"Nurses' roles have expanded with higher education and specialised skills. We don’t just provide nursing care in the hospital; we offer consultations, public education, counselling, training, disease prevention, and community support for patients."
- Kue Chwee Chin, Senior Nurse Clinician at Woodlands Health
Please tell us more about your current role at Woodlands Health.
I am a Senior Nurse Clinician in charge of Ward A41 (General Medicine/Frail). I am also a Life Support Instructor, coaching the Geriatric Resource Nurses at Woodlands Health.
How long have you been a nurse, and can you give us a brief overview of your career?
I began my nursing career in 2005, spending most of my time in acute orthopaedic and surgical wards. I also explored medical oncology in a clinic setting and at a community hospital. I completed my Advanced Diploma in Geriatric Nursing in 2013. Since joining Woodlands Health in 2019, I have been actively involved in geriatric-related work planning, co-founding the frailty ward with my peers, and conducting training for nurses on geriatric care.
What role do you think nurses play in shaping healthcare, beyond patient care?
Nurses play a critical role in the broader healthcare system. We are not just caregivers; we are also patient advocates, educators for patients, families, and fellow nurses, working to improve health outcomes in the community, and contributors to research that improves practice.
Can you share a specific challenge in your role that required you to think critically or problem-solve, and how you approached it?
As a leader and specialist nurse in the inpatient setting, I provide support to the ground nurses in managing complex cases. I also offer counselling and specialist nurse support, on top of my administrative role. Time management is the biggest challenge I face. I must ensure the ward operates smoothly while clinical safety is maintained. I support nurses when they encounter patients with challenging behaviour. If I am unable to manage the situation, I seek help from my other geriatric-trained colleagues.
In your opinion, what is one thing that the public doesn't fully understand about the nursing profession?
The nursing profession has advanced far beyond the traditional care model. Nurses' roles have expanded with higher education and specialised skills. We don’t just provide nursing care in the hospital; we offer professional consultations, public education, counselling, training, disease prevention, and community support for patients.
Nursing can be emotionally demanding. How do you cope with the emotional challenges of the profession, and what helps keep you motivated during difficult times?
I constantly remind myself that I am not alone in this journey. Peer support is crucial to me. I talk to colleagues or nursing friends who understand the situation and can relate to what I'm going through.
What moment in your nursing career made you realise you were exactly where you were meant to be?
When I provided dementia counselling to a family member, I felt great job satisfaction knowing I helped them understand their loved one’s condition and how to care for them. Listening to their story and offering emotional support was truly rewarding.
Looking at your career, how has your personal life influenced your nursing practice, and vice versa?
My late father had dementia, and I witnessed the immense effort my mother put into caring for him and the stress she experienced. From my personal experience as a caregiver, I understand the struggles that patients and families face at home, which helps me plan and deliver care more effectively.
Can you share an instance when you went above and beyond for a patient or a colleague, and what that experience taught you?
I remember when I was a junior nurse, a doctor informed me that my patient was actively passing, but the family hadn’t yet arrived. The doctor mentioned that we should not let the patient be alone in an isolation room, as it would be very lonely. I sat by the patient's side, holding his hand until his last breath. This experience taught me that nursing is not only about physical work. Being there for a patient in their final moments was meaningful, and I’m grateful I was able to provide that comfort.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in nursing, knowing what you do now?
We are not perfect, but with a sincere heart to care for someone, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.
Do you define this 24/7 shift job as demanding?
Nursing is a calling, not a demand.
Was nursing your dream job? What made you choose nursing eventually?
Since I was young, I was interested in healthcare, but nursing was never in my initial plans. Due to family issues and financial constraints, I opted for a sponsorship and chose nursing. I fell in love with it from the first day I became a Staff Nurse.
