"Nursing extends beyond bedside and clinical care; it's the cornerstone of healthcare.
The profession offers diverse career paths in research, informatics, management, and education."
- Rasidah Rashid, Nurse Clinician at Woodlands Health
Please tell us more about your current role at Woodlands Health.
I'm a Nurse Clinician at Woodlands Health. My role involves clinical management of renal patients and overseeing general medicine patients.
How long have you been a nurse?
I’ll be celebrating two decades as a nurse this year!
Can you give us a brief rundown of your career, highlighting any milestone moments and why they were significant to you.
My career has been centered around renal care. I began in a community dialysis centre in 2006 and have remained dedicated to dialysis nursing ever since.
In 2009, I was entrusted with the operational management of a community dialysis center — a pivotal moment for me as a young mother balancing family, marriage, and work. This experience, guided by my mentors and senior leaders, provided invaluable lessons and shaped me into the leader I am today.
What made you decide to choose nursing as a profession, and how have those feelings evolved throughout your many years in the profession?
Nursing wasn't my childhood dream, but I'm grateful I chose it after O levels and haven't looked back since. The journey has been about overcoming challenges and gaining invaluable experience.
One standout moment was in 2013, when I used my clinical and decision-making skills to extend compassionate care to my father during his end-of-life stage.
Navigating his care plan with the medical team ensured he spent his last moments at home with us. It remains the most profound experience of my nursing career, one that I cherish deeply.
Can you share an anecdote about a patient that’s left an impression on you?
Nursing dialysis patients isn't easy. They often challenge the medical team due to their knowledge about their condition. Building a bond with them is crucial.
Once they trust you understand their pain and discomfort, they're grateful and more receptive to your advice. It's rewarding to know they appreciate the care we provide as dialysis nurses.
How have the roles and job scope of nurses evolved over the decades?
Nurses now play crucial roles in treatment planning and contribute significantly to multidisciplinary team discussions.
At WH, nurses lead the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) clinic, focusing on managing non-complex cases, delaying End-Stage Renal Disease progression, and educating patients on medication, blood pressure, fluid control, lifestyle choices, and diet.
What is some advice you would have for those who are thinking of joining the nursing profession?
Nursing extends beyond bedside and clinical care; it's the cornerstone of healthcare. The profession offers diverse career paths in research, informatics, management, and education.
While the journey may pose challenges, entering nursing promises a rewarding career path worth sharing with future generations.
What keeps you going as a nurse?
What keeps me going every day is the appreciation I receive from my team. While not everyone may agree with the changes we implement, their openness to discuss and propose alternatives motivates me to strive for the best outcomes for everyone.
If there’s anything you’d tell your younger self, what would it be?
Be to be eager to progress, but remember that progression doesn't happen overnight. Enjoy the journey, and you'll eventually reach your goals!