Get the Recognition You Deserve

Many have jobs, but few are truly recognized. What does it take?

As the general anesthesia wore off, I woke from surgery. It was to reattach a torn muscle-tendon on my shoulder*. My hesitancy with the process from diagnosis to surgery gave way to trust and appreciation. I left the hospital that night all perked up and happy. Here’s why.

After surgery and rest that day, I was dressed in a slightly large sling by a nurse. My medication was issued, and I was ready to go. Just before I was discharged, another nurse came by to check on me. What surprised me was that it soon became very obvious she wasn’t just doing a job.

This nurse took time to check my sling and commented that it was too big for me. It seemed like a small matter. Anyway, the earlier nurse who fitted it didn’t think it was a problem. But this nurse went off and came back with a huge safety pin. She patiently shorten the sling so that my arm could rest well. She then explained what care I needed to take, what to do if the wound acted up, and when to take the various medication. She patiently answered my questions.

You know when someone truly care about your well-being. This nurse did. She didn’t rush. And this was past 9 pm. I was the only patient left in the recovery area of the Ambulatory Surgery Centre at the Singapore General Hospital. I was impressed and struck by the difference this nurse made.

Surprisingly the next morning, she called to tell me of the follow-up appointments she had arranged. What was also impressive was that, while she spoke very good English, it was clear she wasn’t originally from Singapore. Yet she clearly stood out in a positive way. The night before, I did not note her name. So, I asked. “Fan Rong,” was her reply.

A few days later, I was uncomfortable with the huge patch of water-proofed dressing plastered over my shoulder onto my skin. I didn’t think it was wise to keep this air-tight dressing on for several days. Hence, I phoned and asked for Fan Rong who advised what I could do to get it checked and re-dressed.

You see this wasn’t just a job for her. She did it highly professionally and superbly — with passion, heart and sense of calling as a nurse. She truly cared and went the extra mile. Like others, she could have met her job requirements without doing what she did and the way she did it.

With this kind of work, mind-set, attitude, passion and disposition, someone like this can actually do anything she wants and succeed!

Actually, there were also others who went beyond doing their jobs. For example, the young and cheerful anesthetist who patiently and gently fixed the cannula (hollow needle) on my hand. Yet she apologized after it was done just because I winced a little when it was inserted. I am, of course, also thankful to the surgeons and team for a job well done.

Like many, you can just do your job or, like those who stand out, you can do more than a job. In the former, you get paid. In the latter, you also get recognized and you will inevitably rise!

Cheering you on,
Benjamin

*Some months earlier, I left the Singapore Sport Hub in style on a stretcher and in an ambulance when I slipped playing basketball and dislocated my shoulder!

About Benjamin Foo
Benjamin is author of iPOSSIBLE, a book that inspires readers with new perspectives and practical strategy and steps to take to reach their fullest possibilities. He seeks to engage youth and young adults and change people’s future, drawing on his experience, including previously that of an executive vice president of a major publicly-listed company. He welcomes you to message him on and “Like” iPOSSIBLE Life on Facebook or email benjaminfoo@iPossible-International.com