Giving Your Best: A Story of Growth

By Amy Weng

During their hospital stay, patients are cared for not only by doctors and nurses but also by nursing support staff. De Jesus Jericho Claide Danan, Care Support Associate from Ward 56 is one such member of the multidisciplinary team playing a key role in caring for patients.

In this issue, CardioConnect gets to know Jericho better. A proud recipient of the Nursing Care Support Champion Award 2026, he shares memorable moments from his work and what he has learnt along the way.

A moment that stood out

When a former patient returned to NHCS for work with an external vendor sometime after his discharge, Jericho recognised his face but could not quite remember where they had met.

Before leaving, he walked over to Jericho, shook his hand and patted him on the shoulder. "Thank you, brother," he said, then turned to his colleague, "This man took good care of me when I was admitted here."

That was when Jericho recalled that the gentleman was a patient he had cared for previously. "I was caught by surprise and didn't know what to say at first," he recalled "But I felt really touched that he remembered me and genuinely happy seeing that he had returned to the work he used to do."

Stepping out of his comfort zone

Jericho, who calls the Philippines home, has worked at NHCS for almost four years. As a Hospitality Management graduate with no nursing background, he had not expected his first full-time job to be in healthcare.

Moving to Singapore on his own was also a big step. "At first, I had a lot of self-doubt and what-ifs: What if I cannot do it? What if I fail?" he recalled. "But I did not want those uncertainties to hold me back."

He eventually decided to step out of his comfort zone.

When he joined NHCS, much of the work was new to him. Through training and learning on the job, he gradually became more confident caring for patients and working alongside nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals.

He found that his hospitality background which similarly centred on service, helped him communicate with patients and colleagues alike. "Speaking to people came naturally to me but I also try to improve myself every day by reflecting on what I can do better and attending relevant courses in my free time."

Being there for patients

On a typical day, Jericho helps patients with their daily needs, including feeding and ambulating. Many are recovering from major operations and have little strength to move on their own. Jericho is often by their side as they take their first tentative steps, helping to keep them steady and safe. He also relays patient concerns to the medical team, ensuring that important details reach the doctors who need them.

When the ward gets busy and several patients need help at the same time, communication becomes especially important. He makes a point of explaining to patients why they may have to wait, and always follows through when he says he will return to assist them.

"I always tell my patients: if I could split myself into two, I would," he jokes.

He also observed that besides bedside care, some patients simply need a listening ear especially those awaiting major operations. When he gets asked: "What if I cannot make it?", Jericho listens and offers encouragement. "Even a few words can help, just to lift them up a little bit."

Continuing to grow

After almost four years at NHCS, Jericho continues to push himself and hopes to eventually train as a nurse.

For now, he holds on to a piece of advice from his parents back home: "Whatever you do, give your 100 per cent effort. Do not let yourself have any regrets, wishing you could have done better."

Congratulations to Jericho on receiving the Nursing Care Support Champion Award. We look forward to seeing all that he will achieve at NHCS!