Introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Shiela Lim De Leon, a Nurse Manager at FeM Surgery @ Orchard. I have always been interested in the medical and healthcare space. I think it’s because of my exposure as a Red Cross volunteer during my school days. It makes me feel better being able to help others if I know I can.
What have you learned on your caregiving journey?
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to provide healthcare assistance to our patients, there will be times that we can’t win the battle. During this time, it’s the companionship and support from their family is what matters most. Making them feel that they are not alone makes a big difference. Nursing is not just a job, it’s a vocation. Learning how to empathize and understand what a person is going through yet stay strong to be their pillar to lean on is not something you read in textbooks. Be a gift to others by showing you care.
Caregiving can be very challenging. What keeps you going?
Yes, it is challenging. At the end of the day seeing the smile on the faces of our patients and their family, knowing we have contributed to making them feel better is such a rewarding experience. Hearing my daughter say “I want to be like you mommy, when I grow up to help other people get better” makes me feel that I have set a great example to my kids – not to think only of themselves but of others too.
Photo: Shiela Lim & Dr Felicia Tan (left to right)
What would you like to say to someone who might be going through a difficult time?
Life’s journey is like a wheel. It can run on a smooth or bumpy road. At times it can even be too rough but the wheel will always keep on turning until you hit the end. We just have to learn when to speed up, slow down or take a layover to recharge. Smile, be happy and remember there’s always a rainbow after the rain.