Singapore Nursing Board NURSE’S PLEDGE

In full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I PROMISE to provide a competent standard of care for the sick, regardless of race, religion and status, sparing no effort to alleviate suffering and promote health and to refrain from any action which might endanger life.

I will respect at all times the dignity of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me.

I will maintain my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and give support and co-operation to all members of the health team.

I will honour and abide by the Singapore Nursing Board Code for Nurses and Midwives, and be responsible and accountable at all times for my nursing actions and decisions.

I will uphold the integrity of the professional nurse. 2 Minister�s message CNO�s message 3 Thank you for urses, your courage you are truly to care! commendable!

Mr Ong Ye Kung Ms Paulin Koh Minister for Health Chief Nursing Officer

MY HEARTIEST congratulations emergency departments, EVERY YEAR, around the Nurses’ situation took a turn for the worse to all recipients of the Nurses’ inpatient units, operating rooms, Day period, we proudly celebrate recently, our nurses persevered Merit Award. vaccination centres etc. the achievements of nurses. and responded courageously – I thank each of you for your Singaporeans know that I am delighted to share that this determined to remain committed commendable and meritorious your job is physically, mentally year, we have 125 recipients of to their professional duty! service. More importantly, and emotionally exhausting, the Nurses’ Merit Award – The reflections in this booklet you represent tens of thousands yet you persevere by staying 25 more from previous years! capture this exact spirit of our of nurses who have upheld the focused on delivering care where I congratulate and commend nurses, their strong sense of duty high standards and values of the needed. I believe I represent the you for receiving the Award, and their passion for the care profession and continue to be an sentiments of most Singaporeans which serves as a national of our patients and community. inspiration to the community. in thanking you for your courage, recognition of your outstanding This is truly commendable! The vital role of nurses is sacrifices and resilience. performance and dedication to The journey ahead of us most evident in our fight against The Ministry of Health will the nursing profession. may hold uncertainties and COVID-19. Going beyond support you to the best of our As our nation maintains its challenges, but I believe, together, patient care, you demonstrated abilities. May each one of you resilience against COVID-19, we will prevail and emerge strong. resilience and courage in achieve your career goals and nurses continue to play a critical Nurses, thank you all for your protecting patients from infection, aspirations and continue to find role by supporting surveillance hard work, perseverance and giving them advice, swabbing meaning and purpose in this testing and the nationwide commitment. May your contributions and vaccinating our people, noble calling. vaccination programme. be an inspiration to others. carrying out your duties at Happy Nurses’ Day 2021! Even when the COVID-19 Happy Nurses’ Day! 4 5 AWARD RECIPIENTS 2021

Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions National University Health System Tan Shu Cing SSN Assisi Hospice Tsen Li Mee Marie SNC/APN Fun Mun Yew SNM Bukit Batok Care Home Fu Yongxin NM National University Hospital Yeoh Kim Choo NM Dover Park Hospice Lim Chi Ching ANC/APN National University Hospital Lee Wei Ling Geraldine SPCN HCA Hospice Care Lum Luh Ping Yvonne ANC National University Hospital Nunez Marife Bongcales SSN Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital Moe Oo Khin NE National University Hospital Junsay Maria Delia Sandoval EN Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home (Thomson) Qu Ying Ying NC National University Hospital Koh Siang Teng NM MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang See Li Ling NM National University Hospital Nicholas Chung SNM NTUC Health Nursing Home (Jurong West) Theresa Samy SNC National University Hospital Margaret Au DN Saint Theresa�s Home Tomomi Ogura ANC National University Hospital Tan Wee Tai AD SATA CommHealth Xu Ping NE National University Hospital Thuzar Than ANC Society for the Aged Sick Yong King Chui NC National University Hospital Low Kok Poh Peter SSN St. Andrew�s Nursing Home (Henderson) Zhang Qiuxia NC National University Hospital Joyce Ng Qee Joo NC The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home Fatimah Bte Endut NC National University Polyclinics Nurdiyana Binte Hassan Jaya SSN THK Nursing Home @ Hougang Seah Hui Min NM National University Polyclinics Ong Wee Ying SSN TOUCH Home Care, TOUCH Community Services Amran Bin Amir ANC Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Sin Chow Mei NM United Medicare (Elizabeth Dr) Pte Ltd Maznah Binte Marmin ANC Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Doi Ling @ Dwle Lain CNM The National Kidney Foundation Pu Xiaorong NC Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Wang Meini CNM The National Kidney Foundation Siti Zainah Binte Mohamed Rian NE Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Tang Min Yee NC Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Private Community Hospitals Arvinder Kaur SNM Jurong Community Hospital Siti Rohaidah Binte Mohamed SSN Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Zuraidah Binte Sulaiman SNC/APN Ren Ci Community Hospital SingHealth Su Anqi SNE St Luke�s Hospital Chen Xiaowei ANC Heng Chai Gek APN St. Andrew�s Community Hospital Hanidah Binte A Rahman ANC Changi General Hospital Margie Wu Ya Lan SNM Changi General Hospital Private Hospitals Tan Khim Gek PEN Changi General Hospital Sih Siew Gaik NM Farrer Park Hospital Wang Xia NC Changi General Hospital Chan Yew Keng SNE Wang Yang ANC Changi General Hospital Than Sook Ling SNC Zhang Na ANC Changi General Hospital Grace Au Kit Wan NC Zheng Yiling NC Changi General Hospital Anparasi MV NM Ang Ying Xin ANC KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Say Poh Kin SNM Asmira Binte Mohamed Rahim NC KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Siti Samira Binte Kassim NM Mount Elizabeth Hospital Huang Weili NC KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Tan Jilin NM Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Liu Jing SSN KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Eileen Chua-Tiang ANC Mariammah D/O Paramasilvam NC KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Pang Ai Hong NC KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Statutory Boards Wu Yiping NC/APN KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital Norbayah Binte Md Yasin Manager, Nursing Health Promotion Board Goh Chee Kun SNM National Cancer Centre Singapore Woon Lee Tian (Wen Litian) SSN National Dental Centre Singapore National Healthcare Group Ann Chan Sok Theng NM National Heart Centre Singapore Chen Birong ANC/APN Institute of Mental Health Norashikin Binte Sarip ANC National Heart Centre Singapore Farhanah Bte Mohammed Rahna PAN Institute of Mental Health Fu Liqing NC National Neuroscience Institute Mullath Bijuh Sukumaran Nair NC Institute of Mental Health Ma Zhongzheng NC Sengkang General Hospital Zheng He NC Institute of Mental Health Ong Chin Wan NC Sengkang General Hospital Ernie Yanty Binte Borhanudin ANC Siti Suhaila Binte Sulaimi ANC Sengkang General Hospital Lu Qiaoxian NC Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Tan Hwee Yuan SNE Sengkang General Hospital Nuraini Binte Mamon NM Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Yeo Yan Ling Lynn PEN Sengkang General Hospital Ramanathan S/O Perumal SSN Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Irene Tan Cheng Gaik NC Singapore General Hospital Tan Si Hui NC Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Jumaiah Binte Jumari NE Singapore General Hospital Zheng Dexin NC Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Lee Sze Chung Clara NC Singapore General Hospital Lim Voon Ping SNC National Centre for Infectious Diseases Lim Rong Ee NC Singapore General Hospital Evonne Oh Siew Gek ANC National Healthcare Group Polyclinics Loh Jing Hui NC Singapore General Hospital Nisha Menon ANC National Healthcare Group Polyclinics Nadrah Binte Hamzah NC Singapore General Hospital Leong Hui Hui SSN National Skin Centre Nan Hnin Ei Phyu ANC Singapore General Hospital Anna Goh Phu Xua SAN Norlela Binte Hashim ANC Singapore General Hospital Faith Lee Sook Mun SSN Tan Tock Seng Hospital Nurfarah Liyana SEN Singapore General Hospital Fazlina Binte Surani NC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Puspa Devi D/O Ramparch PEN Singapore General Hospital George Frederick Glass Jr NR Tan Tock Seng Hospital Seah Xueli Eileen NC Singapore General Hospital Lee Sharlene SSN Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tan Wei Xian NC Singapore General Hospital Lee Shu Ying Carrie NC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tay Ai Lian NC Singapore General Hospital Lian Xia SNC/APN Tan Tock Seng Hospital Toh Zhen Jun Wayne SSN Singapore General Hospital Liu TingTing SSN Tan Tock Seng Hospital Guo Yan NC Singapore National Eye Centre Ong Zh Hua ANC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Nurlaila Binti Maidin NC SingHealth Community Hospital – Tan Wan Kun James ANC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Sengkang Community Hospital Tan Yen Peng NC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Frida Wong Pang Nee NC/APN SingHealth Polyclinics Wang Qian NC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tan Joo See NM SingHealth Polyclinics Wang Zhiye SNC Tan Tock Seng Hospital Shiji D/O Kuttan SNE Woodlands Health Campus Taye Shi Min Charmaine NC Woodlands Health Campus Tan Yi Xue SSN Yishun Community Hospital 6 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 7

Tan Shu Cing Fun Mun Yew Senior Staff Nurse Senior Nurse Manager Assisi Hospice Bukit Batok Care Home

To me, nursing Building rapport is about focusing with residents’ family on providing members is essential comfort to as it fosters trust someone in need, and allows nurses to above my own. deliver better care.

HAVING been a palliative care Admission to the hospital SETTING foot into nursing back impairment of residents in a nurse for five years, helping to was not preferred as his in 2002 – I started as a staff nursing home. Building rapport alleviate the pain experienced nine-year-old daughter would nurse – the most heartening with residents’ family members by patients and honouring their not be able to visit. experience came when I joined is also essential as it fosters preferences are important to me. Our home care doctor the community care sector in all-round trust and allows us From my seven years in rushed down and we managed 2016. The ability to impart my nurses to deliver better care. this profession, I will always his symptoms till he was skills to new nurses encourages My advice to nurses joining remember this patient whom I met comfortable. Having spent four me greatly, enabling them to the community care sector is as a palliative home care nurse. hours with the patient, I was identify subtle changes in an to look beyond the scope of When I rushed to his home after tired, hungry and thirsty but unwell elderly person early to nursing and value meaningful receiving a call from his wife I felt a sense of satisfaction. reduce further risks. life experiences as well. Aside close to the end of the day, To me, this is what nursing is Upgrading skill sets is very from the appreciation from he was in severe pain. It didn’t go about – focusing on providing important for nurses as we need residents, you will gain insightful away even though I administered comfort to someone in need, to keep ourselves abreast of knowledge to take care of your medication at regular intervals. above my own. cognitive issues and/or physical own elderly family members. 8 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 9

Yeoh Kim Choo Lee Wei Ling Nurse Manager Geraldine Dover Park Hospice Senior Palliative Care Nurse HCA Hospice Care

I have witnessed This role continues life’s first and final to motivate me moments… these because every taught me to moment is precious, value the people before it becomes around us. a memory.

I HAVE been a nurse for 35 around us. OVER the past 20 years as not respond to our calls. years. As a child, I was scared I will always remember a nurse, I have encountered I decided to initiate post-death to see my mum fall sick. the SARS outbreak in 2003. numerous patients and families arrangements, such as arranging To overcome my fear, I joined It was a period of uncertainty who have taught me the meaning for a doctor to sign the Certificate nursing studies in 1984 after but I was very touched to see of life. One incident that left a of Cause of Death and an my O levels. the commitment, dedication particularly deep impression on undertaker service. I only left My nursing background and sacrifices of the healthcare me: It was nearly the end of the when the wife calmed down. has allowed me to gain workers providing selfless care, work day when I received an As a community nurse, knowledge and experience. despite the risk of catching urgent call from my patient’s I have the privilege of journeying It has nurtured me to be the virus. wife; she found him slumped closely with my patients and resilient and versatile, as well For those considering nursing against the sofa, unresponsive. their families in difficult times. as changed my perception of as a career, I encourage you to When I arrived at their home, The role continues to motivate life. I have witnessed life’s first go for it. You would know what I discovered that my patient had me because every moment is and final moments… these it means to be human and to already passed on. Their son precious, before it becomes taught me to value the people be humane. was based overseas and did a memory. 10 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 11

Nunez Marife Junsay Maria Bongcales Delia Sandoval Senior Staff Nurse Enrolled Nurse Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home (Thomson)

I will continue to The patient made be compassionate me realise that what while caring the elderly truly for my patients, need are a pair of regardless of listening ears and the setting. companionship.

APPRECIATION, in any form, from an aspiring nurse into a LOOKING back at the past greeted me with a warm smile keeps one going and striving dependable one. 30 years as a nurse, and said “Missy, I miss you” for greater things. Some may get accustomed my journey has been before sharing all his life stories When I was still a staff to hearing ‘thank you’, challenging but meaningful. with me. He even regarded me nurse, I once received a but these two words fill me I can still recall my first as his daughter. meaningful gift from my patient. with zeal and keep me going. day at Lee Ah Mooi Old Age He made me realise that I was deeply moved to know I am grateful for the lessons Home 20 years ago. Seeing what the elderly truly need that I was the only one who learnt and have grown to value physically frail residents, are a pair of listening ears had received this token of my profession even more. I will some with dementia, who and companionship. It is also appreciation from her. continue to be compassionate required extensive nursing important to show genuine Caring for my patients is a while caring for my patients, care filled my heart with mixed empathy to our residents never-ending process and it regardless of the setting. emotions. In particular, there who regard us as their family has taught me many valuable As long as I give my all, I will was one resident who suffered members. This spurred me to life lessons. Throughout my be able to provide the best from dementia. Every time I work harder to provide the best 20-year career, I have grown care for them. entered his room, he always possible care for all our residents. 12 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 13

Koh Siang Teng Nicholas Chung Nurse Manager Senior Nurse Manager MWS Bethany Nursing Home – NTUC Health Nursing Home Choa Chu Kang (Jurong West)

Knowing that I am Seeing the smiles my patients’ advocate of our residents and how my work and their family enables them to live drives me to life to the fullest give my best motivates me daily. every day.

IT HAS been 15 years since a huge success and I grew through AT THE age of 38, I made of him and spent more time I left my previous career in this wonderful experience. my boldest decision ever – chatting and bonding with him. finance to pursue my call to Knowing that I am my patients' to make a career switch from Before passing on, he told serve the elderly in our advocate and realising how my IT engineering to nursing. me that he thought it was community, and I’ve never work enables them to live life to I recall being older than most impossible to find someone looked back. the fullest, especially patients of my colleagues at a job that he could trust in his last days. My journey as a nurse who are uncommunicative and I was not familiar with but The touching exchange has been filled with wonder. bedridden, motivate me daily. was very passionate about. reaffirmed my commitment One incident I will always Coupled with working alongside I made it a point to persevere, to nursing. I am privileged remember is when my faith inspiring colleagues and the be pro-active, and continuously to be able to care for, and resolve were tested as constant support from the learn from fellow nurses. and improve the lives of I had to organise a seemingly management, family and friends, One of my first residents many seniors. Seeing the impossible outing for 28 I am equipped to achieve my best at the nursing home had smiles of our residents and bedridden residents. at work for the betterment of the difficulties adapting to the their family drives me to Thankfully, the outing was residents I serve. environment, so I took care give my best every day. 14 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 15

Margaret Au Tan Wee Tai Director of Nursing Assistant Director Saint Theresa�s Home SATA CommHealth

I am motivated to Passion and do my best by many self-motivation inspiring incidents enable me to from hospitals enjoy my job so and community much that I don’t eldercare. see it as work.

INSPIRED by Florence Nightingale, unexpectedly approached by a MY NURSING journey began remember the strong urine I joined nursing 50 years ago young nurse from Singapore on a 18 years ago. When I joined odour along the corridor as and have never looked back. Melbourne tram. She expressed her SATA CommHealth Homecare I approached his residential unit. I am motivated to do my best gratitude for my clinical coaching Services in 2012, the learning My regular home visit sessions by the many inspiring incidents during her hospital attachment. curve was steep yet fulfilling in for him started with housekeeping from hospitals and community An unforgettable memory was an Intermediate Long Term Care like mopping puddles of urine on eldercare. I felt satisfaction when the joyful faces of elderly nursing setting. When dealing with the the floor to ensure a safe home patients express gratitude before home residents as they enjoyed provision of care, there are many environment before starting hospital discharge. a variety of hawker food served perspectives to consider when nursing services. A polyclinic patient gave me two during COVID-19 restrictions. it comes to patients and their Passion and self-motivation dumplings as a token of appreciation It made their day and one even caregivers in the community. enable me to enjoy my job so after she had successfully learnt remarked: “I enjoy this party! During my early days as a much that I don’t see it as work. insulin self-injection and was When is the next?” home care nurse, I was assigned This has allowed me to experience managing diabetes well. One day, Nursing is indeed a noble and to a patient who was referred for a true sense of professional I felt a rush of honour when I was rewarding career! wound management. I distinctly satisfaction and fulfilment. 16 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 17

Thuzar Than Low Kok Poh Assistant Nurse Clinician Peter Society for the Aged Sick Senior Staff Nurse St. Andrew�s Nursing Home (Henderson)

I am appreciative Seeing the smiles and of my family and contentment on my colleagues who patients’ faces when always support and I attend to them tells encourage me in my me that I am on the role as a nurse. right track.

I HAVE been working as a interesting. Saving lives and IN MY 10 years as a nurse, to my care. This experience nurse for 25 years, and still making a difference keep me one of the more unforgettable encouraged me to be resilient clearly remember helping a going as a nurse. Having a experiences was of a male with other difficult cases in the nursing home resident who proper daily plan and good nursing home resident who hope that they would truly feel choked on her food four years time management skills would hurl abusive remarks my genuine care for them. ago. Her face was turning blue are also very important in and even catch my attention I always try to put myself and there was no response my profession. to irritate me even though in my patients’ shoes and from her at that moment. We I am appreciative of my I ignored his rudeness and ask myself whether what managed to dislodge the piece family and colleagues who avoid confrontation. I did for them was my best of food and get her to the always support and encourage However, I persevered, standard or if I could do hospital in time. I am happy to me in my role as a nurse. attending to him with sincerity better. To me, seeing the report that the resident is well Nurses play a vital role in and greater patience. After smiles and contentment on and alive today. keeping our society healthy about a year, his swearing their faces when I attend to Nursing is a profession by being guiding stars in suddenly stopped and he them tells me that I am on that is challenging and yet the community. started being more receptive the right track. 18 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 19

Joyce Ng Qee Joo Nurdiyana Binte Nurse Clinician Hassan Jaya The Salvation Army Peacehaven Senior Staff Nurse Nursing Home THK Nursing Home @ Hougang

I believe that Caring for my lifelong learning is patients every day necessary to keep and giving quality abreast of the latest care to earn their evidence-based and smiles are all that best practices. I could ask for.

WITNESSING the dedication of paralysed but still cognitively MY PASSION for nursing the drive to care is still as nurses during SARS spurred me intact. Knowing that he was started when I was in strong, growing immensely to pursue nursing studies in 2003. depressed and frustrated, secondary school where deeper as I branched out to I have been a nurse for 15 years I would spend 10-15 minutes I actively participated in Red experience different career now, and through all those years, daily with him. Upon his discharge, Cross as my CCA. My desire paths in nursing. I have been passionate about he thanked me with tears in his to help and care for others My journey from renal providing better care and sharing eyes, adding that he will always grew deeper when I began dialysis to home care, and my knowledge with fellow nurses. be grateful that I journeyed with volunteering as a first aider for currently nursing the elderly in I believe that lifelong learning him during his darkest period. sports events in schools and Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home is necessary to keep abreast of That day, I learnt that every act also external events. has been a joyful and rewarding the latest evidence-based and of kindness we show to our Those experiences were the adventure. Caring for my best practices. patients matters. reason I decided to pursue my patients every day and giving An incident I will always Truly, nursing is all about Diploma in Nursing at Nanyang my best quality care to earn the remember is when we had a the compassion we show to Polytechnic. After almost 15 smiles on their faces are all that nursing home resident who was our patients. years in this profession, I could ask for as a nurse. 20 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 21

Ong Wee Ying Sin Chow Mei Senior Staff Nurse Nurse Manager TOUCH Home Care, United Medicare TOUCH Community Services (Elizabeth Dr) Pte Ltd

While we fulfil Working in a our duties as long term care nurses, we must institution gives me learn to take care more opportunities of our emotional to interact with well-being. residents closely.

BEING a nurse is a calling. My greatest joy is to see IN 1978, when the Spyros disaster ‘home away from home’ We are dealing with human more elderly clients empowered happened, I was impressed by environment, especially during lives, after all. I recall an to take charge of their health, the way nurses cared for the the COVID-19 pandemic. incident when an elderly becoming more independent and injured. This impression silently The meaningful relationships cancer patient died with only a socially engaged. Even in their planted a seed in my heart to join forged with my residents nurse by his side. At that point, advanced age, my clients, just the profession. encourage me to do my best. I realised that nurses are in a like everyone else, are capable I have been a nurse since 1986 Working in a long term care special position to impact lives, of giving back to society. and there are many incidents in my institution gives me more even if it is for a short while. While we fulfil our duties long nursing career that I will never opportunities to interact with I have been a nurse for as nurses, we must learn to forget. The most recent one was residents closely. Understanding 13 years, and it has been take care of our emotional when I received a heartfelt their lifestyle and health habits an emotionally rewarding well-being. I enjoy listening to appreciation letter from a United better, guides me in helping profession for me. I truly my clients� life stories, as well as Medicare resident’s daughter. them settle in well. It allows appreciate the opportunities catching up with colleagues over She was grateful to me for helping me to make a real difference to upgrade my skills. a meal. her father settle well into a in their lives. 22 Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions Intermediate and Long Term Care Institutions 23

Doi Ling @ Wang Meini Dwle Lain Clinical Nurse Manager The National Kidney Foundation Clinical Nurse Manager The National Kidney Foundation

It gives me great As nurses, not only satisfaction to are we gentle, know that I am but we are also able to provide an ever-present comfort and hope pillar of strength to our patients. for our patients.

MY MOTHER who was a nurse changes, as well as the fluid IN MY 22 years of nursing, my most Ever since that incident, manager in a general surgical restrictions to cope with her unforgettable moment occurred I became motivated to be a ward and my strong belief that condition. With constant support, when I tried to encourage a patient more sensitive nurse who nursing will help fulfil my wish to interaction and personalised with bradycardia post-dialysis to shift processes emotions with care for others, greatly inspired care from our team, the patient his heart surgery forward. my patients and provides the me to join the profession eventually accepted her illness, However, he rebutted my every best possible support to them. in 1998. regained her mental strength attempt to convince him and it As nurses, not only are we In my 23 years as a nurse, and had the courage to move was made even more difficult as gentle, but we are also an one experience that is etched on to lead a meaningful life. the patient became increasingly ever-present pillar of strength in my memory involves a As a dialysis nurse, it gives distressed. I sat by him and patiently for our patients. I strive to young female patient who was me great satisfaction to know explained his options, hoping to ensure safe and effective patient suffering from depression when that I am able to provide comfort empower him enough to consider my care by promoting a quality she started dialysis treatment. and hope to our patients as well opinion, without the fear immobilising nursing practice environment, She struggled to adjust to the as make a positive impact in him. Eventually, he relented and his good leader-nurse relationship required lifestyle and dietary their quality of life. procedure was a great success. and patient rehabilitation. 24 Private Community Hospitals Private Community Hospitals 25

Siti Rohaidah Zuraidah Binte Binte Mohamed Sulaiman Senior Staff Nurse Senior Nurse Clinician/ Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Advanced Practice Nurse Ren Ci Community Hospital

Nursing school Being able to changed my comfort and care perspective about for my patients, the profession, and makes each day now nursing has more rewarding become my calling. and fulfilling.

NURSING was never my first allowing me to understand their I JOINED nursing 23 years ago, spoken in years. It was career choice. But nursing school needs, build rapport as well as after being inspired by nurses a miraculous moment changed my perspective about the earn their trust and cooperation. who cared for my grandmother and brought great joy to profession, and now nursing has This enables me to journey with when she was ill. For me, nurses his family. It was especially become my calling. them during their recovery process. are special individuals who have meaningful for me, knowing Many wonder why I chose Even though the clinical patience, skills and knowledge that I had contributed to to work at a community hospital learning and experiences at an to provide care and aid recovery. his recovery. after graduating in 2010 as it is acute hospital might offer other I remember a bed-bound Nursing is my first job often seen as a humdrum sector. prospects, the opportunity to make stroke patient whom I cared for. and will be my last. For me, building a good a greater difference in a patient�s He was unable to speak, but My patients are the reason nurse-patient relationship is care journey is irreplaceable. I always talked to him, knowing I look forward to going to important and that requires I am proud to be a nurse in he could hear me. One day, work. Being able to comfort spending time with patients. the community care sector and he surprised me by saying a and care for them, makes A patient’s stay in a community I would not trade this experience soft “thank you”. His wife teared each day more rewarding hospital is generally longer, for anything else. up and told me that he had not and fulfilling. 26 Private Community Hospitals Private Community Hospitals 27

Su Anqi Heng Chai Gek Senior Nurse Educator Advanced Practice Nurse St Luke�s Hospital St. Andrew�s Community Hospital

General nursing Looking back at my skills can be past 23 years in this picked up, but profession, nursing mental resilience has been intriguing, sees us through dynamic and challenging times. inspiring for me.

MY LOVE for nursing has them. When it was time to MY MOTIVATION to become a conceal it from him out of concern grown over the past 18 years say goodbye, I felt a tinge of nurse started in primary school. for his psychological well-being. I have spent in this profession. sadness… especially on the I vividly remember reading Gradually, he became weaker as The difference nurses make to last day, when the LAM staff a passage titled, ‘Florence his disease progressed. One day, our patients constantly reminds and volunteers sang the chorus Nightingale� and was attracted he suddenly shared that he was me to give wherever I can. “Together we make a difference”. to a drawing of the main aware of his bleak prognosis but When COVID-19 struck, General nursing skills character holding a small lamp had no one who was willing to I responded to the call for can be picked up, but mental while checking on a group of listen to his thoughts on death deployment of nurses when resilience sees us through wounded soldiers. and dying. a cluster formed at Lee Ah Mooi challenging times. Whenever Looking back at my past 23 This has taught me the Old Age Home (LAM). As a times get tough, I remind years in the profession, nursing importance of looking beyond new face to the seniors, I made myself to “be adaptable like has been intriguing, dynamic and medical issues; to listen and the effort to remember every water to flow around the inspiring for me. I recall caring for respond to patients in a way that resident’s likes and dislikes, obstacles, be calm like water an elderly man with terminal lung is therapeutic and supportive gradually building a bond with to ride through life”. cancer and his family’s request to to them. 28 Private Hospitals Private Hospitals 29

Sih Siew Gaik Chan Yew Keng Nurse Manager Senior Nurse Educator Farrer Park Hospital Mount Alvernia Hospital

For me, nursing I am glad to have heeds my inner chosen nursing as calling to make a a career and am difference in people’s humbled to be lives and serve an educator for the community. novice nurses.

IN MY 35 years as a nurse, severe facial injuries from the THE journey in caring for division in the hospital. I have witnessed many incidents blast. During times like this, my father made me realise I am glad to have ranging from suicide attempts I am driven to help my patients – that I had a keen interest in chosen nursing as a career to acute airway obstruction not just their physical injuries but nursing, and charted my and am deeply humbled caused by cancerous tumors also the emotions accompanying career path. Today, I have and privileged to be an in the trachea, and even their trauma. Nothing makes been a nurse for 19 years in educator for novice nurses, gunshot wounds! me happier than being able to Mount Alvernia Hospital. teaching my juniors to The most unforgettable of support my patients, which gives Having started my career provide safe nursing care all was the 2004 bomb attack me purpose to persevere on as a staff nurse, I have since and mentoring them to in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, their behalf. progressed to a senior nurse embrace their calling in where I was a staff nurse in For me, nursing heeds educator. I was fortunate to their careers. the emergency department. my inner calling to make a be given ample opportunities My advice to young I remember nursing my first difference in people’s lives and to assume different roles in nurses is for them to be victim who was a man in his serve the community. It has been management and coach junior resilient, tenacious and early 30s and had sustained my privilege to be a nurse. nurses within the nursing enjoy their job. 30 Private Hospitals Private Hospitals 31

Than Sook Ling Grace Au Kit Wan Senior Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Raffles Hospital Thomson Medical Centre

It is an indescribable Having colleagues who feeling of satisfaction shared my workload when a patient recovers made me realise that, and visits the unit to with camaraderie, thank us for saving nurses can his/her life. achieve anything.

THIS year marks my 15th specialisations, I have also SINCE young, caring for and such moments inspire me year as an ICU nurse. I was witnessed many moments people came naturally to me. to continue serving as a nurse. privileged to be chosen to of miracles and healing. Following my passion, I joined One of my greatest work in the unit as it gave It is an indescribable nursing in 1976 and have challenges was starting out as me the opportunity to provide feeling of satisfaction when never looked back. I aspire a nurse when I had to juggle holistic care for my patients. a patient recovers and to provide the best care for work and raising a family. As a It also constantly engaged visits the unit to thank us my patients. migrant-turned-Singaporean, my critical thinking skills for saving his/her life. As I vividly remember caring I did not have the support of as I dealt with unexpected a nurse, small gestures for a patient whom I had family or friends and often situations in the fast-paced like these make a big assisted in six out of her eight had to turn to neighbours for and demanding environment. difference to us. Just hearing deliveries. Eighteen years help. I was fortunate to have While I have seen more something as simple as a later, she visited me at work… colleagues to share my load deaths in my career as an “thank you” from patients with her grown-up children in and this made me realise that, ICU nurse as compared to is good enough to take the tow! I was deeply moved by with camaraderie, nurses can other nurses of different stress away. this simple gesture of hers, achieve anything! 32 Private Hospitals Private Hospitals 33

Anparasi MV Say Poh Kin Nurse Manager Senior Nurse Manager Gleneagles Hospital Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Nursing has Being able to see enriched me in patients recover many ways, right and reunite with down to my healing their families gives role as a mother in much meaning to my family. my work.

SINCE 1987, my journey as return healthily to their families AS THE saying goes, “When you My heart was racing as we a nurse has been filled with and loved ones. are a nurse, you know that every assisted in administering blood ups and downs – feelings of Nursing through the years day you will touch a life or a life and fluids, while ensuring that sadness when a patient passes has allowed me to exercise my will touch yours”. his vitals were stable. I felt on, and triumph when he/she leadership and problem-solving I vividly recall a frenetic immense joy and tremendous gets saved. skills. COVID-19 tested my experience when I started fulfilment when the bleeding Witnessing the death of mettle as it threw unknowns out as a junior nurse in the stopped and the patient’s an infant on the operating our way but, as I keep telling endoscopy unit. I was called condition stabilised. table when I first started out my nurses, this career is back to work due to an It has been 22 years since as a nurse was the turning always a work-in-progress emergency as the patient I joined nursing, and being point early in my career. that constantly keeps us on had upper gastrointestinal able to see patients recover The child’s extremely short our toes. Nursing has enriched bleeding and required a scope. and reunite with their families lifespan made me resolute to me in many ways, right down The doctor took an hour to locate still gives much meaning to my do everything within my means to my healing role as a mother the bleeding and thereafter work. I’m grateful to be able to to ensure my patients would in my family. administered treatment. touch lives every day. 34 Private Hospitals Private Hospitals 35

Siti Samira Tan Jilin Binte Kassim Nurse Manager Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Nurse Manager Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Every experience As a nurse, I am in nursing is a well aware of life, rewarding lesson suffering, death which teaches me and the healing of humility and gratitude a patient’s mind for all I have. and body.

THROUGHOUT my 14-year own way by offering comfort I HAVE been an ICU nurse learnt a lot about her family journey as a nurse, I have been and accompanying him by since graduating from nursing and her plans for the future. humbled and given a broader his bedside before he took his school in 2007. One day, her condition perspective of life through last breath. As a nurse, I am well aware deteriorated rapidly and she emotionally challenging situations. I appreciate my job fully, of life, suffering, death and started coughing out blood. I remember an unforgettable knowing that every experience the healing of a patient�s mind Despite resuscitation efforts, and heart-wrenching incident in nursing is a rewarding lesson and body. When I was a junior she passed on. This sudden when a terminally ill patient was which teaches me humility and nurse, there was a patient turn of events made me realise hospitalised while his family gratitude for all I have. As I lead who touched my life and till that life is unpredictable and was overseas. His condition my team through this pandemic this day, the memory of her I have to be grateful for every deteriorated and he passed journey – one that is filled with still holds dear to my heart. moment lived. on before his family could see many uncertainties – I strive to This patient was admitted for A quote I live by is “Every him for the last time. During his motivate my nurses by sharing a valve replacement and was day may not be good but final moments, I was glad that how enriching nursing is through healing well post-operation. there is something good in I was able to contribute in my my eyes. I attended to her daily, every day”. 36 Private Hospitals Statutory Board 37

Eileen Chua-Tiang Norbayah Binte Assistant Nurse Clinician Md Yasin Parkway East Hospital Manager, Nursing Health Promotion Board

Nursing is not an It is satisfying easy job but I am when schools and forever grateful to parents recognise my patients who and appreciate have shown their our efforts to keep appreciation to me. students healthy.

THIRTEEN years ago, on me that seeing me in my WHEN I was 17, my father advised had waited 10 years for their I worked as a nutrition lab advanced state of pregnancy me to pursue a career in nursing… bundle of joy. analyst. Today, I am proud to was magnifying her loss. now, thanks to him, I was a Today, I am part of the be a nurse, midwife and Immediately, I asked my midwife for eight years and have Health Promotion Board’s team lactation consultant. colleagues to take over and been a nurse for the past 22 years. of nurses that conducts health I thought I had seen and when I got home, I broke down An unforgettable incident screening and vaccinations for experienced everything until I from the magnitude of emotions happened when I was a Singapore students. It is satisfying when had to assist in a spontaneous that washed over me. Civil Defence Force ambulance schools and parents recognise premature abortion case. Nursing is not an easy job nurse and had to deliver a baby and appreciate our efforts to keep Holding the lifeless foetus in my but I am forever grateful to prematurely at the family’s home. the students healthy. The positive hands, I held back my emotions my patients who have shown It was risky but I delivered the feedback and accolades received and stood strong in front of the their appreciation to me. baby safely, and both mother and continue to motivate me to do patient. However, the patient Their encouragement is the child were fine. The experience even better. Looking back, was inconsolable and turned fuel that has kept me going all was truly rewarding when taking up nursing is a decision away from me. It dawned these years. I discovered that the parents that I have never regretted. 38 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 39

Chen Birong Farhanah Bte Assistant Nurse Clinician/ Mohammed Rahna Advanced Practice Nurse Institute of Mental Health Principal Assistant Nurse Institute of Mental Health

Helping patients The ability to has brought help and ease me joy and the discomfort satisfaction, of the unwell and ignited my motivates me to passion for nursing. give my best.

I JOINED the nursing profession I earned her trust and she confided AS THE only daughter among with a blanket for warmth. 16 years ago through the Asian in me her fear of being poisoned. five siblings, I had the As the ward was grappling Nursing Scholarship. Initially With this understanding, our team responsibility of caring for my with manpower shortage, drawn to the job security and adjusted her medication and she aging grandparents and father I stayed behind to look after career prospects, I have not eventually recovered. Seeing my with limited mobility and serious him. Despite being frail and regretted my decision since. patients get better has spurred heart conditions early on. non-communicative, he held Helping patients has brought me me to upgrade my knowledge and I joined nursing to supplement my my hand firmly and gave me joy and satisfaction, and ignited skills to improve their health. family income, and to pursue my a warm and appreciative smile. my passion for nursing. Being the first Advanced passion to serve those in need. In my 49 years of nursing, There was a patient who had Practiced Nurse who is Once, I was about to the ability to help and ease significant weight loss because she credentialed to administer leave after my night shift when the discomfort of the unwell refused her meals. I persevered electroconvulsive therapy in I noticed a patient at the has brought me a sense of in building a rapport between us, IMH, I realise a nurse can end-of-life stage shivering satisfaction, and continues and took her to buy her favourite contribute to patient recovery in excessively. I proactively took to motivate me to give my food at the canteen. Gradually, ways we never thought possible. his vital signs, and covered him best at work. 40 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 41

Mullath Bijuh Zheng He Sukumaran Nair Nurse Clinician Institute of Mental Health Nurse Clinician Institute of Mental Health

Seeing my patients I have experienced recover and smile immense joy and as they go home purpose when to their loved my patients ones remains my recover and greatest motivation. are discharged.

INSPIRED by my elder sister Miss Bijuh, a Senior Staff Nurse, SINCE young, I have always He gradually opened up to me who would tell me interesting who advised us on how we wanted to become a nurse and resolved to change his stories about her work as a should take care of my father’s because I enjoyed helping people. behaviour. Eventually, he was nurse, and her passion to bed sores upon discharge. Throughout my 15 years in this discharged from the forensic make a difference, I became She even took a taxi to my profession, I have experienced ward to a step-down facility. an Enrolled Nurse in 1994. father’s home in Choa Chu immense joy and purpose I love sharing these stories In my 27 years of nursing, Kang to deliver his medication.” when my patients recover and with my colleagues to remind I have learnt something new His appreciation deeply are discharged. them how we can support our every day from my colleagues, impacted me and I still keep that I recall a patient who had poor patients’ recovery. patients and caregivers. newspaper clipping until today. impulse control and behaved Currently, I am driven by My greatest reward was Seeing my patients recover violently towards others. Every the challenge of nurturing nurses being mentioned by a caregiver and smile as they go home day, I worked with him to set small who are future-ready amidst in a ‘thank you’ note that was to their loved ones brings me and reachable goals to reduce his the rapidly changing healthcare published in a newspaper. satisfaction, and remains my impulsivity, and encouraged him by landscape, so as to bring He wrote: “I particularly thank greatest motivation. acknowledging his achievements. nursing to greater heights. 42 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 43

Ernie Yanty Binte Lu Qiaoxian Borhanudin Nurse Clinician Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Assistant Nurse Clinician Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Being able to be part By combining of my patients’ health skill and empathy, journey motivates nurses are me to do my best and equipped to I am blessed to be in support patients this career. and their families.

I HAVE been a nurse for the on later that evening but I felt BEING a perioperative nurse has The nursing profession has past 12 years. immensely grateful to be able been challenging yet rewarding. grown from strength to A memorable experience to grant his final wish. The past 13 years in this strength. Going beyond our that I encountered was caring Being able to be part of profession have taught me how skills, nurses have a keen for a patient who suffered my patients� health journeys to truly care for people and live awareness that every patient from end-stage organ failure motivates me to do my best, my life with gratitude and humility. is unique and is going through and was dying. The day and I am blessed to be in a In 2008, my mum suffered different challenges. before he passed on, career that allows me to help from immense pain caused by By combining skill and he expressed that one of people and their families. gallstone disease and underwent empathy, nurses are equipped his last wishes was to eat I am also grateful to have surgery. I witnessed the love to support patients and their a Kit Kat chocolate bar. the encouragement from my and care that her nurse, Ms Li, families. Our role and presence Coincidentally, I had brought parents, husband, family and showered upon her during her is a source of comfort in our one with me on the way to friends, who are my strongest hospitalisation – this incident patients’ healthcare journeys. work and he managed to eat pillars of support. It drives me inspired me to follow in her I’m proud to be a nurse and make some of it! Sadly, he passed to keep going. footsteps by being a caring nurse. a difference in the lives of others! 44 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 45

Nuraini Binte Ramanathan Mamon S/O Perumal Nurse Manager Senior Staff Nurse Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Nurses have Getting a ‘goodbye the clinical and thank you’ knowledge to from my patients offer the best when they get treatment possible discharged makes to our patients. it all worthwhile.

IN MY 20 years as a nurse, was receiving end-of-life I JOINED nursing as a Pupil teaching and supervising I have learnt to see a care and requested me to Assistant Nurse at the School of junior nurses enrolled at person beyond his or her call his estranged daughter. Nursing in 1983 after witnessing various educational institutions, condition. We have the clinical Unfortunately, his final request how well the nurses cared for as well as guiding them in knowledge to offer the best to have his daughter present my younger brother prior to his their journey to become treatment possible to our during his last moments was passing that same year from well-trained and compassionate patients. However, we are also never met. I had been caring leukemia. I was moved by their nursing professionals. mindful that every patient’s for him and held on to his hand dedication and decided to join I enjoy my work because background, culture, needs, as he drew his last breath. the profession. of my passion for nursing values and beliefs is different This incident made me Over the past 38 years, and the fulfilment that caring and respecting this diversity realise that nurses can ensure I have served in various for patients brings me. is crucial. that no one dies alone and I institutions and, at present, Getting a ‘goodbye and An incident that will forever hope that my presence during I am a Senior Staff Nurse thank you’ from my patients be imprinted in my mind is his last moments brought him at KTPH. I also take on a when they get discharged an elderly destitute man who peace and comfort. clinical instructor role, makes it all worthwhile. 46 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 47

Tan Si Hui Zheng Dexin Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Our support had Sixteen years been an immense later, I see the source of comfort for profession not the caregiver and we only as my chosen were moved by his career path, visit to thank us. but my calling.

MY PASSION for nursing I will never forget when a GROWING up, I witnessed my of my patients. The strong started 14 years ago when caregiver called me, requesting mother dedicating her life to family support, especially I was in secondary school and for help with home palliative care nursing. This inspired me to from my husband, has allowed had the shared responsibility of arrangements for his wife. As the become one too! Sixteen years me to fully dedicate myself to caring for my grandmother who nurse-in-charge of the Peritoneal later, I see the profession not the profession. suffered a stroke. During that Dialysis unit then, I assisted only as my chosen career path, Becoming a nurse is more time, I underwent caregiver him by reaching out to the home but my calling. than just receiving a degree. training which inspired me to palliative team. His wife eventually The defining moment for I sincerely hope that the future join the profession. passed on two weeks later. me was when I first donned my generation that joins the nursing At the start of my career in Following this, the caregiver nursing supervisor uniform and force will serve with passion 2007, I had difficulty coping as visited us to thank the team. Our put myself on the front lines of and make a difference in our I was soft-spoken in nature. support had been an immense patient care. I constantly remind patients’ healing journeys. Thankfully, I met great nursing source of comfort for him and we myself to always stay vigilant “Alone we can do so little; leaders who were a source of were moved by his touching act as I have been entrusted to Together we can do so much.” guidance and inspiration. of gratitude. ensure the safety and comfort – Helen Keller 48 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 49

Lim Voon Ping Evonne Oh Senior Nurse Clinician Siew Gek National Centre for Infectious Diseases Assistant Nurse Clinician National Healthcare Group Polyclinics

It is amazing I have been blessed to see a patient with teammates survive and who provided me recover from with a supportive a serious environment health ordeal. for growth.

MY NURSING career began in in the teams at NCID to fight AS A child, my godmother’s my first experience performing 1992 and it has been a fulfilling COVID-19. A patient in my care stories of her nursing cardiopulmonary resuscitation 29 years. As a critical care came close to death several experiences deeply inspired on a patient who had suddenly nurse, it is amazing to see a times, yet defied the odds. me. My own journey into the collapsed. While initially nervous, patient survive and recover We collaborated as a team field began in my mid-20s, I trusted my training and gained from a serious health ordeal. and nursed him back to health. when my mother came across a strength after seeing my fellow It is even more rewarding when He spent close to two months nursing Professional Conversion nurses immediately rushing I can contribute to their survival in ICU, before undergoing Programme advertisement and over to support me. My nursing and recovery. rehabilitation. I was overjoyed urged me to take the leap. colleagues also helped to cover Over the years, I have with his recovery. In my 14 years as a nurse, my medication rounds to ensure encountered many experiences I enjoy training new nurses I have been blessed with other patients would not be of being on the front line, and seeing them thrive. amazing teammates, who affected. It was then that I truly including caring for the first The impact of peer learning motivated and provided me recognised and appreciated SARS patient during the is immeasurable as we with a supportive environment the importance of teamwork in 2003 outbreak and working continually learn together. for growth. I will never forget this profession. 50 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 51

Nisha Menon Leong Hui Hui Assistant Nurse Clinician Senior Staff Nurse National Healthcare Group Polyclinics National Skin Centre

My greatest Integrity is the motivation is seeing most important my patients smile value in nursing and knowing the and I strive to impact I have made carry out my duties on their care journey. with honesty.

HAVING been a nurse for 15 My subsequent stints as MY NURSING journey over she was smiling and energetic. years, my greatest motivation a nurse in the paediatric and the past 14 years has been The sense of fulfilment when is seeing my patients smile and oncology wards, as well as challenging. I remember my I see my patients getting better knowing the impact I have made nursing home, have also interaction with a patient suffering is constant motivation to give on their care journey. Starting further shaped my outlook from eczema during a skin my best. Integrity is the most out as a neonatal nurse, as a nurse. In my current role counselling session. Her skin important value in nursing and some of my most memorable as an infection control nurse was extensively red, dry and I strive to carry out my duties experiences were having to at NHGP, I work alongside itchy. She was very quiet and with honesty and sincerity, care for families whose infant colleagues from various avoided eye contact with me. even when no one is watching. babies had passed on. My departments to ensure our I provided her with basic skin care As a nurse, there may be time there allowed me to better polyclinic patients receive advice and on proper application more tough times than good appreciate the sanctity of life, quality care. It has been a of topical moisturisers. A week times. However, the smiles and and also helped me to learn rewarding journey thus far, later, she returned with significant simple gestures of appreciation how I can play a role to improve and I hope to put more smiles improvements to her skin and it from our patients always make patient experience. on my patients’ faces. was heart-warming to see that it all worthwhile. 52 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 53

Anna Goh Faith Lee Phu Xua Sook Mun Senior Assistant Nurse Senior Staff Nurse Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tan Tock Seng Hospital

In the future, I look I look forward to forward to seeing all nurses being nurses’ roles, more empowered responsibilities and given more and education autonomy in patient continue to evolve. management.

MY LOVE for nursing and the Each day, I did my best IN MY career of 12 years, their clinical attachment. chance to care for the sick to reorientate him and greet I have progressed from an Nursing is a demanding job, motivate me to give my best in him with a smile. Six months Assistant Nurse to Senior Staff and my advice to people in the the 15 years I have been in this later, he was well enough for Nurse. Today, I am also a Clinical profession would be to maintain profession. “Do it with your heart” step-down care, and eventually Instructor and my greatest joy a good work-life balance. is a motto that inspires me to could breathe and walk comes from sharing my experience The best way to do this is to achieve more. independently. Looking back, with nursing students and helping meet up with friends often, One incident I will never forget he was very grateful to the them reach their full potential. especially nursing friends involves a patient who fell and medical team and nurses Observing the students’ because nobody understands sustained a spinal cord injury. for helping him on the road eagerness to learn and seeing you as much as they do. He was bedridden for months and to recovery. them progress to become As the nursing profession had tubes all over to support his In the future, I look forward full-fledged nurses motivate me to evolves, I look forward to all recovery. Nursing that patient was to seeing nurses� roles, stay updated with my professional nurses being more empowered challenging initially as he was responsibilities and education skills and knowledge, so that I can and given more autonomy in restless, agitated and confused. continue to evolve. help them achieve more during patient management. 54 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 55

Fazlina Binte George Frederick Surani Glass Jr Nurse Clinician Nurse Researcher Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Nursing is a rewarding In my research, profession as it gives I strive to apply care that saves lives insights gained, and helps patients leading to better achieve an improved care for patients quality of life. and caregivers.

I CHOSE renal nursing for its I was overjoyed when he 2021 marks my ninth year as done by a caregiver. Once I unique ability to help educate and returned to the clinic to thank a nurse, with five years as a cleaned him up, I guided him journey with patients in managing me for giving him hope, and that nurse researcher. on the procedure and he chronic kidney diseases, and to led him to being able to play with My hope for the future of quickly learnt the skills. I spoke build a long-lasting bond with his grandson. nursing is this – empowering in his mother tongue, and he patients and their family. After 17 years of nursing and journeying alongside our was comfortable to ask me Seeing an improvement in my service, I do empathise with patients towards effective important questions. patient’s health gives me inner patients suffering from chronic self-care. This encounter spurs peace. I consider these blessings. sickness. I understand the A pivotal moment in my me to help patients and their One significant memory was emotional burdens but nurses career was when I received an caregivers thrive, both in the the time I had to convince a can offer advice to alleviate them. elderly patient bundled up in hospital and home. In my patient with an infected foot to Nursing is a rewarding profession soiled blankets. This is because research, I strive to apply agree to amputation. At the time, as it gives care that saves lives he had a stoma bag for faecal the insights gained, leading the patient and his family were and helps patients achieve an waste but was not taught how to better care for our patients in low spirits. Some months later, improved quality of life. to empty it properly, as it was and their caregivers. 56 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 57

Lee Sharlene Lee Shu Ying Senior Staff Nurse Carrie Tan Tock Seng Hospital Nurse Clinician Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Aside from Seeing my clinical skills patients’ and knowledge, appreciation there is a motivates me to softer side to keep delivering my nursing too. best clinical care.

I AM a geriatric nurse, and assured her that I would I BELIEVE the primary useful post-discharge advice with seven years in the be with her till her family motivation for a career in to my patients. profession I chose thanks arrived; she looked at me with nursing is the desire to care My family has always been to my close relationship tears in her eyes and nodded. for others. Time flies and understanding of my work with my grandfather. When he Her family members even though I have already requirements. When I was was diagnosed with diabetes, managed to say their last completed 18 years in this deployed to NCID, they knew I read widely on the goodbyes before she profession, I am still convinced it was an important task and management of the disease passed on peacefully. A few about the value of care. supported my work, despite the so that I could care for him. weeks later, they sent me a Whenever I discharge my risk of COVID-19 infection. Aside from clinical skills thank-you card and addressed patients, I advise them and Due to the nature of my shift and knowledge, there is a me as one of their extended their loved ones on proper work, my family members work softer side to nursing too. family. This spurred me to care procedures. Seeing their around my schedule and take I still remember a patient who be a better nurse, in terms appreciation motivates me care of my children when I am became extremely ill during of knowledge as well as the to keep delivering my best not around. This gives me my night shift. I held her hand delivery of care. clinical care as well as clear, peace of mind at work. 58 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 59

Lian Xia Liu TingTing Senior Nurse Clinician/ Senior Staff Nurse Advanced Practice Nurse Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tan Tock Seng Hospital

As APNs, we should Being instrumental continue to brush in the effort to up our knowledge save someone’s and skills so we life gave me a can pick up huge sense of life-threatening signs. purpose in life.

HAVING been a nurse since diabetes check-up. Noticing AS A registered nurse for the past and her actions shocked me 1989, I became an APN to share her unsteady gait, I sent her to eight years, I have encountered initially. However, I realised her the nursing expertise I have the Emergency Department for numerous heart-warming behaviour was unintentional and acquired over the years with the further investigation. Later that moments. During my stint at chose to look after her with more younger generation of nurses. evening, she was admitted to the Emergency Department, patience, understanding and I believe a successful APN the High Dependency Unit with I participated in resuscitation empathy instead. should have expert knowledge a haemoglobin count of 3.9dl/L. on a few occasions. Being Nurses have to be ready of the specialty he/she was From this case, I realised instrumental in the effort to save to respond to unexpected trained in, have the ability to that as APNs, we should someone’s life gave me a huge patient emergencies and, apply critical thinking for complex continue to brush up our sense of purpose in life and left most importantly, show respect issues as well as acquire knowledge and skills so we me deeply moved. and compassion at all times. advanced clinical competencies can pick up life threatening Of course, there were also Nursing makes me a better for extended practices. signs and symptoms, less pleasant incidents which person, and I feel proud and I recall a patient who wasn’t and provide the best care happened along the way. I once privileged to have served eight her usual self during her routine we can to our patients. cared for a patient with dementia years in this wonderful profession. 60 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 61

Ong Zh Hua Tan Wan Kun Assistant Nurse Clinician James Tan Tock Seng Hospital Assistant Nurse Clinician Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Seeing patients saved I would like from the brink of to see nursing death can fill you with spearhead the immense satisfaction advancement and nothing can of technology replace the feeling. in healthcare.

IN THE 11 years of my nursing brink of death can fill you with NURSING is more than a job; I have been a nurse for career, I have learnt a lot and immense satisfaction… nothing it is a calling. The job scope a decade and, as I grow in gone through many memorable can replace the feeling. of a nurse spans from core my career, I would like to experiences. The most significant Like any other profession, nursing skills, to soft skills such see nursing spearhead the incident that is forever etched nursing, too, has its ups and downs. as problem-solving and critical advancement of technology in my memory is a paediatric However, I am always appreciative thinking. If there’s one word that in healthcare. Improving the resuscitation. That episode of the lessons learnt. I am also I can use to describe a nurse, efficiency and effectiveness made me realise how fragile and thankful to have supportive mentors it would be the word ‘dynamic’. of patient care are the key unpredictable life can be. and colleagues who believe in me In our current landscape of reasons why we leverage As an emergency nurse, and help me grow and progress in patient care, a nurse needs on technology. it is physically challenging my profession. The word ‘nursing’ to have the flexibility to think Given the resilience of and emotionally draining when encapsulates a person who is through and solve problems, nurses, we are well poised to dealing with life and death in strong enough to tolerate hard adapt to the needs of the patient embrace and drive the frontier the emergency room. However, knocks, yet compassionate enough and offer professional input to of technological advancement seeing patients saved from the to understand human beings. shape personalised care. in healthcare. 62 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 63

Tan Yen Peng Wang Qian Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Tan Tock Seng Hospital Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Being a community I am grateful for nurse provides me the opportunities to the opportunity gain knowledge and to balance skills, and apply them clinical skills and to evidence-based psychosocial care. practice.

FULFILLING is the word I use family members, and build ROLES in the nursing profession of the lower limbs. I was a young to describe my two decades rapport with my elderly have evolved over the years staff nurse at that time and, having in nursing, from working in the patients. Getting to know and today, nurses contribute sensed his distress, spent time hospital wards to my current role them better often helps me much to improving the quality of providing encouragement and in the Community Health Team, understand their issues and patient care. I am grateful for the support. After he returned to which visits patients at their how that could be the reason opportunities to gain knowledge society and regained his homes shortly after they they either get re-admitted and skills, and apply them to confidence, he wrote to me to are discharged from hospital. often to the hospital or are evidence-based practice. express his gratitude and also Each day gives me renewed reluctant to seek medical I remember a young patient updated me on his progress. motivation to provide my best treatment at the hospital. who became paraplegic after After 19 years in this profession, and see my patients recover or Being a community nurse a gunshot injury in the USA I know nurses make an incredible stabilise, so that they can take provides me the opportunity and returned to Singapore for difference by offering emotional charge of their health. I do my to balance clinical skills and treatment. He had a long road support to patients when they are best to find out what matters psychosocial care for the to recovery due to impairment most troubled, alongside clinical most to my patients or their patient’s overall well-being. in motor and sensory functions skills to improve patient outcomes. 64 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 65

Wang Zhiye Shiji D/O Kuttan Senior Nurse Clinician Senior Nurse Educator Tan Tock Seng Hospital Woodlands Health Campus

Seeing a smile Nursing has provided on the patient’s me with learning face and receiving opportunities to words of gratitude build my skills, make it all professionalism worthwhile. and character.

STARTING out as a junior nurse I did an assessment on him and NURSING has been an exciting Trainer for the New Generation was a steep learning curve. found out that he had urinary journey for me as I am constantly EMR project. This project However, after 24 years in the retention. We immediately exposed to new learning harmonises nursing processes and profession which saw me receive catheterised him and, the next opportunities to build my skills, validates nursing documentations regular training and guidance, day he looked so happy and was professionalism and character. between NHG and NUHS clusters. I have gained confidence in the able to walk again. I was fortunate to be in a project While challenging, the progress job and tasks became increasingly Undoubtedly, work stress is implementing Electronic Medical that we continue to make based more manageable. high in healthcare, particularly Records (EMR) which helped me on clinical judgement and I got to know that nursing is during a pandemic, but unwavering to understand how information evidence-based practices is more than what I had believed. family support has helped me technology can improve nursing immensely valuable in shaping I once cared for an elderly patient overcome the challenges. After a work processes, patient safety the role of nurses and future in his 90s who was admitted tough episode, seeing a smile on and quality of care. healthcare practices. This for heart issues. He appeared the patient’s face and receiving I am currently the Nursing continues to drive my passion in miserable and could not walk and words of gratitude make it Informatics Lead for Woodlands developing nursing informatics as so, after chatting with his helper, all worthwhile. Health Campus and Principal a career option. 66 National Healthcare Group National Healthcare Group 67

Taye Shi Min Tan Yi Xue Charmaine Senior Staff Nurse Yishun Community Hospital Nurse Clinician Woodlands Health Campus

The daily Every patient experiences in this deserves the best profession cement care and nurses my determination have the ability to to do my best make patients smile in nursing. and feel better.

I AM exceptionally grateful for I recall a young mother with IT HAS been more than extremely difficult period of her 14 years in nursing as it has terminal cancer who was seven years since I graduated life. She even remembered that provided me with opportunities transferred to us from a private as a registered nurse and I helped to wash her hair, adding and exposure to develop hospital. While her prognosis the journey has been nothing that it had meant a lot to her at professionally. It is an incredible remained poor, we did everything but extraordinary. the time. I had never thought feeling knowing that I get to we could to sustain her even My fondest memory is that such a simple act could learn from senior leaders in a though we struggled emotionally meeting a patient one year make a difference in a person’s safe environment and nurture between doing the best for her after her discharge from hospital. recovery journey. young nurses towards building with palliative care and buying She used to suffer from severe Every patient deserves a dream team for Woodlands her another day with her family pain due to a compression the best care and, as nurses, Health Campus which will open by undergoing treatment. fracture, which caused her to we have the ability to make our progressively in 2023. The daily experiences in sink into depression. patients smile and feel better Being able to make a difference this profession cement my When we bumped into each even during the darkest periods and improve the quality of life determination to do my best other, she thanked me for my in their lives. I am proud to be for patients keep me motivated. in nursing. care and concern during that a nurse. 68 National University Health System National University Health System 69

Tsen Li Mee Marie Fu Yongxin Senior Nurse Clinician/ Nurse Manager Advanced Practice Nurse National University Hospital Alexandra Hospital

In my 25 years The trust and of nursing, my support from my role models and seniors and peers colleagues have drive and build always motivated me my confidence to to strive for the best. achieve my best.

AS A student nurse in 1995, for my interest in palliative I STARTED my nursing career brain dead. Walking the I was terrified the first time care and paved the way for in critical care 15 years ago, journey with them, I learnt I was called to assist in the me to walk with patients on and subsequently moved to appreciate life more and last offices of a patient their last journeys. In my 25 to inpatient cardiac wards. to always do my best for who had just passed away. years of nursing, my role Along the way, I gained ample my patients. However, the experience models and colleagues have professional knowledge and Patients’ appreciation is changed my perspective always motivated me to benefited from personal my source of strength. about life and death; strive for the best. As a nurse growth opportunities. Nothing is more rewarding instead of fear, I should leader in the pain service Nursing is a noble job. than being in a cohesive feel honoured to have and palliative programmes It is a challenging one too, team that strives towards participated in this final in Alexandra Hospital as we deal with lives. In the a common goal. The trust act of care and responsibility now, I hope to pass on my early days of my career, and support from my seniors a nurse can provide for knowledge to my juniors I witnessed a couple having and peers drive and build her patient. and guide them like how my to make a tough decision for my confidence to achieve It also laid the first stone supervisors have guided me. their son who was diagnosed my best. 70 National University Health System National University Health System 71

Lim Chi Ching Lum Luh Ping Assistant Nurse Clinician/ Yvonne Advanced Practice Nurse Assistant Nurse Clinician National University Hospital National University Hospital

It is indeed Having found my a privilege to career path, I aim work with cancer to continue taking patients and make on new challenges the process more and projects in tolerable for them. the hospital.

I HAVE been an oncology nurse fight on for them. HAVING been a nurse in NUH through training and simulation for 10 years in NUH with the Although he eventually for 18 years – the last eight exercises, to be well equipped last four years as an APN since lost the battle, he was kept as an infection control nurse – to handle these patients. 2017. It has been an exciting comfortable as we attended I truly appreciate the importance I make decisions daily and and rewarding adventure as we to his needs in a timely of keeping our patients and communicate regularly with journey alongside our patients manner. The patient’s wife healthcare workers safe. other healthcare teams to in their fight against cancer. and children were grateful At the onset of the COVID-19 ensure compliance to infection One incident I will always for the care we rendered as pandemic in February 2020, control standards. Having found remember involved a father with we supported them through I worked alongside various my career path, I aim to continue two young children. Despite the grieving process. stakeholders to set up isolation taking on new challenges his cancer being incurable, It is indeed a privilege to facilities and convert wards so that and projects in the hospital. he managed to maintain a work with cancer patients the hospital was ready to take in I hope to be a more effective positive outlook. I was moved and make the process more infected patients. My team also communicator and mentor, with by his unwavering love for his tolerable for them and their ensured proper workflows were the support of transformational family and his determination to family members. in place and prepared the staff, leaders around me. 72 National University Health System National University Health System 73

Moe Oo Khin Qu Ying Ying Nurse Educator Nurse Clinician National University Hospital National University Hospital

I joined nursing I come to 18 years ago as work with all I I believe that I have can offer daily the ability to deliver and return the best care to home, fulfilled those in need. and satisfied.

NURSING is a noble to those in need. It is most “I HAVE nothing to offer but her face, she held her profession where one needs gratifying and fulfilling to see blood, toil, tears and sweat”… courageous little fighter and to have the passion to care for my patients recover from their that quote by Winston Churchill thanked me. patients. It is not only about medical issues, but it is also adeptly describes my approach Knowing you have made knowledge and skills, but also important to ensure they are of courage, hard work, a difference to someone’s compassion and empathy. equipped with knowledge and empathy and resilience when life, watching their journey Additionally, it is a tireless ability to care for themselves I joined nursing 15 years ago. from battle to recovery and job which requires us to through patient and family I recall the sight of a eventually leading a normal be physically, mentally and education sessions. mother who carried her child life is what gives meaning emotionally strong to support My greatest satisfaction with congenital heart defects to me and my team. This our patients during their is when I am given the for the first time. The baby had motivates and drives us difficult times. opportunity to nurture future a very bad prognosis and had forward every single day. I joined nursing 18 years nurses to provide competent been bravely fighting for his I come to work with all ago as I believe that I have the care and be ready to lead the life for two months. With tears I can offer daily and return ability to deliver the best care team as future leaders. in her eyes and a smile on home, fulfilled and satisfied. 74 National University Health System National University Health System 75

See Li Ling Theresa Samy Nurse Manager Senior Nurse Clinician National University Hospital National University Hospital

I try to see things As an emergency from the patients’ nurse, I have perspectives and journeyed with aim to make patients and their experience listened to more pleasant. their concerns.

IN MY 20 years as a nurse, With a good family support IT HAS been a privilege to be a In the informatics environment, I have cared for many patients. system, I can focus on my nurse for the past 21 years – I work with various teams, I recall an elderly patient who work. I try to see things from from an emergency-trained from fellow nurses to clinical had to amputate her left arm. the patients’ perspectives nurse to sub-specialising in partners (physicians and allied The team had to engage her and aim to make their nursing informatics. health colleagues) and vendors, on the clinical treatment plan experience more pleasant Walking through various to achieve the desired IT and convince her that it was and less painful. nursing paths has been an application to support patient appropriate. We also had to I hope to see a more enriching experience. As an care. When the system is progressively build rapport enhanced training framework emergency nurse, I have journeyed delivered, we walk the ground with the family to assure them. and upskilling of nurses, and with patients and listened to to watch colleagues getting Through this, it dawned on the profile of nurses raised their concerns. It gives me great accustomed to the application, me that nursing is about the through the national Care To satisfaction to see the lines of with some even enjoying its use. connection and difference we Go Beyond campaign so that worry on their faces transform to a These moments can be can make to patients and their we can attract more to join this look of relief when they feel much likened to “the pot of gold at family members. evolving profession. better after receiving treatment. the end of the rainbow”. 76 National University Health System National University Health System 77

Tomomi Ogura Xu Ping Assistant Nurse Clinician Nurse Educator National University Hospital National University Hospital

I find it helpful to Imparting my seek opinion and experience to feedback from my the young nurses colleagues, seniors has fulfilled and mentors to help another passion of me improve. mine – teaching.

EVEN though I have been a extremely challenged. MY NURSING career has spanned Throughout my career, nurse for 11 years, last year However, with great teamwork, 24 years so far, with more than 20 advanced nursing technology was my first experience working my colleagues and I ensured of them in the Intensive Care Unit. has always excited me. in a pandemic. I vividly recall the patients remained in a I used to think that specialised Witnessing patients recover one night when we were stable condition. knowledge and skills were most from serious illnesses gives me activated to stand by for an Being a “resource” person to important to ICU patients. a great sense of accomplishment. emergency caesarean section my colleagues motivates me to be However, one of my Imparting my experience to the of a suspected COVID-19 patient a good role model, upkeep nursing long-term ICU patients shared young nurses has fulfilled another who was expecting premature standards and do my best for my with me that his most memorable passion of mine – teaching. twins. Soon after, I received patients. I believe, to achieve and comfortable moment was the As a nurse educator, I am news of another emergency one’s best, keeping an open mind gentle and refreshing facial and motivated to see our junior nurses premature delivery. is crucial. I find it helpful to seek oral hygiene care provided by the equip themselves with competent As the charge nurse of opinion and feedback from my nurses. He made me realise that nursing knowledge and skills, the Neonatal Intensive Care colleagues, seniors and mentors fundamentally, basic nursing care on top of care and compassion Unit during the shift, I felt to help me improve. is of high priority to a patient. for our patients. 78 National University Health System National University Health System 79

Yong King Chui Zhang Qiuxia Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician National University Hospital National University Hospital

The warmth I hope to inspire and support of others to join colleagues ensure nursing because, my working while the rewards day never has a are intangible, mundane moment. life is made fuller.

I CAN never forget my an image intensifier gown. I VIVIDLY remember how helpless death on a daily basis has attachment in the trauma From then on, I set my mind to and frustrated I felt, standing in taught me the art of guiding operating room as a student become a perioperative nurse. a corner of the resuscitation room, nurses during resuscitation. nurse more than 20 years ago. The team dynamics for while my fellow emergency nurses Nursing has given me the I remember scrubbing and elective cases; the adrenaline and doctors did their best to save opportunity to make a difference gowning up for the femur fracture rush and coordination during the life of a seriously wounded in the lives of my patients not surgery. The nurses and surgeon life threatening surgeries; patient from a traffic accident. only through bedside care, greeted me warmly and gave me and the warmth and support I was impressed by how the senior but also through developing the opportunity to perform the of colleagues ensure my nurses handled the situation. strategies and workflows that duty of a scrub nurse. working day never has a The patient was saved and I was improve nursing quality standards, The fear, thrill and sense of mundane moment. My passion inspired to be as competent as patient outcomes and safety. achievement from handling the for the profession had me my seniors. I hope to inspire others to instruments and standing right in brave through 18 years of That was 16 years ago join nursing because, while the front of the surgical wound took service and hopefully many and now, after 15 years in the rewards are intangible, life is away the fatigue of wearing more to come. profession, dealing with life and made fuller. 80 National University Health System National University Health System 81

Fatimah Bte Seah Hui Min Endut Nurse Manager National University Polyclinics Nurse Clinician National University Polyclinics

You have to Nurses have to embrace change constantly sharpen when it comes to our critical thinking new work processes, skills and gain new IT updates and knowledge on patients’ care needs. the job.

MY PASSION for nursing started care for patients to one able I GRADUATED and embarked skills and gain new knowledge when I saw how the nurses cared to provide holistic care that on my journey as a nurse 21 on the job to deal with for my grandmother when she enables patients to take years ago. In 2008, I started healthcare challenges such as was battling end-stage cancer. charge of their chronic working in the primary care the current pandemic situation. Working as a polyclinic nurse disease conditions. This was sector: The polyclinics. Nursing has definitely for the past 21 years has been made possible with learning Singapore’s rapidly ageing transformed me as a person, full of excitement and challenges. opportunities from my population and the country’s given me the courage to You have to embrace change employers over the 24 years increasing chronic disease meet new people and boldly readily when it comes to new I have spent in this profession, burden have seen the role of discover ways to impact their work processes and IT systems more empowerment for nurses nurses in primary care expand lives in a positive manner. updates, as well as patients’ and the technologies that have over the years. With greater The smiles of the patients care needs and expectations. made our work easier and much autonomy comes greater and caregivers give me a Over the years, I have grown safer. I foresee that primary responsibilities… today, sense of satisfaction and spur from being a nurse who merely care nursing will continue to we nurses have to constantly me to do my job even better performed simple and basic evolve for a better future. sharpen our critical thinking every day. 82 National University Health System National University Health System 83

Amran Bin Amir Maznah Binte Assistant Nurse Clinician Marmin Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Assistant Nurse Clinician Ng Teng Fong General Hospital

My dedication and I would encourage accomplishments as a students to think nurse have motivated about nursing as a my son to follow my profession that helps footsteps by joining the them build resilience nursing profession. and compassion.

MY NURSING journey started totally motivated to contribute WHEN I joined nursing almost every patient. Nursing has also inadvertently, after I had just more and improve the quality of 37 years ago, the primary taught me to be compassionate. completed my National Service in life for patients when they return goal was to help my parents The skills and knowledge 1985. My father told me to secure home from the hospital. with our family’s finances. have allowed me to help in a job to supplement the family My nursing background has Now, I find pride in delivering humanitarian work, both locally household income… and I ended helped me to be a friend, a coach high quality patient care in a and overseas. My family up at the School of Nursing! and a counsellor when I visit public healthcare institution. has been supportive of my At that time, I would never patients’ homes, as well as Nursing is not a bed of roses. profession despite the erratic have imagined that nursing would during volunteer emergency The challenges I faced over the schedules, and I have inspired provide diverse opportunities for disaster missions overseas. years have made me stronger my daughter to continue my me to explore my capabilities and My dedication and and more passionate about legacy as a nurse. I would widen my horizon. Now, after 35 accomplishments as a nurse nursing today. The continuing encourage students to think years of work experience in acute have inspired my son to follow education has shaped me to be about nursing as a profession and community settings, in both my footsteps by joining the more skilful, build critical thinking that helps them build resilience public and private sectors, I am nursing profession. and understand the needs of and compassion. 84 National University Health System National University Health System 85

Pu Xiaorong Siti Zainah Binte Nurse Clinician Mohamed Rian Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Nurse Educator Ng Teng Fong General Hospital

To me, nursing With unlimited is not only a job opportunities, but an art that I’m always heals patients advocating this with passion, profession to my love and care. family and friends.

THIS year marks my 22nd while my team helped to print TWENTY ONE years ago, stronger and more dedicated year as a nurse. I have never cartoon pictures. Through the I was inspired by the caring to my job. As a Nurse Educator, regretted becoming a nurse activity, he became focused attitude of a nurse who took I have the opportunity to guide even though the work can be and I joked that he was an care of me... and it led me to nurses and equip them with the challenging and overwhelming at ‘undiscovered artist’. His family join nursing. I have never knowledge and competencies times. After seeing my patients was amazed by his behavioural regretted my decision. When to care for patients. recover and return home with their change and appreciated I fell sick in 2019 and was at Nursing has opened many loved ones, I feel accomplished my efforts. the lowest point of my life, the doors for me and allowed and satisfied. To me, nursing is not only comforting words of nurses me to become a bedside A recent memorable experience a job but an art that heals patients once again gave me the nurse, a supervisor, a game was when I encountered a with passion, love and care. courage to strive on. developer, a trainer and more. demented patient who was restless, Being able to make a difference My experiences further With unlimited opportunities, agitated and uncooperative during in patients' lives motivates me to validate the fact that nurses I’m always advocating this the day. To keep him engaged, continue doing more and giving have a big impact in patients’ profession to my family I brought colour pencils for him my best at work. lives, and has made me and friends. 86 National University Health System National University Health System 87

Tang Min Yee Arvinder Kaur Nurse Clinician Senior Nurse Manager Ng Teng Fong General Hospital Jurong Community Hospital

Learning is a My patients have motivation that builds taught me that my confidence and the human spirit it gives me positive is unrelenting and reinforcement to face can overcome what the challenges ahead. seems impossible.

AS A NURSE, I’m honoured to confident we can do so again. I STARTED my journey as a and peeped behind the have the privilege of helping Even after 20 years in this student nurse in 1989, and screens to see what was going others when they are at their profession, I continue to attend have been in this profession on. I can remember being most vulnerable. nursing education programmes since I graduated in 1992. in awe of the nurses in their During the early stages of which help me gain new skills Today, I have absolutely no uniforms, which eventually led the SARS outbreak in March and knowledge. Learning is an regrets about taking this path. to me becoming one. 2003, little was known about the extrinsic motivation that builds That said, my curiosity My love for nursing epidemic. I was caring for patients my confidence and it gives me about this profession started continues to grow day by day, in the emergency department positive reinforcement to face the when I was just seven! as it is an ongoing learning then. It was terrifying to witness challenges ahead. I stayed in a hospital for two journey. I am always kept healthcare workers get infected Lastly, I hope to groom the months for a leg fracture. engaged by my patients, with the virus, as I was pregnant. next generation of nurses, to be As a child patient, I was very who teach me that the Looking back, I am proud that more involved in policy-making intrigued when nurses pushed human spirit is unrelenting we persevered and overcame at a national level and to support mobile screens around the and can overcome what challenges as a nation, and am the advancement in nursing. ward to check on patients seems impossible. 88 SingHealth SingHealth 89

Chen Xiaowei Hanidah Binte Assistant Nurse Clinician A Rahman Changi General Hospital Assistant Nurse Clinician Changi General Hospital

Being able to Being a nurse has participate in the taught me to be patients’ recovery resilient, patient, process is a fulfilling non-judgemental and rewarding and made me a aspect of nursing. good listener.

HAVING been a nurse for onto her to ensure her safety, IT WAS always my dream to be patient who left a bittersweet 18 years, I am committed to and explained each step of a nurse, right from my school impact on me. When I realised safeguarding the medical needs the procedure. That reassured days. Now, after 34 years in that she lived alone in a and emotional well-being of her and she calmed down to this wonderful profession, cluttered and unhealthy patients under my care. cooperate with the team, making I am proud to say that I am environment with no family I will also never forget the the procedure a success. This still passionate about nursing, support, it made me sad. lessons learnt during my time in incident reminded me that, even despite the many challenges So, after getting her permission, this profession. As a radiology through a small gesture, I can I have faced. Being a nurse I activated my family members nurse, I remember an elderly make a difference in the patient’s has taught me to be resilient, to clean her house. patient who underwent central health outcome. patient and non-judgemental. Not only did our work benefit venous catheter insertion. Being able to participate in the It has made me a good the patient, the experience Initially, she was cheerful and patients’ recovery process is a listener, and developed my also sparked an interest in my composed. However, during the fulfilling and rewarding aspect of communication skills. family to help the community. procedure she became restless nursing; it keeps me motivated to An unforgettable experience Today, after 36 years, we still and screamed in pain. I held do my best as a nurse. in my career involves an elderly volunteer in the community. 90 SingHealth SingHealth 91

Margie Wu Ya Lan Tan Khim Gek Senior Nurse Manager Principal Enrolled Nurse Changi General Hospital Changi General Hospital

Nursing experiences The appreciation have taught me to from my patients make the most of has given me great every moment motivation to of collaboration continue providing with colleagues. the best care for them.

I HAVE been in this profession The team of nurses that had I STARTED my nursing As a result of this incident, for 20 years, all of them as an spoken to him earlier were career 31 years ago, in the I strive to educate patients and operating theatre nurse. especially impacted by the orthopaedic ward. I remember their family on good healthcare I vividly recall an incident incident. As a senior nurse, caring for a young female practices such as the which left my colleagues and I had to be strong and provide patient who later passed on importance of early screening. me very emotionally affected. emotional support for my junior from advanced stage colon The respect and trust that A patient was scheduled for nurses who were distraught cancer, leaving behind her I get from my colleagues and elective surgery that day and while withholding my own sorrow. young family. This incident patients fuel my passion to was happily conversing with us Experiences like these have had a huge impact on me continue working hard as prior to surgery. Several hours grown my mental strength. They as I had established a good a nurse. The appreciation later, his condition suddenly also taught me to make the most relationship with her while from my patients has also deteriorated and, unfortunately, of every moment of collaboration she was under my care. She given me great satisfaction the surgical team lost the battle. with colleagues, learn from would share how her children and motivation to continue We were deeply saddened by unexpected situations, grow and brought joy to her life and how providing the best care the sudden turn of events. improve every day. dear they were to her. for them. 92 SingHealth SingHealth 93

Wang Xia Wang Yang Nurse Clinician Assistant Nurse Clinician Changi General Hospital Changi General Hospital

Nursing has I believe that changed my maintaining a perception of life positive attitude and moulded me to towards any be a better person. challenges is key to achieving my best.

THROUGHOUT my 20 years in distress with him and his I HAVE been working in an showered on me by patients nursing, there have been many loved ones from beginning acute medical ward for the past and their family members ups and downs. What keeps to the end. Eventually, 14 years. One incident that will has made me understand me going is knowing that I can he accepted his prognosis always remain in my memory that nursing is a profession make a difference and touch well and even planned his involves the loss of an elderly that comes with a real sense the lives of others through my own funeral. patient. Having cared for him of satisfaction, especially daily work... even via the little As a nurse, making a for a long time, his family’s when one is able to fulfil things I do. difference in people’s lives grief resonated deeply with the emotional needs of the One event that I will always gives me a great sense of me and I cried too. The family vulnerable. This has moulded remember occurred while satisfaction. Nursing has invited me to the funeral where me into the person I am today. I was caring for a young adult changed my perception of many of them expressed their I believe that maintaining a in his most vulnerable time, life and moulded me to be a gratitude for the care I had positive attitude towards any staying with him and his family better person. I feel privileged given to their loved one. challenges is key to achieving during his end-of-life journey. to be able to touch people’s After 14 years in this my best. I hope I can inspire I had to share all the emotional hearts through the work I do. profession, the appreciation many junior nurses. 94 SingHealth SingHealth 95

Zhang Na Zheng Yiling Assistant Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Changi General Hospital Changi General Hospital

Nursing is not I am proud the easiest of to stand professions, but alongside my a meaningful fellow nurses and rewarding as part of the one for me. healthcare team.

EMERGENCY nursing is my back my tears while maintaining AS A nurse for the past 19 years, at home. passion and nursing identity for professionalism in my duty. This I have experienced many If we take some time to try the past 15 years. I have dealt incident made me cognizant of challenging and meaningful and understand these patients, with numerous challenging the importance of post incident moments at work. I recall caring listen to their needs, we can be cases during my stint in ED, debriefing for staff involved in for an elderly patient who the mediator between them and but there is one that left an traumatic resuscitation. displayed violent and disruptive their caregivers. indelible impression till this day: Since I joined this profession behaviour. After interacting with Amidst this COVID-19 I attended to a toddler who had in 2006, my family has been him, I came to realise that he was pandemic, working closely with suffered multiple traumatic supporting me endlessly with upset with his family and this, my colleagues to overcome injuries from an accident. Despite patience and understanding, in turn, aggravated his condition. challenges and care for patients our best efforts, the resuscitation which has empowered me to My team and I discussed ways has also helped me become was not successful. provide the best care for my to manage his condition with the a more resilient person. I am Being a mother of two, patients. Nursing is not the easiest help of his family and I am glad proud to stand alongside my it was excruciating to witness a of professions, but a meaningful to report that he recovered, was fellow nurses as part of the child in distress. I had to hold and rewarding one for me. discharged and is now living well healthcare team. 96 SingHealth SingHealth 97

Ang Ying Xin Asmira Binte Assistant Nurse Clinician Mohamed Rahim KK Women s and Children s Hospital � � Nurse Clinician KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital

No words can Even on the describe the joy toughest days, the of hearing a tiny smiles of parents baby take the first and the cries of breath of life. their babies warm my heart.

WHEN my mum was hospitalised Aware of how she would I HAVE been a nurse for smiles of parents and the cries for breast cancer, the nurses have been feeling, I gave her 22 years and midwifery is my of their babies warm my heart. took really good care of her and special attention to ensure passion. I see midwives as I was elated when a patient made her stay comfortable. That her well-being. She was so highly-skilled professionals, acknowledged and thanked inspired me to be a nurse, as I touched that she hugged and able to make independent me for taking care of her. too felt a deep desire to make a thanked me. decisions on care delivery. Back at home, my family difference in the lives of others. I have witnessed many Working in the delivery suite plays a big part in giving me Starting my nursing journey in births and seen parents’ taught me resilience and how moral support. Although my 1998, my posting to the obstetric faces light up upon seeing to overcome difficulties under husband was frequently ward spurred me to take up their newborns. No words can stressful situations. sent for overseas duties, midwifery, after which I worked in describe the joy of hearing a We always have the interests he would call me daily to the delivery suite for 23 years. tiny baby take the first breath of our patients at heart, so ask if everything was well. I will always remember caring of life! This motivates me to we keep our breaks short and Fulfilment at work and home for a widow, who was alone, keep doing my utmost in quickly return to support them. motivates me and has brought in labour for her first child. this profession. Even on the toughest days, the me to where I am right now. 98 SingHealth SingHealth 99

Huang Weili Liu Jing Nurse Clinician Senior Staff Nurse KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital

I have realised The oncology that it is equally nursing course important to fulfilled my altruistic develop, influence desire to care for and nurture our this vulnerable young nurses. group of patients.

FIFTEEN years have passed I used to think that passion BEING a novice nurse in a and encouraged by a very since I joined the Children’s for nursing was the most gynaecologic oncology ward optimistic patient still living her Emergency department as a important factor to keep young can be daunting but, after 13 life to the fullest despite her registered nurse. As a fresh nurses in this field. But as my years, I feel confident. Not only medical condition. graduate, the biggest challenge career progresses, I realised have I thrived in my career, In 2012, I embarked on the was remaining calm and that it is equally important to I have gained knowledge and oncology nursing course; this composed during a resuscitation. develop, influence and nurture skills required for managing fulfilled my altruistic desire to I recall a young patient who our young nurses – to keep cancer patients. care for this vulnerable group came in with a life-threatening them going, to help them I have also learnt from the of patients and support their condition and thankfully find their true calling. When life stories of my patients and family members. As a palliative recovered. His parents returned my juniors show me their their families. I was touched by nurse, seeing terminally-ill to thank the team and show their appreciation and gratitude, the tender, loving care provided patients have a better quality of appreciation. It really touched it motivates me to be better: by a husband to his wife life and their last wishes fulfilled my heart and I felt an immense Not just for them, but also for suffering from cachexia and encourages me to work harder sense of satisfaction and pride! the future of nursing. at the end-of-life stage; and give my very best every day. 100 SingHealth SingHealth 101

Mariammah Pang Ai Hong D/O Paramasilvam Nurse Clinician KK Women s and Children s Hospital Nurse Clinician � � KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital

It warms my I feel a sense heart when I am of pride when showered with hugs I see my patients from my patients recover well and when they are get their lives back discharged. on track.

WHEN I joined nursing 14 years with young patients and their OVER my 47 years as a well and get their lives ago, there were a lot of negative caregivers as a paediatric nurse, I have had many back on track. It drives me comments from my friends and nurse. It warms my heart when memorable experiences. to continue providing care some relatives. However, with I am showered with little hugs The most unforgettable being and love to my patients. support from my mother and and waves of goodbye from when I was a junior staff nurse I am not only a nurse, siblings as well as a strong desire my patients, and heartfelt taking care of a young patient but also a counsellor and to join the profession, those thanks from parents, when they suffering from hydrocephalus. advocate for my patients. comments did not deter me from are discharged. He was grateful that I have guided many heeding the call and developing As I walk along this beautiful I nursed him back to health young nurses during my in my chosen profession. In fact, journey, I want to continue and called me his “eternal nursing journey. They have these spurred me on! making an impact on my patients� nurse”. He always remembered learnt from me and I am Nursing is physically and lives by giving my utmost as to wish me on Nurses’ Day and glad to have inspired mentally taxing, but also I care for them. I will do this as sent snacks to me over the them to stay on and find extremely rewarding – especially I live by the motto, “Patients – years. I feel a sense of pride their true calling in this when I have the privilege to work at the heart of all we do!” when I see my patients recover noble profession. 102 SingHealth SingHealth 103

Wu Yiping Goh Chee Kun Nurse Clinician/ Senior Nurse Manager Advanced Practice Nurse National Cancer Centre Singapore KK Women�s and Children�s Hospital

I will continue l am privileged to be to help attract, part of a dedicated develop and retain team that supports the best nurses for each other to serve our hospital. patients despite the challenges.

I BEGAN my nursing career in anticipate and manage complex WHEN I applied to join this of the deadly virus had put 2005 as a registered nurse in a situations, and administering profession 32 years ago, all nurses under tremendous gynaecological ward. My drive therapies to manage my I was asked: “Are you sure pressure to be extremely is to deliver a high standard patients� health issues. you want to be a nurse?” vigilant. Having worked during of service to achieve safe I will always share my Looking back, l am glad SARS and COVID-19 periods, patient care. This motivates experiences and knowledge I said yes… even though l am privileged to be part of a me to be a clinically-skilled during clinical bedside nursing is a predominantly dedicated team that supports gynaecological nurse. teaching. I believe these have female profession. each other to serve patients In 2015, I became an helped many nurses in their The COVID-19 pandemic despite the challenges. Advanced Practice Nurse after professional development, and has brought back memories My passion to care for completing my Master of Nursing they in turn can provide safe and of what we faced when SARS patients has kept me going. (NUS Nursing). I felt rewarded excellent care to patients. I will struck Singapore in 2003. I am grateful to my mentors, through my efforts to promote continue to help attract, develop I was deployed to manage colleagues and my wife, quality care: Using advanced and retain the best nurses for suspected SARS patients for who is also a nurse, assessment and clinical skills to our hospital. emergency surgeries. The fear for always motivating me. 104 SingHealth SingHealth 105

Woon Lee Tian Ann Chan (Wen Litian) Sok Theng Senior Staff Nurse Nurse Manager National Dental Centre Singapore National Heart Centre Singapore

I treat my patients My hope is for nurses like family and to have greater provide them involvement in their with the best care patients’ recovery unconditionally by journeys from acute to doing what I can. community setting.

AFTER 16 years in this profession, news that my grandmother was HAVING been a nurse for 19 as much comfort and relief I still remember attending to a diagnosed with a heart problem years, my desire to work with to the patient. Several years patient who was experiencing three years later, motivated me the elderly stemmed from later, the patient’s daughter breathing difficulties. Even after to apply for a mid-career switch the fond childhood memories came up to me on the street receiving supplemental oxygen, to nursing. I was inspired by of the time spent with my and called out my name. she was still feeling anxious. the nurses who took care of grandparents. While looking She remembered how I had While waiting for the ambulance, my great-grandmother and for a part-time job at a nursing cared for her mother’s final I held her hand firmly to assure her grandmother as they were home, I realised that I had to needs and expressed her that she would be fine. She was a testament to the saying become a qualified nurse first! gratitude. I am humbled by appreciative of the empathy I had “Treat others how you want to I believe that nurses are her action to this day. shown throughout the incident. be treated”. empowered to care for those in My hope for the future is Having to administer insulin I treat my patients like family need. More than 10 years ago, for nurses to have greater injections at a young age of 13/14 and provide them with the best our team cared for a patient involvement in their patients� for my great-grandmother who care unconditionally by doing nearing her end-of-life and did recovery journeys from the had diabetes, and receiving the what I can within my means. everything we could to provide acute to community setting. 106 SingHealth SingHealth 107

Norashikin Fu Liqing Binte Sarip Nurse Clinician National Neuroscience Institute Assistant Nurse Clinician National Heart Centre Singapore

The altruistic The satisfaction and caring from helping my nature of patients get the best the nursing treatment and recover profession struck well motivates me a chord with me. to do my best.

DESPITE my family’s condition was deteriorating. THIS year marks my 17th year taught me that teamwork is disapproval, I took up a course On the day he passed on, in nursing and it has been vital and unity is strength. in nursing after completing my I had the honour of performing an amazing and enriching In the words of Mattie Stepanek, GCE ‘O’ levels. The altruistic the last offices for him. learning journey. “... when there is teamwork and and caring nature of the As a nurse, I knew I had to In May 2020, I was deployed collaboration, wonderful things nursing profession struck a remain professional no to the Community Care Facility can be achieved”. chord with me. matter the circumstances, @EXPO to care for COVID-19 My passion to care for I had always wished to work but I simply could not hold residents. There were many people and the satisfaction as a trained staff in the ICU back my tears while offering volunteers from various from helping my patients get as I felt that it is an extremely condolences to his family. professions and institutions and the best treatment and recover specialised unit. After Instead, they consoled me we grasped the opportunity to get well motivate me to do my best. completing further training in with words of kindness! to know each other, understand I hope to continue learning and 2001, my dream came true. This act of compassion is our individual skills and enhance providing quality patient care – I vividly remember nursing one of the reasons why I am, our ability to think creatively. this keeps my passion for a chronic patient whose and always will be a nurse. The two-month deployment nursing going. 108 SingHealth SingHealth 109

Ma Zhongzheng Ong Chin Wan Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Sengkang General Hospital Sengkang General Hospital

Nursing has Being a nurse is a enriched my life calling, and having with many humbling passion, empathy experiences and and altruism opportunities for will keep the fire self-development. burning for years.

THIS year marks my 14th year migrant workers. EVERY time a patient holds nursing, I envision the future in this profession and I am Upholding patients’ trust in my hand and tells me that to be more focused on honoured to be awarded the my work and educating younger I have done well, I am reminded innovation and research to MOH Nurses’ Merit Award 2021. nurses to better our profession of the positive impact a nurse can promote primary and preventive My journey in nursing has give me most pride and joy. It is make on another person’s life. care. The prevalence of chronic given me many invaluable exhilarating when new nurses Throughout my 17 years diseases can be reduced memories, with 2020 being the share positive experiences of in nursing, I’ve learnt that we by raising awareness in the most memorable year due to their student nursing days with can create a meaningful general population. the pandemic. I was asked to me. This career has enriched impact – not only by directly Being a nurse is a calling, be part of SKH’s advance team my life with many humbling caring for a patient, but also and having passion, empathy for frontline medical support experiences and opportunities for by ensuring a safe environment and altruism will keep the at S-11 dormitory, where we self-development. I also cherish and educating patients as fire burning for years. It is a conducted mass swabbing the bonds and comradeship well as caregivers through profession that gives comfort to exercises and ensured the formed with many colleagues technological advancement. people when they are unable to safety and well-being of our over the years. To improve the standard of take care of themselves. 110 SingHealth SingHealth 111

Siti Suhaila Tan Hwee Yuan Binte Sulaimi Senior Nurse Educator Sengkang General Hospital Assistant Nurse Clinician Sengkang General Hospital

Through the Simulation years, I’ve learnt allows healthcare that not everyone professionals to think has the courage critically and apply and resolve to do what they have learnt what nurses do. in clinical situations.

GROWING UP, I always loved profession, I can’t see myself WORKING in critical care resuscitation and debriefed the watching medical shows like as anything else. My colleagues gives me a great sense of session set all our hearts at Scrubs and Grey’s Anatomy with used to jokingly call me the satisfaction when I see ICU ease and gave the team closure my younger brother. Whenever “social worker” as I spend a patients recover with little to the event. That left an there were scenes of blood or long time talking to our patients, morbidity. But life is not always impression on me and inspired exposed organs, my brother asking them who they live with a bed of roses and we do me to model myself after him. would cower. I, however, felt and how they are getting by. encounter patients who leave Simulation, which is my intrigued. Through the years, Getting to know my patients us, despite all our efforts. other love in nursing, allows I’ve learnt that not everyone has helps me provide better care for This can become emotionally healthcare professionals to the courage and resolve to do them, and seeing them wave taxing at times, even after 22 think critically and apply what what nurses do. goodbye with smiley faces years in the profession. they have learnt in clinical That said, I wouldn’t have reaffirms my conviction to be I remember a time when we situations. In order to give my imagined being a nurse, if not a nurse, knowing that I have had to resuscitate one of our best to my students, I keep for my father who suggested it. contributed positively to their doctors who had collapsed. abreast of best practices in the Now, after 13 years in the care needs. The consultant who led the clinical and education settings. 112 SingHealth SingHealth 113

Yeo Yan Irene Tan Ling Lynn Cheng Gaik Principal Enrolled Nurse Nurse Clinician Sengkang General Hospital Singapore General Hospital

Rewarding I hope to make a experiences and significant impact interactions with my in reversing frailty patients motivate and effectively me to be a better coach seniors to nurse each time. age well.

I CHOSE to join nursing troubled and worried that SEEING my cousin with When facing tough times with my mother’s support. something bad could happen. epilepsy suffer from multiple in the job, I have sought As a nurse with 14 years’ I reassured her by sharing seizures and my grandmother strength through my faith, experience now, I am able to that I, too, had undergone being bed-bound after a spinal family, friends and mentors. provide advice when my family the same procedure and cord injury spurred my interest Seeing the improvement in members fall sick, and coach come out fine. She felt more in nursing, and I joined the the lives of others is my junior nurses on practicing comforted after speaking with profession in 1987. greatest motivation to safe and quality care. me and went ahead with it. On my first posting, continue honing my skills to When I see my patients The procedure was completed I remember my supervisor serve my patients better. looking worried or uncertain, smoothly and her family was giving us this very important It is my hope as a I try to find time to sit with grateful for my presence. piece of advice: “Do not give community nurse leader to them and listen to their These rewarding experiences anyone the right to provoke make a significant impact in problems. Once, I met a and interactions with my you to quit!” I have given this reversing frailty and effectively lady who was going for patients motivate me to be a same advice to many of my coach seniors to age well in a procedure looking very better nurse each time. junior colleagues. the community. 114 SingHealth SingHealth 115

Jumaiah Binte Lee Sze Chung Jumari Clara Nurse Educator Nurse Clinician Singapore General Hospital Singapore General Hospital

The nursing By constantly profession is challenging myself evolving and to keep up with I would advise nursing trends, I can new graduates to provide the best care embrace change. for my patients.

I GRADUATED 22 years ago mile for their patients. SEVENTEEN years as a Council, I piloted a project to and spent eight years in the Having a husband in the nurse have strengthened my remind patients to take orthopaedic ward, caring for same profession helps as he interest and commitment to pre-meal medication by using patients and precepting many understands the demands the profession. I am constantly coloured medication cups. new nurses. and challenges of the job. enlightened through amazing This was successfully rolled out The experiences I had with He encouraged me when I was encounters with my patients to all wards. my seniors, preceptors and deployed to the Community Care and colleagues. The most As nurses, we need to mentors inspired me to be a Facility during the heightened rewarding thing is to see my exhibit a positive attitude role model for junior nurses period of the COVID-19 pandemic. patients recover and leave the towards change. By constantly and, in 2007, I embraced my The nursing profession is evolving hospital well, alongside their challenging myself to keep up aspiration to be a Nurse and I would advise new graduates family members. with current medical and nursing Educator. I feel proud seeing to embrace change and take the I feel that changes are trends, I can provide the best students I previously supported opportunity to grow the traditional opportunities for personal growth care for my patients. To me, and mentored becoming nurses nursing role into diverse, engaging and improving processes. As part nursing is a calling with terrific who now care to go the extra and fulfilling careers. of the Nursing Safety and Quality diverse and flexible opportunities. 116 SingHealth SingHealth 117

Lim Rong Ee Loh Jing Hui Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Singapore General Hospital Singapore General Hospital

Being able to This challenging help others in profession can be their time of need, overwhelming at times no matter how but it also provides insignificant, is what great motivation motivates me. and satisfaction.

THE idea of specialising We never know what I HAVE been in nursing for determined to fulfil her wish to in emergency nursing emergency case might turn 13 years. This challenging see sunlight. She passed on never crossed my mind until up. Being able to help others profession can be overwhelming peacefully four days later. I was posted to the SGH in their time of need, no matter at times but it also provides This reminded me of the impact Emergency Department for my how insignificant, is what great motivation and satisfaction, we can make on our patients final-year clinical attachment. motivates me to do a good job. especially when I see patients and their families. That experience led me to I believe every effort counts. recover and get discharged. Nursing is a calling which where I am today: An ED We also handle many My most striking memory is has shaped my personal and nurse for the last 14 years enquiries during a shift. of an ICU patient who fell and professional development. since graduation. One unforgettable incident sustained severe burns from We are driven by passion, It has been challenging would be a patient asking if hot oil on 81% of her body. compassion and our hearts to but what has kept me in the A&E was open on a One day she told me: “I do care for our patients to the best nursing is the fast pace and weekend. I thought it is a not want to continue with this of our abilities and skills. I hope ever-changing nature of work known fact that the A&E is pain and suffering anymore.” my nursing journey can inspire in the Emergency Department. always open, every single day! The team planned carefully, junior nurses. 118 SingHealth SingHealth 119

Nadrah Binte Nan Hnin Hamzah Ei Phyu Nurse Clinician Assistant Nurse Clinician Singapore General Hospital Singapore General Hospital

As a transplant nurse, Knowing I can I strongly believe in make an impact caring for patients’ in someone’s psychosocial health life each day, no together with their matter how small, physical well-being. motivates me.

I HAVE been a nurse for supervisors and colleagues NURSING is not a job but a speak with a Myanmarese patient. 17 years, specialising in throughout my nursing journey calling to heal, protect, help, He confided in me that he was nephro-urology. During my has encouraged me to strive and advocate for, teach, nurture, rejecting an urgent operation second year as a nurse, to do my best. lead and much more. My 18 years because he had no financial my dad suddenly collapsed at As a transplant nurse, in the profession – all at SGH means and family support in home. Thanks to my strong I strongly believe in caring for – have deepened my sense of Singapore. I stayed with him nursing foundation in school patients’ psychosocial health compassion through interacting late into the night to explain his and experience gained in SGH, together with their physical with the sick, the lost, the helpless condition and treatment options. I was able to react calmly. well-being. Seeing my patients and the weak. Knowing I can He was eventually successfully I called for an ambulance, get new hope in life gives meaning make an impact in someone’s treated in Myanmar. performed CPR and was able to my work. It provides me with a life each day, no matter how Although nursing during to rescue my dad! great sense of satisfaction when small, motivates me to serve the COVID-19 pandemic was Nursing has always been my patients leave the hospital, and provide excellent care to my challenging, the call to nursing my passion since young. The expressing their gratitude with patients with all my heart. has kept me going and made strong support from my family, smiles on their faces. I remember being called to me stronger. 120 SingHealth SingHealth 121

Norlela Binte Nurfarah Liyana Hashim Senior Enrolled Nurse Singapore General Hospital Assistant Nurse Clinician Singapore General Hospital

Even at 55, I take great pride I am constantly and satisfaction gaining new in fighting knowledge and this COVID-19 enjoying growth battle alongside in my career. my teammates.

IT WAS not my dream to be as part of the team that I AM eight years old in nursing... unforgettable experience a nurse. Now, having been looked after a pioneer who and my career choice was inspired as our team was faced with a nurse for 30 years, it has made significant contributions by my mother, who is also a fear, anxiety and uncertainties. turned out to be one of the to Singapore. nurse. I have been working in the I still remember how we tried best decisions that I have ever I cherish everyone I meet isolation ward and am proud to to overcome the language made! Our roles in healthcare in my nursing journey and be part of the team that cares for barrier with our foreign patients have evolved and nursing is being a nurse motivates me to patients with infectious diseases. using Google Translate. more challenging now. Even at make a difference in the lives We are constantly trained to That experience motivated me 55, I am constantly gaining new of our patients. I would like to handle emerging epidemic to learn a new language so I can knowledge and enjoying growth thank my family and colleagues and participate in disease better communicate with patients in my career. who have always been very outbreak drills. to ease their fears in the future. An unforgettable experience supportive of me. I will continue January 2020 was the first I take great pride and came when I was a junior to serve and commit to care time I ventured into a pandemic satisfaction in fighting this nurse; having the privilege of for the sick and those who outbreak when the virus reached COVID-19 battle alongside learning from senior colleagues need us. our shores. It has been an my teammates. 122 SingHealth SingHealth 123

Puspa Devi Seah Xueli D/O Ramparch Eileen Principal Enrolled Nurse Nurse Clinician Singapore General Hospital Singapore General Hospital

My hope is to Being a perioperative see more of the nurse for 18 years younger generation has given me great stepping up to learning opportunities join the nursing and much profession. self-achievement.

A FEW years ago, I was in secondary school. Both MY PASSION for nursing motivated me to improve my resting at home after work experiences ignited my was sparked in school when nursing skills and enabled me when I heard my neighbour passion for nursing. My family I volunteered with St John to empathise better with our shouting loudly as she ran has also been my pillar of Brigade. After graduating in 2003, patients’ loved ones. towards my house with her son support these 19 years in I joined the SGH Major Operating Being a perioperative nurse in her arms. He was choking on the profession. Theatre (MOT) team. for 18 years has given me great something he had eaten. I am proud to be a nurse, Five years later, I experienced learning opportunities and much At that time, I was so grateful rendering help to those in the helplessness and anxiousness self-achievement. In the MOT, for my nursing skills which need and saving lives. of having a loved one undergo we experience patients gaining enabled me to quickly intervene My hope is to see more of the surgery when I saw my own a new lease of life as well as and remove the obstruction. younger generation stepping mother being wheeled in for a coming close to death. Life is My interest in nursing up to join the nursing procedure. I managed to pull delicate but at the same time began during my time in the profession. The warmth we through this difficult time with wonderful. Reminding myself Red Cross Society in primary bring to those we care for is support from colleagues and why I joined nursing keeps me school and St John Brigade what makes an impact! friends. The experience going during tough times. 124 SingHealth SingHealth 125

Tan Wei Xian Tay Ai Lian Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician Singapore General Hospital Singapore General Hospital

I also hope to see Over the years, more nurses taking I have learnt to up wound care adapt to changes training to meet confidently the demands of our and implement aging population. effective strategies.

MY FATHER fell ill when I was patients’ quality of life. I work AS A student nurse, I thought my mother was diagnosed with very young and I had to share closely with patients and their caring for patients would be easy. cancer, I felt blessed to possess the care responsibility with my caregivers to help them meet Now, after 25 years as a nurse the skills to nurse her. Knowing mother and sisters. That made wound care goals and nothing working in the medical and surgical I made a difference in her last me want to help more people motivates me more than relieving ward at SGH, I realise how wrong days motivated me to always be like my father, and inspired my their suffering. There is no greater I was. passionate in nursing, to care for career choice. satisfaction than knowing I made In fact, I even considered patients and their caregivers. Since joining the profession a difference to their lives. leaving the profession in my early The SARS outbreak in 2003 16 years ago, I have found I encourage people to years. However, my grandmother was very challenging but the nursing to be fulfilling and consider nursing as a career. was diagnosed with cancer around experience trained me to manage satisfying; especially when I was It is demanding but immensely this time and the frustration of clinical care confidently in this witness to how the profession rewarding. I also hope to being unable to adequately care COVID-19 pandemic. Over the evolved. As part of the SGH see more nurses taking up for her spurred me to complete years, I have learnt to adapt Wound Care team, I see the wound care training to meet the my studies and become a to changes confidently and impact of chronic wounds on demands of our aging population. qualified nurse. Later, when implement effective strategies. 126 SingHealth SingHealth 127

Toh Zhen Jun Guo Yan Wayne Nurse Clinician Singapore National Eye Centre Senior Staff Nurse Singapore General Hospital

Today, the healthcare As nurses, we are environment is there to ease our dynamic with new patients’ fears and technology and anxieties throughout medicine being their whole developed rapidly. surgical journey.

I STARTED my nursing career in with challenges. HAVING a nurse who cared for ophthalmic procedures. the Radiology Department at SGH Today, the healthcare me when I was nine inspired Being a part of the surgical in 2014. As a nurse specialising environment is dynamic with me to become one. At such a team who helps patients in interventional radiology, I have new technology and medicine young age, I was afraid of daily regain their sight has given me gained invaluable experience being developed rapidly. injections and being hospitalised, fulfilment and empowerment. working in a multidisciplinary team I hope this will inspire more but she allayed my fears. Patients undergoing surgery consisting of radiologists and youngsters to be part of this The thought of nurses as angels often require encouragement. allied health colleagues. noble profession, to provide the who can make a difference As nurses, we are there to My first code blue experience highest quality, safest and most in someone�s life has been ease their fears and anxieties was unforgettable. The patient effective care to patients and ingrained in me since. throughout their whole surgical was initially alert but his condition their loved ones. My career in nursing started journey. Although most of the deteriorated very quickly. It was I am thankful for this award in 1992 and I have been a patients may not remember us heart-rending but it taught me a and could not have done it without perioperative nurse for the after their surgeries, I am proud key lesson; as nurses, we need to the support from my family, past 21 years. I provide care to be a nurse who have brought be resilient, especially when faced supervisors and colleagues. for patients who come for meaning to their lives. 128 SingHealth SingHealth 129

Nurlaila Binti Frida Wong Maidin Pang Nee Nurse Clinician Nurse Clinician/ SingHealth Community Hospital – Advanced Practice Nurse Sengkang Community Hospital SingHealth Polyclinics

It was important I will constantly for me to ensure upskill my nursing that we address knowledge in order all aspects – to keep abreast of physical, mental the latest clinical and spiritual. developments.

AFTER working as a nurse for initially, which made her very I HAVE been a nurse for 30 appreciation for my care and 15 years, it is still my passion to unreceptive towards the nurses. years, thanks to the inspiration kindness towards the patient. provide care to those in need. It took about two weeks for from a nurse who took care of I was exceptionally satisfied I remember caring for me to gain her trust. It was my late mother with patience to be able to touch the lives of a patient who suffered from important for me to ensure that and compassion. Being a nurse others. Encouragement and spinal cord injury in 2008 after we address all aspects in the is an interesting and rewarding respect from patients and their a road traffic accident which care for the patient – physical, adventure. There are numerous next-of-kin really motivate me. left her a paraplegic (paralysed mental and spiritual. Eventually, opportunities for progression To keep up with the rapidly from the waist down). we became friends and we are in this career. The knowledge ageing population, I will Illnesses can bring down still in contact today. gained from the professional constantly upskill my nursing even the mightiest of individuals The experience taught education courses will not only knowledge in order to stay because no one is immune. me the importance of benefit patients, but also your abreast of the latest clinical The same with accidents, which patient-nurse relationship personal development. developments and practices, no one can predict. This patient and to encourage healing I recall how one of my late so that I can better care for could not accept her condition in whatever way I can. patient’s relatives conveyed his my patients. 130 SingHealth 131 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Tan Joo See Nurse Manager CHAIRPERSON VICE-CHAIRPERSON SingHealth Polyclinics Marilyn Kang, NC Chua Ann Hee, AHN Sengkang General Hospital Health Promotion Board

SECRETARY VICE-SECRETARY Guo Hui, SNM Noel Loke Wi-Soon, NC Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Singapore General Hospital My hope is to see a greater focus MEMBERS Aidila Binte Ismail, NC Phyllis Tan Sze Hui, SSN in community National Heart Centre Singapore Woodlands Health Campus nursing and Antonette Pimentel Asuncion, SNM Razali Bin Mahdi, SNC development of Institute of Mental Health National University Hospital Benjamin Tay Kai Yang, SN Santhi Govindan, NM skills in elder care. Singapore National Eye Centre National Health Group Polyclinics Cindy Choi, NC Shaakirah Bte Mohamed Rafi, AANC National Skin Centre Raffles Hospital Eng Chor Lin, NE Siti Junainah Bte Anwar, NC MY NURSING career has from patients is a sacred duty Ren Ci Community Hospital Ng Teng Fong General Hospital spanned 39 years. During that and it gives me a sense of time, I have encountered many satisfaction and fulfilment. Kathy Lam Sie Mien, SNE Sophia Chua Yen Nee, NC Yishun Community Hospital Changi General Hospital people who are often at the As a nursing manager in lowest points in their lives. a district of elderly population, Lie Hui Ying, ANC Sylvia Hui Wai Ling, NE St Andrew s Community Hospital National Cancer Centre Singapore I recall a patient who shared I witnessed the strain on � her experience of going our healthcare system as Lim Sok Lian, SNM Wendy Kwa Wan Ping, NC KK Women s and Children s Hospital Tan Tock Seng Hospital through a mastectomy and Singapore ages. My hope � � the challenges she faced as a is to see a greater focus in Nellie Tan Tien Er, NC Yin Shumei, NM breast cancer survivor. After a community nursing and the Jurong Community Hospital National University Polyclinics long talk, she thanked me for development of skills and Pearlyn Ng, ANC Zuhaida Bte Amir, NC my patience and for listening knowledge in elder care, Alexandra Hospital SingHealth Polyclinics to her. I was very grateful that particularly in areas such as she trusted me with her deepest falls prevention, dementia and We would also like to extend our appreciation to the corporate communications teams at problem. Upholding such trust chronic disease management. MOHH and all healthcare institutions who contributed to the production of this e-booklet. 132 133

I am a nurse. How can I make full use of NNA’s resources?

• What is the National Nursing Academy (NNA)? You are strongly encouraged to visit the NNA website, especially the ‘Available Courses’ page which lists learning opportunities • A one-stop portal for nurses, healthcare institutions and training across healthcare settings. This will help you build clinical course providers to access a wide range of nursing programmes knowledge and skills necessary for your job scope or pick up new and courses offered by healthcare institutions and Institutes of areas of interest you wish to develop yourself in. Nurses can also Higher Learning with the aim of building nursing capabilities. build on nursing competencies attained since graduating from their pre-registration nursing programmes. What does NNA do? • You can use the NNA website as a resource to develop training roadmaps with your supervisor. • Meets the learning needs of nurses and facilitates recognition of workplace-based training across institutions and settings. • You can apply for accredited courses which ensure the quality • Standardises curriculum requirements for core clinical skills, and standards of the acquired competencies and knowledge are shares best nursing practices and harmonises existing curriculum recognised across healthcare settings. at various institutions. • You can refer to the frameworks such as the Community Nursing • Centralises training programmes and courses to streamline Competency Framework to identify gaps in your skillset, plan your training resources and promotes collaborative efforts among training needs and pursue development opportunities. NNA will healthcare institutions. continue to develop new competency frameworks to help our nurses meet the growing healthcare needs of our nation. Vision

• Championing professional development of nurses.

Mission Click on the NNA logo

• Promote life-long learning. or scan the QR Code to • Provide accessibility to continuing education and training. visit the website now. • Enable continuous professional development with robust workplace-based programmes. 134 Spreading #happinurse this Nurses’ Day!

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