Region: Middle East

Raymond Kristopher G. Pagulayan, MSN, BSN, RN, officially became a nurse in 2008 and began his career in a trauma hospital in the Philippines. Now, he is the Senior Registered Nurse at the Intensive Care Unit of Mediclinic Middle East Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

After 15 years of service, Raymond says he is beyond proud to be a nurse.

“I am honored to be part of a profession that allows me to make a real difference in the world,” he said. “Whether it’s providing comfort and care to those in need or simply being a listening ear, I know that my work can brighten someone’s day.”

As a seasoned nurse, Raymond has learned a lot about what it takes to have a successful, fulfilling career. To early career nurses, he offers this advice:

1. Take your studies seriously. It is not just about getting good grades, but it’s also about equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your career, whether that be at the bedside or in a leadership role. With each new concept that you learn, you will become better equipped to provide exceptional care to your patients.
2. Always remember why you decided to become a nurse. Think back to the excitement you felt when you first held your stethoscope and assessed a patient. Recall the sense of purpose and fulfillment you experienced when you saved a patient’s life during your clinical rotations. These moments are what makes nursing such an incredibly rewarding profession.
3. Know you have the power to make a positive impact on the world, one patient at a time. Always strive to provide the best possible care to your patients. Be kind, compassionate, and empathetic. Remember that the little things matter and that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to a patient who is struggling.

Raymond is filled with a sense of purpose and excitement when he thinks about the years to come. He looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional care, making a difference, and inspiring others to do the same.

A member of the Phi Gamma Chapter, Raymond attributes his confidence in delivering high quality care to the experiences he’s had with Sigma.

“[Sigma] has reinforced the importance of maintaining a rigorous standard of care and has inspired me to continue learning and growing as a nurse,” he said. “Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession that requires a strong commitment to patient care, a willingness to work collaboratively, and a dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.”

Raymond believes he was called to be a nurse, and it is his mission to make a significant impact on the lives of others any and every chance he gets. He also knows that together, nurses are stronger.

“Together, we can inspire and uplift each other and make a positive impact on the world, one patient at a time,” he said.

Nura Barre, ADON, BSN, MLP, was six years old when she made her first nurse’s cap out of a small sheet of white paper and red crayon. She drew a crescent, folded it in a triangle, and stuck it her hair with two little black pincers. She proudly toured the house showing off the masterpiece to her family heralding how she would become the next Florence Nightingale. “It was my dream to become a nurse, as I had two older sisters who were nurses and I used to look up to them.”

Sixteen years following that proud moment, her nursing journey began at a maternity child hospital in a busy pediatric medical unit. From there she rotated for couple of years in different units until she landed in the operating theater (room). Following these fruitful years, she worked as a nursing attendant and went on to get her license and succeeded. She worked as RN for the first time at Rockyview General Hospital, where she gained a whole different experience in the cardiac telemetry unit and grew exponentially. She moved around to two more locations then spent three years at Peter Lougheed Medical Center as the permanent charge nurse in a busy telemetry unit. Then, she received her BSN and master’s degree in leadership and management in education. She stayed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for another seven years and worked in three different hospitals focusing on nursing management. Barre is working toward her PhD in nursing.

Over the years, Barre has discovered that the key to achieving better nursing care is getting to know patients through good nursing assessment and proper history taking. “A little bit of compassion and kindness can go a long way and put our fellow humans at ease.”

She genuinely enjoys her current position in leadership and management. “I am so glad when my colleagues come to me for advice trusting my experience and judgment.” Her passion is conflict management and resolution. “I believe that working in close to nine institutions and more than 20 units in two different countries over 20 years has elevated my problem solving abilities and helped my people management skills.”

Barre first heard about Sigma from her professor, Ms. Priyalatha at the Ras Alkhaima Medical & Health Sciences University. “She used to speak about Sigma with passion and respect. I couldn't be more honored to join this reputable organization where nurse leaders meet, contribute, and mentor.”

One of Barre’s strongest assets is policy writing. She has written, contributed, and reviewed many policies in different institutions throughout her career. She has managed many nursing and non-nursing projects where health and wellness of particular society is targeted. She is looking forward to enhancing her research skills and contributing more articles. 

Nura Barre, ADON, BSN, MLP, is the duty manager at Mediclinic ME in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She is a member of Sigma’s Psi Kappa Chapter in the Middle East.

Sarmad Soomar’s passion for being a nurse is evident from the first moment you speak to him. Finding inspiration in his mother’s service as a community midwife, Soomar knew that he wanted to work in the healthcare field. Soomar received his BSN from Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, where he received special training in human sexuality, early childhood development and mental health.

Soomar’s Sigma involvement is instrumental in developing a sense of who he is as nurse. Male nurses still struggle to find role models in Pakistan, but with Sigma’s help, he was able to find mentorship and a sense of belonging in his chosen profession. He now sees himself as a role model to other young male nurses, a rare distinction in his region. Soomar has been enriched by the evidence-based research that he can use in both community and clinical settings. Soomar was also uplifted by his induction into Sigma, and considers it an honor to be a part of our organization. He desires to help empower future male nurses the same way that he was empowered through Sigma.

For Soomar, giving back to his community does not end with his role as a nurse. Soomar is a trained laughter yoga trainer. He has conducted yoga sessions across Pakistan for people of all ages and walks of life. Soomar is also part of his university’s innovation club and the editor of a blog about medical innovation. Soomar hopes to continue to be a lifelong learner with Sigma’s help. One day he would like to conduct play therapy research, promote health in early years, as well as human sexuality and rights. Without Sigma, Soomar would not have been exposed to the innovation that has so inspired him.