A Young Nurse Shares the Meaning He Finds in Patient Care
11 May 2026
At a young age, Keith Ng Ching Keet, Staff Nurse, developed a strong interest in medical science and biology. While nursing wasn’t his initial career choice, he was always drawn to roles that involve responsibility, discipline, and caring for others.
His perspective changed when his mother introduced him to the nursing profession, an experience that gave him a sense of purpose. Today, Keith is transforming the lives of the patients he cares for at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, where compassion and patient care are at the heart of his work.
Moments That Make a Nurse’s Journey Meaningful
“What I love most about being a nurse is knowing that I can make a real difference in someone’s day, especially when patients are going through difficult moments. Sometimes, it is not just about treatment, it’s about showing care, providing support, and offering reassurance,” Keith explains.
Having been stationed at Ward 5E since he began his nursing career nearly two years ago, Keith recalls one particularly meaningful experience.
“One time, I was caring for a long-stay patient in my ward. As she was placed under my care, I was happy to see her gradually recover day by day. On the day of her discharge, we chatted after my night shift. Before saying our goodbyes, she held my colleague’s and my fingers.” Although it was a simple gesture, it left a lasting impression on him, a reminder that human connection goes beyond mere treatment.
Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Nursing
Behind every patient interaction is a demanding and fast-paced environment, which can be physically and emotionally draining. Keith describes an experience he had during a hectic morning shift filled with inpatients and tight schedules. On top of clinical duties, he had to respond to constant questions from family members about procedure timings, when the doctor would arrive, hospital discharge and even delays in medications from the pharmacy. “The call bells were constantly going off! It was an overwhelming day for me.” he shares.
Despite the challenges, Keith emphasises the importance of keeping a calm composure and not letting emotions and stress get the better of him. “Due to the nature of the job and stressful environments, mistakes are bound to happen. That’s why it’s very important to keep yourself calm and collected, trusting that everything will go smoothly.”
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Life Outside the Hospital
When he’s not in his uniform, Keith makes a conscious effort to care for his overall wellbeing. While rest is important, he prefers staying active as it helps him manage stress more effectively. “I go to the gym regularly to release stress,” he says.
He also values the support of his friends, who have been an important part of his journey, especially during his time studying for his nursing diploma at Sunway University. “I had good classmates in university, they made my study life interesting,” he shares. Spending time with friends still remains something he looks forward to outside of work.
Keith is also someone who believes in self-improvement. “I usually don’t rush back, especially after a stressful day. I prefer to stay back for a while and reflect on my work,” he explains.
Advice for Future Nurses
Many wonder what it is like to be a nurse. For those considering this career, Keith describes it as both rewarding and meaningful, beyond just clinical skills. While some may worry about the demands of the profession, Keith believes that learning how to manage time and emotions is key to thriving in the role.
He also emphasises that there is always opportunity to grow in nursing. “Always have a mindset to learn new things and don’t be afraid,” he encourages.
Being a nurse means being someone patients can rely on during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. “Personally, being part of a patient’s healing journey has given me a great sense of purpose in life.” Keith shares.
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