Editor's Note

Dr. Yang Lili is an individual who has broken out of her cocoon and emerged as a butterfly, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence in education. Now she is an executive director for nursing education and research, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, and the mentor for MSN and PhD student in the School of Nursing at Zhejiang University. As we celebrate the 111th International Nurses Day, it is a privilege to hear Dr. Yang's inspiring story and learn about the guiding principles that inform her practice of nursing.

Q1: Hello, Dr. Yang. Could you please introduce your experience?

A: After graduating from a nursing program in 1986, I started my nursing career at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine (FAHZU). Seven years later, I was transferred to work at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH). I didn’t stop my pursuit of higher education in nursing. I received my bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2000. In 2008, I got my master’s degree and then in 2016 my doctoral degree in nursing both from Loma Linda University. In 2020, I came to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine (ZJU4H). As Babe Ruth said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” We should pursue lifelong learning and never give up when facing difficulties.

Q2: Dr. Yang, what role do you think research can play in the development of nursing teams and the discipline?

A: The vision of the nursing discipline in our hospital is to enter the National Top 100 as soon as possible. To realize this vision, we have formulated a plan for the nursing staff in different clinical and nursing units to improve their research competency and support their career advancement. Ultimately, the discoveries generated from this research endeavor will push forward the development of both nursing disciplines and individual nurses.

Q3: How do you cultivate the nurse team’s ability to teach and research in ZJU4H?

A: Education not only aims to improve the nurses’ specialized knowledge but also targets cultivating nurses’ all-around abilities such as caring, communication skills, and teaching and research. When I joined ZJU4H in 2020, I introduced the concept of “Nurse Professional Development,” proposed by the American Nurses Association, to ZJU4H to cultivate the comprehensive core competencies of nurses. For example, to cultivate nurses’ ability to do research, the Nursing Department has established a teaching and research committee to lead the teaching and research work by developing a tailor-made annual plan for nurses at each level to reach their maximum potential in the teaching and research arena.

The nurse managers, who are also responsible for staff development, assess the nurses in the unit concerning their professional titles and research ability every year and help them make individualized plans for professional development.

We also set up fundamental and advanced courses for research. After the nurses pass an interview of English and basic research knowledge, they can participate in one of these courses. By using the immersion teaching method, the nurses can learn while practicing, applying what they have learned, and teaching each other.

Q4: Dr. Yang, you have had many achievements. What would you like to share with our young nurses?

A: I have always been very grateful from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate the FAHZU for seven years of clinical training to develop my fundamental nursing care competencies; I am thankful to SRRSH and Loma Linda University for providing me with a path and platform for career development; I express my gratitude to the ZJU4H for providing me with an opportunity for further improvement, and also, I would like to thank the leaders, mentors, and friends at home and abroad who have helped me become who I am today. All these past experiences are the most treasured elements in my life. I reckon that I can’t repay them each, but I want to pass on the spirit of sharing and helping, doing my best to share what I know, and helping colleagues and students to achieve their dreams. Share, be grateful, and pass on the spirit!

Q5: What opportunities do you think the construction of the International Medical Center has brought to the nursing discipline?

A: The International Medical Center in Yiwu is a new initiative of Zhejiang University in the medical sector, which brings unprecedented opportunities to our nursing discipline, and provides an excellent platform for the rapid development of undergraduate and graduate education, research, and clinical practice. As far as I am concerned, the new postdoctoral program has enabled us to recruit postdoctoral fellows and strengthen the impact of our research.

Written by Han Qiqi

Edited by Chen Weiying