Jimmy’s pursuit for nursing

NILAI University (Nilai U)’s third year Diploma in Nursing student, Jimmy Hau lost his grandmother in 2008, when he was only 11 years old.

That was a tragic moment for Jimmy who said that his grandmother’s death had a huge impact on his life and how he sets his career path.

“I was very close to my grandmother,” he said. “I was extremely attached to her since young that her sudden death from a heart attack shocked me as she was of reasonably good health,” he added.

And because of this incident, Jimmy decided very early in his life to go into healthcare.

“I’m doing it for my family. In case something similar happened in the family, then I will be able to do something instead of just standing there doing nothing, like I did when my grandmother passed away. I didn’t know what to do,” he said.

Jimmy’s ambition was to become a Cardiologist however he did not meet the requirements needed to take up a medical course.

Furthermore, he said, the fees were just too high and would put a financial strain on his family. Seeing Jimmy’s unwavering hope of building a career in healthcare, a friend introduced him to Nilai University’s Nursing course.

After doing some thinking as to whether he should take up a Nursing course instead he visited Nilai U accompanied by his mother and an uncle. The familiarisation tour conducted by the department’s staff won Jimmy over.

“I decided there and then that this was the course for me,” Jimmy said.

“I took it because I like medical courses and this second option is a good choice, which I believe will give me a chance to go international,” he added.

Jimmy’s decision was also due to the reasonable course fees offered by Nilai U and the fact that he was able to apply for 100 per cent PTPTN loan sealed the deal for him.

“Nilai U also threw in the free accommodation offer, which was just perfect for me as it immediately lowered my financial strain,” he said.

Jimmy’s interest in his chosen field was also due to the experience he has had during his three months stint working in a nursing home in his home state Perak. Having been a St John’s member for five years has helped him build up his skills and nursing and caring for the ill.

In November, Jimmy turns 21 and this bubbly lad admitted that his first year in Nilai U was ‘quite stressful’ as there were a lot to catch up, study wise,” he said. But, he persevered and succeeded getting around it with the consistent guidance given by his lecturers in Nilai U.

“My lecturers helped me until I managed to develop my own study methods and until I was able to grasped the lessons,” he said.

“The lecturers in Nilai U were very patient with me as I wasn’t a very easy kid to handle,” he laughed. “I was always dozing off in class but my lecturers guided me along the way and they were always there to answer my numerous questions. They never hesitate to help me,” he added.

The encouragement that his lecturers showed him gave Jimmy the confidence that he can succeed in what he does.

“I never feel like giving up no matter how tough the lessons were as I had set my heart and mind that I want to succeed so I don’t have that kind of thinking,” he said positively.

Throughout his three years, Nilai U he said has continuously mould a shy and unassured guy into who he is today.

“As this is an international university, this gives me a very good opportunity to socialise with people from all walks of life, thus greatly expended my social circle,” he added.

The university’s co-curriculum program also provided him the experience to organise events and improve his leadership and communication skills.

All of these experiences and opportunities proved invaluable to him throughout his studies, due to the fact that ‘a nurse,’ he said “not only rely on nursing skills, but also greatly rely on communication and leadership skills.”

Bryan will sit for his final year examinations at the end of June and he is so looking forward to his August graduation as his future is already mapped.

Jimmy has been accepted into the Woodlands Health Campus when they came to Nilai U to interview potential candidates to join their establishment in 2019.

“I felt very lucky to have been accepted,” said Jimmy. “I aim to polish my skills and build up my experience and hopefully they will provide sponsorship for me to further my studies.” Bryan is excited with his ‘journey’ and is prepared for the challenges ahead.

“Nilai U has given me the knowledge and skills to be at par with the Singaporean students. I am confident I am able to carry myself well and compete against the best,” he said.

Jimmy never tires of learning, saying “every day is a continuous learning process.”

“I still have weaknesses and I need to work harder. Being a male nurse means the expectations on me is even higher as people expect me to be better than the rest,” he said.

To those who have similar interest as him, his advice is to look into Nilai U’s courses as he is sure there will be something for everyone.

“During my first visit, I was attracted to the green environment, which were conducive for studying,” he said.

“Nilai U’s reasonable course fee is a big plus factor and I would recommend it to others because of this,” he said.

“Nilai U offers some of the best academic programs at a lower cost,” he added.

“In addition, cheaper course fees and accredited programs of Nilai U especially the Nursing programme further strengthened my decision to pursue my studies here.”

“Those who have financial limitations must take a look at the other perks extended by Nilai U,” he added. Jimmy said he will always have fond memories of Nilai U.