Introducing Nurse Michael Edwards, HealthFirst Trainer
Why did you become a nurse?
I was in Thailand for the 2004 tsunami and wished I had a skill set that could help. That inspired me to become an Emergency Medical Technician, which was rewarding, but I found it quite limiting. I looked at becoming a paramedic but settled on nursing, as it offered a broader skill set and greater versatility.
Where has your career taken you so far?
I trained in Los Angeles and worked in an inner-city Emergency Department. I’ve also worked with refugees in Greece and done community and public health nursing in Uganda and Malawi. For the past several years, I’ve worked with UN agencies, mostly the World Health Organisation (WHO), as a staff health nurse.
What do you do when you are not working?
I love being out in nature. When my kids were younger, we spent hours building dens and campfires in the forests, or swimming and hiking. I read quite a lot, mostly science fiction and fantasy, and I enjoy a lot of that nerd culture (Dungeons & Dragons, Renaissance fairs, etc.). I like to exercise, which is a great way to manage stress and boost energy.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cryptozoology and conspiracy theories. I am a skeptic but still find them fun. I also enjoy trashy tv and cheesy ’80s–’90s movies.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Wear sunscreen would be a big one, as I am now suffering the consequences. I would also tell my younger self to try and balance being a people pleaser with your own needs. Oh, and I would try to squeeze in a few investment ideas so I could be stinking rich.
