‘Nurses are unsung heroes’
They not only have to juggle family and work but also take the ups and downs. Like all jobs, there are good and bad days in the office. How well the y cope depends on how well they handle a situation. It’s important to strike a balance. — Rosena Abdul Ghani, former Director of Nursing
her short-posting experience to Mecca in the 80’s where she worked at Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department in a hospital in the desert.
“The people I dealt with were mostly pilgrims who came to perform Hijjrah. At the time, an outbreak of diseases like cholera and meningitis was seriously affecting the pilgrims, and my job was to help them and get care for them.
“It was a harsh environment. The experience was hard and an eye-opener. I learned from it the most — it made me appreciate what I have in my own country.” Shortage of nurses She said there is “actually a lot of catching up to do,” despite the Health Ministry having sent tens of thousands of nurses to every corner of the country, including Sarawak and Sabah.
“There are new government hospitals, sub-specialist clinics and 1Malaysia clinics that keep coming up. But the country is still lacking nurses to meet the demand.
“The lack of posting opportunities could be due to the slower economy.
“Many chose to work elsewhere. And Singapore is one of the countries that offers a lot of opportunities to Malaysian nurses.”
Rosena has bitter sweet memories of her career.
“There are, of course, touching moments as well and above all, the many great people I worked with.
“These people have been an important part of my life and career. They made me who I have become.”
Rosena hoped the nurses out there would have the vision to safeguard the profession and bring it to greater heights.
“By all means, improve yourself first, then, sharpen your skills. Only then will you be able to provide better services to patients and be more communicative when dealing with people,” she said.
Staff nurses at Miri Hospital recently threw her a farewell dinner in appreciation of her contributions to the nursing profession in the country.
As a Sarawakian who made it to the top of her profession, Rosena serves as a fine example for the many aspiring nurses in the state to continue striving to advance their career through the acquisition of knowledge and sharing it with their fellow nurses.
Her dedication has earned her many kudos, including the Excellent Services (Perkhidmatan Cemerlang) Award from the State Ministry of Health, the Pingat Perkhidmatan Terpuji from the Head of State and the Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia from the Chief Minister.