In honour of East and South East Asian Heritage Month - Fraya Nebrija, Junior Sister at St. Mary’s Hospital
"As East and South East Asian Heritage Month approaches, I find myself reflecting deeply on the intersection of my cultural heritage and my profession as a nurse. Having worked in the Trust for over a year, I am currently serving in a surgical step-down ward at St. Mary’s Hospital, where I’ve recently been promoted to a Band 6 Junior Sister. This achievement marks a significant milestone in my career, though the journey has been anything but easy.
Nursing, as we know, is a profession grounded in compassion, care, and understanding. Yet, it also demands cultural competence—the ability to appreciate, respect, and address the diverse cultural needs of our patients. For nurses like myself, who come from East and South East Asian backgrounds, this cultural awareness is not just a theoretical concept; it is a lived reality.
Growing up in a household steeped in traditional Asian values such as respect for elders, family solidarity, and holistic approaches to health, I have naturally integrated these principles into my nursing practice. These values have not only made me more attuned to the needs of patients from similar cultural backgrounds but have also equipped me with the sensitivity required to care for individuals from all walks of life. I’ve come to understand that each patient’s cultural background profoundly influences their health beliefs, practices, and expectations.
However, the path of blending my cultural heritage with my professional life has not been without its challenges. Like many in the diaspora, I have had to navigate the complexities of balancing traditional cultural values with the expectations of a Western healthcare system. There have been times when my cultural identity was questioned or misunderstood, yet these experiences have only reinforced my commitment to advocating for greater cultural awareness within the healthcare community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to educate both colleagues and patients about cultural practices that may differ from the mainstream. Whether it’s explaining the significance of dietary restrictions during specific festivals or advocating for the inclusion of alternative therapies that resonate with a patient’s cultural beliefs, these moments have underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity in providing truly holistic care.
East and South East Asian Heritage Month is not just a time for reflection and celebration, but also a call to action. It is an opportunity to honour the contributions of those who came before us while paving the way for future generations. For me, this month serves as a reminder of the unique strengths that my cultural heritage brings to my role as a nurse. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for cultural competence in healthcare and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the profession.
As I continue my journey in nursing, I remain committed to delivering care that honors the cultural backgrounds of all my patients. In doing so, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that not only acknowledges but celebrates the diversity that makes it stronger.
Happy East and South East Asian Heritage Month to everyone! May this month inspire us to continue embracing and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that enrich our communities, both within and beyond the healthcare system."
