In the bustling corridors of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), I often find myself reflecting on the winding path my career has taken. From my early days in general and paediatric nursing in Hong Kong and London to my academic pursuits and as a policy maker, each step has been a lesson, a challenge, and an opportunity.
I had the distinct honor of becoming the first nurse in Hong Kong appointed to a ministerial position, the Secretary for Food and Health, leading health and food policies in Hong Kong. While this role brought relentless challenges, notably the daunting task of combating the COVID-19 pandemic for over 2 1/2 years, it also presented unparalleled opportunities. I was at the forefront of spearheading major policy initiatives, from establishing territory-wide District Health Centres across Hong Kong to laying the groundwork for the first Chinese Medicine Hospital. Each initiative, whether it was the inauguration of the first children's hospital, the launch of the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy 2019, or the ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, was driven by a commitment to promote public health and well-being of the people in Hong Kong.
Yet, if you had asked me early in my career about my plans, I would have admitted to having none—but I was committed to offering my best in whatever I was doing. I believe many early career nurses can relate to this sentiment. The pressure to have a clear career trajectory can be overwhelming, especially during the early days. But looking back, I realize it wasn't a meticulously crafted plan that led me here, but rather the efforts I dedicated, the relationships I nurtured, the mentors I sought, and the opportunities I seized.
Throughout our lives, we encounter crossroads that challenge our vision and direction. In my journey, mentors played a pivotal role in guiding me through these moments of uncertainty. After completing my master's degree at the University of Manchester, I was poised to continue my PhD in the United Kingdom (UK). However, an invitation from a mentor in Hong Kong presented an unexpected opportunity: to join as an assistant professor and participate in the first-degree program of nursing in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Conflicted, I turned to my PhD mentor for advice. His unexpected suggestion was to embrace both paths: work as an academic in Hong Kong and pursue my PhD. He even recommended reaching out to Professor Anthony Hedley at HKU for my doctoral study. After much contemplation, I decided to embrace this dual challenge, returning to Hong Kong to become an academic and embark on my doctoral study at the same time.
I joined HKU as a founding member of the Department of Nursing Studies in 1995 and became Head of Department in 2000. Along the way, I was lucky to have met many mentors including those from nursing and medicine, like when I embraced the opportunity to be a visiting scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health where I met my mentors in public health research.
Two decades later, another crossroads emerged. Having established myself at HKU where I joined in 1995 as a founding member of the Department of Nursing Studies, an offer to serve as the Under Secretary for Food and Health came my way in 2012. The thought of leaving my school and academic team was daunting and almost impossible. Once again, I sought mentorship. While many advised me to embrace the political role, I remained conflicted, especially considering the many ongoing research projects with my team, including my PhD mentor, Professor TH Lam. I had anticipated Professor Lam's reluctance to see me leave the academic world. But, in a twist I did not foresee, Professor Lam not only encouraged me to accept the position but also assured me that he would oversee our research team. These moments highlight the invaluable role of mentors. Their insights and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me navigate life's complexities and embrace unforeseen opportunities.
Drawing from these personal experiences, I'd like to share some advice for those at the beginning of their nursing journey. Mentorship, in my experience, goes beyond casual conversations over lunch or occasional guidance. It's a symbiotic relationship where both mentor and mentee actively engage, learn, and grow. For those early in their nursing careers, seeking and nurturing these relationships can be pivotal. Here are some insights I've gleaned from my own journey:
- Be motivated and committed to serve
Mentorship is a two-way street. When I first joined the newly established nursing department at HKU, I was thrust into the role of acting head while still an assistant professor. Balancing my PhD studies with the responsibility of starting a brand-new nursing program was daunting. But my proactive approach, strong sense of responsibility, commitment to serve, and achievements caught the attention of my mentors in the faculty of medicine. They didn't just offer advice; they provided support and encouragement, bolstering my confidence to face these challenges head-on.
- Initiate communication and dialogue
A mentorship thrives on communication. It's essential to voice your thoughts, share your aspirations, and discuss your concerns proactively. This not only shows your keen interest in the field but also provides your mentor with a clearer understanding of your goals and how best to guide you.
- Seize opportunities and never stay in your comfort zone
The trajectory of one's career is rarely a straight path. There will be twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Embrace them. When opportunities arose outside my immediate field, I was tempted to stay within my comfort zone. But with the guidance of my mentors, I learned to see the broader horizon, recognize the potential in these new challenges, and seize them with competence and confidence.
In essence, mentorship is more than just guidance; it's a partnership. It's about mutual respect, shared growth, and a commitment to helping each other succeed. As you navigate the early stages of your nursing career, I encourage you to seek these relationships, be proactive in your engagement, and remain open to the myriad opportunities that lie ahead.
The journey of a nurse, like any professional path, is filled with moments of doubt, challenges, and decisions that can shape the course of one's career. In my own journey, from the corridors of hospitals to the halls of academia and government, I've come to realize the invaluable role of mentorship. It's not just about guidance; it's about forging relationships that inspire, challenge, and elevate you. It's also about the continuous hard work and dedication that’s needed to achieve one's goals.
To every nurse reading this, whether you're just starting out or are deep into your career, I encourage you to seek out mentors and nurture those relationships. Embrace every opportunity, lean on the wisdom of those who've walked the path before you, and always remain open to the unexpected roads that may lead you to achievement.
I would like to pay tribute to all my mentors who unlocked my potential and helped light my way because, in the end, it's the relationships we build, the guidance we receive, and the challenges we overcome that truly define our success.
Chan Siu Chee, PhD, MPH, MEd, PRDHCE, DNA, RN, RSCN, FFPH, FAAN, is a professor at the University of Hong Kong and a member of Sigma’s Pi Iota at-Large Chapter.