With early diagnosis and consistent management from her team at KTPH’s Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, 86-year-old Mdm
Lim lives a rich and active life despite age-related macular degeneration
4 WHAT’S UP Community events, outreach efforts, and more
10 YH IN THE NEWS
A roundup of Yishun Health appearances in the media
18 Q&A
Health and wellness questions asked and answered!
20 EVERYDAY HEROES
Driven By Purpose, Passion and a Love for the Practice of Nursing Advanced Practice Nurse
Jessie Tan brings heart and humanity to her work
Part 4 of 5
24 LIVE WELL
Guardians of the Hospital Senior members of the KTPH Security team share an inspiring picture of work-life integration
The fourth part of our Journeys in Health series shows us that being in our silver years does not mean being held back by health conditions or slowing down in life. With early diagnosis, good and timely medical care and a positive mindset, patients can still enjoy a rich, fulfilled and active life.
28 SPOTLIGHT
Bringing the Healing Power of Nature Indoors
The Garden by the Bed initiative brings the outdoors into the wards for patients
32 5 THINGS ABOUT…
Brushing Right Brush up on your knowledge of good oral health!
34 DAILY DOSE
Harness Your Virtues for a More Fulfilling Life Nurture your strengths for greater resilience and personal growth
36 MAKAN TIME
Steamed Fish with Coriander Sauce
For a low sodium dish, try serving this streamed fish!
38 FIT & FAB
Take Microbreaks at Work!
Take tiny time-outs for better productivity
40 NURSES’ DAY 2024
Celebrating the achievements of Yishun Health nurses, the backbone of our healthcare system
WScan here to subscribe to aha online for regular updates and stories from Yishun Health!
hy aha?
The name aha holds much significance for us at Yishun Health. In part, it is a nod to our history; it also stands for ‘Advocates for Health in Action’. Through these pages, we hope to empower you to take charge of your own health and discover those ‘aha!’ moments that lead to a healthier, happier you.
PUBLISHER
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital, and community extensions.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Nur Amalina
Hannah Wong
Jack Lau
Sabrina Ng
Sharon Ng
Albert Foo
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
The editorial committee — made up of clinical, nursing, allied health, population health & community transformation, and administrative heads of department — advises aha’s direction.
A/Prof Tan Kok Yang
Fatimah Moideen Kutty
Shirley Heng
Teresa Foong
www.ktph.com.sg/ about-us/media/publications
aha@ktph.com.sg
PUBLISHING AGENT
THINKFARM PTE LTD www.thinkfarm.sg
MANAGING DIRECTOR Christopher Tay
EDITOR
Adam Yap Keh Chew
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Sheralyn Tay
HEAD, CREATIVE Lee Lily
HEAD, CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
Jessie Kek
CONTRIBUTORS
Justin Loh, Chua Kim Beng
aha is the official quarterly publication of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (Co. Reg. No. 200717564H) and is produced by ThinkFarm Pte Ltd. All rights to this publication are reserved and no part may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is accurate and up to date, the editorial team will not be responsible for errors due to information received. Opinions expressed are that of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the publishers. Printed by Mainland Press Pte Ltd. MCI (P) 054/06/2024
New clinics to improve the breast cancer journey
Plastic surgery is not just about cosmetic procedures. This specialty also deals with reconstructive surgery, which helps to restore and repair parts of the body affected by defects, injury or disease. For those with breast cancer, reconstructive surgery helps them regain a part of themselves lost to the cancer.
On 12 April 2024, two Specialist
Through augmented reality, visualisations of various breast reconstruction procedures can be displayed on a virtual anatomical model, helping patients to better understand the various options open to them
Outpatient Clinics at KTPH were officially opened to deliver more synergised care to this group of breast cancer patients. The co-location of these two services will also enable future innovation and interprofessional collaboration.
The C23 Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic provides the full range of adult plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic
surgery services. It comes equipped with in-house laser machines and minor procedure rooms.
The adjoining C22 Breast Centre - co-designed with the Breast Cancer Foundation - will serve dual purposes as a consulting clinic as well as a Breast Cancer Support Centre, providing a safe and quiet space for counselling and contemplation.
Key members of the General Surgery team and partners opening the new clinic together
Joined by our partners from the Breast Cancer Foundation, the teams of both clinics — comprising doctors, nurses, as well as staff from allied health and operations — came together to officially open C22 and C23
Faster access for urgent dialysis needs
Inpatients who urgently require dialysis, non-invasive ventilation, inotropic support, and close monitoring can now receive care at a new Acute Haemodialysis Unit (AHU) at KTPH. Officially opened
on 11 April 2024, the four-bed unit will ensure more timely and comprehensive dialysis treatment for renal patients.
The previous practice was to transfer critically ill renal inpatients or
those who arrive at the A&E to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the High Dependency (HD) ward for dialysis. The introduction of AHU will free up ICU/HD beds for other patients who require acute care and treatment.
Key members of the General Medicine and Nursing teams officially opened the AHU with a ribbon-cutting ceremony
10 cabin crew (second row) were welcomed to KTPH as Group Ambassadors!
A partnership takes flight
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Care Ambassadors programme saw cabin crew from the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group take on healthcare support roles to bolster care in the wards.
Following the success of this initiative, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Public Service Division
and SIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024 to formalise a commitment to building up healthcare volunteerism in Singapore during peacetime.
Under this partnership, MOH’s SG Healthcare Corps will facilitate the training and deploying of SIA and Scoot cabin
crew to work alongside staff in the inpatient wards to provide caregiving and augment nursing manpower.
On 22 April 2024, 10 cabin crew from SIA and Scoot were onboarded to KTPH as part of the new batch of (now renamed) Group Ambassadors to KTPH.
Under this partnership, Group Ambassadors work closely with nurses to support them in patient care
Knowledge sharing for better Parkinson’s care
The Community Care Partners Programme held its ‘Living Fully with Parkinson’s Disease’ session on 13 April 2024 at Yishun Community Hospital (YCH). The event, co-organised by YCH and the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), welcomed 79 participants from eight Intermediate and LongTerm Care organisations.
During the session, five speakers offered a multidisciplinary overview of how to manage patients with moderate Parkinson’s Disease. Some topics included ‘Medical Knowledge on Parkinson’s Disease’, ‘Rehabilitation in Parkinson’s Disease’, and ‘Postural Hypotension in Parkinson’s Disease’.
The goal of the session was to
equip participants with fundamental knowledge to address daily living challenges and improve medication management. There was also a series of practical workshops highlighting simple interventions that could significantly improve patient’s quality of life which can be carried out by healthcare providers without any special expertise.
Harnessing our virtues for a happy life!
Participants had a go at gashapon, where they could turn the vending machine to dispense a capsule of ‘wisdom’, and in return, contribute a piece of wisdom into capsule for the next person!
This year’s Happiness Day was aimed at encouraging people to reflect on and identify personal strengths — and use them to build a better life. In line with the theme, ‘Harnessing Strengths, Harvesting Happiness’, clinical psychologists from KTPH’s Psychology Service set up booths to showcase the six broad virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance and transcendence (read more on page 34). Identifying and making the most of these virtues and accompanying strengths is key to personal fulfilment and happiness.
With a wide range of information and activities, the booths were a fun way to explore these virtues. They included a wisdom-dispensing gashapon capsule vending machine, a wheel of gratitude, a courage zone, and a humanity corner.
Hands up for Hand Hygiene Day
To mark Global Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May, Yishun Health’s Infection Control team organised a series of activities to recognise our commitment to safe patient care.
To refresh and reiterate the importance of good hygiene, Senior Management recorded short messages of encouragement that were played over the public announcement system for all to hear. Some 200 staff also sat in on a webinar on 2 May with guest speaker, Ms Lavinia Lopez from Ecolab, who gave a talk on ‘Preventing Infection Outbreaks with Hand Hygiene’.
Adding to the very interactive day, Senior Management also participated in a walkabout with our hand hygiene mascot!
Don’t kid around with kidney health!
In conjunction with World Kidney Day and World Dietitians’ Day, the KTPH Renal Medicine and Nutrition and Dietetics teams held a two-day exhibition at the KTPH Lobby on 13 and 14 March to encourage more people to take better care of their kidneys.
Through activities and games, members of the public and staff learned how to maintain good kidney health, such as controlling the intake of sodium and sugar, monitoring of blood pressure, exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet with sufficient water. There were also booths set up by our Clinical Research Unit and partners such as the National Kidney Foundation and National Organ Transplant Unit.
Members of Infection Control team posing with the mascot, Soapy!
Put your best foot forward
This year’s Podiatry Day was celebrated on 23 April. To mark the occasion, the KTPH Podiatry department put up an exhibition to teach the public about foot health. Through various booths, participants could learn about good footwear, foot care and wound care, with a focus on the prevention and management of diabetic foot wounds. Visitors also brought home a goodie bag that included bamboo fibre socks and a nail file.
Weaving connections and beyond
The Medical Social Services (MSS) play an important role in a patient’s care journey and are integrated into almost every multidisciplinary team. They look into the social, emotional and financial factors that can impact well-being, recovery and quality of life as advocates for patients and their families.
At this year’s Social Work Day, 50 partners from Yishun Family Service Centre @ Children’s Society and Montfort Care’s GoodLife! @ Yishun were invited to recognise the collaborative spirit that has allowed for holistic care in the hospital and beyond. During the get-together, participants took part in activities and got to converse about personal
motivations in life and social work.
A Share and Learn platform for Yishun Health and our partners was also launched to share best practices, service referrals and community resources. It was launched in the symbolic formation of a puzzle, representing each partner’s commitment towards good patient care and a resilient social work ecosystem.
A member of the public learning about good footwear at the Podiatry Day exhibition
…in The Straits Times
The ‘Garden by the Bed’ project is a horticultural therapy initiative at Yishun Community Hospital.
While plants and gardens can promote a sense of well-being, not all patients are able to visit the hospital gardens. As such, Senior Occupational Therapist Giang Thuy Anh decided to make nature accessible to more patients in the wards using mobile horticulture trolleys.
“The objective of our project is to improve the well-being of patients. Many of our patients in the acute care wards are not fit enough to go to the garden. That’s why we want to bring the garden to them,” she says. By using plants or plant-based activities for healing and rehabilitation, healthcare workers can work on a patient’s sensory, cognitive and physical abilities. Today, Anh, together with a team of occupational therapists, nurses and volunteers, has made nature accessible to patients in six geriatric acute care wards. See page 28 to read more.
AScan the QR code to view The Straits Times’ multimedia feature
s Singapore faces a rapidly ageing population, a higher prevalence of dental health issues is expected. Some of the more common dental problems among older adults include tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. These problems are often due to a lifetime of dental wear, poor oral hygiene and dry mouth.
Dr Sophia Yee, a registrar at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s dental surgery department, explains that although ageing affects the structure and function of teeth and gums, losing teeth is not part of natural ageing. She shares that it is possible to prevent tooth loss due to decay or gum disease with good oral care habits. See page 32 to read about good oral hygiene.
Scan the QR code to read the full story
…on KTPH Instagram
Buying good quality shoes that fit correctly goes a long way towards preventing foot problems. In conjunction with Podiatry Day, we invited our podiatrist, Chia Kai Li, to share three useful tips for buying shoes that are good for your feet. Keep these in mind and kick foot pain to the curb!
Scan the QR code to watch the video
3 TIPS WHEN BUYING NEW SHOES
Here are the three things to look out for
Step into the fascinating world of diagnostics. From decoding the intricacies of biochemistry to unravelling the mysteries of haematology and microbiology, our dedicated team at the Department of Laboratory Medicine works tirelessly to ensure accurate results and better health outcomes for all.
Scan the QR code to discover the magic of lab science
Photo: Kelvin
Photo: Ong Wee Jin / ST
and active life living a Rich
At 86, Mdm Lim still enjoys an active social life. Despite having age-related macular degeneration (AMD), early diagnosis and consistent treatment means that she can continue living her best life. This is the vision that KTPH’s Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences has for all its patients — the prevention of vision loss and accessible care to maintain the best quality of life possible.
Almost every day, 86-year-old Mdm Lim
Poh Choo begins her day with a walk around her neighbourhood and a leisurely read of the day’s Chinese language papers. And, at least twice a week, she goes to the senior activity centre after breakfast to socialise, play her favourite games, and do handicraft.
“I play Rummy-o, bingo and 四色牌 (four-colour cards),” she shares, proudly showing off her personal set of green, yellow, red and white cards printed with characters from Chinese chess pieces. “I have been playing this game since I was 10 years old.”
Her daughter, Sharon Lee — one of four siblings and Mdm Lim’s main caregiver — looks on and chuckles.
Mdm Lim is proof that getting older does not necessarily mean slowing down or being held back by a few health conditions. With good management and a positive mindset, the gregarious lady still enjoys all the things she loves.
A few years ago, Mdm Lim had cataracts removed from her eyes and was later diagnosed with agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a common, chronic and irreversible eye disease where the macula — the part of the eye that controls one’s central and reading vision — becomes damaged due to age-related changes. It is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
Thankfully, under the care of her specialists from the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (OVS), Mdm Lim continues to maintain her vision and leads an
“Even though my mum cannot fully understand Dr Sidd as she is Chinese-speaking, she is able to feel genuine care and compassion from him.”
Sharon Lee Daughter of Mdm Lim
independent life filled with friends and activities. “She has a more active social life than I do,” Sharon jokes, grateful for her mother’s cheerful attitude and good health, as well as effective eye treatments that enable her to remain independent.
Mdm Lim herself is full of appreciation for the care she has received. While she speaks little English, it is clear that she is full of praise for her consultant, Dr Siddharth Subramani. “I like my doctor very much and his treatment is very good,” Mdm Lim shares. “He is very patient, careful and polite.” So deep is her trust in Dr Sidd — as she calls him — that he is the only person she requests to perform eye injections on her. “Even though my mum cannot fully understand Dr Sidd as she is Chinesespeaking, she is able to feel genuine care and compassion from him,” affirms Sharon. “Once, she chose to wait several hours for Dr Sidd to be free to administer her injection. Sometimes, we will have to walk around and have lunch first before seeing him!”
Mdm Lim’s good management of her AMD allows her to continue enjoying activities such as making intricate bracelets, doing arts and craft and playing her favourite games
Mdm Lim (middle) goes to KTPH for her OVS appointments with her daughter, Sharon (right). Under Dr Sidd’s (left) care coupled with Mdm Lim’s compliance with the treatment regime, her improved vision has given her quality of life
“Impaired vision in older adults has a significant impact on their quality of life, our goal for AMD — as with any eye disease — is early diagnosis and treatment.”
Dr Siddharth Subramani Consultant, OpHthalmology and Visual Sciences, KTPH
Sharon, who accompanies her mother for her appointments, also sees the sincerity shown to them.
“Dr Sidd takes time to explain everything to us, show us photos of her condition for comparison, and encourages my mother to keep up with treatments,” she says. “Though her AMD cannot be reversed, we can stop the deterioration in order to maintain her vision. And if we do that, we can help her maintain her quality of life, which is important.”
According to Dr Sidd, Mdm Lim’s compliance with the AMD treatment regime and good response to the medication has stabilised her condition. This has allowed her to have a reduced frequency of injections from monthly to once in every few months. Today, with Mdm Lim’s improved vision, she continues to engage in activities that require good eyesight, such as making intricate bracelets and using her mobile device to browse Facebook and WhatsApp.
“Our goal for AMD — as with any eye disease — is early diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr Sidd. “Impaired vision in older adults
has a significant impact on their quality of life.” Studies show that those with vision loss are three times more likely to have problems moving around and even doing daily activities, making them more prone to lose their independence and mobility. There is also an associated increased risk of falls, social
isolation, and poor mental health, as they are two times more likely to be depressed or anxious than someone with normal vision. Additionally, vision loss can amplify the effects of other chronic conditions.
IMPROVING AMD AWARENESS AND CARE AT OVS
With this in mind, it is encouraging that more and more people are seeking help for AMD, partly due to many years of awareness campaigns such as the annual AMD Week.
“We see a lot of change these days,” remarks Dr Bindu Rajesh, Resident Physician, OVS. “Previously, patients visited the clinic only to find out if they have cataracts. Nowadays, patients are more aware of AMD and glaucoma, and ask us about these conditions. We also find
that they are more open to receiving treatment than before!”
She notes that in the past, more older adults would turn down treatment. “There is a misconception in some people that, if they are in their 80s or 90s, there is no point undergoing eye treatment. But age should not deter people from this. We believe that as long as they live, we must do what is necessary to maintain their vision so that they can continue to have a good quality of life.” In fact, timely treatment is crucial as it prevents the condition from getting worse.
Treatment, she elaborates, consists of injections that help to slow or arrest the damage happening in the macula, the centre part of our retina responsible for one’s central vision. In recent years, more treatment options have become available, expanding the array of options. “Cost has always been a concern, especially when patients need multiple sessions of treatment monthly or at two- to three-month intervals. In recent years, the reduction in the prices of approved medication with additional subsidies have made AMD treatments more affordable,” she adds.
A study revealed that the absolute number of Singaporeans aged 40
and above with AMD was reported at just over 125,000 in 2015, and is expected to approach 200,000 by 2040. The demand for treatment for AMD and other macular diseases has likewise risen, doubling the number of injections delivered at KTPH in the last five years, notes Dr Sidd.
To cater to this demand, OVS is proactively taking steps to bolster its facilities and capabilities. This includes training specialist nurses to deliver intravitreal injections and raising the capacity of the treatment clinic to accommodate more patients. “80% of injections we give are for AMD,” says Dr Bindu.
The department also invests in the latest diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, and runs a low-vision clinic for those with vision loss that
“We believe that, as long as they live, we must do what is necessary to maintain their vision so that they can continue to have a good quality of life.”
Dr Bindu Rajesh Resident Physician, OpHthalmology and Visual Sciences, KTPH
cannot improve further with medical treatment. The clinic helps them cope better with their day-to-day activities using visual aids.
A SMOOTHER ROAD TO RIGHT-SITED CARE
Besides improving care at the Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) level, OVS has also streamlined the referral process from polyclinics and GPs so that patients have a more direct route to timely specialist care.
This smoother access to care helps improve outcomes beyond AMD. According to Dr Bindu, the department has strong ongoing collaborations with community care providers. GP symposiums and continuing education and training for optometrists and opticians help ensure these ‘eyes on the ground’ are up to date and wellversed with the symptoms of various eye diseases.
In fact, she shares that there is a good detection rate of cataracts and other eye problems by opticians, who can spot abnormalities during a routine eye test. They then encourage individuals to consult an eye specialist prior to making new glasses. As optometrists and opticians are usually the first points
of contact, they play a crucial role in spotting signs and symptoms in these patients. This care pathway from the community runs both ways.
To accommodate new referrals and manage the workload at the OVS clinic, patients with stable and non-complicated eye conditions are followed up at the Supplementary Primary Eyecare Clinic (SPEC), currently based at Admiralty Medical Centre (AdMC). This service will also be extended to KTPH in 2025.
Started in 2017, SPEC consists of a team of trained optometrists who examine, co-manage and monitor patients under the supervision of ophthalmologists. SPEC has, since 2020, evolved to become EnhancedSupplementary Primary Eyecare Clinic (E-SPEC), where certified optometrists independently manage certain groups of patients. This service provides a cost-effective approach to managing this group of patients in a timely manner. “It helps manage and distribute the patient load while ensuring patients are still being monitored. They can also be easily referred back to specialists if any new issues arise,” says Dr Bindu.
Ultimately, Dr Sidd says that it takes a concerted effort along the whole chain of care — from patients to community providers and eye specialists — to work together to ensure the prevention of vision loss, and have good clinical outcomes. “We emphasise on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. It’s important to know that some eye conditions have no symptoms until things are very advanced, at which point it becomes very difficult to treat. So, it’s essential to get screened while the vision is still good or seek help as soon as there are mild symptoms.”
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
In AMD, there is central vision loss or distortion. This makes fine details — whether close by or far away — hard to see. Shapes and lines may be distorted, and there may be dark patches in the central vision. Peripheral vision is less affected.
Cataracts
In cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from getting to the retina. This causes overall blurry vision, with poor vision in low light conditions, and glare and light sensitivity around bright lights.
Join us at the AMD Week & Geriatric Health Carnival on 5 October 2024
An exciting line-up of activities — including educational talks and health screenings — await you! Scan here for more details.
Cataract
During Holidays Staying Safe
Yishun Health experts answer your frequently asked questions about your health, well-being and personal care needs.
In consultation with Dr Benjamin Soh, Associate Consultant, Sports and Exercise Medicine Centre, KTPH
I am going for a holiday with my family soon, what are some precautions we can take to prevent injuries during our upcoming trip?
We see a 10% to 20% increase in the number of patients during the holiday season, especially in patients who are already following up for chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis (most commonly in the knee). Many of these patients experience a flare up of their existing conditions from going overseas because of overexertion or the change in routine and/or temperature.
When it comes to preventing musculoskeletal injuries, it is important to:
1 Prepare yourself physically. If your trip involves a lot of walking or activity, you can prepare yourself by establishing an exercise routine in the months leading up to the holiday. This means stretching more and improving your strength and stamina.
3 Use proper technique when lifting luggage. Always attempt to lift heavy objects as close to the body as possible to minimise undue strain on the arms and back. Try to pack light and use several smaller bags instead of one large one that is harder to lift.
2 Make sensible footwear choices. Opt for comfortable and stable shoes that are already broken in. Avoid wearing unfamiliar shoes when travelling as they can cause discomfort and increase the risk of falls or injury.
4 Be aware of your surroundings. It is natural to be excited about exploring a new and unfamiliar place. Do be mindful of fall hazards such as slippery, steep or uneven surfaces.
My father-in-law suffers from knee pain. What can we do to help him better enjoy our overseas trip together?
If he is not already doing so, encourage your father-in-law to keep active, and take short walks regularly to build his stamina and leg strength prior to your trip. It might be helpful for him to speak to his doctor on how to manage any potential flare-ups and to keep a prescription of painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications on hand. He can also bring a hiking pole or walking stick to help him if he needs more support for longer walks. Other useful items include a heat or cold pack, muscle balm, and medicated plasters. When planning your trip, factor in frequent breaks so that he can take a rest in between stops and rest his knee.
What is the most common holidayrelated injury and what can I pack to prepare for it?
Common injuries seen across various tourist hot spots appear to be related to accidental falls, which may result in deep cuts, ligament sprains or tears, or fractures. Other common injuries seen often occur with road traffic accidents, both from driving and the use of bicycles or e-scooters, which are far more common with tourists than the local population. Finally, water and winter sports may also increase the risk of injuries and falls. While some of these injuries require immediate medical attention, minor ones can be treated with a well-equipped first aid kit that you can bring with you. For cuts, scrapes and minor bumps or sprains, pack plasters, a heating or cooling pack and anti-inflammatory cream. Other useful items include antiseptic wipes, charcoal pills, antihistamines, painkillers, antacids, electrolytes, sunscreen, insect repellent and face masks. It is also equally important to wear appropriate protective and padded clothing and heed local advice and regulations, especially in unfamiliar terrain or when driving on the roads. As I learnt from a recent trip in New Zealand – the intensity, difficulty, and length of time for activities such as driving or hiking may be benchmarked to the local population who are familiar with the environment and weather conditions. Always give yourself more time to complete a physical task or a long drive to avoid rushing and increasing your risk of a careless mishap.
DRIVEN BY PURPOSE, PASSION AND A LOVE FOR THE PRACTICE OF NURSING
For almost three decades, Jessie Tan has constantly evolved and enhanced her nursing practice. From a junior nurse focused on routine duties to an Advanced Practice Nurse and Senior Nurse Clinician devoted to person-centred care, Jessie continues to provide care that meets specific needs, activates individual strengths and nurtures the human spirit.
As a young, freshly graduated nurse in 1993, 18-year-old Jessie Tan entered the profession at a time when nursing was very different. With a focus on basic care needs and functional tasks, nursing then was manual and labour-intensive. “We were focused on carrying out doctor’s orders and doing tasks such as toileting and bathing,” she recalls. With few disposables on hand, her role also included a lot of cleaning of equipment and bedding, and sanitisation. Added to the challenges of the work, Malaysianborn Jessie also had to overcome some cultural and linguistic differences working in Singapore.
A few years into her nursing career, she made the decision to focus on nursing for older patients and pursued an Advanced Diploma in Gerontological Nursing at Nanyang Polytechnic. In 2008, she followed up with a part-time Health Sciences Degree with the University of Sydney.
“When we recognise the essence of humanity in each other and our shared connection as human beings, we connect so much better to patients – even those who are confused or aggressive.”
Jessie Tan
Advanced Practice Nurse and Senior Nurse Clinician, APN and Specialty Nurses, KTPH
This led her to specialise in continence management at Alexandra Hospital, a role she found “immensely satisfying” and one she holds a deep passion for even today. Encountering patients in distress from severe constipation and urinary incontinence and being able to alleviate their discomfort made her feel that she was making a difference and doing something meaningful. She recalls one patient with a severe constipation and urinary retention problem who would see her three to
four times a week for the draining of urine. Over time, the frequency of her visits decreased as she got better. Touchingly, Jessie could see the woman bloom with self-confidence, as time went by. “On her very last appointment with me, she was wearing a beautiful outfit and asked especially to see me,” Jessie says.
This sense of purpose has continued to inspire Jessie throughout her career in all her various roles and functions. From taking on administrative nursing duties to
specialising in dementia care, she is driven to improve care for patients.
NURSING AT A HIGHER LEVEL
One way she has elevated her ‘nursing game’ was in taking up a Master of Nursing post-graduate degree to become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). When she was presented with the opportunity, Jessie remembers being in disbelief. “I could not stop crying and laughing for a month!” she jests. Coming from
humble beginnings, she felt a huge sense of validation to be given this greater responsibility of care.
In her current role as an APN and Senior Nurse Clinician, Jessie is part of a rising wave of nurses who are elevating the nursing practice in profound ways. Comparing her early days as a nurse and now, Jessie notes that the nursing role has evolved significantly, shifting from custodial caregivers to advanced practitioners with expanded clinical responsibilities. “APNs now perform
tasks that were once reserved for junior doctors,” she reflects. “We have a greater responsibility in shaping care for our patients.”
Procedures such as male catheterisation, comprehensive patient assessments, ordering investigations, and prescribing medications are now handled by APNs like herself. As part of a multidisciplinary team, she also contributes actively on an equal playing field. “This broader scope enables us to work as full-fledged
“We must remember that everyone has the ability to take care of themselves and as nurses, we are not here just to fix problems – we help you take care of yourself too.”
practitioners, collaborating with doctors and other team members to deliver specialised care to patients,” she says.
One example is Jessie’s work and advocacy for the care and management of dementia. In October 2011, she simultaneously managed CARITAS Community@North and handled the clinical training for nursing for the CAMIE (Care for the Acute Mentally Infirm Elder) ward. The former is Singapore’s first integrated care initiative for persons with dementia and the latter is KTPH’s first restraint-free dementia ward.
Jessie believes that nurses are
well-placed to do even more in the area of person-centred care. “We can contribute much more to the adoption of person-centred care beyond mere task-focused approaches – especially in the care of frail older persons with physical and mental infirmities,” she emphasises.
A philosophy she carries with her in all her years of nursing comes from the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, a theory pioneered by Dorothea Orem in the 1980s. It is the idea that “everyone has the ability to take care of themselves –and as nurses, our primary role is to facilitate and promote
self-care for people who are unable to independently meet their self-care needs.” Jessie notes that with an ageing population, prioritising person-centred care is increasingly vital. “To do this, we must understand each person’s biographies alongside their biology to achieve well-rounded health.”
FOSTERING CONNECTIONS FOR BETTER CARE
One of the ways Jessie advocates for person-centred care is through Humanitude, a concept that emphasises a relationship-centred and compassionate care approach towards vulnerable patients such as those with dementia or delirium. In addition to promoting patients’ mobility, this method of care also improves the communication between healthcare providers and these patients. Since its introduction to Yishun Health in 2019, she has not only modelled its practice but is an ardent advocate for the Humanitude care concept. As of April 2024,
Jessie believes in the power of the human touch, connection and compassion in bringing care to patients
Jessie is one of five Yishun Health staff who has achieved the Level 3 certification of Humanitude.
“Everyone has a life story,” stresses Jessie. She makes an effort to find out what that is – their history, aspirations and preferences –so that she can connect with them, empathise better and carry out appropriate care. In persons with dementia, this approach helps Jessie to more effectively recognise and address their needs.
“Often, so-called ‘difficult behaviours’ are simply a way of expressing an unmet need,” she explains. “It could be because they are in physical discomfort, or feel confused or frustrated due to a cognitive loss. It could also be due to psycho-social needs such as a yearning for love, comfort, freedom or security.”
This helps her discover ‘the person behind the disease’.
“When we recognise the essence of humanity in each other and our shared connection as human beings, we connect so much better with patients – even those who are confused or aggressive,” says Jessie. This increases patient cooperation in care provision and reduced immobility, leading to fewer instances of prolonged bedbound states.
This approach is also helpful in overcoming Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), one of the biggest challenges in the ward that poses a risk to both patients and nurses. Jessie – as part of a medical team – developed a set of guidelines and action plans to help tackle the issue. It focuses on the early detection of patients with delirium and BPSD so that appropriate care interventions can be proactively initiated. Using these guidelines, they have put into place values, expectations, behaviour and signposts to guide nurses in providing appropriate care to dementia
patients. Together, these initiatives have reduced patient immobility and hospitalisation stays, while also raising nurses’ competency.
“With a structured and proactive plan, we are enhancing productivity, easing frustration, and fostering a more cohesive work environment,” she says.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ADVOCATE
Despite the many responsibilities she carries out in her day-to-day work, Jessie goes over and above in many other ways to do better for her patients.
“Modern nursing sometimes overlooks this critical element of care where individuals’ autonomy and well-being are just as important as medical care,” she points out. “Task-focused methods, though efficient, should be balanced with person-centred care, considering patients’ holistic needs.”
Take fall prevention as a case in point. “We first need to prioritise mobility within a safe environment for frail patients instead of just restricting their movements,” she explains, “Not only does this help to enhance their ambulatory abilities and reduce fall risks, but it also preserves their dignity and quality of life. Rather than just being caregivers, we should elevate our role to be advocates for our patients’ overall well-being.”
She adds, “We must remember that everyone has the ability to take care of themselves and as nurses, we are not here just to fix problems – we help you take care of yourself too.” This means instead of focusing on what patients cannot do, nurses should look at preserving independence in daily tasks. “It is vital to assess their abilities, help them adapt to environmental factors, and encourage active involvement in their own health instead of merely completing tasks
ADVANCING THE PRACTICE OF NURSING
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are senior nurses who typically have a master’s degree and can take on greater roles in diagnosis and treatment. They are equipped with clinical knowledge and skills in a wide range of tasks that are over and above traditional nursing duties. Some of the key responsibilities include:
• Providing patient care in collaboration with the medical team
• Providing clinical leadership and consults
• History taking, physical examinations as well as doing clinical/differential diagnosis and ordering basic laboratory tests
• Interpreting basic laboratory and diagnostic results
• Updating patients and families of clinical conditions and management
• Conducting clinic sessions in an outpatient setting independently or with a medical doctor
• Reviewing and managing patients with stable chronic conditions
• Prescribing some medications for them,” she stresses. “When we recognise their capabilities and facilitate participation, we empower them and make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
GUARDIANS OF THE HOSPITAL
As members of KTPH’s Security team, Khalid Bin Shehad and Shahrul Bahri Bin Selamat take a person-centred, service-oriented approach to safety and security, injecting immense heart and care into what they do. Their dedication to work and teammates is balanced with meaningful personal pursuits, creating an inspiring picture of work-life integration.
(L-R) Khalid and Shahrul are two of the many long-serving staff who make up the dedicated Security team of Yishun Health
From being the ‘eye in the sky’, keeping watch over the campus, to acting as a reassuring presence on the ground, the Security team has got it covered. According to Shahrul Bahri Bin Selamat, 55, who is the manager of the team, the work is wide-ranging and challenging, but also fulfilling and enjoyable. Besides safety and security functions — access control, surveillance, building security, and emergency preparedness — Shahrul and his team also oversee other areas, such as management of the mortuary and car park.
“Our primary concern is the safety of all of our patients and staff,” he explains. “But we do more than that.” Importantly, this distinction is reflected in their official title: Patient Relations Associate. “While the bulk of our work involves security, the other substantial part is patient relations. There is also an aspect of customer service in what we do,” he shares.
Compared to an office or shopping centre, the security needs and considerations in a healthcare institution are rather different. For example, the Security team is trained to de-escalate situations when patients or family members become aggressive or even violent. They also have to manage challenging behaviours from patients who have dementia or are experiencing mental or emotional distress.
BEGIN WITH KINDNESS
Khalid Bin Shehad, Senior Patient Relations Associate, Security, is a respected veteran of the Security team. The 70-year-old, who has clocked 21 years of service at the
“Being able to have fun on our own time while contributing to charitable causes makes it more meaningful for us on a personal and community level.”
Shahrul Bahri Bin Selamat Manager, Security, KTPH
hospital, has seen it all, journeying with the organisation through many of its milestones and challenges. Far from cynical, he is still tenderhearted when dealing with challenging situations.
“The Security team is always ready to step in when nurses need extra help in the wards to handle such individuals,” says Shahrul, referring to unruly patients and family members. But even when
faced with difficulties, he adds that it is important to find ways to connect with people. “We cannot match aggression with aggression,” he insists while recalling an incident when he was bitten by a patient. “I always empathise with what they are going through and will try my best to listen and calm them down. When they see that I am old, they are also a bit paiseh (embarrassed) and will cool off a
little!” He continues, “We are aware that these situations are often due to the frustrations of being unwell, so we take a person-centred approach to calm them down.
I always ask myself: how would I like my own family member or myself to be treated in this situation?”
A WORKPLACE THAT CARES
The pride that Shahrul and Khalid have for their job
reflects the culture of care within the organisation.
“I really enjoy working in the hospital,” Khalid says. “I get to mix around with my colleagues, patients and visitors.” The job keeps him active and engaged physically and mentally, he adds. “It is more than just security. We are ambassadors of the hospital as well.”
“It’s a place where we feel valued,” says Shahrul. “Our senior
“We are aware that these situations are often due to the frustrations of being unwell, so we take a person-centred approach to calm our patients down. I always ask myself: how would I like my own family member or myself to be treated in this situation?”
Khalid Bin Shehad Senior Patient Relations Associate, Security, KTPH
management continuously shows us strong support and backing. They know it is a tough job, and they give us encouragement to perform our best.”
Additionally, their contributions are highlighted during the annual Safety and Security Week, where staff across the hospital get to participate in various activities and be refreshed on security protocols. A fair roster and a health promoting culture also add much to the work experience. As testament to this, more than half of the Security team have been with Yishun Health — across KTPH and YCH — for more than 10 years.
TAKING TIME FOR ONESELF
Despite their age, Khalid and Shahrul have remained active on their days off, and affirm that what keeps them going at work is an optimistic mindset and a healthy life.
Khalid keeps himself active and busy at home and in the community.
He walks to work daily and is often recognised during the hospital’s annual step count challenge. At home, he takes on all the housework, taking pride in keeping his home spick and span. He also does volunteering and community work when he can. Just this past Ramadan, he participated in a food distribution initiative. “I also used to be a regular blood donor,” he shares. “It is important to give back to the community; it makes life meaningful.”
Shahrul gives back in other ways, combining his passion with
philanthropy. The avid mountain climber once took part in a climbathon to raise funds for charity. In 2018, he was part of a group that scaled the highest peak in the Indochinese Peninsula - Mount Fasipan in Vietnam - and raised $224,000 for students in need. He typically aims to climb at least two mountains a year, and has completed expeditions to Annapurna base camp, Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen, and Mount Kinabalu. It is an activity that allows both he and his wife to spend time together too.
“We both enjoy it; there is a huge sense of accomplishment when you reach the mountain peak,” he enthuses. “Being able to have fun on our own time while contributing to charitable causes makes it more meaningful for us on a personal and community level.”
Finding meaning in work and pursuing simple pleasures outside of it make for days that are constantly challenging and engaging. Khalid says, “Be active! You need to take care of your mental and physical wellness for a happy life.”
One of the reasons Khalid and Shahrul enjoy working in the team is because of the good camaraderie they have built with their colleagues like Hamidi Bin Pagi (extreme left) and Amanshah Bin Omar (extreme right)
BRINGING THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE INDOORS
The Garden by the Bed initiative in several inpatient wards brings the outdoors into the wards and boosts the spirits and mental wellness of patients.
After more than a week in the hospital, Mr Lee Chit Hong is listless from lying in bed all day. However, his mood instantly changes when Senior Occupational Therapist Giang Thuy Anh pushes a trolley of plants close to his bed. Sitting up, he starts to plant a small seedling into a new pot, and his face is bright with joy.
After pouring fresh soil into a pot with a small trowel, he gently tamps
the earth around the young plant stem. Anh also encourages Mr Lee to interact with other plants and he enthusiastically smells some fragrant pandan leaves and feels the thick leaves of an Indian borage.
He is one of many patients who have benefitted from the Garden by the Bed initiative.
Started in 2022, Garden by the Bed is spearheaded by a team of Occupational Therapists and
is led by Anh. The gardens take the form of a mobile horticulture trolley which can be pushed by the healthcare teams and volunteers right up to patients’ bedsides. “The aim is to engage older patients in a range of horticulture activities because they are medically unable to visit the hospital gardens or participate in group horticulture therapy sessions at the general activity area,” says Anh.
“Conventionally, hospital care has focused on addressing the key medical issues and minimising the risk of patient harm. Today, the goal is to go beyond healthcare to health, and from illness to wellness.”
A/PROF PHILIP YAP SENIOR CONSULTANT, GERIATRIC MEDICINE, KTPH
Instead of lying in bed all day, staring out of the windows and waiting for discharge, these patients find themselves doing something meaningful and refreshing when engaged in horticulture activities at their bedside.
PLANTING MORE THAN SMILES
Since the project was initiated, Garden by the Bed has made nature accessible to patients in five inpatient wards, but this planting activity is more than just a way to pass time.
Research shows that being exposed to nature is linked to a host of benefits, such as an improved sense of wellness, less stress, and better mood. There are also physical benefits such as reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
Under this initiative, these patients also become less resistant and
CLEAN & GREEN
To prevent cross contamination and the spread of infection, the Garden by the Bed team consulted the infection control nurses and the hospital landscape team to implement safety protocols such as:
• Wearing plastic gloves and aprons for patients
• Sanitising items before and after use
• Frequent checking, changing and draining of water
• Using new, treated potting soil
more accepting of treatment such as drawing blood and receiving injectable drugs. “Both anecdotally and through research, we have seen patients improve physically, functionally and emotionally through Garden by the Bed,” shares
A/Prof Philip Yap, Senior Consultant, Geriatric Medicine. “The plants provide respite and diversion from the humdrum of the hospital ward. As such, our patients are more
motivated to get out of bed for therapy and are more amenable to the different forms of treatment offered to them.”
This evidence underscores Yishun Health’s focus on its healing environment and integrating nature into patients’ recovery journey, with window planters, rooftop gardens and open lush grounds. Now, with Garden by the Bed, even patients in the wards get to be with nature.
Under careful guidance, Mr Lee slowly repots a plant and proudly labels it as his own
In a randomised controlled trial conducted by Anh and her team in 2019, it was shown that horticultural therapy improved mood and engagement, quality of life, the hospitalisation experience and the mobilisation of older patients in an acute care hospital. The team presented their results at both local and international
conferences and recently submitted their research for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Anh and her team have even developed a framework of activities to cater to patients, depending on their medical condition and level of need.
While patients enjoy the plants and the process of planting, they are
also benefitting in many ways from this form of horticultural therapy.
There is a sensory component, where patients engage their senses of sight, smell and touch to recognise various plants, look at their colours, take in their fragrance, and feel the different leaves.
There is also a cognitive component by which patients learn about different plant types and their characteristics, uses, and care. With a guidebook specially written for them, this form of interaction is particularly useful for patients with dementia.
For patients with mobility issues, or who are recovering from a stroke, the physical component of the activity helps them move more, use their hands, stand and practise hand-eye coordination. The act of repotting plants, standing to water them, or using their weaker hands to hold and manipulate tools, all help in the rehabilitation process.
“This is a highly innovative initiative that helps to improve the well-being of patients,” affirms A/Prof Yap. “Conventionally, hospital care has focused on addressing the
The Garden by the Bed initiative is a team effort that includes not just Occupational Therapists, but nurses, operations staff, eldercare companions and volunteers as well
This initiative not only relieves the boredom, but enables patients to engage their senses of sight, smell and touch, which brings therapeutic benefits
“I hope that Garden by the Bed will take even deeper root and grow to become even more widespread to benefit more patients!”
GIANG
THUY ANH SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, REHABLITATION SERVICES, KTPH
key medical issues and minimising the risk of patient harm. Today, the goal is to go beyond healthcare to health, and from illness to wellness.”
The activity can also be extended beyond their inpatient stay, Anh adds. “We encourage patients to take care of their own plants during their hospital stay and let them bring their plants home when they are discharged!”
BRINGING AN ECO-SYSTEM OF PEOPLE TOGETHER
It has not just been Anh and her team of Occupational Therapists who have put in the effort to see this project bear fruit. Volunteers and colleagues from various departments of the hospital also contribute and work together to ensure this project
thrives. “I am proud to be part of this team,” Anh says.
One of them is Mr Tay Boon Siong, a retired engineer who collaborated with the team to design a mobile horticulture trolley from scratch. Mr Tay sponsored the first few prototypes of the trolley.
The inspiration behind the prototype design was to have a colourful all-in-one horticulture trolley to make bedside gardening possible. Incorporating insights from the usage over time, the final trolley design takes into consideration a range of user needs and is designed to ensure patients can access the plants, whether they are lying on the bed, seated, or standing up with assistance. With three tiers, the trolley houses different items to ensure that everything required for the horticultural therapy session is easily accessible to patients and staff.
Mr Tay continues to maintain the trolleys, monitors them, and makes repairs as needed, from replacing worn-out wheels, to sourcing
gardening tools and delivering the materials, often without charge.
In addition, the Garden by the Bed project also involves a team of dedicated volunteers. One of them, an 83-year-old retiree, Mr Hur Tze Huan, has been volunteering at the KTPH rooftop garden for the past 13 years.
With his extensive horticultural knowledge, he has been the expert on curating the various types of plants included in the trolley. “He is also in charge of ensuring a constant supply of baby plants on the mobile horticulture trolley,” says Anh.
She is grateful for the commitment of the team and hopes that the project will continue to flourish. The team is currently in discussion with the Yishun Health volunteers to run this project long-term and extend it to more geriatric wards. “I hope that with continued partnerships, Garden by the Bed will take even deeper root and grow to become even more widespread across the hospital to benefit more patients!
ALL-IN-ONE MOBILE HORTICULTURAL TROLLEY
First side tier: Stationery
Second side tier: Pots, saucers and spray/ watering can
Third side tier: Individual gardening kits
First tier: Six adult herbs
• Indian Borage
• Mint
• Basil
• Mugwort
• Sand Ginger
• Pandan
Second tier: Baby plants of the six herbs
Third tier: Educational material, soil and gardening tools
5Things About...
BRUSHING RIGHT
There is more to keeping our teeth clean and mouth healthy than brushing and flossing alone. Here are some facts and tips to brush up on!
In consultation with Dr Sophia Yee, Registrar, Dental Surgery, KTPH
TAKE A BREAK BEFORE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
While it is important to brush your teeth after meals to remove food particles, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating. This is because your mouth becomes acidic and your
teeth are slightly softer. When you brush immediately after eating, the teeth can erode more easily. Wait for at least 30 minutes after eating to give time for saliva to form again, making the mouth less acidic. Saliva is constantly being produced when we eat, so the delay is to allow saliva to wash the acids away.
2
THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, pick one with soft bristles and a small head that can reach the tight corners of your mouth. Firm bristles can wear down enamel and hurt your gums. Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque and prevent it from hardening. Hardened plaque (tartar) is difficult to brush away and can lead to a build-up of bacteria and cause cavities.
4
AFTER BRUSHING, RINSE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
Although we often have a good swish and rinse at the end of toothbrushing, it is not necessary to fully rinse all the toothpaste foam from our mouths. Fluoride in toothpaste is an important ingredient in protecting our teeth from decay. To prevent washing out all this protective fluoride, simply spit out excess toothpaste foam at the end of brushing and leave whatever remains. If the sensation of an unrinsed mouth is unpleasant to you, try rinsing just once with a little water.
3
DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN YOUR TONGUE – BUT DO IT GENTLY
The tongue can harbour food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. You should clean the tongue with a scraper (metal or plastic are both fine!) or toothbrush at least once a day. The important thing is to do it gently so as not to damage the delicate tissue of your tongue. Keep in mind that the tongue is naturally rough, so do not attempt to scrape it smooth.
5
YOUR TEETH ARE NATURALLY OFF-WHITE
The idea that teeth should be perfectly white is a myth. Our teeth are naturally off-white and often come in a range of creamy white and yellowish tones. This is because teeth are made of two layers. The inner layer is called ‘dentin’ and is opaque and yellowish, while the outer layer is translucent ‘enamel’. The dentin shows through the enamel, giving teeth its naturally off-white colour. It is normal for teeth to appear yellow with age as well because the enamel gets thinner with daily wear and tear.
Dentin Enamel
HARNESS your VIRTUES FOR A MORE FULFILLING LIFE
There are six overarching virtues that we can nurture in ourselves to bolster our resilience and buffer us against mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Developing and practising these virtues can help us maintain a happy life and weather the storms that may occur.
In consultation with Lerh Jian Wei, Clinical Psychologist, Psychology Service, KTPH
Positive psychology is the study of human strengths, well-being, and optimal functioning. This branch of psychology looks at understanding and promoting the factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. It goes beyond the idea of mental health being an absence of illness and problems, and encompasses the pursuit of meaning, fulfilment and human happiness. One strategy from positive psychology
Fulfil your potential!
When you identify your strengths and virtues, you can build on them and translate this awareness into action to be the best version of yourself.
• Appreciate the strengths you have: Which strengths or virtues do you possess? Think about how they have helped you through your various life stages and circumstances. Imagine how you would have managed without these traits.
• Develop and build upon your potential: How can you maximise your strengths and values to bring about even more positive
involves identifying, as well as emphasising and building on our strengths and virtues.
Martin Seligman, a pioneer of positive psychology, outlines six core virtues of which each encompasses a set of strengths. All of us possess these strengths in varying degrees. By understanding and leveraging these strengths, we can increase our well-being, overcome challenges and flourish in life. Take a look at the virtues and see if there are any you can identify with!
change in your life?
Think about how to cultivate and hone the skills and traits that can help you in the various areas of your lifeyour career, your relationships and more!
• Apply and practise your positive traits: Is there a way of making your work or tasks more interesting and enjoyable? You can apply your strengths and virtues in practical ways to everyday actions, work and hobbies.
WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
This virtue involves the acquisition and use of knowledge. It is about broadening our perspectives and understanding of the world, others and ourselves.
Strengths: Creativity, curiosity, critical thinking and evaluation, love of learning, and perspective
HUMANITY
This virtue is the interpersonal strength that involves caring for and befriending others. It is about showing love, kindness, patience and compassion towards ourselves and others in big and small ways.
Strengths: Kindness, love, social intelligence, and empathy
COURAGE
Courage encompasses the exercise of one’s will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, whether external or internal. It is about confronting challenges, threats or difficulties. It can also be about goal setting and a commitment to fulfil that goal. It involves standing up for what is right, even if it is the unpopular thing to do.
Strengths: Bravery, perseverance, honesty, and zest
JUSTICE
Justice involves civic strengths and a sense of social responsibility that underpin a healthy community life. It is about taking ownership of one’s community, demonstrating leadership, being a collaborative team member and treating people fairly.
Strengths: Fairness, leadership, teamwork, and citizenship
TEMPERANCE
Temperance balances pleasure and self-indulgence and protects against excess. It also means being in control of traits that are excessive or unbalanced.
Strengths: Forgiveness, humility, prudence, and self-regulation
TRANSCENDENCE
Transcendence is the virtue of rising above our day-to-day experience. It encompasses strengths that connect us to the larger universe. It helps us see the underlying value and meaning of things.
Strengths: Appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, humour, and spirituality
STEAMED FISH WITH CORIANDER SAUCE
Fish is low in sodium and high in vitamins! If you’re looking for a healthy dish to cook, try including fish in your meals at least twice a week.
Recipe provided by Christopher Chua, Cook, Food Services in consultation with Nutrition & Dietetics, KTPH
1. Blend the coriander and oil to form a smooth paste
2. In a small saucepan on low heat, combine the coriander oil paste with the concentrated vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Take it off the heat and set aside
3. Steam fish until it is cooked through
4. While the fish is steaming, prepare the gravy. Combine the light soy sauce and sugar with 300ml water and bring to a boil. Make a slurry with the cornstarch and add it to the gravy to thicken it
5. To assemble, pour the gravy onto a plate and place the steamed fish on top. Drizzle or spread the coriander paste on top and garnish with wolfberries
6. Serve and enjoy!
cut & keep
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
Energy
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fat
• Saturated
• Polyunsaturated
• Monounsaturated
Cholesterol
Dietary Fibre
Sodium
Potassium
Phosphate
TAKE microBreaks AT WORK!
Taking small breaks throughout the day can have a big impact on your workday. Here’s how to integrate these mini breaks to boost your productivity and improve your physical, mental and metabolic functions.
In consultation with Phoenix Tong, Principal Physiotherapist, and Jazimin Haron, Senior Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Services, KTPH
When you are sitting at your desk, how often do you stop to take a deep breath or stretch? While we strive to focus as long as possible on our to-do list each day, the truth is that taking regular, short breaks is more beneficial for our minds and bodies.
Microbreaks are pauses in your work that last for about two to three minutes every 30 minutes. Researchers have found that – if taken throughout the workday to break up long periods of sitting – these microbreaks are just as
useful as longer breaks in helping to improve physical, mental and metabolic functions without compromising work productivity. It may also have the potential to decrease musculoskeletal discomfort and help relieve fatigue and stress experienced throughout the workday.
BREAK THE MENTAL FOG
Regular microbreaks may potentially boost mental wellbeing by clearing the mind, improving mood, and easing the mental load of workplace pressures. This is because
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MICROBREAK
Stand and stretch your neck, arms, legs and back
Go on a short walk to get some water, take in the view outside, or grab a snack
long continuous periods of focused work without breaks can cause mental and physical fatigue to build up. Scheduling time for active microbreaks can also lead to better productivity as you would consciously dedicate time for focused work and breaks.
A small break can help shake off mental fog and restore your ability to focus. This will allow you to return to your task with better concentration and memory, enhancing the quality and efficiency of your work.
BREAK THE SITTING HABIT
Apart from easing the mental load of workplace pressures, regular microbreaks also have a positive impact on your physical health. Research has consistently linked sitting for long periods of time with many health issues such as obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol levels and excess visceral fat (fat around the waist). Habitual sedentary behaviour is also associated with an increase in musculoskeletal problems and cardiovascular disease.
Microbreaks interrupt the cycle of extended sitting. The impact of taking time to be active even for a few minutes adds up. Stretching, walking or some light exercise all burn a few extra calories, improve blood flow, and move the muscles.
Do some mindfulness or breathing exercises
Take an eye break by standing up periodically and look into the distance for at least 20 seconds
BREAK THE BURNOUT CYCLE
Excessive and prolonged periods of stress can cause emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, a state known as burnout. This can lead to a loss of productivity, motivation and interest in work and life.
Integrating periods of quality rest into your routine gives you the chance to recharge and restore your physical and mental energies. Microbreaks are a good way to help you combat the effects of stress by giving you moments of relaxation and decompression to preserve your ability to maintain your enthusiasm for your work.
BUILD YOUR OWN BREAK
You can customise your own microbreak to fit your work or study schedule. You can try taking three minutes every 30 minutes or opt for a 5-minute break every hour – the choice is yours!
If you’re looking for guided stretching, mindfulness and breathing exercises, scan to download this App!
Nurses’ day special
ADVANCING NURSING WITH INNOVATION, INCLUSIVITY & INSPIRATION
As nurses, we come from a storied history that is steeped in a tradition of care. And even as we are guided by our past and rely on the wisdom of those who have come before us, we are also committed to forging ahead and building on this longstanding legacy to evolve and enhance the nursing profession.
This year’s theme for Nurses’ Day is ‘NightingalesLet Your Light Shine’. While it may seem a little cliché, dig a little deeper and you will see how it is an apt nod to history, as well as the future of the nursing profession.
Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, did not just establish standards of care and institute a regimen of cleanliness and nutrition, she also paid attention to the psychological welfare of the wounded soldiers in her care. Her advocacy for treating patients holistically, considering their physical, psychological and social needs, is central to Yishun Health’s care philosophy, and is encompassed in our Personalised Care and Support Planning (PCSP) approach. She lit the way for evidence-based care, pioneering statistical methods and visualisations.
We have much more sophisticated tools today, but Nightingale’s approach – using data to understand and improve patient outcomes – is a key component of modern nursing practice. Amid the many challenges of nursing today, we invite you to consider three I’s.
INNOVATE: Embracing innovation is not a choice; it is a necessity. As our understanding of diseases and disease management improves, so must our protocols. Fast-moving technology, manpower challenges,
MS SHIRLEY HENG CHIEF NURSE, YISHUN HEALTH
demographic shifts and more make it essential for us and our profession to constantly evolve. We must have the courage to step outside our comfort zones, embrace growth and strive to be better versions of ourselves.
INCLUSIVE: Our strength lies in our diversity of voices and experiences. By actively listening to our colleagues, valuing their feedback, and considering all perspectives, we create an environment where every voice and ideaand not just that of a vocal minority - is heard and valued. Importantly, this inclusivity creates psychological safety, where we are able to speak up, take risks, ask questions, raise problems and make mistakes. This culture of trust better enables us to be resilient as we build strong relationships of support that buoy us amid difficult times and circumstances. By being inclusive, we light the way for others who are in the dark, and see each other through the night to the hope of a new dawn.
INSPIRE: Just as Nightingale’s lamp lit the way for countless patients, we too have to keep our own flame alive. It is important that we reinvigorate ourselves often to revisit the passion that led us to become nurses in the first place. In this way, we ignite our own spark so that we can blaze a trail for others. In pointing the way, we clarify our own purpose and reinforce our commitment to our calling. Let’s draw inspiration from each other, empowering and educating not only our patients but ourselves as well.
As torch bearers from a long line of dedicated peers, let us remember to keep our flame burning bright as we navigate the trials and triumphs of our profession. Inspired by our rich legacy, may we continue to light the path for those in need, and do what we can to make the future a brighter one for ourselves and our profession.
MS YVONNE TAN HEAD OF NURSING, YISHUN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
A Message from Nurses’ Day Organising Committee Chairman
By A/Prof Toh Hong Chuen, Deputy Chairman, Medical Board (Ambulatory Care) and Senior Consultant, Acute and Emergency Care, KTPH
Nightingales - Let Your Light Shine
The night was cold, as I watched him lie motionless on the ICU bed. The only sign of life was the tracing of his heartbeat on the monitor and the rhythmic movement of his chest synced to the ventilator. Numerous tubes and lines crept out from beneath his hospital clothing. As a 17-year-old, there was nothing I could do to help my dad. But someone else came and did.
She lit up the room with the switch on the wall, perhaps akin to what Florence Nightingale would have done with her lamp. Gently, she checked on him and tended to his wounds. Thereafter, she injected something into the drip set and charted it on the clipboard. She spoke something to him, turned and smiled at me, and then left to care for another patient.
Three decades passed. It was just after midnight when I stepped out of the A&E office, heavy-laden.
The
foundation of modern-day nursing was laid over 150 years ago by Florence Nightingale. The light from her lamp continues to shine today, as the profession never ceases to adapt, innovate, and develop to meet evolving healthcare needs.
The air conditioning was cold, but the department was burning hot and bursting at its seams! It was so packed with patients on trolleys and wheelchairs, COWs and VS4s*, that you could barely walk a couple of metres in a straight line. My skeletal night team of nurses was stretched to breaking point and new patients kept streaming in. With no diversion on the horizon, it seemed that there was no end in sight.
I walked into the P1/2 area to share this with my charge nurse. She was in front of the COW situated beside the senior doctors’ workstation. A million things seemed to be racing through her mind, as she periodically glanced at the scene behind the monitor. She had just finished giving her junior some instructions when I came up to her. How would she react? Sink into despair and lament, or brim with furious indignation? Neither. With a soft and steely grit in her voice, she looked at me and said behind her surgical mask, “It’s okay boss. We will survive,” and continued her work.
At that moment, a realisation struck me: that this was Nightingale and her team of Nightingales in action! In this contemporary version of the Crimean war around me, operating under incredibly immense pressure with limited resources, our nurses stood the ground, stayed organised and took ownership. One after another, they cared for the sick, tended to the wounded, and brought comfort to some and relief to others. When there was no light at the end of the tunnel, they became the light, and gave courage and hope to others like me, to carry on. And I knew that variations of this same theme were played out across our campus, with the wards flooded with trolley beds, as we battled and rode out the BAU** and COVID waves in Yishun Health.
The foundation of modern-day nursing was laid over 150 years ago by Florence Nightingale. The light from her lamp continues to shine today, as the profession never ceases to adapt and innovate to meet evolving healthcare needs. From paper on a clipboard to the electronic health record, from in-person care within the hospital walls to a hybrid form in patients’ homes, our nurses have ridden on technological advances and extended the boundaries of nursing care. Specialised nursing consultation services, anchored by our
Advanced Practice Nurses, became part and parcel of the clinical care provided by many departments. They are also being trained to take up procedures previously performed only by doctors, such as intravitreous injection at our Eye Clinic. We have a lot to celebrate, on the advances our nurses have made!
Even with these changes, the ethos of nursing, the warmth that its light gives, remains the same. The healing hands and caring touch, the willingness to reach out to another human being in need and working together to see that that need is met, is what our patients and their loved ones will always seek.
Echoing the tribute that Dr James Low, Senior Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, KTPH, penned for our nurses ten years ago:
“You brighten the lives of many a suffering soul. For no treatment would ever work if not for the work of your hands and heart. No pain or suffering would ever be relieved if you were not there to administer the balm.”
And so, dear nurses, on behalf of the Nurses’ Day Organising Committee and Yishun Health:
Thank you for the work that you do, and the difference that you make. May you be blessed in a special way, for the lives that you have touched today.
Happy Nurses’ Day!
* Computers on Wheels and Vital Signs monitor **business as usual
modern-day Nightingales
This Nurses’ Day, we acknowledge the steadfast dedication and unwavering spirit of all nurses. As modern-day Nightingales, you are a light in the darkness. You bring healing and hope to others, illuminating the way towards health and wellness with your dedication and skill. In a time of
rapid change, you have shown courage, empowered others and inspired many with your resilience. These core values are - and will continue to be - the bedrock of your profession. We recognise and appreciate your invaluable contributions, compassion, and commitment in making the world a better and brighter place!
Experiencing the Frontline
In the lead-up to Nurses’ Day this year, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Health, Prof Joe Sim, NHG Group CEO, along with four of Yishun Health’s senior management leaders took a break from their executive duties to don scrubs and join the frontline as Nurse Buddies. For most of them, it was their first time participating as Nurse Buddies at the hospital and they shared that they gained valuable insights from this experience.
Started in 2022, this has become a yearly initiative that the Nurse Buddies have found greatly meaningful and enriching, acquiring a first-hand appreciation and deeper empathy for our nurses’ daily work.
Under the guidance of Nurse Mentors, they were introduced to various nursing tasks, from attending to patients’ needs by serving meals and medication, to assisting in wound dressing.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Health, administering a nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding for a patient who is unable to eat orally
NHG Group CEO Prof Joe Sim performing blood glucose monitoring for a patient with diabetes
Yishun Health CEO Prof Chua Hong Choon assisting to transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair using a ceiling hoist
A/Prof Toh Hong Chuen, Deputy Chairman, Medical Board (Ambulatory Care) and Senior Consultant, A&E Care, took up the challenge to experience the geriatric ward –here he is draining a patient’s urine bag
Prof Chua brought joy to the ward by playing the piano for patients and staff
Yishun Health COO Mr Joe Hau tending to a patient’s wound in the A&E
Yishun Health CFO Mr David Kok stepping in to assist with serving medication to patients
merit award
winners
The MOH Nurses’ Merit Award recognises nurses who have performed exceptionally in their duties and made their profession proud. Congratulations to the eight winners from Yishun Health!
The ability of my fellow nurses to find moments of fun and uplift each other inspires me every day. As we advance the nursing profession, I envision every nurse evolving into a leader, empowered to make critical care decisions and lead the way in person-centred care.
CAROL TAI JIE ROU NURSE MANAGER WARD B66, KTPH
Passion alone isn’t enough to ensure success in nursing. A positive work environment, support from my colleagues, and encouraging words from patients and their families have been the motivators in my nursing journey thus far.
TAN POH YIN NURSE MANAGER WARD D107, YCH
As a nursing educator, I impart knowledge to new nurses and help them become more competent. Seeing my nurses advance in their careers and provide quality care to patients gives me the push to bring nursing education to greater heights!
CATHERINE HU YOUQIN
NURSE EDUCATOR
NURSING ADMINISTRATION, KTPH
My joy is seeing stroke patients empowered to take charge of their health, become more independent and go back to their normal lives as much as possible. Nursing is not just a career, but a combination of medical knowledge, technical skills, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
PAN JINLAN
NURSE CLINICIAN
WARD B105, KTPH
The opportunity to be a community nurse has taught me resilience in my approach towards patients. It enables me to effectively manoeuvre challenging scenarios and adjust to shifting conditions to provide care, support, and education to patients and their families beyond the hospital walls.
NOORMALA BINTE ABDUL HAMID
ASSISTANT NURSE CLINICIAN
COMMUNITY HEALTH, POPULATION HEALTH CAMPUS
I found my passion in nursing; in taking care of the sick, I am able to share a part of myself. Knowing that there are still ways we can advance and improve motivates me to do my best to provide better care for our patients.
MOHD ALIF BIN MOHD ZIN ASSISTANT NURSE CLINICIAN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, KTPH
Nursing is more than a job; it is a way of life. Getting to hold my patients’ hands when they are alone and at their most vulnerable, and assuring them that I am there for them, it gives me a sense of fulfilment.
Two decades in nursing have taught me the power of compassion, resilience, and the importance of every patient. It is a joy to work with nurses with whom I’ve formed deep bonds, journeying in this shared mission of giving our best to help society.
NAN ZUN PHYU MIE KYAW NURSE CLINICIAN ACUTE AND EMERGENCY CARE, KTPH
Nurses In Conversation
As we celebrate Nurses’ Day, we invite you to read stories of courage, empowerment and resilience from those on the frontline of care. Through their triumphs and tribulations, heroism and heartbreaks, they show us what inspires and uplifts them as we salute their invaluable dedication to nursing.
TAN SOH CHOO ZHOU LIYAN
MUHAMMAD FAIRUZ BIN SUWANDI SUMATHI D/O GOVINDAN
KIM AHREUM
SINDHU JOSEPH ISKANDAR JAUHARI BIN ABDUL HALID
LEE SUHUI
MAYOL AIMEE MERCEDES ALVEZ
ANGELICA MIRANDA ABELLA
SITI FARHANA BINTE JUMARI RAINE EVANGELINE TAN
THE COURAGE TO EMBRACE CHANGE, ADAPT, LEARN & GROW
Courage is not the absence of fear but confronting what is difficult, scary and new — and finding a way through it. Sharing their own experiences, these nurses talk about how courage and conviction, purpose and positive self-talk come into play when navigating the ups and downs of their career challenges and transitions.
What led you to your current career in nursing?
FAIRUZ: I was a Process Engineer for about eight years. My concern was that the industry is sensitive to economic downturns; I saw many family members and friends being retrenched and going into jobs that were not really their choice. I explored other engineeringrelated fields like pharmaceutical engineering, shipping and oil and gas industries, but eventually didn’t settle on those. I decided I wanted to take a new degree and reskill to a relevant yet meaningful career, so I considered nursing because there’ll always be healthcare needs. It helped that my wife is also a nurse and had always shared her positive experiences with me, inspiring me to make the career switch.
SOH CHOO: I was a clinic assistant in Malaysia previously. At the time, I had asked my employer for an increment as
urses’ Day 2024
I came to Singapore in 1992 and worked my way up. It was challenging for me as an older student — I really struggled. But I put my heart and soul into studying, revising every night, and memorising a lot of new information.
TAN SOH CHOO PRINCIPAL ENROLLED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, KTPH
I had been working for him for 15 years and was in charge of a lot of things. But he refused, saying that I was “just an assistant” and had no formal training. This motivated me to seek opportunities for professional training. Then I saw an opening in the papers for nurse training in Singapore for people aged 18 to 35. At the time, I was 35 years old — just at the cut-off age! — so I decided to just go for it.
SUMATHI: Although I had always wanted to be a nurse, I didn’t start out as one because I had health issues that prevented me from studying nursing when I was a student. Instead, I started as a Patient Service Associate in 2001. It was thanks to the relentless encouragement and support of my boss, who believed in me and got me into formal nurse training.
LIYAN: My story is quite different because I had no choice. My mother wanted me to be a nurse and I did so out of a sense of obligation and filial piety. I have been in nursing all my life. If I had not moved from Shanghai to Singapore, I probably wouldn’t still be in nursing. It’s thanks to the many opportunities here that I continued my career from an enrolled nurse to assistant director of nursing.
How did you summon the courage and conviction to navigate your career path?
LIYAN: Even though nursing was not originally my passion or choice, I made the best of it; I found reasons to convince and drive myself onwards. I told myself that I was in a good career because there were no other healthcare professionals in the family, and nursing would be beneficial for their future and my own. Eventually, I grew to love and take pride in my work because I know that it makes a difference.
FAIRUZ: I have very similar motivations for my career. Changing careers — especially such a big jump — is a scary prospect. Even though I plucked up the courage to do this out of practicality rather than passion, I have found joy and purpose in it. I want stability so I can provide for my family and give them a good life. There’s a lot to learn, relearn and adapt, especially with a different work culture and setting.
SOH CHOO: It was also a big adjustment for me to move from Malaysia to Singapore, and it took some sacrifice. For me to take up nursing training in Singapore, my elder sister had to take over to care for our mother
As nurses, our strength comes from three Hs: our heart, our hands, and our head. We care for patients, raise our technical and clinical competencies, and think analytically to solve problems.
ZHOU LIYAN ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR, NURSING ADMINISTRATION, KTPH
I always focus on the end goal and will work through all the challenges on my way to get there. I try to keep the faith and just do what it takes to find my way to my destination. I draw my strength from my desire and passion to help people.
and support me financially. I came to Singapore in 1992 and worked my way up. It was challenging for me as an older student — I really struggled. But I put my heart and soul into studying, revising every night, and memorising a lot of new information. I had a lot to prove — to myself, my ex-boss, and my family.
SUMATHI: For me, I always focus on the end goal and will work through all the challenges on my way to get there. I try to keep the faith and just do what it takes to find my way to my destination. I draw my strength from my desire and passion to help people; because it is what I love to do. But I could not have done this without a lot of support from many people. Their belief in me added to my courage to press on with the training, even when it got very hard.
What does courage look like or mean to you?
SUMATHI: I remind myself that I am an advocate for patients — I need to stand up for them and their safety and well-being. I have had many role models and one of them is Sister Liyan. When I was a Staff Nurse, I have seen her speaking up for patient safety fearlessly.
Seeing her do that inspired me very much to do the same for my patients.
LIYAN: This is never easy to do, but the courage to do this comes from a belief in our competency and skill. As nurses, our strength comes from three Hs: our heart, our hands, and our head. We care for patients, raise our technical and clinical competencies, and think analytically to solve problems. I think we also draw courage from our personal goals, our professional pride and the satisfaction of doing a job well.
SOH CHOO: In my 32 years as a nurse, there have been many instances when I’ve had to step up to reinforce safer procedures. But courage is also about knowing when to ask for help so we can do better and learn new skills. For me, it means asking for help when I am faced with things like IT issues! (laughs)
FAIRUZ: I think we all must be brave enough to acknowledge our weaknesses and have the courage to work on it! For me, courage comes from a willingness to just keep trying and practising, and not giving up, especially if it’s not my strong suit. This courage is not just internal; we also draw it from each other, and as a team, lift each other up through tough times.
Courage comes from a willingness to just keep trying and practising, and not giving up, especially if it’s not my strong suit. This courage is not just internal; we also draw it from each other, and as a team, lift each other up through tough times.
MUHAMMAD FAIRUZ BIN SUWANDI SENIOR STAFF NURSE, WARD D107, YCH
EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF THINKERS, DOERS & CARERS
A rite of passage for all nurses, precepting does more than facilitate the application of theory to practice as part of a new nurse’s clinical orientation. It is an empowering learning journey for all parties — one that nurtures leadership, initiative and ownership, as well as self-awareness and personal growth.
Share about your precepting journey and what it was like.
KIM : I started precepting less than two years into becoming a nurse. My first preceptee was around the same age as I was, and it felt more like having a friend working alongside me. I wanted to be the type of preceptor that I would have liked to have. My own preceptor was very strict, with high expectations. She was very responsible and timely but if I took more time or forgot to do something, she would sometimes do it for me. So it became my goal and personal challenge to make sure I got to things before she could!
SINDHU: Precepting for the first time was quite exciting. But the main struggle, especially at first, was coping with all the extra precepting duties on top of our routine work. It’s also important to prepare ourselves by reading up and practising more so we have the answers and show them the right way of doing things. In this way, we also gain much more knowledge.
ISKANDAR: I had a very strict and fierce preceptor! I felt like I had been thrown into the deep end of the pool and it was very overwhelming. When I became a preceptor, I wanted to strike a balance between guiding my preceptees — but not spoon-feeding them
— and giving them space to figure things out on their own. My first preceptee was very self-directed and I am very proud of how she has progressed.
SUHUI: My first experience as a preceptor was not as smooth. She was a foreign nurse and was experiencing some culture shock and finding work to be quite challenging. Her mother was also unwell, and it affected her focus. She was quite capable and good at hands-on and structured work, although she struggled a bit with new and out-of-the-box situations. I had an in-depth discussion with her about her strengths and interests. In the end, she did not finish her probation and returned to her home country,
where she switched her training to be a radiographer. For me, it shows that the precepting is not always what we expect. It may even mean looking beyond helping them pass their probation but drawing out their strengths and enabling them to find the best job match for their skillsets instead.
How did this influence your own approach to create a more empowering precepting experience?
SUHUI: Precepting is a cumulative experience. Every preceptee is different and has a different learning style; as preceptors, we also learn to adjust
I take time to get to know them outside of the work environment. We are all here to support one another. I think this empowers them because it shows that their senior was once in the same shoes and they will get to a higher skill level one day.
KIM AHREUM ASSISTANT NURSE CLINICIAN, WARD D107, YCH
our teaching accordingly and find new ways to teach each time. This — apart from teaching the content itself — is one of the biggest challenges. Like Iskandar said, it’s about striking a balance between giving them autonomy and guiding them.
ISKANDAR: Yes, it’s more empowering for them if we first give them a chance to share what they plan to do and prompt them after, rather than just give them the answer.
KIM: I do the same thing. Usually, I will ask them to go through their plan of action and try not to interfere too much unless it is a patient safety issue. I actually find it very satisfying when they can predict what I am going to ask next or proactively take the initiative to do something.
SINDHU: I think it’s important to frequently give constructive feedback and to be generous with
praise. We also have to be tactful when correcting mistakes and highlighting weaknesses. Giving constant feedback as they learn is very helpful because it helps them make improvements along the way.
SUHUI: Yes, and I find that giving them space to do self-reflection is necessary so that they can acknowledge their own areas for improvement. Also, when we teach, we need to convey to them the rationale behind certain actions and tasks so they are not just blindly doing it. This empowers them more as they are learning.
What have you learnt in your journey as a preceptor?
ISKANDAR : I think it’s important to always be open to learn from others, and to share knowledge. This is why I started developing orthopaedic education resources
It’s important to frequently give constructive feedback and to be generous with praise. We also have to be tactful when correcting mistakes and highlighting weaknesses.
SINDHU JOSEPH ASSISTANT NURSE CLINICIAN, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, KTPH
It’s important to always be open to learn from others, and to share knowledge. This is why I started developing orthopaedic education resources and holding workshops for scrub nurses within the department. Knowledge empowers us to give better care, be better learners and teachers.
ISKANDAR JAUHARI BIN ABDUL HALID SENIOR STAFF NURSE, MAJOR OPERATING THEATRE, KTPH
and holding workshops for scrub nurses within the department. Knowledge empowers us to give better care, be better learners and teachers. Everyone wins.
SINDHU: I believe in building trust and rapport. I usually try to get to know my preceptees better, understand their experiences and family background, especially if — like me — they are from overseas. I can empathise with that because I was in the same position when I first came to Singapore. The work they are used to may be very different and they could also be dealing with some added stress from a lack of familiarity and support.
KIM: I also take time to get to know them outside of the work environment. We are all here to support one another; I just happened to enter this sector earlier than someone else. I think this empowers them because it shows that their senior was once in
the same shoes and they will get to a higher skill level one day.
SUHUI: There is a Chinese saying that you must cast a long line to catch a big fish. When we teach, we are playing the long game, investing in small actions now for a bigger payoff later. All the extra time that we take to go through their documentation is worth it. Aside from ensuring patient safety during precepting, it is also important we give feedback on the same day before they forget about the incident. Of course, it can be time consuming. Once, I remember sitting beside one of my preceptees until 1am, guiding her to finish her report even though I had a morning shift coming up. It would’ve been faster if I’d just done it for her, but I knew it was more important to guide her instead. This is also one way of empowering them because it makes them responsible for their own tasks.
Precepting is a cumulative experience. Every preceptee is different and has a different learning style; as preceptors, we also learn to adjust our teaching accordingly and find new ways to teach each time.
LEE SUHUI ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE & NURSE CLINICIAN, APN & SPECIALTY NURSES, KTPH
NAVIGATING ADVERSITY WITH RESILIENCE, PASSION & PURPOSE
They are there for us in our times of need, supporting us in our healing and health. Has it occurred to you that nurses, too, have their own struggles? Four nurses share how — with resilience and a sense of purpose — they set aside their troubles each day to show up for patients and deliver their best self and best care.
Apart from the demands of nursing, share with us a little about the additional challenges you juggle in your personal life.
RAINE: My mother has had underlying conditions and kidney issues, so I always knew she would face endstage kidney failure one day. When the time came, I volunteered to be her organ donor. It was a very long, complicated and trying journey of over two years because it was considered a high-risk procedure. There were so many hurdles — we faced compatibility issues and complications that caused many delays. In 2020, we were so close to the operation; everything was cleared and ready, and then COVID-19 happened, and all elective surgeries were cancelled. It was a test of
faith and I was constantly challenged with the thought: “What if it fails?” But my answer was always the same: “We must just try.” Finally, everything worked out and we completed the transplant in 2021.
ANGELICA: In 2012, I was promoted to Nurse Clinician, and I felt so proud to reach this milestone in my career. Two years later, as I was gladly completing a plan for a trauma workshop for Yishun Health Nursing Conference, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was devastating! I had to take a nine-month break from work for treatment. It was very difficult to accept because previously, I also had to take a year-long break to return to Philippines to take care of my mother when she had cancer. Having to balance my career and life because of cancer was really challenging. The journey was terrifying, tough,
I’ve
developed my own mental toughness and mindset so that I can overcome any struggle and challenge. I also focus on my job because it is something I love and it helps me to have something meaningful to do.
MAYOL AIMEE MERCEDES ALVEZ SENIOR STAFF NURSE, DAY SURGERY CENTRE, KTPH
and rather lonely, even with colleagues’ and friends’ encouragement. I had no family here and I missed them so much. I went from caring for patients, to being a patient, and having to take care of myself.
AIMEE: My challenge is family-related. My elder son is hearing impaired, and I was in denial about his condition for some time, though I eventually accepted it. He is in school and trying his best to do well. It deeply hurts me when I noticed his struggles. As a mother, I will think about what I can do, and how I can do better for him, because no mothers can bear to see their children in suffering. As a nurse, I do my best to save lives and help people. As a mother, I constantly pray my child will be healed.
FARHANA: My second son has autism and is on the ‘severe’ end of the spectrum. He has been non-verbal for years but is now able to say some words, including colours and numbers. It took a lot of therapy and support but I am happy for his achievements; he is also more settled now. In addition, my mother was
diagnosed with dementia and has some behavioural issues. She lives with us so that I can care for her.
I’m ‘sandwiched’ between my children and mother, so it is very difficult sometimes. When I talk about this, I get very emotional. Because of this, I usually switch on my work mode so that I can suppress my emotions and stay focused at work.
What strategies do you take to maintain focus at work and joy for life?
RAINE: I also try to switch modes a little. One of the most stressful things on this transplant journey is not knowing when you will receive news and what it will be. If you worry about every blood test and screening, it can dominate your whole mental state. I think about the good possibilities and the next step to take regardless of the outcome. I also try to focus on the beacons in my life, the people around us that support us in one way or another.
FARHANA: It’s very tiring. I would request for weekday afternoon shifts so I can take my son to therapy in the
My main motivation was to return to work.
Nursing is a passion for me. I keep going each day because of family.
ANGELICA MIRANDA ABELLA NURSE CLINICIAN, MAJOR OPERATING
THEATRE, KTPH
morning, stay with him for two hours, then take him home and go to work. But doing afternoon shifts all the time can also get a little bit dreary. So, I finally booked a transport for my son in the mornings so I have more time for myself to take on at least one morning shift a week. I’ve also gotten a helper to specially take care of my mother and send her for day care. This helps me to have some time to recharge. I am very thankful
Working in the Renal Centre, I better understand and empathise with the patients I work with. All the challenges that we face in our personal lives definitely make us better nurses.
RAINE
EVANGELINE
TAN SENIOR STAFF NURSE, RENAL CENTRE, KTPH
to my Sisters (supervisors) for allowing me to have a flexible schedule, so I can work around the needs of my son and mother.
AIMEE: I try to be positive about it. If I think about a lot of negative things, it will make me more depressed because I’m very far away from my family in the Philippines. It’s always at the back of my mind how my family is doing back home. I’ve developed my own mental toughness and mindset so that I can overcome any struggle and challenge. I also focus on my job because it is something that I love, and it helps me to have something meaningful to do. Furthermore, my job enables me to provide a good life for my family.
ANGELICA: Same for me. My main motivation was to return to work. Nursing is a passion for me. I studied it without my father’s knowledge. Back then, he had wanted me to do business like him. He had the idea that nursing was a dirty job. I always had a heart for taking care of people. Like Aimee, I keep going each day because of family. It was never a question to fight
for survival. My sister had breast cancer too and she died, leaving behind two children. Her husband has also passed away. I decided to adopt her children. As their aunt, I am determined to be here for them, get well for them and take care of them.
Have your personal experiences impacted the way you practise nursing?
ANGELICA: Oh yes, because I was in a patient’s role, and I went through operations with challenging chemotherapies, I can understand the patient experiences better. I will offer reassurance, make patients comfortable, give them a warm blanket in the cold operating room environment, and see what I can do better to disperse their fears and lessen their anxieties.
AIMEE: I know what it’s like to worry! But I find that if you walk through the process with them or just hold their hand and reassure them, they are not so scared. And I also know that family members may also be worried, so I will update them if there are any delays.
I have become more alert to the needs of older folks who have dementia or confusion because I know it can be confusing for them in the A&E.
SITI FARHANA BINTE JUMARI SENIOR STAFF NURSE, ACUTE AND EMERGENCY CARE, KTPH
FARHANA: I have become more alert to the needs of older folks who have dementia or confusion. If I can, I will engage them because I know it can be confusing for them in the A&E. But I think my heart is especially sensitive to kids with special needs.
RAINE: Working in the Renal Centre, I better understand and empathise with the patients I work with. All the challenges that we face in our personal lives definitely make us better nurses.
