In Malaysia, the nursing profession is often misunderstood, with many seeing nurses stuck in one role. Examples include the perception that nurses are merely “doctors’ helpers” or people who “change diapers.”
Despite being a critical part of the health care system, society’s perception of nurses remains narrow and outdated.
The foundation for changing this perspective begins with education. Education is a powerful tool to help society understand that nurses are capable of far more than what has been perceived over the past decades.
By highlighting the breadth of nursing roles, society can begin to recognise nurses as skilled professionals, innovators, and educators.
One effective method to elevate the name of nursing in Malaysia is through social media. In today’s digital era, social media platforms allow content to reach audiences instantly, providing nurses with the opportunity to showcase their skills and educate the public. Knowledge Nursing, a team I founded, produces educational content ranging from health-related slides to fun, accessible videos.
By presenting health education creatively, the team demonstrates that nurses are capable of guiding and teaching the public, helping shift perception from bedside care to professional expertise.
Community-based talks can bridge the gap between public perception and reality. Presenting the nursing profession at universities, schools, colleges, or community centres exposes both medical and non-medical audiences to the variety of career pathways available.
Society can learn that nurses can pursue entrepreneurship, offshore work, forensic nursing, and more, showing that nursing extends far beyond hospitals.
Workshops or seminars provide hands-on experiences that simulate a nurse’s daily work, including roles outside traditional hospital settings. Career simulations allow participants to understand the skills and responsibilities of nurses, making the profession more tangible and relatable.
International partnerships can place Malaysian nurses on the global stage, showing that local nursing meets high international standards.
Participating in online talks and webinars, collaborating on research projects with foreign nurses, or engaging in short-term exchange programs allows Malaysian nurses to demonstrate their expertise internationally.
These activities reinforce the perception that nursing is a respected and professional career worldwide.
In the era of modern technology and artificial intelligence, nurses can collaborate with app developers or AI specialists to create digital solutions that benefit society.
For instance, a health-related app with a 24/7 AI chat could guide parents or patients needing support outside clinic hours, without diagnosing or treating conditions.
Beyond clinical practice, nurses play an important role in research. Exposure to patients allows nurses to generate ideas and evidence-based practices that address real healthcare challenges.
By contributing to research, nurses show that their work extends beyond bedside care and directly impacts the advancement of Malaysia’s health care system.
Ultimately, nursing in Malaysia has immense potential that is yet to be fully recognised. Nurses are educated, highly skilled, and capable of handling diverse situations. Limiting them to one domain restricts their ability to grow, innovate, and contribute widely.
Through education, exposure, innovation, and collaboration, society can see that nurses in Malaysia are not only caregivers, but also educators, innovators, leaders, and essential contributors to the nation’s health.
Mohd Irwan Hakeem Mohd Arif is a registered nurse.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
