When a Nurse Took a Break and Got the Cold Shoulder
Picture this: Nurul Ashikin, a 25‑year‑old nurse in full‑blown scrubs, tries to grab a bite at the hospital food court. Instead of a peaceful lunch, she’s met with snide whispers from a passing couple. “Why is she sitting here?” they mutter, and the sting is all the more painful because the cafeteria is right inside the hospital where she works.
Why the Rudeness? Covid‑19, Anyone?
- With the local Covid‑19 cases on the rise, people are flying a little too high‑security on trains, giving “dirty looks” and sidestepping her like it’s a no‑entry zone.
- Nurul’s 4‑year nursing journey has turned into a rollercoaster: new guidelines daily, endless protocols, and the constant feeling that she’s juggling more threads than a catfish.
- Despite the chaos, she’s still changing out of her uniform before heading home, because the frontline has turned her into a quasi‑martial‑artist.
The Heartwarming Counter‑Punch
But hey, the community is stepping in with a game‑changing initiative. Starting this Friday, all 33 stalls and food stalls in Pek Kio Market and Food Centre will give nurses priority queues until March 31st. That’s right—no more waiting for 20 minutes to grab a snack!
Nurul’s enthusiasm? “It’s heartwarming to see our sacrifice gets a shout‑out,” she tells The New Paper. A simple “thank you” is what keeps the spirit alive.
A Supportive Family Backbone
Token of the family’s unwavering support: both parents have spent decades in nursing—his 33 years as a nursing officer, her 27 years as a senior assistant nurse. They admit the job is tough, but they’ve always rolled out the emotional support.
“When you perform your duty really well, patients remember you,” her father says. “And when they come and visit you at the ward, that’s priceless.”
Bottom Line: You’ve Got This!
Shivering? Exhausted? Grab your scrubs, push through, and remember: the world might be a little grim, but the heartwarming gestures of the community—one quick queue that cuts the line—are proof that nursing is loved above all. So, shout back, thank them, and keep soaring!
