"We help shape the healthcare landscape by advocating for health equity, especially for vulnerable populations, leading and redesigning clinical workflows to improve care models and patient outcomes, and applying nursing research and innovation to close clinical gaps."
- Liu Yunxian, Senior Nurse Clinician at Woodlands Health
Please tell us more about your current role at Woodlands Health.
I am a Senior Nurse Clinician in a community hospital setting, focusing on ensuring high standards of patient care, particularly for subacute and rehabilitation patients. I guide and coach nurses in managing complex cases, monitor and analyse clinical outcomes to implement improvements, and work closely with physicians and allied health professionals to provide holistic care. I also help ensure a seamless transition for patients from hospital to home.
How long have you been a nurse, and can you give us a brief overview of your career?
I graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic in 2004 and began my career in a rehabilitation and general medicine ward, where I continue to practice today.
What role do you think nurses play in shaping healthcare, beyond patient care?
Nurses are not just caregivers; we are educators, innovators, leaders, researchers, and advocates. We help shape the healthcare landscape by advocating for health equity, especially for vulnerable populations, leading and redesigning clinical workflows to improve care models and patient outcomes, and applying nursing research and innovation to close clinical gaps.
Can you share a specific challenge in your role that required you to think critically or problem-solve, and how you approached it?
One of the most challenging issues I faced was balancing the encouragement of early mobilisation for our patients while managing the risk of falls, particularly in our geriatric population. To address this, we assess each patient’s fall risk, collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team, engage the patient’s family, and adjust the environment as needed. We continuously monitor and adapt our fall prevention strategies to ensure patient safety while promoting mobility.
In your opinion, what is one thing that the public doesn't fully understand about the nursing profession?
The public often views nurses primarily as caregivers who follow doctors’ orders. However, nurses are highly trained professionals who assess patients, make independent decisions, manage complex care plans, and act as the first line of defence in identifying early signs of complications.
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?
Coping with emotional challenges in nursing requires a combination of self-awareness, support, and balance. I rely on the strong support system of colleagues, friends, and family, and talking through tough days helps me process emotions and prevent burnout. What keeps me motivated is remembering the impact nursing has on patients and their families. Even small acts of care can make a big difference, and seeing a patient recover or receiving a heartfelt “thank you” reminds me why I chose this profession.
What moment in your nursing career made you realise you were exactly where you were meant to be?
A moment that stood out was when I cared for a critically ill patient, not only addressing their clinical needs but also offering comfort to their family and advocating for their care. It reminded me that nursing is much more than tasks and treatments, it’s about being present and offering support during someone’s most vulnerable moments.
Looking at your career, how has your personal life influenced your nursing practice, and vice versa?
My personal life and nursing practice have always influenced each other. Experiencing illness in my own family gave me a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be on the other side of the hospital bed. This has made me more attentive and emotionally present for both patients and their loved ones. Nursing has taught me resilience, time management, and emotional strength, helping me appreciate life’s small moments and the importance of being present.
Can you share an instance when you went above and beyond for a patient or a colleague, and what that experience taught you?
We had an elderly patient who was admitted after a fall. She was anxious and withdrawn, refusing to participate in physiotherapy and declining to eat. The team was concerned that prolonged immobility would hinder her rehabilitation, but she showed little engagement with her care.
We worked closely with the dietitian to adjust her meals according to her preferences and arranged physiotherapy sessions at times when she felt more energetic. This simple intervention made a significant difference. She gradually began eating, engaging in her rehabilitation, and was eventually discharged home.
This experience reinforced that clinical care is just one aspect of healing – empathy, active listening, and small acts of personalisation can profoundly influence a patient’s recovery.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in nursing, knowing what you do now?
When you're new to nursing, it can feel overwhelming to balance clinical knowledge, time management, and patient care, all while trying to appear confident. It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to know everything right away. You will grow into your role with time and experience.
Do you define this 24/7 shift job as demanding?
Yes, nursing is undeniably demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, it is also rewarding because of the real difference we make in people’s lives.
Was nursing your dream job? What made you choose nursing eventually?
Nursing wasn’t always my dream job, but it became the right one. I chose nursing because it allows me to make a tangible difference, and it’s a rewarding profession.
