Serangoon TCM Centre: 
This August as we celebrated Nurses’ Day, we shine the KWSpotlight on two amazing members of our KWSH family whose journeys remind us what nursing is truly about — heart, courage, and resilience!
Jobelle found her calling through the love and care that shaped her childhood, while Ronnie, on the other hand, swapped computer dreams for a nursing career.
Mejia Jobelle Frani: From Dreams to Dedication
Jobelle came to Singapore at the age of 23 to work as a Nursing Aide. As the eldest child, she wanted to support her single mother in raising her two younger siblings. The decision wasn’t easy — her mother had been working in Singapore as a domestic helper, and her experience gave Jobelle a glimpse of the challenges of working far from home.
Having her mother nearby brought comfort though. On her mother’s rest days, they would share home-cooked meals — simple moments that helped Jobelle settle into her new life in Singapore. Although her mother returned to the Philippines two years ago after working here for 24 years, Jobelle continues to have family support, with her aunt (her mother’s sister) still working in Singapore.
Raised by her grandparents alongside seven other grandchildren, Jobelle was deeply influenced by their love and care. This upbringing inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She studied nursing in the Philippines and worked in a hospital before moving abroad. While she had no prior experience in a nursing home, caring for her grandparents had instilled in her the values of patience, respect, and compassion.
Starting her journey at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital came with challenges. One of the biggest was the language barrier. Communicating with residents was difficult, and she often worried about not meeting their needs. But through careful listening, observation, and learning from those around her, she gradually overcame this hurdle. Over time, she even picked up enough Malay to hold simple conversations with the elderly residents.
When she joined KWSH as a Nursing Aide, she had a quiet goal of becoming a staff nurse. Nearly 11 years of dedication and perseverance later, that goal was achieved — marking a meaningful milestone in her professional journey.
What brings her the most fulfilment is the appreciation she receives from residents and their families. Small gestures like a smile or a simple thank-you bring her immense joy. Over the years, she has grown deeply attached to many of the residents, caring for them not just as patients, but like family. Her journey in nursing has been one of growth, learning, and heart. Nursing to Jobelle is more than a job, it is a calling grounded in compassion and understanding.
Bautista Ronnie Anchola: From IT Dreams to Embracing Care
Growing up, Ronnie never imagined he would become a nurse. His early ambitions were rooted in information technology — a world far removed from hospital wards and the emotional complexities of patient care. Ironically, Ronnie once grappled with a fear of blood and needles, an unlikely beginning for someone who would become a steadfast pillar of support for countless patients and their families.
Yet, the prospects of a nursing career eventually drew him to healthcare. The journey was far from easy. As a student nurse, Ronnie often found himself shrinking into corners or hiding behind classmates during hospital rotations, desperate to avoid any encounter with blood or needles. Thanks to the persistent encouragement of his clinical instructors and friends, he gradually faced his fears head-on. Over four years, Ronnie transformed his apprehension into strength, ultimately becoming a nurse in both hospital wards and the emergency room!
In October 2017, Ronnie followed in the footsteps of his then-girlfriend — also a nurse and now his wife — and moved to Singapore. He joined KWSH as a Patient Care Assistant. The role was physically demanding, focused on bedside care, and required him to quickly master new skills and routines. One of his initial challenges was memorising the names of residents, especially when many sounded similar. With guidance from mentors and a determination to adapt, Ronnie soon found his footing.
Nearly eight years on, Ronnie has honed his ability to care for the elderly, learning to exercise patience and empathy, particularly with residents living with dementia. He credits his experience at KWSH for shaping him into a more compassionate and caring nurse. For Ronnie, nursing is a lifelong calling that demands both heart and sacrifice.
The most rewarding moments come when families express their gratitude for the care he provides to their loved ones. Yet, there are difficult days too — witnessing residents in pain, seeing them transferred to the emergency department, and sharing in the heartbreak of families during their final moments together.
Despite his career shift, Ronnie remains connected to his initial passion for IT through his love of gaming, particularly role-playing games (RPGs). He finds a unique parallel between his virtual adventures and his real-life role as a caregiver. “In RPGs, you help your characters grow stronger by giving them what they need,” he explains. “It’s the same with my residents — I strive to support them, meet their needs, and help them to maintain and improve their health!” In this way, Ronnie’s journey comes full circle, blending his early interests with his calling to care for others.
