Nurse Graduates Optimistic, Confident Of Employment
By Zasika Musdi

Bandar Seri Begawan - At the 14th Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah College of Nursing Convocation yesterday, there was one question on every fresh graduate's mind - "How soon could I start work as a nurse?"

For some, it was not their first convocation - they started their nursing courses when they were just fresh out of high school and then went to the college to gain more practical knowledge on their field of choice.

One such graduate was Hjh Nurhana Hj Mohammad Salleh, 26, recipient of the Special Student Award for Diploma in Accident and Emergency Nursing Session 2007-2008.

"About seven years ago, I was a student at Maktab Duli. I was a bit sceptical about my future around the time I finished my `A' Levels and university, so I decided to join the nursing college as I figured I would have a higher chance of being employed right after graduation.

"It was after my first clinical attachment that I realised I really was interested in becoming a nurse," she said: "I have been working as a nurse at RIPAS Hospital in the Accident and Emergency Section for almost five years. For the first few years, my confidence level was not so high.

"However, as the years went by, my confidence increased due to the practices and researches, as well as the help received from my colleagues. From there on, I have been wanting to learn more, so I decided to go back to the college to get my diploma."

Hjh Nurhana added that she would return to RIPAS Hospital and continue working as a nurse, but has future plans to improve her career, in terms of knowledge and practical skills.

"After a few years, I am thinking of continuing my studies in the Degree and Masters levels. Another option for me would be to become a nursing tutor," she stated.

She does not believe that it is difficult to secure a nursing job for graduates nowadays. "I do not think the unemployment rate for nurses now is as bad as before.

"I was lucky enough to secure a nursing position right after I graduated the first time, but I feel that those who are unable to do the same should not focus too much on working under the Ministry of Health.

"Maybe they need to look for positions at private companies such as JPMC or clinics or any that is related to the health industry."

Masriah Abdullah, 31, recipient of the Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Session 2007-2008, said that nursing had caught her interest since she was 19 and she has been working as a nurse for nearly 10 years now.

She also believes that unemployment among nursing graduates is a thing of the past. "However, for those who have not been having much luck in securing a j ob, they should not be discouraged and should keep on trying," she said.

A graduate who is confident about his future is Ak Mohd Firdaus Pg Hj Ali, who received a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Session 2007-2008.

"I do not think that working at the hospital is the only option for nursing graduates. There are always options at oil and gas companies or JPMC. Graduates do not necessarily have to focus on finding a job with the government," he said.

"For a graduate with a mental health diploma background such as myself, it can mean that I would know how to deal with communication problems between people, therefore I could also prove useful in Human Resources."

"At the end of the day though, I am still a nurse. I know about issues concerning health but if I were to work in a field outside of this one, my qualification would be an added advantage for me," he added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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