Nur Sakinah
The Bachelor of Nursing Degree at the University Of Sydney (UOS) has undoubtedly given me an invaluable knowledge base. I find the course well-run, by experienced helpful staff who always make themselves available to listen and offer advice when needed.
Working as a nurse in Singapore General Hospital, she devotes her time to ensuring that each patient under her care, is looked after well. Despite having a demanding schedule, Sakinah finds great fulfilment in her job. “I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people's lives on a daily basis. In the nursing profession, you deal with many aspects of patient care, and I enjoy the variety in this routine.”
“Hospitals operate round the clock, so we work shifts, including overnight or on weekends and holidays,” she says. “The interest for nursing grew when I watched an American medical drama series, Grey’s Anatomy during my secondary school years,” she explains.
Sakinah currently works in the medical oncology department where she strives to help patients battle their cancers and journeys together with families in the hope of seeing their loved ones recover. “Caring for people in what could be their final weeks and days can be stressful and demanding. So I often ask myself, how I can make a difference in their end-of-life care? I believe this aspect of care is important and that all patients are treated with dignity.”
Sakinah recalls one of her experiences in the ward when a father of two sons aged, seven and nine, passed on during her shift. “The boys did not shy away from the last office rites even though they were tearful. To help them get closure over the passing of their daddy, we encouraged them to continue talking to him throughout the process. At the end of it, they placed their heads on his chest and promised to be good sons, to study hard and to take care of their mom when they grow up.”
Counting Her Blessings
It is such experiences that enable Sakinah to find meaning in her job. To continue developing her knowledge and skills, Sakinah is taking up the SIM-University of Sydney (UOS) Bachelor of Nursing (Post-Registration) Part-Time programme.“The Bachelor of Nursing Degree developed and awarded by the University Of Sydney (UOS) has undoubtedly given me an invaluable knowledge base. I find the course well-run, by experienced helpful staff who always make themselves available to listen and offer advice when needed,” she shares.
As she goes about her duties from day-to-day, Sakinah holds her mother’s advice dear to her heart. "My mom said that every time a patient and their family express appreciation for the care I have provided, I should count that as a blessing. I'm still counting my blessings every day and I know my family is proud of my profession."
Click here to find out more about the nursing programmes offered by SIM-University of Sydney.
Posted online, 10 July 2018