Perseverance is the key to success

I began my nursing career in 1992 as a general nurse in the bustling world of healthcare. My passion for making a difference in patients' lives drove me to pursue this path. After several years, I transitioned to a specialized role in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in 1997, where I refined my skills and expanded my expertise.

My relentless pursuit of excellence led me to become the Chief Nurse and Accredited Programme Provider Director at Raffles Hospital (RH) in Singapore. In this role, I spearheaded nursing continuing professional development (NCPD), implementing educational initiatives and personal mentorship that established the highest professional standards and quality goals for the hospital. My efforts paid off, significantly improving patient outcomes and leading RH to achieve an impressive Customer Satisfaction Index of 86%.

Under my leadership, Raffles Hospital became the only hospital in Singapore to achieve the American Nurses Credentialing Centre (ANCC) re-accreditation distinction in 2022. My determination and vision also propelled RH to become the first private hospital in Asia to receive the NCPD Premier Award in 2022 and again in 2024.

I was globally recognized for my transformative impact and was a top 10 finalist for the 2023 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. My success in achieving multiple international nursing accolades and mentoring nursing leaders in diverse care settings demonstrated my unwavering commitment to professional growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I mobilized nursing leaders to set up 14 vaccination centers, aligning with the National Vaccination Program, and deployed nursing leaders to establish COVID-19 Treatment Facilities (CTF).

My leadership and vision led RH to win two awards at the Hospital Management Asia Awards in 2023. I received the Chief Nurse of the Year Award (Gold Winner) and spearheaded the WECARE project, which won the Patient Experience Improvement Award (Gold Winner). My dedication to patient-centric care and teamwork culminated in the launch of the Raffles Nursing Professional Practice Model (RAFFLES), which aligns with RH’s core values. In 2024, I was recognized with the Global Women of Influence Award and co-authored the Amazon best-selling MyVoice Volume 8, benefiting the Singapore Children’s Society.

In addition to my hospital work, I launched Raffles Nursing Times. This quarterly e-newsletter keeps nurses connected and informed about the latest trends and practices in nursing. My commitment to lifelong learning led me to graduate with a Master of Education in 2023 and currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Management Programme. My extensive nursing experience and successful implementation of hospital projects and quality initiatives will be invaluable in mentoring nursing leaders. I am an advisor to the American International Hospital’s team, especially helping with the JCI re-accreditation process due in November 2025. My dedication to nursing excellence earned me the SkillsFuture Fellowship Award in 2024, recognizing me as a master of skills and a mentor of future talent.

As I reflect on my journey, here are three pieces of advice for the younger generation of nurses:

1. Embrace lifelong learning: The healthcare field is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest knowledge and skills is crucial. Continuously seek opportunities for professional development and embrace a mindset of growth and learning.
2. Foster compassion and empathy: Patient care goes beyond medical treatments. Show empathy and kindness in your interactions with patients and colleagues. Building strong relationships and understanding the emotional needs of patients can make a significant impact on their well-being.
3. Persevere through challenges: Nursing can be demanding, but perseverance is key to success. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain resilient in adversity. Your dedication and determination will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Through perseverance, I transformed challenges into opportunities and became a beacon of success in the nursing profession. My story exemplifies that with unwavering dedication and a passion for continuous improvement, one can achieve remarkable success and make a lasting impact on the world. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance in achieving excellence and making a difference in the lives of others. My story serves as an inspiration for all, reminding us that success is within reach if we remain dedicated and resilient.