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Teodoro “Jun Jun” Medran Jr. arrived in the UK in 1999 with a dream to become a successful nurse. Like many first-time OFWs, he was anxious about being in a foreign country and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

He started working as a healthcare assistant at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH). Thirteen years later, Medran is still in the same place but he has worked his way up to become a clinical site manager who supervises employees across five hospitals in the southern coastal city. The hospitals reportedly treat over three quarters of a million patients each year.

Recently, Medran’s efforts were officially recognized when he beat around 600 nominees to win the Nurse of the Year 2011 award. He is the first Pinoy to win the award, which was presented at an annual event held by BSUH on July 14 at the Brighton Corn Exchange.

In an interview with ABS-CBN Europe, Medran recalled the moment he went up on stage to receive the award.

“I just felt that I was a representation of every Filipino nurse or OFW in the world. Naiyak ako kase never kaming nagre-recognize. We were always told, magaling ang Pilipino, but we were never recognized,” he said.

“Overwhelming talaga. Masayang masaya ako kasi, para bang na-recognise yung sipag at pagod ko sa pagiging nurse,” he added.

While receiving the award, he thought of his parents in the Philippines.

“Una una kong naisip ay ang mama at papa ko. I just want to give them back the glory. Kasi sila naghirap sa amin makarating sa position na kinatatayuan namin. So I offered it to them and obviously to God,’ said Medran.

Family of nurses

Medran, who grew up in Oriental Mindoro, revealed that his parents influenced his decision to take up nursing and shaped the way he applied himself in the role.

“My mom was a frustrated nurse. Kaya naging nurses kami lahat na apat magkapatid. So I dedicate this to her. Maganda yung resulta ng pagnanurse ko. Meron akong fulfilment. So pagkatapos ng long day, kahit pagod na pagod, masaya ako lagi,” he said.

Apart from having three siblings doing the same profession, he also married a nurse. His mother was a big influence in choosing the nursing degree, it was his father who inculcated his heart and mind with generosity and love for people.

“Pagiging mapagmahal sa tao ang pinaka importante. Namana ko sa tatay ko yan. Sabi niya kahit isusubong mo na, Kung may humahingi, ibigay mo, kasi pagdating ng araw at kailangan mo ng isusubo, sampong beses and ibigay sa iyo,’ he said.

Excellent patient care

Caring for patients became natural for Medran. He said receiving the award is more meaningful because the nomination came from patients and colleagues.

Even without recognition, he always treated his patients with utmost care and compassion.

“Excited ako pag pumapasok ako. I treat them like my family. I live in the principle, bakit hindi ko i-trato na pamilya ko yung mga kasama sa hospital lalo ang pasyente ko. So, pagna-nurse ako, lagi ako masaya. I always smile. I even sing to them,’ he explained.

Medran also added: “Even just humming or something. Just to show them that I’m happy. Because I believe, pag nakita nilang yung masaya na yung nagke- care sa kanila, gagaling sila”.

Apart from singing, Medran also gives his patients haircuts.

“I believe that if they look good, they will feel good. I treat them really like my family, which is I think traits taga maraming Pilipino yun. I never complain, kahit anong bigyan mo pasyente. Kahit yung pinakamabigat, I’ll take it.’

Some of Medran’s patients have become so attached to him that they want him to always be around.

“’I wish you’re on again tomorrow,’ yun ang sinabi ng pasyente ko. Yun ang pinakamagandang laging naririnig ko na, ‘If you’re not on tomorrow I’ll be sick again’, he said.

Thumbs up from colleagues

Medran’s colleagues believe he is a deserving winner.

Junior nurse Karen Wallace said: “I’ve known Jun Jun for about five to six years now. He’s always very supportive towards staff. When he’s on duty, if you call up anytime, he will come and assist as best he can”.

Renal nurse educator Denden Bravo added, “I was very proud, dahil it shows the standard of care by Filipino nurses is world class. Ang Pilipino is in the service of humanity. Jun Jun is a good representative”.

“Na- boost ang morale. Hindi lang ng mga Pilipino pero halos lahat ng nandito dahil pwede pala kaming magka-award being a really good nurse,” stroke ward staff nurse Bokzie Alvar said.

Medran’s parents were unable to visit the UK and attend the awarding ceremony, but he said they were really happy when they heard the news.

Working as an overseas nurse, he has always been proud of his roots.

“I’m very proud of being a Filipino. In fact, I want to shout to the whole world that I’m a Filipino nurse. Eto na po, napanalo na tayo, para po sa atin lahat ito, para sa bayan natin, para sa buong Pilipinas,” Medran said.

(Story courtesy of Edward Lao, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau)