Chasing Purpose: The Story Behind My Passions
Growing up, I often waited for my mum to return home after long hospital shifts—exhausted, sometimes drained, yet always wearing a warm smile and sharing stories about the lives she touched. Watching her care for others with the same love she gave our family, I knew from a young age: I wanted to be just like her.
I chose to pursue a career in Nursing and am now a Staff Nurse working at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Whenever work gets challenging, I remind myself of the values my mum lived by: to listen, to care, and to treat every patient with the utmost respect and compassion.
Nevertheless, I knew that passion alone wouldn’t be enough to get me to where I wanted to be. To truly make a difference, I needed the right training and knowledge. That’s why I chose to pursue a degree in nursing—to turn my childhood inspiration into meaningful action.
Nursing Degree with La Trobe University
I chose to pursue a Nursing Degree to strengthen my qualifications and broaden my opportunities to work overseas. I chanced upon La Trobe University’s Nursing Degree programme offered through PSB Academy. Its part-time structure and blended learning approach—combining online and in-person classes—allowed me to continue working while upgrading my skills, making it an ideal choice.
La Trobe University’s strong global reputation, along with its flexible and career-relevant curriculum, also stood out to me. The programme includes engaging and practical subjects such as Nursing and Midwifery Research and Engagement in Professional Nursing, which helped me develop both my clinical competencies and leadership abilities.
Topics such as leadership theories, chronic illness management, and patient education were particularly relevant to my daily interactions with patients and colleagues. This holistic curriculum has given me the confidence to contribute to quality improvement initiatives and to gradually transition into leadership roles.
These skills have been continuously honed through my daily interactions with patients. One moment that has stayed with me was when I identified early signs of deterioration in a patient through ECG analysis. By applying critical thinking and the evidence-based knowledge I had gained in class, I was able to intervene promptly and ultimately helped save a life.
Balancing Work and Studies
Studying part-time while working full-time was never easy. In the beginning, I struggled to adapt, especially when assignment deadlines clashed with unexpected double shifts or last-minute roster changes. However, the supportive environment at PSB Academy made the transition smoother. Through interactions with classmates from diverse backgrounds and the sharing of experiences, I managed to come out with a study schedule to manage my time more effectively. This approach allowed me to study at a constant pace and ensure that my tasks were not accumulated by the end of the week.
The flexibility of the Nursing Degree also gave me the breathing room to balance study, work rest and leisure, which made my education journey more sustainable.
Fueling My Passion Through Education
The cumulation of two years of hard work led me to one of my proudest achievements – being named Valedictorian of the Nursing Class of 2024.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving healthcare landscape, nursing demands more than just dedication—it requires a commitment to lifelong learning. I believe upskilling through a bachelor’s degree or a nurse practitioner courses is essential to stay current and deliver high-quality patient care.
To me, nursing is where emotion meets logic—a fusion of heart and intellect. At its core is a deep respect for humanity, the ability to connect with patients, and the critical thinking needed to understand and respond to their needs. This balance is sustained through continuous learning, professional growth, and a passion for making a difference.
Aye Sandy Myint
Senior Staff Nurse
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Bachelor of Nursing (Top-Up)
Class of 2024
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