Swapping spreadsheets for scrubs
Ten years ago, Jie was set for an illustrious career in finance. He had just completed a degree in accounting and his future looked bright. But it was Jie’s struggles growing up as a teenager that propelled him to swap spreadsheets for scrubs. Now eight years on, Jie finds daily fulfilment in bringing hope to others as a registered nurse in Hawkesbury District Hospital’s operating theatres.
Born in China, Jie left his family to start a life in Australia when he was only 16 years old. He had never left his homeland before and admits that it wasn’t easy to convince his parents to let him go.
“I am a single child so, it was hard to convince my parents to allow me to chase my dreams and freedom as a teenager in Australia,” Jie says.
“Like so many international students, I experienced loneliness and financial hardship especially in the early months after my arrival.”
To support his new life in Australia, Jie juggled work and study. He gained experience working in fast food chains, retail stores and factories. This he believes, was the cornerstone which eventually led him to follow his calling as a nurse.
“The places I worked, people I met and life lessons I learnt, made me understand life and how precious it can be,” he says.
“I have always carried these lessons with me and two years after completing studies in accounting and finance, I decided to follow my heart and commenced my journey to become a registered nurse.”
“Now working as a registered nurse in Hawkesbury District Hospital’s operating theatres, I feel like the luckiest person to be doing what I enjoy.”
For Jie, nursing is more than just a job. It’s about professional development, camaraderie, and providing holistic care to patients and their families.
“Each day in the operating theatres is different and each day is filled with memorable moments,” he says.
“We all work together to achieve the same goal which is to improve the patients’ quality of life because patient care is not just about the individual but, also the families and relatives who want the best for them.”
“We treat each patient equally with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are or where they have come from, and this makes me proud to be part of the team.”
When asked about what makes Hawkesbury a special place to work, Jie states it is the feeling of being part of a big family where everyone supports each other.
As for the future, Jie looks forward to further developing his clinical skills and knowledge so that he can continue to bring hope and positivity to his patients, their families, and his colleagues.