Edmund Gimena
Edmund Gimena and his colleagues from Richmond Hospital
Celebrating Our Profession
What's your unit or specialty?
I am currently working as a registered nurse in the operating room at Richmond Hospital.
How long have you been nursing?
I have been in the nursing profession for 25 years now. I completed my nursing science bachelor's degree in 1995 at the Bataan Peninsula State University in the Philippines and attained my nursing licence that same year.
Why did you become a nurse and when did you know that nursing was for you?
In secondary school my interest was in communication and education. But with my parents' encouragement and a college scholarship, I took up nursing. It was not easy in the beginning, and I questioned my decision a lot. I wondered if I would be able to finish it because I encountered some health problems along the way. It was in the second semester of my third year in college that I started understanding and appreciating nursing concepts and applications and realizing that I was in the right profession.
How would you describe your work in one word?
Fulfilling.
In our line of work where we meet clients and patients with different types of illnesses, either physical barriers or psychological and emotional concerns – it demands a lot from all of us. In my own capacity as a nurse, I feel fulfilled when I can promote and provide care congruent to meeting the needs of my clients and patients.
How does COVID-19 make you feel?
COVID-19 certainly made me feel more challenged everyday. In essence it allowed me to become more vigilant and prepared and is a constant reminder to safely provide the utmost care to my clients and patients.
Name one thing on your nursing bucket list.
Being a nurse in the Philippines and Ireland gave me a chance to experience work in various areas and specialties in nursing. I was able to explore different approaches to care provision when I worked in community, public health service and acute care settings. One thing on my nursing bucket list is to be able to share my skills, training and experience as a nursing and health science resource educator.
What do you appreciate most of your fellow nurses?
I transferred from Ireland last fall and started a new life in Canada. I had to adapt to a new working and living environment. My eyes were opened, and I appreciate the different cultures, backgrounds, and approaches to nursing here.
Celebrating Each Other
Why do you want to acknowledge your Richmond Hospital teammates?
I feel lucky to have found a great community of nurses and health-care professionals who have continuously given me outstanding respect and camaraderie.
Despite the distance to my family and friends in the Philippines and Ireland, and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I can honestly say that considering myself part of the Richmond Hospital family team has been made easier because of their welcoming support.•