Time for Change
The 28 year-old recalled facing stacks of paper work each day and doing “profit-oriented” tasks, which ultimately left her feeling drained out and uninspired. “At the end of the day I wondered what have I actually achieved.”
Her desire for job-fulfillment had her re-visiting a childhood ambition. Wendy had always thought highly of nurses and their duties, and even considered injections, removing stitches or drawing blood as ‘cool’ tasks!
Professional Conversion Programme for Registered Nurses
Upon learning of a Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for Registered Nurses offered by WDA, Wendy decided to make a mid-career switch to take up a two-year accelerated Diploma in Nursing course in April 2008.
The course training and basic competencies in nursing prepared her with the required skill sets, whereas the psychological and behavioral modification modules primed her in interacting with patients at her workplace.
“Training was very fast-paced, which has prepared me for my future working environment. We were assessed in many ways, including written assignments, group projects, as well as practical skills. I had to organise and prioritise them well, so as not to be overwhelmed. Despite the hectic schedule and assignments, I have always felt accomplished, knowing that I was acquiring an important skills set for my upcoming role at work."
“Every module and hospital placement prepared me well for my role and my life as a nurse. I felt like it was pieces of a jigsaw puzzle coming together. I also realised that the approach to nursing has to be holistic. Take something as simple as wound dressing, not only do you need the technique, you must also be reassuring to the patient. After that, you would still need to educate the patient on wound care and the required medication etc. And this comes with training and experience!”
Mental Health Nursing
Prior to her course enrollment, Wendy had a choice on the hospital that she preferred to work at and she applied for the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) as she has always had a keen interest in mental health nursing.
Wendy admits that while there may be challenges in her daily work; there are simple joys as well. Making her patients feel better and smiling, as well as seeing patients’ families showing their gratitude to staff and being able to take good care of their loved ones who need care, never fail to make her day.
“I’ve learnt from the senior nurses how to handle difficult situations. And I’ve picked up ways to get the patients to take their medicine and to educate them on the importance of medication to keep well and prevent relapses.
For me, what is most important is seeing my patients improve in their mental state over time, with the various interventions by our multi-disciplinary team, which includes nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and case managers.”
Making The Switch; Fulfillment in Life
Now that Wendy has made the successful switch to nursing, she cannot help but compare the marked improvement both in her life and mindset.
Such is her love for her newfound career that Wendy is also looking to pursue an advanced diploma in mental health nursing or a nursing degree in time to come, so that she can further her career and be exposed to other specialised fields within IMH.
On her new career, Wendy shares “Health is more important than wealth. In nursing, not only are you helping others, you also learn how to take good care of your own health and your family's.”
For more information on the Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for Registered Nurses, click here.
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