"Children are usually healthy and active, so when I first stepped into the children's haematology/oncology ward in 2002, my first thought was to leave the place.  I was shocked to see how different the sick children looked.  They were fearful of some of the procedures they had to undergo, e.g. blood-taking.  Some children who were unable to express themselves well enough responded by throwing tantrums and crying persistently.  Parents of newly diagnosed patients looked worried for their children as they were still trying to come to terms with their children's diagnosis.  By the end of the day, I was feeling so low that I wanted to request for a transfer.

But my nurse manager was encouraging. She told me not to give up, and shared the benefits of the work.  As I could tell that she really needed my help, I chose to be strong and stay on.  And now here I am, 14 years later and counting.  I admit that it can be very difficult on some days. While majority of the children recover, there are some who may not make it and eventually pass on.  Having to break the bad news to parents and supporting them through their grief is never easy.

Still, the smiles of the children I care for keeps me going.  On most days, I dance and sing with them. I even help to shave the heads of those who have undergone chemotherapy. I always tell them how good they look after that.  Even after they have left the hospital, a lot of my patients still return to visit.  It makes me happy to know that they remember us.  One of my patients is 25 years old now, and he recently got in touch saying that he is now a pilot!  It is comforting to know that I played a part in his recovery.

Although I did not believe I could work here at first, my patients and their parents have now become a part of my family, and I hope to work in this ward for many more years to come."

Ms Low Ah Lek
Senior Enrolled Nurse, Haematology/Oncology Ward
KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Ms Low was one of the winners at this year's Healthcare Humanity Awards.

Tags: Nurse