Nursing Times Issue 04

Nursing
Times
VOL. 2, NO. 1 MAR 2021

RafflesMedGrp RafflesHospital

8 12

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Expanded Role of Nurses: Wound nurses 03 Lilian Yew
Karyn Choo Li Ping
NURSES’ INSIGHTS Alojado Wenna Hershey Boado
Chu Swee Ping
Special Edition - COVID-19 Projects 07 Shaakirah Bte Mohamed Rafi
Angeline Sarah
A Dedication to our RMG Foreign Nurses in Singapore 12 Pamela Tan Jin Han
Kavitha Manujar
NURSING EDUCATION 16 Shirley Sharina Jawai Anak Jimbau
Early Warning Signs Saves Lives Villanueva Mary Rose Flores
Grefiel Capito Corpin
ON THE RADAR 18
EDITORIAL TEAM
Happy International Women’s Day 20 Chief Editor:
Lilian Yew, Chief Nurse
Food for Thought 22
Members:
Get Involved! Karyn Choo Li Ping, Nurse Educator II
If you would like to submit an article, or share a nursing story, Kong Ee Lin, Nurse Clinician II
contact [email protected] Png Ci En, Nurse Clinician II
Wong Siew Fong, Acting Nurse Clinician
Shaakirah Bte Mohamed Rafi,
Acting Assistant Nurse Clinician
Rarama Mary Abigail Vanessa,
Staff Nurse I
Choo Jie Ling, Staff Nurse I

PRODUCED BY
RMG Brand & Marketing
CREATIVE: Zaneta Low

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. 2, No. 1

Chief
Editor’s
Note

“So never lose an Raffles Nursing Times is a quarterly newsletter
opportunity of urging published by the Raffles Hospital, which serves as a
a practical beginning, unique platform for our nurses to stay connected.
however small, for It highlights updates from our nurses and student nurses,
it is wonderful how and with these exciting contributions, we keep abreast
often in such matters of clinical practices, new technologies and arm ourselves
the mustard-seed with the latest and most exciting developments in the
germinates and nursing world.
roots itself.”
Through Raffles Nursing Times, we also hope to interact
Florence Nightingale with Raffles nurses and stay in touch with our nursing
friends in different roles in the industry. This is an exclusive
publication for nurses, prepared by Raffles nurses.

In this Vol. 2, No. 1, Mar 2021 issue, we have featured
some exclusive behind-the-scenes stories of our Raffles
nurses, taking a peak into the daily lives of our heroes and
heroines at work. During the Covid-19 pandemic, nurses
went beyond the call of duty by participating in various
COVID-19 projects all across Singapore such as the Marina
Bay Cruise Centre (MBCC) project and were one of the first
nurses deployed at the various vaccination centres run by
Raffles Medical Group. We want to share their stories of
resilience and dedication, stories that each and every one
of us can be proud of.

The next issue of Raffles Nursing Times will be published
in June 2021. If you have stories to share, please submit
them before 7 May 2021. Mark your calendars and look
forward to our next issue!

Sincerely,
Lilian Yew (Ms)

Chief Editor

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 3

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

Wound Nurses’ Team

Expanded Roles of Nurses:

Wound nurses

“Being a nurse is to give your hands
to serve and your heart to love.”

In this issue, we take a look behind-the-scenes, speaking
with our team of wound nurses, who nurse wounds with a
compassionate heart and skillful pair of hands.

4 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

Wound Nurses’ Team

WOUND CARE: AN and ostomies. We work closely
IN-DEPTH APPROACH with our primary doctors and
WITH PASSION other allied health care services to
address these issues.
WRITTEN BY
All these referred patients
NC II ALOJADO WENNA receive a variety of treatments
HEARSHEY BOADO depending on the type and
severity of the wound. Their
Our wound care team provides treatments can either be
multidisciplinary care for non- inpatient or outpatient care and
healing and complex wounds ocassionally, we receive referrals
together with personalised to assist on negative pressure
treatment plans that use wound therapy management
evidence-based practices in operating theatres as well.
including innovative techniques Proper assessment, intervention,
and thorough evaluation. It is evaluation and documentation
a specialised field that requires are essential along with a
skills, various training, patience thorough understanding of
and a great deal of compassion. the wound and its underlying
causes. We offer reassurance,
We learn how to think critically, guidance and education to the
not just execute a manual task. ​ patient and patient’s family. It
Wound care nurses incorporate
critical thinking skills in the
process of thinking about a
dressing change. We have to
assess the various types of
wounds - acute or chronic, sterile
or clean and simple or advanced.
We have to keep ourselves
abreast with the latest knowledge
in advanced wound management.
Wound care teaches us to use
different therapies, wound
products and various approaches
on wound management that have
proven to be effective for wound
healing and thus improve the
patients’ quality of life.

In Raffles, patients in need of
wound care often have diabetic
or ischemic ulcers, infected
wounds, clean or infected surgical
wounds, pressure injuries,
soft tissue necrosis, traumatic
wounds, venous insufficiencies

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 5

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

Wound Nurses’ Team

is truly rewarding to reap the fruits of our labour, being able to see the result of our hard work and build good
relationships with patients in the process of healing.

Another role we take on as wound care nurses is to provide continuous clinical guidance and training, to ensure
and maintain quality wound care management. We participate in inpatient education and conduct wound
management courses. Our team had also implemented the SSKIN (skincare guidelines) bundle initiative to
maintain wound care standards. With this initiative, it helped reduce the numbers of hospital acquired pressure
injuries from the rate of 1.4 per 1,000 patient days to less than 0.5. (Refer to Figure 1 on page 7).

SURFACE SSKIN GUIDELINES

• Initiate air mattress
• If at risk of heel ulcers – heels should be free from the bed surface at all times by placing

pillows underneath calves
• Patients with Diabetes + Neuropathy + Immobility = High Risk
• Do not use multiple layers under the patient – keep sheet free of wrinkles, ensure top

sheet not tight over the feet
• Be sure patient is not lying/ sitting on tubing. If patient is receiving oxygen, ensure ears/

nose are assessed
• Reassess pressure injury risk (Braden scale) weekly as a minimum
• Place pillows in between bony prominences

SKIN • Assess both abilities to walk and move
INSPECTION • Assess movement requirements when sitting in a chair as well as when lying on a
KEEP MOVING
mattress
• Reposition patient every 2 hours in bed or char (maximum 4 hours in bed at night)
• Encourage mobility
• Avoid elevation of head of bed to more than 30 degrees unless medically required
• Inspect skin and document on turning chart at every position change
• Devices to assist manual handling (e.g. slide sheet; hoists) should be used to reduce the

potential skin damage to the patient or injury to carers
• Document any deterioration in patient’s skin on wound chart and clinical chart
• Re-evaluate prevention strategies

INCONTINENCE • Offer toileting assistance regularly according to individual needs
• For patients with incontinence, use well-fitting continence products
• Wash and dry skin when soiled – use soap-free products
• DO NOT use oil-based creams/lotions
• Consider barrier products for use in an incontinent patient (Easi-cleanse spray, critic

barrier cream, Cavilon cream, Cavilon sting barrier spray)

NUTRITION & • Monitor intake of food and fluids
HYDRATION • Give support at mealtimes
• Utilise fortified supplements where appropriate
• Inform doctor when patient presents with poor nutritional intake

6 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

‘BEHIND-THE-SCENES’ STORIES

Wound Nurses’ Team

IMPLEMENTED INITIATIVES • SSKIN protocol revision in Q4 2019.
• Application of Allevyn life foam dressings as a
• Educating staff: Increased training to ground
nurses. Develop E-Learning on Pressure related first line pressure injury prevention.
Skin Injuries. • Foams are disseminated in all wards.

• Implementation for medical device pressure FIGURE 1: I-NSC-2: HOSPITAL ACQUIRED PRESSURES ULCERS
related injuries has been communicated to ICU (HAPU) (CATEGORY/STAGE II OR GREATER AFTER THE FIRST
and medical- surgical nurses 24 HR FROM THE TIME OF INPATIENT ADMISSION)

• Skin care bundle implemented: skin checks per
shifts including easicleanse + cavilon cream on
admission for patient on diapers..

PASSION FOR WOUND CARE and a stoma was also required. Every wound that heals is an
Adjustment to life with an ostomy inspirational experience. We see
Let us share with you an after a traumatic experience is patients at one of the toughest
unforgettable story of a patient challenging. Working with trauma moments in their lives, one that
who had been hospitalised due patients brought us many unique requires adjustments to lifestyle
to a forklift accident. This patient challenges. As nurses, we were and also challenges their self-
was admitted with multiple challenged to remain strong esteem and confidence. When a
fractures and almost lost his physically and emotionally, acting patient comes in with a wound,
leg. Due to the severe injuries as a support system for our they are usually very scared and
that he sustained, he had to patients. This patient was initially fearful. An intervention that is
undergo multiple surgeries devastated about his condition, individualised will help patients
but drew strength from his with the difficult transitions as a
willingness and determination to result of their condition, and gives
get better and recover, remaining hope to those who may believe that
hospitalised for a few months their wounds would never heal. In
with a very positive attitude. With wound care, it is that passion that
the help of our dedicated team of sets our work apart and makes a
doctors and nurses, he was able difference in people’s lives.
to recuperate well and recovered
quickly. He was very grateful to
everyone and now has recovered
and is back to his normal life.

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 7

NURSES’ INSIGHTS

Special Edition

SPECIAL ED ITION

COVID-19
Projects

In this issue of Nursing Times, we will be sharing with you how
Raffles Hospital has been at the frontlines, actively supporting
community projects as part of Singapore’s fight against
COVID-19, doing our part to serve the nation.

MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE (MBCC)
ANTIGEN RAPID TEST (ART) SWAB PROJECT

8 Nursing Times VIsosul.e23, No. 1

NURSES’ INSIGHTS

Special Edition

WRITTEN BY to-nowhere. Crew staff from the
Genting cruise are also included in
SN 1 ANGELINE SARAH the swab routine testing.

The MBCC project is an Antigen Our RMG team that was
Rapid test (ART) swab project deployed to assist this project
funded by the SATS-CRUERES and consisted of 11 nurses and four
Ministry of Health, in partnership managers that came together
as well with Singapore Tourism from different clinical settings.
Board and the Cruise Liner The overall Project Manager
Company (Genting Cruise / was Ms Florence Tay and the
Royal Caribbean). The ART swab other Deputy Managers were Mr
procedure is catered for all Matthew Hooi, Mr Mark Abarca
passengers going on board the and Mr Frank Chua. Our project
ship and embarking on the cruise- officially started on on the 6th of
November 2020, and in the initial
days of the project the team had
to prepare and plan extensively
on the operational workflows
and contingency planning for any
potential issues we may foresee.
We also underwent training for
the swabbing techniques prior to
the project – teaching us to guide
our fellow locum staff on the
ground and also ensuring that the
correct swabbing techniques were
maintained throughout.

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 9

NURSES’ INSIGHTS

Special Edition

Through this project, we were
given opportunities to showcase
our leadership qualities. Our
Project Manager and Project
Deputies supported us through
the hard times especially in the
initial period, enabling us to learn
and grow as professionals. We
were even given opportunities
to perform service recovery
and learnt how to deal with
many difficult and unexpected
situations. Amidst these
challenges, we actually learnt
how to be flexible and adaptable
to working with different types
of people and in various working
environments. It taught us to
step out of our comfort zone to
experience a whole new work
experience here. Even though
some days were tiring due to the
long hours, we definitely still had
lots of fun as a team. Knowing
that we had a supportive team,
we were able to get through each day smoothly. Ultimately, we have learnt so much, grown so much together as
one. Teamwork was something which I have greatly benefited from, and I believe this quote best describes the
importance of it.

“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for
each other!” – Unknown

We are indeed grateful for this amazing opportunity given to us! Thank you so much, Raffles Hospital and to our
dedicated team members:

• SN I Pamela Tan Jin Han, ICU
• SN I Amanda Quek, W13
• SN II Long Yantan, W10
• SN II Nurin Liz Fatin Binte Zulkefli, W10
• SN II Siti Nur Adila Binte Kamsani, W13
• SN I Zulkhairi Bin Zaini , W9
• SN II Izzah Syazana, W10
• SHCA I Lourdes Joan Miguel Ramiro, W9
• HCA II Balmediano Jezamae Presto, W9
• HCA II Celine Johnson, W13
• SN II Angeline Sarah D/O Murugah, W9
• Locum Yap Ming Sheng
• Locum Ryan Lee Yong Sern
• Locum Zeng Chuan Ju

10 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

NURSES’ INSIGHTS

Special Edition

WRITTEN BY
SN 1 PAMELA TAN JIN HAN

At MBCC, our roles as nurse leads and HCAs, as there were times to 12-hour shifts. This was even
were vastly different from our where we were swabbing for more challenging as we were
usual clinical job scopes that we hours in a hot car park. Any inexperienced with being in an
were familiar with in the inpatient positive antigen cases were operations team. Having only
ward setting. We were part of handled by us nurses as well. On been in clinical settings, this was
the core operations team, we non-cruise days, we had to do entirely a new experience for all
were involved in every aspect of the prep work such as registering of us, but we managed to adapt
helping implement this project. and printing patient labels for up and learn with the guidance of
From conducting dry runs and to 2000 passengers per day, and our project director and deputy
rehearsals before the first day make sure that our requisites directors.
of the cruise, troubleshooting were sufficient to meet these
any issues that came along the demands. Last but not least, had This experience has allowed me to
way and learning together as one to always be on standby, ready see that nurses can contribute not
team. Our role as nurse leads also to be activated in the case there only in terms of clinical experience
involved supervision of the area were positive cases on board, but also in other projects as well.
that we were in charge of for the such as the false positive case Despite the challenges that come
day, whether departure swabs, on board the Royal Caribbean our way, whether in the clinical
arrival swabs or the regular swab Quantum of the Seas in Dec. wards or in other projects that we
tests for the crew members on are being deployed to, we need
board the World Dream ship. We Another key challenge faced by to always keep an open mind and
had to look out for the welfare of us was the transition in working allow ourselves to learn from
our fellow colleagues, swabbers hours from 8-hour shifts that we these new experiences.
were used to in clinical settings,

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 11

NURSES’INSIGHTS

A Dedication

A
dedication

to our
RMG Foreign
Nurses living
in Singapore

This global COVID-19 pandemic has indeed brought many difficult challenges for us in the past
year. For our foreign nurses, these challenges are further exacerbated by the fact they are
apart from their families, working overseas in Singapore. This tough season has indeed brought
about many heart wrenching moments for our nurses, having to stay apart with their family
members with the ongoing uncertainty about the pandemic and existing travel restrictions.

Let us hear from our foreign nurses and the encouragement that their families have conveyed.

We at Raffles are grateful for nurses’ tireless dedication to providing safe,
high quality, patient-centred care today, and every day.

SN I SHIRLEY SHARINA JAWAI ANAK JIMBAU
MAJOR OPERATING THEATRE

“I’m a Malaysian nurse and most We will have virtual calls, virtual
of time we are occupied with our hugs, virtual flying kisses
daytime work and try our best everyday but it wasn’t enough
to care and nurse the patients. I without physical touch. The first
felt blessed that during in times question they always ask me was
of this pandemic, I still had a job “When are you coming back to
but not being able to return home Sarawak?”. I could only answer
during Covid-19 season has been them with a reply of ‘soon’ and
very challenging and tough for tried to avoid the question again.
me as I could not see my family Everyday seeing the news what
members back in my hometown. is happening around the world

12 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

NURSES’ INSIGHTS

A Dedication

made me felt very vulnerable, I
questioned my decision to come
back to Singapore to work and
having to leave my family at home
during this pandemic. Lots of
negative thoughts started to arise
and being alone here in Singapore
makes me upset, with feelings of
hopelessness. But I am blessed
and fortunate to have a bunch
of friends, life group members
and colleagues, we support and
comfort each other. Hope to see
my family soon.

From Shirley’s husband in
her hometown a word of
encouragement for her:

“Stay strong, stay positive
and see you soon!”

SEN II VILLANUEVA MARY ROSE FLORES

”I miss you so much baby, I had the opportunity to work here in
mommy and daddy can’t wait Raffles Hospital as an Enrolled Nurse
to hold you again!” These are in ICU. I was so happy and grateful for
this hospital that even though I’m a
the words I always say every day. foreigner they recognised my ability.
I’m a Filipino Nurse working here I made friends and this became my
in Singapore. And this is my story, second home. However, the feeling
the struggle, the pain, and glory of of missing my family makes me feel
working overseas. sad. With my faith and deep prayers,
my husband had a chance to work
here in Singapore as well. We decided
to tie the knot in this country. After a
few months, we have blessed with a
healthy baby boy. I had to go back to
the Philippines to give birth. I stayed
there for only a couple of months
after I gave birth and came back
here to work again leaving my baby
behind. At that point of time I can’t
help but cry, my heart and soul were
left behind with our baby. It was the
hardest part of working overseas.

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 13

NURSES’INSIGHTS

A Dedication

It was very painful, but I have to be pandemic restrictions. It’s been I can say even though I’m in this
strong, I have to do this for him, for more than a year since I haven’t situation, I am still blessed and
his future. My husband and I had hugged and kissed my baby have the privilege to continue
plans already to visit our son and to boy. With all that’s happening, working in this hospital – I
bring our son over here. We were I keep worrying that my baby had people truly showing care
so excited. boy, my parent, my brother, and and concern for me from my
sisters might contract the virus. colleagues. I still haven’t gone
However, the most horrible event Every night I prayed for this back to my country yet and now
that the entire world had to face pandemic to stop. I prayed that that there’s a vaccine, I hope I
began - the spread of the Covid-19 somehow there’s hope in all that can visit him this year.  I’m still
virus. Almost all countries closed is happening. Earning and sending praying for all the things to get
borders, cancelled all flights. The remittances definitely weren’t better. I hope that I somehow
whole world stopped. Indeed, enough, I want to visit my son I have inspired our nurses with
COVID-19 pandemic has had a want to hold him and play with my story, we still have a lot to
great impact on people of all him. All I have are pictures and do as frontline workers. We are
nations and of all ages, from all videos that his grandmother had humanitarians by heart and we
walks of life, across the globe. sent us. I talk to him every day must continue to work diligently
The situation had become the over the phone and I’m so thankful specially this time of pandemic.
“new normal” as people strive to that my mother-in-law has been so We move forward, we can do this.
keep normalcy in their lives amid good in taking care of him.  Stay safe!

SN II GREFIEL CORPIN, WARD 9

My daughter Aiko was stuck in and Philippines started allowing for their assessment. And finally,
the Philippines since February essential travel, I asked to leave after at least a month and a half of
and could not come back to from work so we could fix our waiting, Singapore allowed us to
Singapore due to the pandemic. long distance parenting problems. come in.
It has been eight long months While Kåre, her father, was
since we had her. When Singapore assigned to hire the nanny, I flew We only had five days to prepare
back to pick up Aiko from my home everything, I booked our ticket
country. I had to fly from Cebu
to Manila and then to Tacloban
and finally ending up in Biliran. It
took me almost five days before I
reached there and had to undergo
quarantine for 14 days.

We had trouble getting her re-
entry approval, although I got
mine approved the first time for
September 23-25, I had to cancel
it because hers was rejected, and
I will definitely not come back
without my daughter. We made an
appeal and we were asked to wait

14 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

NURSES’ INSIGHTS

A Dedication

two days before the flight, and got to come out on the scheduled for allowing me to fulfil my family’s
tons of paperwork done in a few day. I am really glad that after all goal – to be together amidst the
days. It had been a really tough these hardships and distance that pandemic. If it wasn’t for their kind
week. Upon arriving in Singapore, we had undergone, our family consideration, it would have not
we also did our 14-day quarantine is finally together. I can’t thank been possible. It feels good to be
back then, and had the swab done. them enough, the management in an organisation that really cares
I was really happy when we got of Raffles Hospital and my bosses, and for that I am thankful.

ANC KAVITHA MAJUNAR, WARD 8C

I am Kavitha Majunar from Penang, to return home. At that moment, My mother was very happy that I
Malaysia. I have been working my manager and ward sister were was finally back home after four
in Raffles Hospital since 2015, so helpful and they understood months and was able to take care
currently attached in Ward 8C. my situation and immediately of her throughout her recovery.
Raffles Hospital is my first ever made arrangements to release She did personally thanked a few
hospital I have worked in Singapore me from work. Their words of of my colleagues that called and
and I’m glad to be here, part of encouragement comforted me spoke to her. My family members
Raffles family. As what everyone deeply despite all the stress that were happy that Raffles Hospital
says, families are important I had gone through. Even though management understood my
because they are very first and Singapore allowed pass holders to crucial situation and allowed me
usually strongest relationship, travel under PCA, it was a tough travel back home despite of the
same goes to me. I usually never period for me as there were no busy situation in the hospital.
missed an opportunity to visit my transport available to cross over
family, at least once a month. The from Woodlands checkpoint to Besides that, Raffles Hospital
opportunities to visit my family the Johor Bahru checkpoint. The granted me a month of unpaid
were the greatest benefit while long distance walk along the bridge leave which I needed the most to
working in Raffles Hospital but with my luggage was very tough. spend more time with my mother
everything was not the same during It took me about almost 24 hours during her recovery and spend time
the pandemic. I was not able to to complete the whole process with my family. I am also thankful
return home and visit my parents including Covid-19 swab test before to HR staff who helped out with
as usual and decided to go back on I reached home. Usually it took me paper work for me to come back to
20th July 2020 due to an emergency an hour to fly from Singapore to Singapore smoothly. It was never
when my mother was admitted in Penang but this pandemic made my easy without help and care given
high dependency unit. travelling tougher. from all the good people from
Raffles during the circuit breaker.
I could not think further and I was glad that they allowed me Truly thankful for everything.
immediately packed my luggage to serve my 14 days of quarantine
at home and at the same time I
managed to nurse my mother who
had undergone a major surgery. I
was emotionally down after seeing
my mother’s condition and as a
nurse I always try to be strong in
front of her and I am glad to have
great colleagues from Raffles family
who always check on me often.

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 15

CLINICAL UPDATES

Early Warning Signs
(EWS) saves lives!

NC II PNG CI EN, NURSING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

REVISED CLINICAL CHART – WITH EARLY WARNING SIGNS (EWS) AS A COLOUR GUIDE.

It is not uncommon for hospitalised patients to exhibit early warning signs before deteriorating. The key
to optimal outcomes is the recognition of these warning signs followed by an appropriate and timely
response. Early Warning Signs is a form of track and trigger system. The triggers are based on physiological
indicators and detect changes in a patient’s physiology which will be reflected as trigger exceptions should the
patient be improving or deteriorating.

THE COLOURED ZONES PURPOSE OF EWS:

Adult Early Lower Lower Normal Higher Higher • To improve the quality of
Warning Signs Range Range Range Range patient observation and
monitoring
Heart Rate <40 ≥40-50 51-119 120-129 ≥130
(beats/minute) • To ensure timely
interventions for the
Respiration Rate <10 ≥90-100 101-179 180-199 ≥200 deteriorating patient
(breath/minute)
• To support timely nursing
Systolic Blood <90 ≥90-100 96-100 - - and medical decisions
Pressure (mmHg)
• To form a sensitive
Oxygen <90 ≥-95 96-100 - - indicator of abnormal
Saturation physiological trends for
individual patients to
(%) improve patient safety
and minimize risks.
Temperature ≤35.0 - 35.1-37.9 38.0-38.9 ≥39.0
(°C) ANALYSIS

Mental Status Acute change, 15 - - Out of the 2225 audited
(GCS score) ≤10 drop in GCS cases in 2019 - 2020, 35.5%
cases had triggered EWS. The
by 1 point overall EWS compliance rate
were: 98.5% and none of EWS
triggered cases had any code
blue events/ activated.

16 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

CLINICAL UPDATES

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 17

ON THE RADAR

On the

Radar

Our Annual Staff Meeting (ASM) in August 2020 announced on our yearly staff
promotions and we are pleased to hear some thoughts and experiences from
two of the nursing leaders – AANC Shaakirah Bte Mohamed Rafi, Ward 13
and AANC Chia Shu Rong Catherine, Ward 10.

AANC SHAAKIRAH BTE MOHAMED RAFI, WARD 13
I started as an SN I in Raffles Hospital (RH) in 2014 and as of now, I have been promoted to
Acting Assistant Nurse Clinician (AANC). In my years here, I have watched Raffles Hospital
transformed from just having two levels of wards to what it is today. I was pleased to be
offered this promotion as RH already felt like a second home to me. I was being transferred
to our ECC Ward 13 to be trained by the respectable Nurse Clinicians and Senior Manager to
learn the tricks of the trade of being a nursing leader. This new role is very new to me and I
knew I had a lot to learn but I couldn’t ask for a better place to do it. When I first started my
new role as an Acting ANC, I was not confident enough to lead and guide my colleagues in the
ward as I felt like I was still their peer and that I was new to them. Now, four months moving
on, I have developed a much better bond with my colleagues, and I have learnt that I can also
be one of their leaders and a peer to them. I hope this will continue for the rest of my career. I
am so grateful to be given this opportunity and I hope to make my superiors proud.

AANC CHIA SHU RONG CATHERINE, WARD 10
I joined Raffles two years ago; I am proud and glad to be in this family. This is a place where
I am comfortable and challenged at the same time. Comfortable with the environment
where peers and superiors look out for you and groom you to be a better nurse leader.

It has been challenging too. With the fight of Covid-19, I was tasked to co-lead and initiate the
implementation of isolation wards in Raffles Hospital. On top of the infection control precautions
when you have to work in full PPE and working longer hours, it gave me the leadership training
and opportunities to build up Esprit De Corps within the team. I am currently performing the
duties of Acting Assistant Nurse Clinician in the private wards. I enjoy the duties of providing
greater comfort and a higher standard of care to my patients. As such, this position allows me
to work closely with colleagues from the various department in providing seamless care to our
patients. I look forward to furthering the advancement of my career in Raffles.

18 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

ON THE RADAR

We welcome SNC II Chu Swee Ping, Ward 13 and
the following new nurses to the Raffles family from
the month of September 2020.

SNC II CHU SWEE PING, WARD 13

Switching from restructured hospital to a private health care
facility in Raffles Hospital, my transitional experience in a new
environment was very challenging to me. I have much difficulty
adjusting to the working cultures and to perform my duties
due to my unfamiliarity of the standard operating procedures.
However, along the way, with the support I received from
various levels and with a positive mind set, I am taking it in my
stride to adapt and progress with the company. Thank you to
Raffles for giving me this opportunity to explore my growth in
a new environment and lead our group of nurses.

Let’s welcome our SN I Zhang Jianing OT
new nurse joinees SN I Butaya Charissa May Cabisada OT
for the month of SSN II Sibal Cheryll Ocfemia Ward 13
Nov 2020 to Feb 2021: SN I Gao Fengli Internal Medicine
EN II Latoza Gat Joshua Dimaranan ICU
EN II Melad Ronaley Navarrete Shaw Centre GP
EN II Gagarin Casandra Tardo RMG Bishan
SN II Tabiolo Shyrel Isturis Terminal 3
EN II Esteva Krisna Samantha Tabares Orthopaedic Centre
SSN II Magdalene Oh Chai Ching Ward 8C
SSNI Rosita Binti Abdul Rahman Labour Ward
SSN I Simi Ann Jacob OT
SN I Lim Zihuan Children Centre
SN II Li Yiyu Fertility Centre
SN I Sujitha Subramaniam ICU
SNE II Wang Hongwei Nursing Education
SN I Nor Syahirah Binte Shafie Aesthetics Centre
SEN I Freda Bessir Ward 13
SSN II Zhao Xu Aesthetics Centre

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 19

Happy
International
Women’s Day!

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated each
year on March 8 to celebrate the lives and achievements
of women around the world! IWD represents an
opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women
while calling for greater equality. At Raffles, we would
like to show our appreciation for women, no matter what
race, religion, social or economic status.

“As a chief nurse, I hope that
women continue to expand their
roles within nursing as they
do now – working as patient
advocates and continuing to
innovate and share new ideas to
enhance our nursing profession.

Wishing you a very happy
Women’s day 2021. Just wanted
to thank you from bottom of my
heart for all things you do!”

MS LILIAN YEW,
Chief Nurse, Raffles Hospital

20 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

We are delighted to have Sook Ling to share her Ms Yasmine, who was my direct supervisor in the ICU
thoughts to recognise her contributions in nursing. when I first stepped into the department. She was
my mentor who guided me throughout for the past
Q: The theme for this year’s International Women’s 10 years in this organisation. We had been working
Day is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal very closely, fighting through some hard times and
future in a COVID-19 world.” What does that mean motivating each other to make things good. Her
to you? passion and her dedication to her work had inspired
A: Reflect on pandemic outbreak in Year 2020, it has me to transform (learn, grow and develop), to break
been a tough year for us especially as a healthcare throughout barriers and turn impossible situations
provider. As a female nursing leader in the Intensive into possibilities, seeing opportunities in adversities.
Care Unit (ICU) I really appreciate that I was given an
opportunity to contribute to the community. It was Ms Lilian, my Chief Nurse who always challenges me
a great experience for me to develop and implement to pursue bigger responsibilities by taking charge of
the emergency response plan for COVID-19 in the different departments even though it is beyond my
department, leading my team members to promote expertise. She strengthened my weaknesses, she
the safe working environment by adhering pandemic transformed me from clinical nursing to management
protocols. I am proud to be empowered to develop a roles with lots of courage to embrace my journey.
trusting relationship between the team and patient,
advocating for their needs, as well as developing their On this special occasion, I would like to dedicate
practical skills to ensure quality of care was delivered. this to all the women in the nursing team:

Q: Who are the women that have inspired and Women, you are heroes with scrubs!
motivated you? Have you had a great mentor who You have touches so many lives,
has helped you see opportunities you may not You have healed so many wounds,
have otherwise? You always go beyond the call of duty,
A: There are two women who inspired and motivated You are the angel without wings!
me throughout my career in Raffles Hospital. These
two incredible women are my Chief Nurse, Ms Lilian Ms Than Sook Ling,
Yew and my Associate Director, Ms Yasmine Poh. Intensive Care Unit, Raffles Hospital

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021, Raffles Hospital staff has come together to
celebrate the extraordinary women within our organization. This year’s theme is “Women in leadership:
Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women
and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Nurse Lilian hosted one such
lunch for IWD 2021 where she met
with seven other women who work
for the Group across different
functions and disciplines, with the
women taking turns to share about
their careers and aspirations, making
for great lunch conversations.

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 21

Food for Thought

In this issue, we would like to feature our popular food stalls in our
Heritage Food Court which caters to our hungry stomachs on our
workdays. Let us share with you the stalls with the best rated stalls so far!

THUNDER TREE VEGETARIAN FOOD STALL
“Fresh from Local Farm, Farm-to-Table”. This is the first thing that you see
when you visit their stall, and don’t miss the vegetables which are for sale
in front of the counter! They mainly cook with organic ingredients with
the aim of providing healthy and nutritious food in mind, making sure
that there is no MSG, artificial flavoring and coloring.

One of their signature dishes is the Lei Cha soup, which is made from a
concoction of herbs, peanuts and tea leaves grinded together to create an
aromatic, unique taste. It is served with organic brown rice, plated with an
array of vegetables, preserved radish and peanuts around the bowl.

A recommended dish for all, accompanied with fantastic service.
Definitely, a must have!

JAPANESE STALL
This stall is a must visit for all Japanese food lovers out there.
One of their bestsellers is the Saba fish set meal served with
rice, at a discounted price of $6.00. It is served on a hot plate,
and you can smell the aroma of the fish from a distance. A
healthier option would be the Salmon set meal, priced at
$7.50. The aunties and uncles at the stall are helpful and
accommodating if you have additional requests such as an
extra serving of rice when you’re feeling famished.

KAMPONG DELIGHT STALL
Who would like to have some Hor Fun or Salted Egg Chicken for
lunch/dinner? They offer a variety of halal certified food with free
soup, which is a definite plus point. It is a one stop shop if you have
difficulty choosing between fish, beef or chicken. They also provide
special set meals if you are eating in groups of two to three people,
at a starting price of $18.80. Service is impeccable and you can
request for additional chili if you like your food extra spicy!

Calling out to all nurses and Raffles staff, if you have any favourite food eatery
in RH that you have been patronizing and would like to mention specially, please
feel free to email us at [email protected]. Looking forward
in hearing from you all soon!

22 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

La Trobe University
(Melbourne) and Nurses
Learning Hub invite Registered
Nurses to apply for the
Bachelor of Nursing (Top-up).

DEGREE AWARDED
This programme is designed to enable
Registered Nurses in Singapore to expand
their knowledge base in the discipline of
nursing and apply this to their practice
without leaving home. Students who
successfully complete the programme will
be awarded the Bachelor of Nursing by La
Trobe University.

COURSE DELIVERY
The Bachelor of Nursing programme is
conducted in block mode with face- to-face
sessions for both lectures and tutorials,
and is fully taught by academics from
La Trobe University. This Degree is also
supported with on-line learning utilising
study guides, required readings and
activities, and assessment briefings for
each subject.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a current nursing certificate or diploma from a recognised school of nursing and

have current registration with the Singapore Nursing Board.

Duration: 24 months (Part-Time)

Designation: Bachelor of Nursing

Accredited by: Singapore Nursing Board

Supported by: Singapore Nurses Association

For promotion information and to apply, contact:
Singapore Nurses Association
77 Maude Road Singapore 208353
Tel: (65) 6392 0770
Fax: (65) 6392 7877
Email: [email protected]

Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1 23

“I attribute my success to this—
I never gave or took any excuse.”

Florence Nightingale

WHAT IS NURSING? NURSES @ 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 development and build on specialised areas of interests, and
track and opportunities. are encouraged to pursue lifelong learning.

24 Nursing Times Vol. 2, No. 1

(v 1.0 03/21)