Nursing Times September 2022

Nursing
Times
VOL. 3, NO. 3 SEP 2022

RafflesMedGrp RafflesHospital

1 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

TABLE OF CONTENT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES CN, Lilian Yew
An Eye for Detail 04 NE I Karyn Choo Li Ping
Senior Manager Than Sook Ling
NURSING EDUCATION EN I Algarme Michelle Turingan
SNC II Mastura Binte Abdullah
Raffles Nurses’ Day Celebrations 07 NC I Chia Hui Nee
SSN I Belderol Alicia Lapining
Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony 10 EN II Allera Eric Ababon
ANC Loh Sok Hian
MOH Nurses’ Merit Award 11 NC II Javier Zenia Pabualan
SN I Alan Venus Molino
Outstanding Clinical Leadership Award 14 AG NE Jai Vaishnavi D/O Jayakumar
SNC II Lai Kwok Fern
Raffles Medical Group Nightingale Award 15
EDITORIAL TEAM
Excellent Preceptor Award 17
Chief Editor:
Best Enrolled Nurse Award 18 Lilian Yew, Chief Nurse

President’s Award for Nurses Ceremony 2022 19 MEMBERS
Karyn Choo Li Ping, Nurse Educator I
NURSES’ INSIGHT 20 Lai Kwok Fern, Senior Nurse Clinician II
Code Blue Drill Workshop 21 Wong Siew Fong, Nurse Clinician II
Clinical Updates Choo Jie Ling, Staff Nurse I
Rathigka Subramaniam, Senior Staff Nurse II
COMPLIMENTS FOR OUR NURSES 22
26 PRODUCED BY
ON THE RADAR RMG Corporate Communications

NURSES’ BANK 27
Colour Psychology

FOR NURSES BY NURSES SCAN FOR
Join the Singapore Nurses Association (SNA) MORE DETAILS
All SNA Members receive:
• Special rates for SNA and Chapter talks and seminars
• Discounted registration fees for SNA hosted and partner conferences
• 3 issues of Singapore Nursing Journal (E-copy); 3 issues of newsletter; SNA Connect (E-copy)
• Lifestyle benefits (Please find out more at http://www.sna.org.sg/lifestylebenefits)

2 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

Chief Singapore celebrates Nurses’ Day on 1 August every year.
Editor’s This year was extra special as we could finally hold in-
Note person celebrations and award ceremony in our hospital
after two years.

In this edition of Nursing Times, we share our Nurses’ Day
celebrations as we pay tribute to our nursing heroes and
heroines.

Nurses’ Day is also a day we present awards to the most
outstanding nurses amongst us, those who have gone
above and beyond the call of duty and is a shining example
of our noble profession. In this issue, we spotlight our
nursing award winners and hear their inspiring stories.

We also provide a behind-the-scenes peek into the daily
lives of our nurses at the Raffles Eye Centre.

The next issue of Raffles Nursing Times will be published in
Dec 2022. If you have stories to share, please submit them
before 1st Nov 2022. Mark your calendars and anticipate
our next issue!

“Hands that turn comfort into action,
Touch that turns compassion into
comfort, Smiles that turn love into
healing. This is the art of Nursing ~

Happy Nurses’ Day!”

Raffles Nursing Times is Raffles Hospital’s Sincerely,
quarterly e-newsletter written by our nurses.
Lilian Yew (Ms)
It provides a glimpse into the nursing Chief Editor
profession and serves as a unique platform
for our nurses to share experiences and keep
abreast of clinical practices, new technologies
and the latest developments in the nursing
world.

If you would like to submit an article or share
a nursing story, please contact
[email protected]

3 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

An Eye for Detail

Behind-the-scenes

An EYE for Detail

From left to right: Raffles Eye Centre – Principal Optometrist Shirley Tan, SN I Ong Lay Li,
Clinical A/Prof Dr Johnson Tan, EN I Algarme Michelle Turingan

An ophthalmic nurse specialises in the ophthalmology branch of medicine,
which focuses on the health of the eye. The nurse works directly with the
ophthalmologists and assists them in the assessment, treatment and care for
patients.
Opthalmology patients present with a variety of eye diseases or injuries, such
as glaucoma, blindness, astigmatism, cataracts, macular degeneration, near-
sightedness, far-sightedness, scratched corneas and eye trauma. Patients
come in all ages, although eye diseases most often affect the elderly.
Ophthalmic nurses play an important role in helping patients gain
independence and the ability to care for themselves. The nurses develop
close relationships with patients through their journey, which allows nurses
to better understand patient needs and demands.

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‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

An Eye for Detail

Let’s take a peek at EN Michelle’s daily work
routine at the Eye Centre!

12 Years of working experience 0830hrs - 0930hrs
EN I Algarme Michelle
Turingan, Raffles Eye Centre • Opening the clinic, disinfecting work surfaces and doctor’s offices.
• Reviewing patients’ appointment list for the day.
Q How did you become an • Reviewing post-operative surgical patients after their surgery in
ophthalmologic nurse?
the morning.
A Before I became a nurse in Raffles Eye • Perform pre-operative assessment for patients who will undergo eye
Centre, I was working in a community hospital.
I had always wanted to work in an eye clinic as I tests and cataract surgeries.
used to work in The American Eye Centre in the
Philippines. A friend who was already working 1030hrs - 1230hrs
here encouraged me to apply and I did. I have
been working here for almost two years now. • Assisting the doctors in the clinic, logistics and booking of appointments.
• Calling patients to confirm their following day’s appointments. Answering
I love working as an ophthalmology nurse. It
is fulfilling to help the elderly who cannot see phone calls and emails.
because of cataracts or glaucoma, or those who
suffer from astigmatism or myopia, and had to 1330hrs - 1430hrs
rely on glasses. It makes me happy when my
patients can see better again after their various • Performing eye tests and assessment for afternoon patients.
eye treatment procedures.
1430hrs - 1530hrs
I had my Lasik surgery in 2012, so I know
personally the importance and joy of having • Assist the Drs for clinic and prepping requisites needed for procedures.
a clear vision. When our vision is corrected, it • Financial counselling for patients.
makes a difference in our daily lives.
1530hrs - 1630hrs

• Assisting in eye and laser procedures with doctor.
• Filling up paperwork, booking of appointments and preparing for next

day’s appointment list.
• Disinfecting the clinic and dispatching eye instruments to CSSD.

5 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

An Eye for Detail

Q What do you enjoy doing most working • Laser Retinopexy is an outpatient

in Raffles Eye Centre? procedure used to treat many types of
retinal problems – one of which is to seal

A What I enjoy the most working here is retinal tears to prevent the development
gaining new experiences and clinical learning of retinal detachment. I will assist to
in my daily work. I enjoy assisting A/Prof Dr prepare the consent for the procedure
Johnson and am always excited to learn more and the Letter of Guarantee for the
about the different types of eye procedures and patients if they are using insurance. I
treatments patients require. It has exposed me will then proceed to dilate the patient’s
vastly and widened my horizon of knowledge pupil and perform optos retinal imaging
in the area of ophthalmology. Also, I enjoy the examination to take a photo of the retina.
working relationship with my colleagues and The patient’s eyes will be numbed by an
doctors. anaesthetic that will take about 10 to
15 minutes. After the procedure, I will

Q What are some interesting procedures provide post-operative patient education “Eye love
that you assist in? and schedule for the next patient’s Opthalmology,
appointment. my jokes are
as Cornea as
A The interesting procedures I normally Q Any memorable patient experiences? it gets!”
assist in are:
A The most memorable patient experience
• Lasik/PRK surgery or Laser Vision for me is when patients appreciate the work
Correction. It is a type of refractive I do and the good service I provide. Some
surgery for the correction of myopia, patients remember my name and gave
and hyperopia where we use a laser to feedback that I had eased their anxiety and
reshape the cornea to improve visual made it fuss-free throughout their surgery or
acuity. Lasik is normally performed in the consultation. The best satisfaction of my job is
operating theatre and I normally assist as to send patients home with clearer vision.
the circulating nurse. I will perform the
pre-operative assessment and provide
pre-operative instructions for the patients
– assisting them to change into their OT
gown, taking vital signs, cleansing the eyes
before and after surgery. After the Lasik
procedure, I will provide the necessary
post-operative patient education, and
schedule their post-operative appointment
the next day.

6 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSING EDUCATION

Raffles Nurses’ Day Celebration

Nursing Education:

Raffles Nurses’ Day
Celebrations

MediaCorp artistes from ‘You can be an Angel, Season 4’ were invited to celebrate with the nurses @ Sky Garden, Level 19

Every year on August 1st, Singapore celebrates “Hands that turn caring into
Nurses’ Day to thank all nurses for their action. Touch that turns
dedication and celebrate this noble profession. compassion into comfort. Smiles
We pay tribute to our wonderful frontline that turn love into healing…”
nurses who are the faces of courage amidst
this challenging pandemic. Happy Nurses’ Day to our wonderful
Raffles nurses!
Kudos to all our wonderful Raffles Nurses!

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NURSING EDUCATION

Raffles Nurses’ Day Celebration

Buffet for our nurses at Raffles Hospital

Nurses’ Day walkabout with GM, Dr Tan Hsiang Lung; Chief Nurse, Ms Lilian Yew,
AD Ms Yasmine Poh; Human Capital Director, Ms Pauline Chua

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NURSING EDUCATION

Raffles Nurses’ Day Celebration

RH Nurses awarded Certificate of Commendation for 100% work attendance for Year 2021

Nurses reciting the Nurses’ Pledge as a reaffirmation to honour our duties & responsibilities

9 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

Nurses’ Day 2022
Award Ceremony

We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients for the various
awards that honour the nurses’ for their hard work and contributions.

From left to right: SN I Alan Venus Molino, NC II Javier Zenia Pabualan, SNC II Mastura Binte
Abdullah, Senior Manager, Than Sook Ling, SSN I Belderol Alicia Lapining, EN II Allera Eric Ababon

10 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

MOH Nurses’
Merit Award (NMA)

From left to right: Chief Nursing Officer, Paulin Koh, SNC II Mastura Binte Abdullah, Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung

Congratulations to Senior Nurse Clinician II Mastura Binte Abdullah, Inpatient Ward
10, for winning the MOH Nurses’ Merit Award!
125 nurses were presented with the Nurses’ Merit Award (NMA) by Minister for Health,
Mr Ong Ye Kung, on 6 July 2022. The NMA started in 1976 and is awarded to nurses who
have displayed noteworthy and exceptional performance, participated in professional
development, and contributed to raising the nursing profession. Nurses are nominated for
the award by their healthcare institutions and selected by a panel set up by the Ministry of
Health (MOH). We are very proud that one of the recipients this year is our very own
Raffles Nurse – Senior Nurse Clinician II Mastura Binte Abdullah, Inpatient Ward 10.

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NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

I joined nursing at the age of 18 years old. to various other opportunities in healthcare.
I enrolled as a Pupil Assistant Nurse in the Skills and knowledge that we learn in nursing
School of Nursing. This was before nursing will greatly benefit you in life.
was introduced in the Institute of Technical
Education or the Polytechnics. Q What makes being a nurse special?

This year marks the 27th year since I took that A Nursing provides us with life-long skills.
first leap into nursing. Our commitment, dedication, perseverance,
knowledge, and skills that we learn from being a
Q What is the most memorable or student to a full-pledged nurse help us grow as
significant event in your career? an individual. Not many will be able to do what
we do, and those who have chosen nursing will
SNC II Mastura Binte A Being chosen for an exchange programme agree that we are the pillars of the organisation.
Abdullah, Inpatient Ward 10 to Mayo Clinic, USA in 2017. It was an eye- We are not “helpers” but well-trained
opening experience. During my two weeks professionals who will stop at nothing to ensure
Q Why did you join nursing? there, I had the chance to see and learn how that our patients receive the best care possible.
the nurses in Mayo Clinic function. They also
A When I was younger, I was more intrigued shared with me their work processes and Q Aside from nursing, what are you
with joining a uniformed group, such as being a streamlining of care to ensure that patients passionate about?
police officer or even a prisons officer. However, receive the best care possible. Mayo being one
when my grandmother shared with us about of the top hospitals in USA, I really learnt a lot A Cooking. I am not a Master Chef but when
how she volunteered to be a nurse during the from them and I was able to share with my I can, I love to cook. Nothing beats a home
war, I could sense her passion for her work. colleagues when I returned to Singapore. cooked meal and I find cooking to
This inspired me to take up nursing when I saw be therapeutic.
a recruitment ad in the newspaper. Q What would you say to school leaver
who is considering nursing? Q What is your biggest challenge you
faced in nursing? How did you overcome it?
A Go for it!! Nursing is a noble and very
rewarding profession. Nursing is not just A Despite the many accolades’ nurses
bedside care of diaper changing and feeding receive, the negative remarks very often
patients. Its diversity allows you to branch out affected me. Those comments may not be
directed personally to me but when directed to
the profession, it makes me sad and sometimes
question myself if it is worth it. However, I have
learnt to take all these negative comments
with a pinch of salt. When I come across such
remarks, I tell myself and my colleagues that
as long as we do our work to the best of our
abilities and ensure that our patients are taken
care of, we should not let these negativities
break our spirit.

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NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

Q What is your biggest contribution to
nursing thus far?

A Progressing myself from an Enrolled
Nurse to a Registered Nurse and
subsequently completing my Adv Diploma in
Nursing specialising in Orthopaedics. I use
all the knowledge I have gained through the
years to become a reliable resource person
to my fellow colleagues. I feel that this is my
biggest contribution to the nursing profession
because without knowledge, nursing will
not progress and sharing the knowledge we
have, is the start of improving the reliability of
nursing on the whole.

Q How does your family support you in
your nursing career?

A They understand that with the shift work
and at times, working on public holidays and
weekends means that I will and have missed
out on many family gatherings and outings.
With that, they ensure that they plan things on
my off days as well so that I can be included
in these activities. They constantly will call or
send me a text to make sure that I am okay
and taking care of myself.

Q How do you sustain your passion
in nursing?

A My colleagues are my inspiration.
Especially my seniors as they were the ones
that constantly motivate me to do better
than them and not settle for anything less
than giving my best. Their encouragement
helps me to get my head in the game. I look
forward to coming to work daily despite the
struggles we may face because I love what I
am doing.

Staying focused and committed is my
mantra. I appreciate every positive feedback
and favourable outcome from the care we
render and take the negative feedback as an
opportunity to improve myself.

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NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

Outstanding Clinical
Leadership Award

The Outstanding Clinical Leadership Award honours nursing leaders who have been exemplary in
what they do. They play an instrumental role in guiding nurses to give their utmost for our patients.
They have also made improvements to the workplace that resulted in an improvement on overall
effectiveness of the team.

It is a huge honour for me to receive this
recognition award. I am thankful for the
opportunities given by the organisation
to take on various roles that allowed me
to grow as a nursing leader especially
during the crucial period to cope with the
unprecedented crisis.

I am grateful to be in the nursing
profession; it gives me a sense of
fulfilment to touch people’s lives every
moment. As a clinical leader, I look to
inspire, influence and motivate the
next generation of nurses. Constantly
enhancing safe and quality patient care is
an effective way to prepare for a new era
of healthcare challenges
Senior Manager, Ms Than Sook Ling,
ICU/DS/Dialysis Centre

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NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

Raffles Medical Group
Nightingale Award

This RMG Nightingale Award recognises and celebrates Raffles Nurses in being inspirational role
models of patient care. It is a recognition for the outstanding patient care and excellence in nursing
contributions to Raffles Medical Group.

For more than a decade of working in Raffles Hospital ICU, I am
honoured and grateful for this recognition. To stay in this profession,
you must be honest with yourself and examine how you feel about
the demands of the job. It requires sacrifices, dedication, and most
importantly, commitment. You need to have tons of patience, especially
working in a very stressful and highly demanding job in ICU where stress
levels are so intense that sometimes it affects others. This is just a
reminder that we are still normal individuals with thoughts and feelings
and limitations on how much stress we can handle. Lastly, we have to
have a heart filled with compassion that is perhaps our best nursing
skill. I am highly encouraged and will be glad to do my best. I am always
grateful to my managers, and my family and colleagues for the support.

NC II Javier Zenia Pabualan, ICU

I would like to thank Raffles Hospital for
recognising my contributions. I feel very honored
to receive this nursing award. Nursing has been
my one and only career since my graduation from
school. This journey has been fulfilling and I have
never regretted joining this profession. I have
worked with and learnt from various doctors and
nurses who have been instrumental in my growth
as a nurse. Besides this, as a nurse leader, I hope
to continue to upgrade myself and to impart what
I know to the next generation of nurses

NC I, Chia Hui Nee, Internal Medicine

15 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

“I considered myself as one of those fortunately blessed by God to
be part of Singapore’s healthcare service since 1999.
Back in1986, I was inspired to pursue my studies to become a
nurse in the Philippines, without being fully aware of the demands
and struggles of this profession. But somehow I learned to be
determined and have passion to succeed.

The SARS outbreak and the ongoing COVID battle are the two
significant milestones of my career as a health professional. The
challenges and the hardships that we went through during this
pandemic has fortified my commitment towards my profession,
the community and my patients. Our spirit of teamwork and the
dedication and support of my colleagues have been a constant
source of inspiration, courage and strength to always remain true
and faithful to our Nightingale pledge. Indeed, being a nurse is an
Altruism. The opportunity to extend myself to our patients either as a
mere listener, provide for their health needs and help alleviate their
pain and discomfort has given me a sense of personal fulfilment.
One that is priceless.

SSN II Alan Venus Molino, RMG Jurong East Clinic

It is a great honour for me to receive this prestigious
award and am very grateful for the belief and support
that the organisation has in the work that I do. This
award is enabled through the camaraderie and spirit
of excellence amongst the doctors, nurses, pharmacy
technicians and patient service officers at the Raffles
Orthopaedic Centre. This drives us to deliver healthcare
at the highest level for our patients. Each day presents
its own challenges, but the way we overcome them as
a team makes the work fulfilling and special. I hope to
continue doing my very best and to guide the junior staff
to become leaders in their individual stations.

ANC Loh Sok Hian, RMC Orthopaedic Centre

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NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

Excellent
Preceptor Award

The Excellent Preceptor Award recognises distinguished Registered Nurses who have successfully
nurtured and mentored pre-registration nursing students and new nurses. This is extremely critical
in ensuring we are constantly on the lookout and grooming the next generation of talented nurses.

With no prior experience in teaching, preceptorship is hard. By becoming a
preceptor, is like an extension of an educator to a clinical setting.
When I was given the responsibility of preceptoring, I accepted the challenge
with fear and hesitation, knowing my limited background in teaching. I
doubted myself, wondering if I would be able to bridge the gap between
theoretical learning and clinical. Over time, I managed to hone my clinical
skills with applied practices through my encounters with the different
students.
My first encounter in preceptoring was full of hurdles. The establishment
of trust and rapport, the building of confidence, the time constraints and
individual differences made the journey tougher. But witnessing those
preceptees flourish in their nursing career gives me a sense of fulfilment.
As nurse preceptor, I will continue to strive to develop and maintain
professional competence in order to provide the holistic and seamless care
that each patient deserves.

SSN I Belderol Alicia Lapining,
Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward 8D

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NURSING EDUCATION

Nurses’ Day 2022 Award Ceremony

Best Enrolled
Nurse Award

The Best Enrolled Nurse Award recognises promising Enrolled Nurses who have shown
commitment, excellence and dedication in their profession at Inpatient Ward, Raffles Hospital.

I am really honoured to have been chosen amongst my colleagues
for this prestigious award. I would like to express my sincere
gratitude to all the people who have been there for me and
supporting me till this day, especially to all the sisters and staff
nurses in Ward 13. Being a health care provider is not easy. We
have to deal with all kinds of patients with different health issues and
difficulties. However, I always treat the patients like my family. Every
day before I go to work, I will pray for their safety and hope that they
can recover fast.
At work, I show empathy and ensure my patients’ safety and comfort
during their stay in Raffles Hospital. I will always try to meet their
needs whenever possible so that all patients are well taken care
of. Sometimes, I even talk to them with a sense of humour so they
can smile and forget about their illnesses. At the end of the day, I
want my patients to have an unforgettable moment with the service
provided during their stay.
Once again thank you everyone who has been helping and
supporting me throughout this journey as a nurse in Raffles Hospital.

EN I Allera Eric Ababon, Inpatient Ward 13

18 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSING EDUCATION

President’s Award for Nurses

President’s Award for Nurses

Award Ceremony
2022 @ Istana

The highest accolade in Singapore’s nursing profession, the President’s Award for Nurses
recognises nurses who have shown sustained outstanding performance and contributions
to patient care delivery, education, research and administration. This year’s winners received
their awards from President Halimah Yacob at an award ceremony and reception held at the
Istana on 26 July 2022.

NE I Karyn Choo from Nursing Education Department was one of the emcees at this
year’s award ceremony. She shares her experience:

To be one of the emcees for the President’s MOH Organising Committee from the various hospital institutions
Award Nurses’ Ceremony was an exciting, including RH, with Minister of Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung
eye-opening and fulfilling experience.
From left to right: SNC II Lai Kwok Fern, CE Siti Zarinah; Chief Nurse Ms Lilian Yew,
Thank you to MOH organising committee who and NE I Karyn Choo Li Ping
had given their utmost support prior to the
event to prepare us well through the rehearsals
we had.

I feel happy and satisfied being part of the
event committee to award the outstanding
nurses for this prestigious award in Singapore
and am looking forward to participating in
similar events again

Read more about
President’s Award for
Nurses 2022 here!

19 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSES’ INSIGHT

Code Blue Drill Workshop

Code Blue Drill
Workshop

Acting Nurse Educator,
Jai Vaishnavi D/O Jayakumar,
Nursing Education Department

As an educator with prior experience in in their clinical areas when the need arises. After
developing a quality indicator on conducting each hands-on resuscitation session, a debrief
code blue simulation drills for a small group session would be held. This gives our learners
of nurses, which was implemented across the an opportunity to clarify doubts, discuss critical
healthcare institute, it gave me tremendous thinking and clinical judgment and reinforces
pleasure to be a facilitator for Code Blue Drill teaching points thus encouraging self-learning
Workshops conducted in Raffles Hospital. through reflection in our learners. Providing
this training enables our nurses with little or
Training our nurses to be ready for the no experience to be able to perform better
unexpected is critical. This workshop is in a resuscitation, ultimately leading to better
conducted on a monthly basis. Nurses get outcomes for our patients.
adequate hands-on practice in checking of I feel humbled to be able to share my knowledge
resuscitation equipment and be well-versed in and experience with my learners, thus working
the resuscitation workflow. towards providing service excellence with an
impact for our patients.
Conducting our drills in a simulated setting
allows our nurses to make mistakes safely
and learn from them. It also boosts their
confidence to keep this knowledge and utilise it

20 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSES’ INSIGHT

Clinical Updates

Clinical Updates

Written by: SNC II Lai Kwok Fern, Ward 13

Since 23 November 2021, Raffles Hospital has adopted the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework for fluids.
This initiative aims to standardise all dysphagia diets worldwide to ensure continuity of care between hospitals and healthcare institutions.

IDDSI adoption and implementation is happening on a global scale, so we must be prepared to recognise it in documentation received from
other hospitals. It is every nurses’ responsibility to familiarise themselves with the new IDDSI terms for fluids and know how to prepare each fluids
consistently.

The IDDSI framework consists of a continuum of 8 levels (0 to 7), where drinks are measured from Levels 0 to 4. We aim to no longer use
subjective terms such as “nectar”, “honey” or “pudding” thick fluids. Instead, we will use Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 fluids. See table below.

OPldLATNerm1 s IDDSIPFLrAaNm1ework PLAN 1 Some of the hospitals in Singapore have already implemented the IDDSI
Thin Fluids Level 0 - Thin N/A framework. Thus, it is important that we understand the new IDDSI
framework so that we can provide continuity of care to our patients.
Nectar Thick Level 1 – Slightly Thick 1 Scoop / 200mls
Honey Thick Training
Pudding Thick Level 2 – Mildly Thick 2 Scoops / 200mls Nurses are trained to measure the consistency using the syringes supplied
by the speech therapist. In order to ease the training during this transition,
Level 3 – Moderately Thick 4 Scoops / 200mls the trainer uses the IDDSI Framework first, followed by the old consistency
in parentheses. For example: “IDDSI Level 2 (Nectar Thick)”. This is to ease
Level 4 – Extremely Thick 6 Scoops / 200mls easier understanding, and hopefully the old terms will be phased out
completely eventually.

Headboard Signage
For those wards that use Headboard Signage, the speech therapist has
designed a new headboard sign to replace the obsolete ones currently use
in the ward. Please see attached documents.

With all these pre-preparations in place, the implementation phase is a success. The documentation for patient’s diet constituency now becomes
easier for the nurses in terms on managing patient with dysphagia and also providing consistent care when they receive patients from other
organisation.

Tips from Speech Therapy:
1. Prop up patient before feeding
2. Assess patient’s swallow reflex before feeding
3. STOP feeding if patient shows signs and symptoms of choking

21 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

Bouquets for
our nurses!

Each nurse is a service ambassador in RMG, and they
play an important role in shaping the Raffles Experience
by delivering excellent service. Our service standards are
based on Service with an I-M-P-A-C-T. We are pleased
to share some of our patients’ heartfelt gratitude
towards our nurses who have gone the extra mile to
provide outstanding and seamless service.

Ms Irene TAN is always going Assistant Nurse Clinician, EN II Manjula Krishnamurthy
the extra mile to ensure smooth Cai Miao Zai Monica, RMC - Causeway Point
operations in the clinic. She is very
friendly, professional and has an SOC - Raffles Internal Medicine Centre I would also like to express my
outstanding attitude when she special thanks to Ms Manjula. She
interacts with the patients. Thank Nurse Monica is always very helpful and was the one who helped with my
you Irene, and also for the big, professional. She makes coming to the dressing after my toe surgery. Ms
friendly smile when I am there. doctor an enjoyable experience. She has a Manjula was very careful when
very professional demeanor and is kind and removing the dressing to avoid the
SEN I Tan Kwee Choo Irene, courteous. She is a real asset to Raffles! pain which I might face. So every
SOC - Raffles Women’s Centre time when I go for dressing, I would
request for her. She is also very
She was very attentive throughout my stay. As she guided the intern nurse to patient and will also ensure that the
remove my IV plug, she tried to make it as painless and comfortable for me. new dressing was done properly. I
She also went the extra mile to accompany and help me carry heavy items would like to praise Raffles for having
down to the pickup point when I was discharged. such good doctors and nurses. Well
done Ms Manjula!.
SSN I Hafizah Binte Hassan
Ward 10 (Medical/Surgery)

22 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

Ms Nadiah did an amazing job by using the baby needle to draw blood from He went the extra mile to
the dorsal vein instead. No one had done that for me before, which is so much communicate with my mum who is
less traumatising. Her understanding of my fear and not pushing ahead with non-english speaking. He had shown
drawing blood from my arms, and offered a solution to ease my fears are very extra care & concern to ease patient’s
much appreciated. Wonderful staff at Raffles Medical Clinic@Northpoint! worries and well-being. Being a
visitor, his professionalism & sincerity
SEN II Nadiah Bte Mat Daud, impressed me. Thumbs up for giving
RMC - Causeway Point his best services.

SSN II Ng Cath Chin, SN II Nolasco Ronald Mendoza,
SOC - Raffles ENT Centre Inpatient - Ward 9 (Medical/Surgery)

Cath impressed me when she tried all means to arrange for a MRI/CT scan of my SEN I Zoe Chin Yu Lin,
nose. Whilst sitting at the 8th floor reception lounge, I could hear her frantically SOC - Raffles Eye Centre
trying to reach various parties. Apparently it seemed no one was available to pick
up the phone. Eventually she did. She was still festered when she came to me to Dear Zoe, Hope you’re doing well
explain what I had to do next. However she was calm and posed as she thoroughly and great. Mr Ekita Lokmansuy feel
walked me through. The following day I sent her an email on insurance matters. She great about his eye after the last
replied within the same day. Good job Cath! You may face challenges elsewhere but follow up with Dr Lee and decided
the client in front of you deserves your best which you did for me! not to do a second checkup today.
We cannot thank you enough
The nurse who attended to me before discharging me was absolutely for the excellent care you have
lovely, and made sure I was safe at all times when I started walking provided from the moment we
after waking up. When she removed the needle, her movement was met you. Furthermore, Thank you
very confident and she asked if I felt any pain. I really felt she cared for the kindness and respect you
personally about my wellbeing. showed my dad. I appreciate the
compassion you showed him and
SN II Cabigas Jocelyn Cabaya, my family.
Inpatient - Day Surgery

He was very caring and Ms Nadiah did an amazing job by using the baby needle to draw blood from
assuring. The nurse has the the dorsal vein instead. No one had done that for me before, which is so much
most contact time with the less traumatising. Her understanding of my fear and not pushing ahead with
patient (apart from the doctor), drawing blood from my arms, and offered a solution to ease my fears are very
so he is also the face of the much appreciated. Wonderful staff at Raffles Medical Clinic@Northpoint!
hospital, and he represented
SEN II Nadiah Bte Mat Daud,
well what care meant. RMC - Causeway Point

SEN II Fredelito Carino Regua,
Accident & Emergency Department

23 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

SEN Angelyne Tan Siew Hua, SSN II Chan Yee Hui,
SOC - Raffles Internal Medicine Centre SOC - Raffles Women’s Centre

Angeline is absolutely one of your best I really got to say Nurse Ye Hui & Winnie and staff Mina & Tini have such great
ambassadors. She is so very efficient personalities that their service had made me that I would not want to go elsewhere.
and caring and always goes the extra There is always up and down through a pregnancy journey, but getting to know
mile to ensure the patient is taken care them and getting support, getting the right information that is needed and making
of. Yesterday I explained to her that I sure that all appointments and checkup goes smoothly - these will calm a pregnant
had lost all of my hospital appointments woman. I’m glad to know them and they should be given credit for their excellent
due to a change of phone and she very service. Keep up the great work guys!
kindly without any prompting had all my Thank you Raffles Hospital.
future appointments sent to my email
address and this was so appreciated. He checked on me and my queue number when I was quietly feeling impatient
She is truly an outstanding employee. regarding my queue. He made sure I had my documents and made me feel
So is Dr Chan who is truly amazing and welcomed. It was a pleasant visit because of his hospitality.
is an excellent doctor who has taken
great care of me over many years. SSN I Raymund Darius Gonzaga
Socobos, RMC - Bishan

SN Farah is such an amazingly kind, caring and responsive nurse. Often going

the extra mile in following up closely. She’s consistently professional with

Very friendly deposition. Made me wonderful positive attitude. I would like to take this opportunity too to thank
feel better despite my fever. Shared
experiences with me and encouraged her for drawing blood for my mom’s recent test with such ease. Grace - Such

me to feel better. Hope there are a cheerful and personable nurse that makes my mom (and I am sure any
more nurses like her around. Mentally
elderly) comfortable. She is a natural when engaging with my mom, easing her
I become positive.
from anxiety of checks/test.
SN II Bambao Rose Ann
Benedict De Leon, SSN I Farah Idafe Bte Mohd
Inpatient - Ward 13 Ali Firose & Grace Tan Hui Ting,
RMC - Raffles Executive Medical Centre

EN I Galanida Fern Agatha
Geraldino,

SOC Women’s Centre

Nurse Carmel was very helpful in making my stay comfortable. She has a caring Nurse Fern is exemplary. She is
sensibility that made my recovery smooth. She communicates clearly and kept pro-active and efficient. She is very
me informed throughout my stay. She is very thorough. Thank you, nurse! considerate and professional. It is
always a pleasure dealing with her
SSN II Fiangachen Julia Sagwit, and we feel very well taken care
RMC Changi Business Park of. Nurse Gemma as well, is very
accommodating and pleasant when
she assists us. Thank you very much
for being trust worthy and making us
feel comfortable.

24 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

Nurse Gloria remembers me when I was warded previously. She came with an Took the time to find the vein
extra blanket and covered me during one of the nights without me requesting though it was difficult to find.
for it, as I am someone who is very afraid of the cold. She was very patient and Place me at ease and also did
motherly through the interaction I had with her. Makes me feel whole lot better what she could to minimise
as a patient. bruise that usually happens
when taking blood due to the
SEN II Gloria Josephine
Mary Michael, Inpatient Ward 10 fine vein.

SN I Raynera Rianna Almario, SSN II Sum Li Ting,
SOC - Raffles Neuroscience Centre RMC - Raffles Health Screeners

By far the best medical care I have received in 20 years of military service. The ENT Nurse Coordinator III
and Neuroscience physicians and their staff diagnosed and treated longstanding Flordeliza Navasques Ardenio,
sleep disorders that were misdiagnosed back in the US. I had three surgical RMC - Raffles Health Screeners
procedures followed by ongoing post-surgical care treatments. I could not be more
satisfied with the care I received at Raffles; they saved my life. She made me comfortable as I was a
bit apprehensive about the test, being
Special heartfelt thank you to Nurse Cath at ENT, Nurse Rihanna at Neuroscience, the first time to do so! She clearly
Dr Chairman Zhao Liling, and Dr Alvin Seah. explained the details of the test and
adequately communicated during the
Always very kind with words and advice. Request nurse to draw blood entire course of the test, to keep me
for me because of my difficult vein and Yin Juan is very experienced in informed and motivated to complete
drawing blood for difficult tiny vein. My blood can’t be drawn properly the test properly.
by most nurses except Yin Juan and Winnie. Both are very good nurses.
Very responsible and very friendly. They are really good in their job. Nice, patient service with a
smile and went extra mile to
SSN Xu Yin Juan, arrange my PCR cert to Japan
SOC - Raffles Internal Medicine Centre when I wasn’t made known of

the requirement.

EN I Javier Diane Caccam,
RMC - Ang Mo Kio

25 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

ON THE RADAR

On the Radar

Let’s welcome our new nurses!
New Nurse Joiness from July – Sep 2022

Balakrishnan Santhi NICU Senior Nurse Clinician II
Betty Paulus Heart Centre Staff Nurse I
Cabria Grachielle Cruzana MSF Girls Home Staff Nurse I
Camacho Rey Pacinos Boys Home Staff Nurse I
Chew Miki Ward 8 (O&G) Staff Nurse I
Cusap Angelo Mercado Ward 9D Staff Nurse I
Dewi Nurfarah Muhammad Fazli Koh A&E Staff Nurse I
Dinah Amirah Binte Rosley O&G Staff Nurse I
Dong Wanli CTF Enrolled Nurse
Espanol Renee Kyla Angeles Ward 10 Staff Nurse II
Foo Kwan Tyng (Jess) Dialysis Centre Nurse Clinician I
Gonzales Leonila Diamante Shaw Centre GP Senior Enrolled Nurse I
Govindarajoo Kavitha RMC - Shaw Senior Enrolled Nurse I
Guo Haipeng Heart Centre Nursing Aide
Hazel Tay Hui Hui Urology Cetre Staff Nurse I
Huo Taibo Raffles Health Screeners Staff Nurse I
Istighfar Binte Daud Ward 13 Senior Staff Nurse I
Kang Qiqi Singapore Land Tower Enrolled Nurse I
Lim Alexie Louie Gamboa ICU Staff Nurse I
Logeswary Sundram Ward 10 Staff Nurse II
Naw Nan Cho Cho ICU Senior Enrolled Nurse
Niqmatul-Ain Angeles Hallmi Children's Centre Staff Nurse I
Peng Jing CTF Enrolled Nurse
Rosaline Lim Qiu Fang Ward 13 Staff Nurse II
Tao Shisi Cancer Centre Staff Nurse I
Thirunavukkarsu S/o Ponnampalam MSF Boys Home Senior Staff Nurse II
Wafa Bin Zainal Abidin Ward 13 Staff Nurse II
Yra Blanz Jupas Amarillento Day Surgery Staff Nurse II
Zhang Fan CTF Enrolled Nurse

26 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSES’ BANK
COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

Nurses’ Bank

Colour Psychology:
What does your
favourite colour say
about your Personality?

Your favourite colour can be linked to various personality traits,
motivation, and productivity levels in your life.

In the last decade, research has
taken colour psychology and
applied it to human personality
traits. Colours aren’t merely
associated with various feelings,
but can actually shape our
perceptions and personalities.
Various studies across multiple
years have given us insights into
what each colour represents in
regard to our personality, work
ethic, and motivation levels.

27 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSES’ BANK
COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

What is Colour Psychology?
Many people are unaware of the impact colours have on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
in everyday life. It’s extremely likely that you have purchased something in a store or chose
one product over another due to what brands call colour marketing – targeting brands and
advertisements based on colours that will influence you to buy.

You can see in the infographic above that companies that want to be associated with dependability
(Dell, HP, IBM) use the colour blue. Companies that want to be known for being exciting and fun
(Fanta, Amazon, Nickelodeon) use a splash or orange. Colour psychology is being used around us
every single day and not only in what brands we buy, but also in how we react to our environment.
Extending colour psychology into the realm of personalities is about proving that colours aren’t just
about what looks the best, but about what meaning we subconsciously attach to those colours, and
how to use that to benefit our lives.

What’s your Personality Colour?
Here is a simple test for you: If you had to pick one favourite colour what would it be?
Don’t overthink this, answer this question spontaneously. It’s okay to have two or three favourite
colours. Write that down: This is the key to your personality colour

RED is a bold colour Personality Traits
choice that has been
associated with • Bold
excitement, passion, • Thrill-seeker
danger, thrill, energy, • Adventure-lover
• Can be a little impulsive
and action. • Can be perceived as intimidating

ORANGE is often Personality Traits
representative of
creativity, happiness, • Fun and playful energy that people admire
freedom, success, and • Social, perhaps an extrovert
the balance that brings • You nurture things
it all together. Marketers • Enjoys deep conversation
may use this colour to • Cheerful
draw your attention • Loves to play the host at parties / events
to a catchy heading or • In regard to productivity, you like to dive
important note on their
website – but orange right into work and get things done.
isn’t nearly as bold and
enticing as red.

28 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

NURSES’ BANK
COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

Personality Traits BLUE is stable, harmonious, peaceful, and trustworthy. Brands
who want to be most well-known for their durability. Strength,
• Dependable or reliability will use blue in their logos. Many popular computer
• Trustworthy companies (Dell and HP) and websites (Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo)
• Gentle are known for their predominantly blue and white logos.
• Compassionate
• Peaceful
• Loyal
• Strong

GREEN. Two of the Personality Traits
things that make the
world go round are • Practical
associated with the • Down-to-earth
colour green - nature • Loves to give advice
and money. • Loves to help others
• Enjoys the outdoors and finds balance in life important
• In regard to productivity, you like to analyse the situation

before diving in, you are a problem solver and you can find
inventive ways to think outside the box.

Personality Traits PINK is often associated with femininity, playfulness, and love, but
pink can also be perceived as a somewhat immature colour. You will
• Fun notice a lot of pink in a child’s toy packaging or brands to signal playful,
• Playful whimsical fun. Other brands (Victoria Secret for example) have signified
• Maybe a little naïve the colour to mean something cute, fun, playful, and sexy.
• You wear your heart

on your sleeve and
aren’t afraid to
express your emotions
• Love and family are
important to you

BLACK can mean so many different things: boldness, uniqueness, mystery, intrigue, and power. But
it can also mean unhappiness, darkness, sadness, pain and grief. Black is associated with death and
mourning, but can also be associated with strength, luxury, and intensity.

Personality Traits

• Bold
• Risk-taker
• Perhaps a little impulsive at times
• Serious (maybe a little too serious)
• You are strong and command a sense of respect from your peers
• You’re trustworthy
• Perhaps a little intimidating

29 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

30 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

CE Siti Zarinah, NE I Karyn Choo, AG NE Jai Vaishnavi d/o Jayakumar, Chief Nurse Ms Lilian Yew,
NE Dira d/o Haridas, Senior Exec Khine Myat Thu, SNE II Wang Hongwei

RAFFLES HOSPITAL IS COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING OF NURSES.

We are proud to achieve ANCC NCPD Accreditation with Distinction is awarded
Accreditation with to organizations that demonstrate exemplary and
Distinction for Nursing innovative practices that go above and beyond the ANCC
Continuing Professional NCPD requirements. The ANCC formally recognizes
Development (NCPD) organizations that provide high-quality nursing continuing
from ANCC professional development and ensures educational
activities are designed using evidence-based criteria. By
participating in NCPD learning provided by an ANCC
accredited organization, registered nurses maintain
continued competence in a rapidly changing health care
environment.

Organizations that achieve ANCC NCPD Accreditation
with Distinction are committed to quality learning and are
invested in your future.

Learn more about Raffles Hospital at www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/
or ANCC NCPD Accreditation at nursingworld.org/accreditation

31 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3

“Were there none who were discontented with what they
have, the world would never reach anything better.”

Florence Nightingale

WHAT IS NURSING? NURSING @ RAFFLES
Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; The nursing team at Raffles is closely-knitted.
a heart and a mind. Nursing is more than a career. It is Our nurses come together to care for our
a calling. patients.

A NURSING CAREER WITH RAFFLES Our nurses are given opportunities to develop
Find out more about the career and build on specialised areas of interests, and
development track and opportunities. are encouraged to pursue lifelong learning.

32 Nursing Times Vol 3, No. 3 (v1.0 03/21)