Resilience

(Estimated reading time: 3 minutes)

The whole world is in such a dark place this year. We are full of uncertainties and we do not know whether our trying situation will soon come to an end. Despite having tough times many people strive to bring everything back to normal or at least close to it. They are the frontliners that risk their very lives in hopes of making our situation a little bit better. Nurses are one of the many frontliners that get into the battlefield. Despite curveballs thrown at them regularly, they strive to overcome it without fail. This is what resilience is. Each day a new challenge arrives to test their limitations. But the beautiful thing about having a tough life as a nurse is showing continuous RESILIENCE.

What is Resilience?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) resilience is defined as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.

For example, imagine a spring. Despite how hard you push it down, step on and throw it around, it always bounces back to its original form. Another good example is whenever there is rain, what do we do for us to not get drenched? We usually take out an umbrella and protect ourselves from getting wet. Alternatively, we also just brave the outpour of rain and adapt to the situation, enjoying the storm.

This is similar to nurses all over the world. While we are deemed to be modern-day heroes, our everyday journey is a constant battle and not an easy one. Choosing to pursue a nursing career whether locally or abroad is like a double-edged sword. Once you decide to commit to it you need to keep on pushing every day and be resilient.

Obviously, you will be starting a career here in the Philippines, and it is not easy. If we interview nurses who work locally we’ll hear many different stories, good or bad. Among these are from having a low-level salary up to poor working conditions. Meanwhile being an OFW is no different. Despite their pay being good, working abroad is not easy. One might feel homesickness, others would have a hard time adapting to culture and standards of care.

We keep on fighting

Despite those factors, Filipino nurses locally and abroad continue to strive! We continue to push through and fight for our dreams of providing a bright future for ourselves and loved ones. Our reasons for pursuing goals might vary but for sure those things are what keeps us motivated and keep on pushing. I think the reason why Filipino nurses are really well known around the world is that because we are so capable of adapting to whatever situation we are thrown into, we are so compassionate and our desire to provide the best nursing care never falters.

Our resilience is what sets us apart from anyone around the globe because this characteristic cannot be bought with any amount of money. It is innate.

Just keep in mind that even though we are all in a time of fear, doubts, and confusion right now, do not ever let go of your dreams. Just keep on pushing till one day when you wake up, you realize that the dream is already a reality.