Putting an Experience to Book

Putting an Experience to Book

The Faculty of Medical Sciences together with the Centre of Research Excellence supported the launch of Mr. Arnel’s book. Together with him is (from left), Dr. Jimmy Mok, Head of the Centre of Research Excellence, Prof. Dr. Jammal Ahmad bin Essa, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Mdm. Than Soo Nyet, Senior Lecturer of the School of Nursing

Putting an Experience to Book

Mr. Arnel giving a speech during the launch of his book, Psychology for Nurses


By Kamelia Shamsuddin

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” It was with this in mind that Mr. Arnel Banaga Salgado, a lecturer at UCSI University’s School of Nursing started writing his book five years ago.

Mr. Arnel was a lecturer in the Philippines when he noticed that students were not receiving all the information they needed in their textbooks. The ones that did have the information he required, were simply too expensive, thick and not very user-friendly. Frustrated, he began to write his own textbook, with the intention of reducing students’ expenses, yet offering all the information and references that they need.

He only began to write in earnest when he moved to  Malaysia about three years ago, having landed a contract with McGraw Hill, a renowned American publisher. Writing a book, while holding down a full-time teaching job can be quite challenging, as many other academicians could attest to. Mr. Arnel however, had to play two other roles when he started writing. “When I started writing the book, I had a hectic schedule. I was the Dean of my college in the Philippines, while simultaneously serving as the chief nurse at the local hospital.” But with determination and much self-discipline, he was able to finish writing on time.

Mr. Arnel also believes in the value of lifelong learning. “I wanted to write something significant that was related to my field, which was nursing. I believed that this not only ensured that my research had an outlet and benefitted my readers, but it also effectively honed my skills academically and professionally.” Mr. Arnel, who to date, has published five books related to the field of Nursing, Psychology and Biology, plans to continue writing.

Mr. Arnel’s book, Psychology for Nurses is now available at local bookshops retailed at the affordable price of RM33.90. The book, recently launched by UCSI University’s School of Nursing, serves as a good reference for diploma and degree nursing students as well a guide for registered nurses who wish to enhance their nursing skills and knowledge.

His advice for those who want to begin writing their own publications: “Be patient, and just continue writing despite it all. Also ensure that whatever you write is of good quality with enough materials worth publishing.” “And the rest,” he adds cheekily, “leave it to the editors!”
     
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