappen & Dr Lim Swee Geok (Head of Nursing Division)