When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and who has been your greatest influence?
When I first started as a registered nurse, I knew my heart was in the right place. I’ve always been a caring people person. It takes a certain personality to be in the healthcare industry. Plus, I got a lot of guidance from my siblings; there are four of us and we are all registered nurses here in British Columbia, Canada.
My greatest influence was when I was working in a cardiac unit and I heard an overhead page in the ER calling for a Tagalog/Filipino translator. I was very tired and hungry that time, I was heading for my break when I heard the call and realized that a countryman needs help. When I reached the ER, I saw an elderly woman with her two hands strapped with a soft restraint. The nurse asked me to asses her, see if she’s confused as she’s been calling out, agitated and restless. They’ve been giving her medications to “calm” her down. I asked the patient her name and her whereabouts and she was clearly not confused. She told me in Tagalog, “hello daughter, I fell at home and I’m in so much pain. I’m just new here in Canada and I don’t know how to speak English.” I told the nurse and the doctor about it and they removed the restraints and discontinued the medications. In my own little way, I can advocate for the powerless.
What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
Honestly I don’t feel motivated every single day. But I have a morning routine that lifts me up. I write in my gratitude journal, do some stretching, drink my power breakfast, tackle my checklist and bless my kids at bedtime. I trust in the process.
Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
I coined the term, I “B.O.U.N.C.E.”
B – I Believe in myself & think big.
O – I am Optimistic of the future because I focus.
U – I am Unstoppable.
N – the power of No.
C – I Choose wisely.
E – I Enjoy life to the fullest.
What is your favorite thing about what you do in your career and why?
As an RN, I enjoy hearing the stories of our patients and cheering them up whenever they are feeling low. Giving quality care and advocating for our patients when they’re getting overwhelmed. As a founder of the Filipino-Canadians in Hollywood, it’s inspiring to know the journey (humble beginnings) of a talented person before they reach their success. Highlighting their stories and later on getting featured in big media network is such a joy and very fulfilling. These are the stories that we need to hear, stories of overcoming struggles until they finally made it. Following their life-long dreams no matter what the odds are.
If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
-Don’t be afraid to fail, it won’t be the end of the world.
-Take your job seriously but don’t take yourself seriously, have fun!
-There is no such thing as a “mistake”, it’s ALL experience.
-Celebrate your uniqueness and don’t hide your magic!
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