<p>Malaysian Nurse, Sharon De Cruz, talks to us about how to maintain a good work-life balance, enrolling in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and why she chose to move her nursing career to Bahrain.</p>
<h2>Please introduce yourself:</h2>
<p>My name is Sharon De Cruz and I’m from Malaysia and work as a registered nurse. I have held a few roles in my career over the past 14 years as a bedside nurse, Charge Nurse, and Nurse Manager, and currently, I work as a Team Leader in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. </p>
<h2>Why did you choose to move your nursing career overseas?</h2>
<p>I previously lived and worked in <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/jobs/job-search-results?title=&country=Saudi+Arabia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saudi Arabia</a> and am currently in Bahrain. I chose to work in the Gulf region as the earning potential is better and the income is more lucrative. With my Certification in Critical Care from the University of South Australia, critical care units have been an advantage for me. The quality of life in Bahrain is good and the cost of living here is not too expensive compared to other GCC countries. </p>
<h2>You are a Malaysian nurse, but where are your colleagues from?</h2>
<p>I have many colleagues from India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Bahrain.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-1.jpg" alt="Malaysian nurse, Sharon De Cruz and colleagues" class="wp-image-13985" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-1.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-1-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-1-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Sharon and her colleagues in Bahrain.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Why did you choose to work in healthcare?</h2>
<p>I chose to work in healthcare because it’s a very noble and lucrative profession. My favorite part of my role is when my patients recover to better health after I work so hard managing their condition throughout my shift. </p>
<h2>What is the most challenging aspect of your job?</h2>
<p>A career in healthcare can be very challenging for those ready for a challenge.</p>
<h2>Do you see much change in your career path in the future?</h2>
<p>There are opportunities for potential change in my career path in the future.</p>
<h2>What is the best advice you were given to succeed in your career?</h2>
<p>The best advice given was always to be a <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/getting-verified-credentials-promotes-your-patients-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe practitioner</a> and maintain a high level of integrity at all times.</p>
<h2>Do you think CPD is important?</h2>
<p>CPD is definitely important to educate nurses from different areas to improve their knowledge and skills while meeting current high standards and evidence-based practice.</p>
<h2>What is your most significant achievement?</h2>
<p>My biggest achievement is enrolling in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) before turning 40!</p>
<h2>What did you dream of doing when you were a child?</h2>
<p>I thought I would be in the Food and Beverage industry because I love cooking.</p>
<h2>Who do you look up to?</h2>
<p>I look up to nurse entrepreneurs like Janessa Rauch – The Nurse Coach and Leah Wuitschik at TallTrees Leadership. Entrepreneurship promotes innovation in health care.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-2.jpg" alt="Malaysian Nurse, Sharon de Cruz at work" class="wp-image-13986" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-2.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-2-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Sharon-2-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Sharon’s colleagues are from India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Bahrain.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>What one thing do you wish you knew before beginning your career in healthcare?</h2>
<p>I wish I knew how to manage and juggle the cooperative politics between the senior management team, doctors and colleagues. </p>
<h2>Do you maintain a good work-life balance? </h2>
<p>I maintain a good work-life balance because I never talk about work out of work. Once I step out of that main door, what happens in the hospital remains there. I spend my time going on vacation with my spouse, traveling and watching movies.</p>
<h2>What is the most important message you want to send to future generations of healthcare workers? </h2>
<p>Commitment towards responsibilities, passion and empowering others as a team. The right attitude towards work, patients and colleagues. Mutual respect among teammates. Simple in virtue and steadfast in duty. </p>
<h2>Who inspires you the most and why?</h2>
<p>My spouse is my best inspiration. Their support and motivation build endurance and creates a high level of tolerance in my daily life.</p>
<h2>What are your future career plans?</h2>
<p>Most likely a teaching role in a university.</p>
<h2>How has TrueProfile.io helped you with your career?</h2>
<p>TrueProfile.io has been a rewarding and reliable platform for me to build a successful professional career abroad. I would highly recommend it to colleagues and friends.</p>
<h4>Build a successful professional career like Sharon by signing up to TrueProfile.io today! </h4>
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