"One of the most rewarding aspects of the nursing profession is the privilege of helping others in their time of need."
- Derek Foo Piow Hooi, Senior Nurse Manager at Woodlands Health
Please tell us more about your current role at Woodlands Health.
I am a Senior Nurse Manager in the Nursing Informatics and Innovation (NII) Department at Woodlands Health. My role involves providing expertise in Next Generation Electronic Medical Records (NGEMR) as a Process Analyst and Principal Trainer. Additionally, I collaborate with external IT vendors and oversee the trial and implementation of nursing innovation projects at WH.
How long have you been a nurse?
I've been a nurse since graduating in 1999, which means I've been in the profession for over two decades.
Can you give us a brief rundown of your career, highlighting any milestone moments and why they were significant to you.
I've been with WH since 2015, marking a significant nine-year journey. One of my most memorable milestones has been witnessing the successful official opening of Woodlands Health and seeing the implementation of the Next Generation Electronic Medical Records (NGEMR) project come to fruition.
What made you decide to choose nursing as a profession, and how have those feelings evolved throughout your many years in the profession?
I've always cared deeply about helping others, which led me to pursue nursing. Over the past two decades, my career has evolved, but my commitment to supporting patients and fellow nurses remains unwavering.
Recently, I've had the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects such as surveillance and last-mile delivery robotics, aimed at easing nursing workloads. Additionally, I played a role in implementing the Patient Bedside Terminal (PBT) at Woodlands Health, enhancing patient engagement and education during their hospital stays.
How have the roles and job scope of nurses evolved over the decades?
The roles and job scopes of nurses have evolved significantly over the decades.
Today, nurses not only manage clinical and nursing responsibilities but also need proficiency in Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and other healthcare IT devices and software. This evolution enables them to effectively perform their roles in a modern healthcare environment.
What are some other little-known facets of the nursing profession that you wished people knew more about?
In addition to being caring and compassionate, nurses are also highly adaptive, dynamic, and collaborative.
What is some advice you would have for those who are thinking of joining the nursing profession?
One of the most rewarding aspects of the nursing profession is the privilege of helping others in their time of need.
What keeps you going as a nurse?
What keeps me going is the challenge of the work, the ongoing training and acquisition of new knowledge, the opportunity to innovate and try new approaches, and the chance to make a positive impact on both my peers and patients.
If there’s anything you’d tell your younger self, what would it be?
Never be afraid to speak up. It's okay not to know everything at once; take your time and ask questions. Believe in yourself and never give up.
