May Parsons is known in recent history as the first person to give the COVID-19 vaccine to a patient outside of a clinical trial. Parsons—who is the modern matron for respiratory at University Hospitality Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust—also happens to be Filipino.
“I’m hoping that this event has helped our kababayans find their voice and identity and to be proud of our achievement as a whole.”
MAY PARSONS
How did she get chosen to administer the first jab?
“I was in my office when the occupational health director at the time asked me if I could do it. She nominated me because I’ve been so active in our flu campaign. I didn’t think it was going to be that big until the day, so I was more than happy to help,” May recalled in an email interview.
As a nurse and a Filipino in the middle of this history-making moment, May understands the importance of her role.
“I’m hoping that through this momentous event, I have taken my fellow Filipinos—not just nurses—to a place where they can be seen, heard, and appreciated for our contribution to the wider society. We are quiet and often meek, so I’m hoping that this event has helped our kababayans [fellow Filipinos] find their voice and identity and to be proud of our achievement as a whole,” May said.
Beyond raising the flag for fellow Filipino nurses, May has been a strong advocate for vaccines and is part of the national drive to promote vaccination, especially among the Black, Asian or other ethnic minority communities who, studies show, are disproportionally affected by COVID.
In an interview with the Coventry University news site, May said, “I ask you to please have the vaccine, if you are eligible, when it’s your turn to have it. It will protect you and those you love and care about.”
Looking back at her pandemic experience, May reflected, “As a nurse who has personally seen and lived the horror of the pandemic, the vaccination was most welcomed to help us fight back and protect our community against the devastation of the virus. We weren’t just standing there waiting to be infected by the virus, we were able to arm ourselves against it, which is what most of us were hoping for.”
Self-care, volunteer work
While many others were lucky to carve out time for themselves during the pandemic, May described herself as “full throttle” and “high alert” during this period.
“My self-care was basic,” she recalled. “I spent as much time as I could with my family, looked after my staff as best as I could, grabbed as much cuddles as I could from my family and furry kids.”
When she wasn’t spending time with family, May was sewing hundreds of uniform bags for the hospital staff and reusable masks for patients and staff.
Now that the situation is much better, May is able to have more personal time, which she spends on long walks and leisurely weekends. She’s also learned not to “obsess about work” and to be kind to herself by spending more time with family and going to the gym together.
“Life is too short. Do the things you love now, hug your family tight, tell them you love them and live your life according to you. You are replaceable at work but you are not replaceable at home.”
She’s also been lucky enough to see her mother in Durham, which is four hours away from her location. “That was lovely to do and I’m grateful that she’s not half across the world like most of the parents of our internationally educated nurses in the UK. I continue to be grateful for my blessings and appreciate every blessing,” she said.
Work hard, keep the faith
May has certainly come a long way since she joined the NHS in 2003, and much of her success she credits to a strong work ethic. It’s what makes Filipino nurses successful in an international workplace.
“We [Filipino nurses] work well with others. Our general friendliness and hospitality shine through wherever we go,” May said.
For Filipino nurses looking to forge their own path, whether in the UK or other countries, this is May’s advice:
“Your journey is unique to you. When you’re ready, take the leap and grab the opportunity. You are capable. Believe in yourself and ask for what you need to get what you want. You are deserving of success as much as the one next to you. Continue to work hard and keep your values, and it will all come to fruition. Keep the faith. Everything happens for a reason.”