The Outstanding Nurse Leader Award is presented each year to honour nurse leaders who play a pivotal role in guiding other nurses to deliver great patient care. National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) is proud to have nurses winning the award for two consecutive years and we are excited to anticipate another NUHCS winner next year. Read on as 2016 award winner, Ms. Oon Siow Eng, recounts her nursing journey.

"To me, nursing is not just a job. It requires patience, passion, commitment and motivation. I remember when I had just started working in the CTICU, I was shocked when a 19-year-old patient who had undergone a heart operation suddenly collapsed. I then realised that learning in theory was very different from applying to real-life situations, and that I had to bridge the theory-practice gap.

Throughout my 12 years in CTICU, I have delved into various areas so I could learn more things and take on additional roles as a leader. Achieving this award motivates me to continue developing my leadership roles by actively participating in NUHCS’s projects. Currently, I am majorly involved in my pet project, healthcare simulation, to help improve healthcare workers’ clinical experience without compromising patients’ safety. Although nursing can be unpredictable, continuously gaining new knowledge makes it such an enriching and fulfilling career. Seeing my patients’ smiles and their family members’ gratitude, I know I have chosen the right profession – a path I will not regret."

- Ms. Oon Siow Eng