Nursing student shares heartfelt moment with 'dying cancer patient' -- and lessons learnt
At just 19, this future nurse has learned how to console those in their final moments.
Aqilah Tarishah is currently pursuing a Diploma in Nursing at Nanyang Polytechnic, after graduating from ITE College East with a NITEC in nursing.
The second-year student recently won a gold medal in Health and Social Care in the WorldSkills Singapore competition.
Aqilah discovered her passion for nursing in primary school, when she was appointed leader of her Brownies CCA for outstanding performance in first-aid activities.
Speaking about her craft, Aqilah said: "It is very meaningful and fulfilling, as not only do you grow as a person, you also help others in need."
But like any career, Aqilah's nursing journey has come with sacrifices, particularly with the family and friends she holds dear.
"The time I spend with family and friends is very important," Aqilah shared.
"I feel like I don't have much time left to be free and act like a child, I have to be a grown-up, and nursing takes up a lot of commitment and time.
"Segregating time between school and loved ones is still something I'm working on."
Aqilah's competition lasted three days, with each one simulating a new medical scenario in which participants had to treat a patient.
Apart from being judged on nursing abilities, contestants were also evaluated on their communication skills and empathy.
One of the most memorable moments in the contest was when Aqilah had to provide care for an end-stage lung cancer patient.
"Knowing she was about to pass away, I had to be careful with the choice of words and what I said to comfort her," Aqilah recalled.
"The patient was afraid of dying and burdening her family, and I learnt not to say that I understood or knew how she felt, so I validated her feelings.
"For example, I asked if she would like to share more, and tried to get her to talk about herself instead."
Aqilah's six months of training paid off as winning gold was a feat she never thought she could achieve.
"I didn't expect to win," Aqilah told Stomp. "Standing on the podium was surreal, a memory I'll never forget."
Not only did Aqilah expand her connections in the nursing industry after her competition, she also inspired her younger brother to pursue nursing.
She hopes to specialise in the field of midwifery, focusing on mothers, childcare and delivery.
Acknowledging that nursing is a challenging field, Aqilah offered words of advice to her peers: "Remember to speak out to someone if you ever feel overwhelmed, and do your best, and you'll be proud of what you can achieve.
"A quote I live by is, 'seize the moment'. If you ever come across an opportunity that only comes once, just grab it. I did so without thinking, and it changed my life for the better."
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