Celebrating Singapore Nurses’ Day 2024: Honoring the Heart of Healthcare
As we commemorate Singapore Nurses’ Day 2024, we pay tribute to the tireless dedication and compassion of our nurses. These selfless individuals embody the true spirit of healthcare, often going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of their patients.
To gain insight into the lives of these remarkable professionals, we spoke with five Singaporean nurses: Sister Laura Mei Lian Tan; VIVA Volunteer Nurse, Andhrias Maria Pushpam; Nurse Clinician, Pham Thi Ngoc Anh; Senior Nurse Clinician, Jade Lai; Staff Nurse, and Kam Wee Fang; Senior Nurse Manager from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Their stories of inspiration, resilience, and compassion serve as a testament to the vital role they play in our healthcare system.
Empowering Nurses through Education and Collaboration
Sister Laura, our VIVA volunteer nurse, has been instrumental in the VIVA-Asia Nursing Symposium, an annual event that brings together regional nurses to share knowledge and best practices in paediatric oncology. She also chaired the VIVA Self Care Programme Webinar, which equips patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with essential self-care skills.
NC Maria, SN Jade, and SNC Anh, also involved in the VIVA-Asia Nursing Symposium, shared their experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in nursing.
A Calling to Care
One of the first questions we asked the nurses was, "What inspired you to become a nurse?"
Sister Laura shared, "For me, it was a calling."
NC Maria explained, "I became a nurse because I wanted to help others, make a positive impact on people’s lives, and work in a profession that is both challenging and rewarding."
SNC Anh reflected, "To me, nursing has always been a calling. The longer I am in nursing, the more I realize only in this profession am I truly who I wanted to be."
SNM Wee Fang shared, “My inspiration to become a nurse came from the impression that nurses possess gentle and caring personalities, always willing to help and heal others. This compassionate dedication deeply resonated with me, motivating me to pursue a career in nursing where I could make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
SN Jade stated, “Nursing was not my first choice growing up. I always knew that I wanted to do something to make an impact on lives and had imagined myself being a lawyer. Coming from a family with cousins who are healthcare professionals, their passion and experiences sparked my interest and helped me see the incredible impact nursing can have. Slowly, I began to embrace this calling, and I accepted the Asian Nursing Scholarship. I am grateful that I did. The joy and fulfilment I experience in this profession far exceed what I could have imagined. It is incredibly rewarding to connect with people, provide care, and make a real difference in their lives every day.”
A Day in the Life of a Nurse
We asked SN Jade what a typical day looks like for her as a nurse.
She shared, “A typical day for me is a blend of exciting challenges and heartwarming moments! I start my day by greeting my patients, serving their medications, performing nursing procedures, and assisting in their daily living activities, ensuring my patients receive the care they need. Beyond the clinical duties, connecting with my patients and their families, listening to their stories, and understanding their needs are also a big part of the day. From there, I strive to support them in every way possible, whether it is providing comfort, answering questions, advocating for their needs, or just being a reassuring presence.”
Rewards and Challenges
We also asked them what the most rewarding part of their daily routine is.
NC Maria said, "The most rewarding part of my daily routine is seeing the smiles on my patients' faces and knowing that I’ve made a difference in their lives."
Sister Laura added, "After serving medication, we provide immediate assistance to those who need help. For those who will take their medication a little later, I make rounds to check on them. If parents or caregivers need help administering the medication or have questions related to the medications, I am available to assist them."
SNM Wee Fang shared, “Taking care of patients, ensuring their safety, and bringing joy to them while they are in the hospital. Knowing that my care and concern help with their recovery is incredibly fulfilling.”
We asked NC Maria, Sister Laura, and SNM Wee Fang about some of the biggest challenges they face in nursing.
Sister Laura mentioned, "Parents who feel like they don't need help. This always leads to a very fragmented beginning, full of frustration, but it's good to always be cool-headed and guide the family slowly. Patience solves problems."
NC Maria stated, "The biggest challenge I face as a nurse is managing my patients’ emotional stress and nursing them through the last stage of life."
SNM Wee Fang added, “Caring for patients with mental health conditions can be challenging to understand their point of view.”
Growing and Learning
We asked SN Jade how nursing has changed since she started her career.
SN Jade shared, “Nursing has evolved significantly over the years. It is no longer just carrying out clinical duties. Today, nursing encompasses a broader spectrum of roles and opportunities, such as the role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), who are actively involved in developing and managing the care plan alongside the multidisciplinary team. Additionally, we are increasingly engaged in innovation projects and clinical research, which enrich our experience and drive advancements in patient care. This shift has opened up new areas of growth and learning, making our roles even more diverse and impactful. It is thrilling to be part of a profession that’s continuously growing and pushing boundaries!”
We asked SNC Anh about her journey from school to becoming a nurse and how she manages her work-life balance in such a demanding profession.
SNC Anh shared, "I came to Singapore in 2002 to study nursing. After almost two decades, I am now an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) specialising in stem cell transplants. Looking back, my long journey in nursing started with me being an 18-year-old girl exploring different options in life. I am proud to say I made the right choice, as nursing has given me numerous opportunities to grow professionally. Every patient I encountered contributed to my career. Today, being the Global Nursing Lead, I see myself bringing nursing care across borders."
She continued, "Nursing is a high-demand profession. As an APN, I am accountable for the daily management of patients under my care. While at work, I push myself to ensure I provide the best care. Back at home, I try to give my family undivided attention. I enjoy cooking and baking for my family."
We asked SNC Anh how she handles the emotional aspect of nursing and what keeps her motivated on tough days.
SNC Anh explained, "As an APN specialising in stem cell transplant and working in the pediatric oncology unit, I am aware of the limitations of medical treatment. I stand strong for the patient but also allow myself to cry with their family during difficult moments. Nursing is an art, and that human touch cannot be forgotten."
Memories and Motivations
She added, "I am motivated when I see my patients get well, when I can see hope being restored. I love being a transplant APN as I witness the power of the 'living cell'."
We asked SN Jade what she loved the most about being a nurse and if it was what she expected it to be when she was studying it.
SN Jade explained, “What I love most about being a nurse is the close connections I build with my patients. I care for children with cancer who visit the hospital frequently and often stay with us for long periods. Over time, we develop a strong bond, and I become more than just a nurse—I become a supportive presence for them and their families. It’s truly amazing to witness their incredible strength as they battle their conditions. They inspire me daily and teach me so much about resilience and courage. Seeing their determination and growth is what makes this job so rewarding!”
She added, “Nursing has been a fascinating journey, and it’s definitely more dynamic than I initially expected. While we learned essential nursing skills like medication administration and wound dressing in school, the broader scope of nursing has been a pleasant surprise. It’s a field of continuous learning and growth, extending beyond traditional clinical skills. I never imagined diving into areas like nursing research and the integration of technology into daily nursing practice. Each day brings new experiences and opportunities to expand my knowledge. It’s an ever-evolving profession that keeps me engaged and excited to learn more!”
We asked NC Maria and SNM Wee Fang to share a memorable moment where they felt they made an impact on a patient’s life and if they had any advice for someone considering a career in nursing.
NC Maria recounted, "A memorable moment was when a patient who had completed treatment thanked me for my care, saying my support and encouragement helped them recover faster and move forward to a healthier life."
She advised, "If you are thinking about pursuing nursing as a career, accept the difficulties and dedication that the role demands. Expect hard work, and know that every minute you spend caring for patients has the potential to have a significant impact on their lives. It is immensely satisfying to be able to soothe, heal, and help other people. Your commitment can genuinely alter the world."
SNM Wee Fang recalled, “One memorable moment that stands out was when I met a former cancer patient I had cared for when he was young. He was delighted to see me and shared that he is now working hard to become a nurse himself. He even told me that he will take care of me when I’m old and in the hospital. Another significant moment was when I received a phone call from a colleague in another ward, informing me that a teenage patient with a mental health condition had specifically asked for me upon her admission. When I visited her, she was in the middle of a session with the medical social worker (MSW). The MSW ended the session early, noting that the patient was more excited and happier to meet me than to continue with the session."
She advised, “My advice to anyone considering a career in nursing is to note that it is not only about caring for and healing others. You need to be physically and mentally strong to face daily challenges and handle shift work. It is crucial to have a clear mind to make good clinical decisions to save lives. Always remember to cause no harm to your patients and treat them as you would your loved ones. In addition, self-care is essential and critically important in the nursing journey and making an impact in others’ lives."
We asked SNC Anh how she continues to grow and learn in her nursing career.
SNC Anh responded, "Nursing has always amazed me with the continuous learning opportunities. Throughout my nursing career, I have been fortunate to meet great mentors from both the nursing and medicine teams. From being a novice to an expert, we need years of experience, and I am still learning every day to become a better me in the nursing profession."
We also asked SN Jade if she had anything to say to encourage other nurses.
She stated, “Nursing is indeed a challenging field that demands a lot of passion and dedication. My advice is to explore different areas within nursing and find a specialty or pathway that truly excites you. When you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll discover immense joy and meaning in your work. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask questions and admit when you don’t know something—learning is a continuous journey, and we grow by supporting each other. Even the smallest gestures can make a huge impact on patients and their families, so never underestimate the value of your contributions. Keep pushing forward, and know that your efforts make a difference every day!”
Debunking Misconceptions
Finally, we asked NC Maria and SNM Wee Fang if there were any misconceptions about nursing they would like to address.
NC Maria clarified, "Some misunderstandings about nursing include the idea that it is not intellectually stimulating and that it involves merely taking orders from doctors. In actuality, nursing is a profession for anyone who is enthusiastic about healthcare and requires sophisticated abilities and critical thinking."
SNM Wee Fang stated, “1. Nursing is just basic care: Many people believe nursing is limited to tasks like taking the temperature of patients, checking their vital signs, administering medication, and assisting with their personal hygiene. However, the responsibilities are much greater than that. It involves critical thinking, complex decision-making, and advanced clinical skills. 2. Nurses work under doctors: While nurses collaborate with doctors, they have their own scope of practice and responsibilities. In fact, the senior nurses guide junior doctors in performing various medical procedures. 3. Nursing doesn’t require advanced education: Nursing requires rigorous education and training to keep up with the constantly evolving care management of patients and medical advancements. Many nurses hold a Bachelor’s degree, and some even move on to a Master’s degree or doctorate."
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we celebrate Singapore Nurses’ Day 2024, we express our deepest gratitude to all the nurses who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Their stories of inspiration, resilience, and compassion remind us of the vital role they play in our healthcare system. Thank you to all the nurses for their unwavering commitment and for making a difference every day.
Special thanks to Ms Laura, SNC Anh, NC Maria, SNM Wee Fang and SN Jade for sharing their responses. This would not have been possible without their help.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the nurses in our lives. Share your gratitude on social media or say a heartfelt thank you in person. Your support and recognition mean the world to those who give so much.