Clarence Yapo originally trained as a nurse in the Philippines. After working in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, he joined CUH in November 1999 as part of one of the first overseas nursing programmes. Here Clarence tells us about his 25 years at CUH and 40 years as a nurse.
My name is Clarence Padilla Yapo. I’m a senior registered nurse from the Philippines. I am deeply committed, devoted, and diligent in my nursing profession, prioritising the well-being of my patients above all else.
I obtained a bachelor of science in nursing degree from the College of Health Sciences at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in the Philippines. Continuing my academic journey, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the College of Education Graduate School within the same university.
With 40 years of experience as a nurse, I've had the opportunity to work in many different roles. I started my career as a staff nurse in a tertiary/specialist hospital and eventually became a clinical instructor in the Philippines.
With my determination to grow professionally, I pursued career opportunities in Saudi Arabia. There, I served as a charge nurse at the King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital and later at the Jeddah Heart Institute.
I worked in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, which gave me solid nursing experience.
Despite the rewarding professional experiences, the tearful farewells from my family as I left home weighed heavily on my heart. My parents' sacrifices fuelled my dedication to overcome challenges and consistently deliver high-quality patient care.
In November 1999, Cambridge University Hospital launched its overseas nursing programme, and I was among the first groups of Filipino nurses to join CUH.
I’ve had the opportunity to work in various wards over the last two and a half decades. I began in the dermatology and rheumatology unit, where I also served as the infection control link nurse, educating other staff about infection control measures. During this time, I was also a certified practice assessors of health and social care NVQ level 2 and 3 for Health Care Assistants (HCA). Later, I transitioned to the planned short stay unit. I also gained experience in the haematology unit and when EAU4 (Emergency Assessment Unit) opened in July 2015, I joined the team and have been part of it ever since.
As one of the senior band 5 nurses, my current role often involves taking charge during the night shifts. While this can be challenging, the support of my team ensures that everything runs smoothly.
In terms of work, a typical shift as the in-charge/coordinator involves streamlining patients from accident and emergency to ensure that appropriate patients come up to EAU4, thereby maintaining efficient patient flow. This process includes coordinating with other nurses, the bed manager, matrons, doctors, and other healthcare team members to ensure that patients are seen promptly and either transferred to the appropriate ward or discharged in a timely manner. Additionally, I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day maintenance of the ward, ensuring that all equipment is functional and addressing any issues swiftly.
My primarily role as nurse in charge is to ensure that all nursing functions within the department run smoothly and efficiently during the shift. I also provide guidance and support to help junior nursing staff through challenging situations as they arise.
Tidying and maintaining the cleanliness of the ward, ensuring it is well-stocked and not cluttered, is one of my favourite tasks and has become part of my routine when the ward is not busy. As Florence Nightingale advocated, a clean and healthy environment is fundamental to healing. On a regular shift, my day consists of attending to the patients' needs, assisting them with their activities of daily living, and promptly providing all necessary nursing management and interventions relevant to their care. This care extends to patients, their relatives, and carers. Additionally, I work harmoniously with fellow healthcare team members to ensure patients' safety and comfort.
We often welcome students and newly qualified staff in EAU 4. As a skilled and experienced nurse, I provide clinical support and supervision to these individuals during their practice placements. Being passionate about education, I enjoyed serving as a mentor as it allows me to impart essential knowledge and skills required for the job. I provide guidance and draw upon my clinical experiences to assist newly qualified nurses in building confidence in their roles.
Contributing to the growth and development of the next generation of healthcare professionals is immensely fulfilling.
Over the years, CUH has undergone numerous transitions, but perhaps the most significant I've witnessed is the introduction of EPIC, electronic medical records. When I started working, all notes had to be handwritten, and charts were placed at the patient's bedside. The transformation was truly epic, streamlining processes and improving efficiency throughout the hospital.
In 2011, I was honoured to receive a "You Made a Difference" award, acknowledging my consistent commitment to upholding the highest standards of care and compassion. I was also nominated for the CUH annual awards, a tremendous honour. These recognitions hold immense significance for me, and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to receive these once-in-a-lifetime awards.
I remain deeply committed to supporting my community back home in the Philippines and one of my passions is to help indigenous and less fortunate but deserving students in the Philippines by sponsoring them with scholarship grants. I distribute laptops, desktops, printers, nursing journals, and other reference materials to libraries, nursing schools, and hospitals every year. These resources will aid and guide nursing staff and students learning, helping them to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date and ultimately contribute to better healthcare outcomes for their communities.
My years of experience as a staff nurse have empowered me to become a competent and responsible individual. Nursing has honed my ability to think critically and strategically, allowing me to make informed decisions based on thorough assessment skills. It has provided me with invaluable insight into the lives of my patients and how best to support them throughout their hospital journey, including those facing end-of-life care.
Effective communication with the multidisciplinary team, patients, and their families has been a cornerstone of my nursing practice.
I take pride in listening to their needs and advocating on their behalf. These reasons have been instrumental to my stay at CUH, where I've dedicated two and a half decades of service.
My profession holds a significant place in my heart. As nurses, we celebrate our triumphs and continuously reflect on areas where we can improve. I am proud to stand up and say, "I am a nurse."
In honour of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, I wish to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to every nurse at CUH for your tireless efforts and steadfast dedication to our patients and their families. I hope you feel as proud as I am of all we have accomplished and continue striving towards our goals. Let us always embody CUH's vision and values: together, let's ensure safety, kindness, and excellence in all we do.