In commemoration of Nurses Day on 1 August, we pay tribute to the nurses and nursing aides whose steadfast dedication, selfless contributions, care and love bring joy to those they serve. We meet Staff Nurse Johanna Mendoza, who finds fulfilment in bringing happiness to persons with disabilities at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled.

Staff Nurse Johanna Mendoza, 46, firmly believes that her work is a calling.

"My family and I believe that I have been put in the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) to look after persons with disabilities,'' she says.

Johanna stumbled upon a job vacancy at RCHD on an online portal. Inspired by the belief that she is meant to help persons with disabilities, she applied for the position. With 20 years' experience working in hospitals in Singapore and the Philippines, Johanna breezed through the interviews and clinched the job. She joined RCHD in April 2019.

As RCHD's Staff Nurse, Johanna takes on several responsibilities. She prepares and administers medication to the residents, makes arrangements for the residents' appointments at various polyclinics or hospitals, coordinates the logistics and transportation for residents to get to and back from their medical appointments. Besides caring for the well-being of the residents, Johanna also oversees the caregivers at RCHD. She ensures that the caregivers are effectively and efficiently meeting the residents' daily needs while fostering a productive and peaceful work environment. 

Johanna works alongside nursing aides, therapists and social workers to provide professional and quality care for close to 100 residents with severe disabilities at RCHD. Passionate about the cause, the caregiving team strives to enhance the residents’ physical, social and emotional well-being while providing their family members with the assurance that their loved ones are well cared for, at a Home away from home. 

Overcoming the Challenges

One of the challenges that nurses face when caring for persons with disabilities is the language barrier. The residents' inability to communicate verbally can pose challenges to understanding and meeting their needs. 

"When I first joined, I took time to observe the residents' behaviour and emotions. I also gathered feedback from my colleagues who have been working at RCHD for some time," says Johanna. 

Her persistence paid off as she learnt to better understand and meet the needs of the residents.

Besides the challenges posed by the language barrier, the COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded the challenges as the regulatory restrictions stymied Johanna's hopes of visiting her family in the Philippines for more than two years.

Johanna recalled, "I missed my family very much. My husband lives and works in the Philippines while my 22-year-old daughter has graduated but is currently looking for a job. Though there were times when I inevitably felt sad about not meeting my family, I focused on my work and made it a point to interact with family daily. Believing that every bad situation has an end helped me to get through the challenging period."

Fortunately, with the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, Johanna visited her family in the Philippines in April 2022.

Forging Bonds that Bind

In spite of the challenges faced on the job, there were moments that were immensely fulfilling. By showering the precious gift of friendship, love and care to the residents, Johanna and her caregiving team bring much joy to the residents and forge a close rapport with them. 

Johanna feels that the love and care that she showers upon the residents are returned manifold. The smiles on the faces of the residents speak volumes about their joy in her presence.

"Our residents recognise and smile at me whenever I visit their ward. Some residents would call me to their bed, requesting my company. Upon returning to the RCHD after visiting my family in the Philippines, some even remembered that I was not there. They looked forward to meeting me and were happy to see me again. That was very memorable," she says.

Working Together Towards a Common Goal

Johanna is thankful for supportive colleagues.

"We understand each other's personalities and behaviours. Their strong support enables us to achieve our goal of providing professional and quality care to our residents. I enjoy the camaraderie with my colleagues at RCHD. I would spend time with some colleagues on our day off to unwind by checking out places and eateries," she says. 

For those who are keen to join RCHD as nurses or nursing aide, she perceives that attributes that will enable people to thrive in such roles are kindhearted, empathetic, and compassionate.

Johanna feels that joining a humanitarian organisation such as SRC is fulfilling. 

"There are many people with disabilities who may never experience what I can. I am very thankful for the blessings in my life. Joining a humanitarian organisation gives us insights into the true meaning of life," she says. 

Throughout the conversation, it was evident that Nurse Johanna approaches her work with the utmost humility, respect, and love for humanity. This is perhaps best exemplified by her response when asked about the superpower she has always wished for. She responded simply, "To make everyone around me happy."

As National Day approaches, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the nurses whose selflessness and heart-work help make our nation stronger together!

By Mithila Harish, Volunteer
Copyedited by Sondra Foo, Marketing Communications and Partnerships