National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) is proud to announce that Ms. Alice Deo, Nurse Educator, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), NUHCS has successfully completed her Specialist Diploma in Clinical Education at Nanyang Polytechnic and emerged as the top graduate of her cohort. The PULSE editorial team sat down with Ms. Deo to chat about her journey.
How did you become a Nurse Educator?
I chose to become a Nurse Educator when I realised that teaching gave me an additional sense of fulfillment. Apart from guiding the newer generation of nurses to provide quality patient care, I also want to be able to motivate them through the sharing of my rewarding encounters with patients throughout my career, and consequently spread the passion and fulfilment of nursing to those starting out on their careers.
What made you decide to take up the Specialist Diploma in Clinical Education?
One of the main challenges in nursing is the ongoing technology development in the profession. As nurses, we need to keep up with new changes, new practices, and patient demographic changes. Taking up this course is a privilege from the management that allowed me to enhance my clinical teaching skills to better guide the next generation of nurses. I was also able to network with fellow nurses. I was also able to network with fellow nurses from other hospitals. Hearing their experiences aided my own learning as well.
How did you manage work and studies and still come out tops?
Balancing work and studies was definitely not easy but thankfully, I had the support and understanding of the people around me. My family members would help each other around the house; my colleagues especially Sister Janice, helped me by taking over some of my responsibilities. My seniors and lecturers would also guide me whenever I needed help. Without everyone's support, I probably would not have been able to cope.
What was your most memorable experience throughout your nursing career?
There was a young boy who had met with a road accident and was transferred to the intensive care unit. His mother visited him almost every day and would bring along food for us. When I told her it was not necessary as taking care of her son was part of our job, she told me, "I am a nurse too so I really appreciate the hard work and effort you are putting in to care for my son." Knowing that people are appreciative of our efforts really keeps us going. When the boy was discharged, he even came back with chocolates and a thank you card.
Last question, what would you say to those who are considering nursing as a career?
The fulfilment you get from nursing cannot be measured or quantified. The satisfaction you get from being able to help someone in pain and see them eventually recover, is gratifying. Through nursing, we get to connect with another person and motivate them to get better. Our patients may be physically sick, but the heart is something we can connect with one-on-one.
By: Ms. Alice Deo
