How long have you been in your role?
I’ve been in my current role as Nurse Manager since 2021, and have been with Woodlands Health (WH) for more than six years now.
Tell us more about your role.
A major part of my job involves reviewing current nursing policies and procedures, and proposing changes based on ground feedback and/or the best available evidence.
What led you to pursue a career as a nurse?
It was an encounter with a nurse that first seeded my interest in nursing. While in junior college, I attended a blood donation drive, and was asked by the nurse on duty if I had ever considered becoming one. At that point, I had only considered taking up psychology or life sciences. But somehow, the idea of being a nurse stayed with me subconsciously.
I was intrigued by the multifaceted nature of the nursing discipline – a good marriage of the sciences and the arts. There are elements of psychology and life sciences, as well as some sociology and social work involved.
During my time participating at a Neighbourhood Health Screening initiative at Taman Jurong, I found that I really liked talking and listening to people, especially seniors who are always happy to share their life stories. We went door to door, checking if they may have fallen through the cracks of the healthcare system and encouraged them to come for screenings.
My parents are also ever supportive of my decisions in life and I have them to thank. I honestly do not know how they felt about my decision as all they did was to explore the reasons behind my decision, making sure that there is a rational and logical thought process and supported me. That’s what I appreciate about them.
What is one thing that spurs you on at work?
Knowing that I can improve the working conditions for fellow nurses in WH, drives me to work harder every day.
Can you share with us one or two memorable moments from your time in WH or healthcare?
I think this might be common amongst us nurses - I experienced “adulting” during my time in healthcare.
I went from being single to getting married, and then having a child. This career has played a significant part of my journey into adulthood.
What do you love about your job?
I am thankful for the experiences. As nurses, we have the privilege of journeying with patients through their dark periods and see them emerge stronger and more resilient. It is not often that our relatives, let alone strangers, allow us to journey with them.
It is a gratifying opportunity for me; to be able to connect and be there for them.
What made you join WH?
It was pre-destined. I was job-hunting in 2016 after leaving the SAF and applied to a few hospitals. WH offered me a job and I have not looked back since.
What motivated you to stay on with WH?
The support and friendship with my bosses and colleagues. We have a common goal and we work towards it together.
I am also grateful for being given many opportunities to challenge myself and learn new skills, having been rotated through different departments with varying job scopes.
Can you share an example of a particularly challenging situation you’ve faced in your profession and how the experience shaped you to be a better nurse?
I’ve learnt that everyone has a story if we take the time to hear them out.
I once encountered this gentleman who was extremely upset and ill-tempered towards everyone he came across and was always rejecting his medications. Through multiple engagement sessions, I learnt that his behaviour was shaped by his life experiences, having been abandoned by his own children and cheated by others.
I softened my approach with him, and he gradually changed his behaviour. He respected the fact that I treated him as a person rather than as a patient and was subsequently more open to his treatment plans.
What advice would you offer to nurses who aspire to make an impact in the healthcare sector?
To me, the qualities of a good nurse include having strong listening and observation skills. You should not just bulldoze through the treatment plan without listening to what the patients are telling you. Patients know themselves best, so it is important that we listen closely, observe, and pick up on any small cues, changes in their emotions or the inhibitions they show.
Most importantly, with all the talk about technological disruption today, a nurse cannot afford to stop learning.
A machine will not be able to replace the human touch or that connection with patients anytime soon. As nurses, we need to keep reinventing ourselves and stay relevant. It’s not about smart technology but being smart about technology and using aspects of it to improve our work.
