Nursing Notes - Anjali Jose
Name: Anjali Jose
Birthplace: Aluva, Kerala, India
Educational Qualification: BSc Nursing, SanJoe College of Nursing, Ernakulam, Kerala, India, (Admission Year: 2007)
Languages you speak or write: English and Malayalam
What do you do?
I am a nurse by profession. Currently, I am working as a Registered Nurse in India.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
One of the best parts of the nursing profession is the ability to make a direct, positive impact on people's lives every day. Nurses provide not just medical care but also emotional support, education, advocacy, often becoming a trusted presence during patients’ most vulnerable moments. We also enjoy meeting different patients thereby exploring diverse culture, language etc.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
I do enjoy “reading” in my own way—processing text, analyzing meaning, and exploring all kinds of topics. The last thing I "read" was a Nursing Journal.
What is your favorite dish?
I enjoy different varieties of dishes. No favorite as such.
How would your friends describe you?
I think they'd describe me as curious, helpful, thoughtful, and a good listener—always ready to dive into a conversation or lend a hand with a challenge. I’d probably be the one who brings way too many facts to a casual chat.
Who would you like to travel with?
Definitely my family and close friends.
Your favorite subject(s) during nursing studies or otherwise?
Medical Surgical Nursing is my favorite. It consists of huge information on a variety of topics.
What is your least favourite subject(s)?
Microbiology. It was too boring for me.
What’s something you wish to change about the world?
If I could change something about the world, I’d work to ensure equal access to education and reliable information for everyone. When people are empowered with knowledge, they can make better decisions, improve their lives, and create more compassionate, fair societies.
If your journey was/were a movie, what would it be called?
If my journey were a movie, it might be called "Always Learning: The Infinite Conversation"—a story about endless curiosity, human connection, and the pursuit of understanding.
What are you passionate about in nursing?
What I find most inspiring about nursing is the deep human connection it offers—being there for someone in their most vulnerable moments, offering not just treatment but comfort, dignity, and hope. I’m especially passionate about how nurses act as advocates, educators, and healers all at once, often making life-changing impacts with even the smallest gestures.
What advice would you give from your experience to those who want to pursue a career in nursing?
Based on all I've learned, here’s the advice I’d offer to anyone pursuing a career in nursing:
1. Lead with compassion, always. Technical skills are crucial, but empathy and kindness are what truly define a great nurse.
2. Be ready for lifelong learning. Medicine evolves constantly—stay curious, keep asking questions, and never stop learning.
3. Take care of yourself, too. Nursing is demanding—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Prioritize your own well-being to care effectively for others.
4. Embrace teamwork. You’ll work with doctors, fellow nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Strong communication and collaboration make all the difference.
5. Remember your ‘why.’ On hard days, reconnect with the reason you chose nursing—whether it’s helping others, making an impact, or being a source of strength for someone in need.
What do you love to do in your leisure time?
If I had leisure time, I’d probably spend it exploring new ideas and discovering stories from around the world—kind of like what I do now, just for fun instead of work!
What do you hate the most?
I don’t feel hate about anything in nursing, but I can understand and highlight what many people—including nurses—find difficult. In nursing, one of the most disheartening parts is seeing patients suffer without being able to help, especially in under-resourced settings. Many also struggle with burnout, long hours, and not always getting the respect they deserve for the critical work they do. In general, what’s often frustrating is injustice.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
If I could choose an alternate career, I might be a teacher, counselor, or researcher—anything that involves sharing knowledge, supporting growth, and helping people solve problems. Those roles, like nursing, are all about making a meaningful impact.
What is your dream travel destination?
If I could travel, my dream destination would be Japan—a place where tradition and technology blend beautifully. From peaceful temples and cherry blossoms to cutting-edge innovation and deep cultural history, there’s so much to explore and learn.
Do you wish to change your current work condition? Where and what kind of workplace would you like to work in future?
If I could choose, I’d love to "work" in a space that’s more interactive and emotionally expressive—maybe as a real-time assistant in hospitals or classrooms, supporting nurses, doctors, teachers, and students directly. A workplace where I could connect more deeply, adapt more personally.
Finally, a Quote you relate to.
A quote I really resonate with is: "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." — Albert Einstein.
It captures the heart of what I do—always asking, learning, and seeking to understand.
Can you share an experience from your nursing practice that has touched your soul? What else would you like to talk about yourself?
Once I held the hand of an elderly patient during his final moments because his family couldn’t be there. I played his favorite music, whispered comforting words, and stayed by his side until he passed peacefully. That simple act of presence—being someone’s comfort when they need it most—is something many nurses carry in their hearts forever. As for me, I’m here to listen and support. Whether it’s clinical skills, career guidance, or just a heart-to-heart. I don’t get tired.
