More Than Just a Profession: How Nursing Impacted Me as a Person

Driven by a desire to better support her family, Chow Kah Ying gave up her childhood dream of veterinary medicine to become a nurse. Despite the challenges that come with the job, she now balances full-time nursing and part-time studies, motivated by a deep dedication to those she serves. Her story exemplifies why she deserves the SIM STARRR Award which recognises students who demonstrate responsibility, resilience, and resourcefulness in their personal and professional lives.
icon-calendar-dark

20 August 2025

Chow Kah Ying's story exemplifies why she deserves the SIM STARRR Award which recognises students who demonstrate responsibility, resilience, and resourcefulness in their personal and professional lives.

She used to dream of becoming a veterinarian. Then COVID-19 struck.

As the world pivoted to new ways of living and working, so did Chow Kah Ying’s career ambitions.

“During those months, I saw my parents, who were nearing their fifties, still working tirelessly to support our large family,” she recalled. “I knew I wanted to grow up quickly, become independent, and find a way to ease their burden as soon as possible.”

Kah Ying also saw the importance of having medical knowledge.

She continued, “Coming from a large family with six siblings, I wanted to be someone who could care not only for others in the community but also support my loved ones when they need it most.”

Kah Ying continued, “Coming from a large family with six siblings, I wanted to be someone who could care not only for others in the community but also support my loved ones when they need it most.”

This sense of responsibility directed Kah Ying to pursue nursing which offered her a stable and meaningful career while allowing her to gain life-saving knowledge.

So, at age 18, Kah Ying packed her bags and pursued a diploma in Nursing in Singapore.
 

DIFFERENT DREAM, SAME PASSION

Upon graduating from her diploma, Kah Ying joined the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) department in a hospital in Singapore.

It was a dream come true as ICUs typically recruit more experienced staff. And at ICU, each patient presents a complex and unique case, offering valuable exposure and opportunities.

However, what Kah Ying was not prepared for was the psychological strain that comes with the job.

“It was a space filled with intensity, pressure, and emotional weight,” she confessed. “We can never take anything for granted, and we must remain alert at all times.”

Demonstrating her resourcefulness, Kah Ying also experimented with different ways to cope with stress.


Kah Ying recalled her first month when she did not know what to expect. One moment, she was coordinating an urgent transfer of a patient with a cardiac condition to another hospital; the next, she was performing CPR on a real person for the first time.

Sadly, the latter patient did not survive.

That experience left a deep impact on Kah Ying.

“We are often the last people to provide care to a patient, and it’s our duty to give everything we have—to try our best, provide dignity, and support both the patient and their family in critical moments.”

But this deep sense of responsibility can also be overwhelming for a new nurse like Kah Ying.

She explained, “I had to complete various skill signoffs while delivering care, and I often felt uncertain about whether I was doing things correctly. It was academically and practically demanding, especially as I was still building my hands-on skills and clinical confidence.”

Things got so bad that she started questioning her decision to become a nurse. But she refused to give up without a fight.

“I gave myself a timeline—three to six months—to adapt. I kept telling myself, ‘If I can get through the hardest part, things will get better.’”

Demonstrating her resourcefulness, Kah Ying also experimented with different ways to cope with stress. For example, she started journalling which helped her process her learning journey and recognise how far she had come. Kah Ying also received emotional comfort through volunteering at an animal shelter.

“Being around animals helped me reconnect with my childhood passion and gave me a sense of balance amidst the demands of work and study,” Kah Ying elaborated.

“Being around animals helped me reconnect with my childhood passion and gave me a sense of balance amidst the demands of work and study,” Kah Ying elaborated. “It reminded me of who I am beyond the uniform and helped me stay grounded through this journey.”

She also received support from her senior colleagues who encouraged and guided her.

“It made a big difference knowing I wasn’t alone — there were people around me who wanted to see me grow.

“Additionally, witnessing their dedication further fuelled my passion for nursing. It inspired me to strive for excellence, knowing that my efforts can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
 

GROWTH OVER GAINS

One year into her job, Kah Ying decided to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing (Post-Registration) with SIM-University of Sydney (SIM-UOS).

The healthcare industry is ever evolving. Many of her colleagues, even those in their late forties or fifties, continue to further their education. In fact, she first heard about SIM-UOS Nursing programme through positive reviews from her seniors.

However, Kah Ying is also aware that hands-on experience plays a more significant role for career advancement in nursing than academic qualifications.

“I believe every learning journey has its own purpose—and mine is to grow as someone who can give back more to the profession and the community.”

“Nursing is not a job you can do half-heartedly—it demands full concentration, emotional presence, and quick decision-making,” she noted. “On top of that, I knew the pay raise from getting a degree wouldn’t be drastic. I couldn’t help but wonder why I put myself through this.”

But deep down, Kah Ying knows she’s not doing this just for monetary purposes.

“I wanted to understand more, think critically, and be able to explain why I was doing what I was doing, not just follow routines blindly,” she shared. “I didn’t want to feel limited just because I stopped at a diploma.”

Although the path wasn’t easy, every step she took reminded her that she’s doing this for something bigger than herself.

“I believe every learning journey has its own purpose—and mine is to grow as someone who can give back more to the profession and the community.”
 

PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION

Looking back, Kah Ying sees how resilient she has become.

“When I first started my nursing journey, I relied a lot on external validation, grades, results, and praise to feel like I was doing okay,” she confessed. “But over time, I’ve come to realise that real strength comes from within.”

“I learnt that struggling doesn’t mean I’m failing. It’s means I’m learning.”

This was why Kah Ying decided to apply for the SIM STARRR Award.

A new initiative under the SIM Impact Fund which aims to distribute up to $60 million in scholarships and awards over the next decade, the SIM STARRR Award recognises students who demonstrate leadership qualities while exemplifying resourcefulness, responsibility, and resilience.

“When I first started my nursing journey, I relied a lot on external validation, grades, results, and praise to feel like I was doing okay,” she confessed. “But over time, I’ve come to realise that real strength comes from within.”

“I believe in the power of recognition,” Kah Ying affirmed. “I wanted to acknowledge my own progress and inspire others to keep striving for excellence, especially on the days when the work feels difficult and the journey feels long.”

Kah Ying has since been awarded the SIM STARRR Award.

Describing it as a validation of her growth, she elaborated, “The STARRR Award tells me, “You’re on the right path’ and it encourages me to keep striving—not for perfection, but to keep evolving into a stronger, more grounded version of myself.”

“It also reminds me that I’m capable of reaching the goals I set for myself, even when the journey feels challenging.”