Why this primary care nurse fosters open communication with her patients
Published on 18 July 2024
Senior Staff Nurse Sow Hooi Ching believes that open and honest communication between nurses and patients will lead to more effective care delivery.
As a Senior Staff Nurse (SSN) at National University Polyclinics (NUP), Ms Sow Hooi Ching has had the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of patients, each with their own unique healthcare needs, personalities, and backgrounds.
These interactions may not always be pleasant, but for Ms Sow, the opportunity to make a positive difference in her patients' lives is what truly gives meaning to her work.
Recounting an incident where she helped a father not only understand, but better manage his baby's needs, she said, “A father came with his six-month-old child for immunisation, and I noticed that he struggled to manage the crying baby. After a conversation, I suspected the child may have been experiencing abdominal colic.
“I then spent time showing the father on how to perform tummy massages and advised him on a well-balanced diet.”
Ms Sow believes that she was able to help the father as he was receptive and communicated openly with her.
“The fulfilment when he appreciated my suggestions was irreplaceable. It highlights how simple moments like these can be meaningful to both the patient, family, and the nurse,” she said.
“I feel happy when patients openly share their views, as I can then provide them with better advice.”
In her role as a primary care nurse, Ms Sow provides comprehensive nursing care to patients which includes a wide range of tasks such as assessing and triaging the urgency and severity of patients' conditions, handling emergency situations, administering medications, injections, childhood immunisations, and adult vaccinations, among others.
“My focus is to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care, and to achieve positive patient outcomes and experiences,” Ms Sow emphasised.
Having been a nurse for the past eight years, Ms Sow understands the importance of ongoing professional development and staying abreast of advancements in healthcare.
As such, she has embraced the role of a clinical instructor, providing guidance and mentorship to nursing students as they hone their skills and knowledge in the field.
“My role as a clinical instructor allows me to contribute to the future of nursing by nurturing the next generation of nurses,” Ms Sow elaborated. “I share my expertise and experiences, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can grow and thrive.
“My advice to nurses is to always keep learning with an open mind and stay updated through lifelong learning with your peers and mentors. At NUP, there are many opportunities for nurses to expand their knowledge and expertise, both through internal and external courses.”
Ms Sow also urged aspiring nurses to follow in her footsteps and take up sponsorship programmes – such as the NUHS Nursing Sponsorship – whenever possible, in order to enhance their professional development.
She explained, “Sponsorship programmes add significant value by providing financial support, mentorship, networking opportunities and self-empowerment to those aspiring to become future nurses.
“They often cover education expenses and allow nurses to pursue their dreams with confidence. Sponsors can also support nurses by opening doors to new opportunities and connections.”
Join NUHS nursing or apply for an NUHS nursing sponsorship today! Visit Nursing Careers in Singapore - NUHS | National University Health System for more information.
In consultation with Ms Sow Hooi Ching, Senior Staff Nurse, NUP