Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) – May Parsons, the Filipina-British nurse to administer the first COVID-19 vaccine shot, urged Filipino nurses to first build their career in the Philippines before working overseas.
“Personally, I would encourage nurses who are [in the Philippines] and still new to the service and are building their nursing careers and experiences to have it here,” Parsons told CNN Philippines.
Parsons worked as a nurse in the Philippines for three years before landing a job abroad. The nurse has been in service for the last 26 years.
Parsons said she sees experience in the country for new nurses as a good starting point but said she does not want to stop anyone who wants to work for a better life.
“I would not stop anybody who’s trying to get a better life, cause [going abroad] changes lives,” she said. “If it’s for a better life for you, then absolutely, you have to go for what is best for you.”
Parsons received the prestigious George Cross Award on behalf of the UK National Health Service from Queen Elizabeth II.
The Filipina nurse is the first to give the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine after it received an approval for use in the United Kingdom in 2020.
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