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Dear nurses, @nandossg loves and supports you peri-peri much. From tomorrow till 8 Aug, enjoy a whopping 50% off selected menu items at all Nando's Singapore restaurants!
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To redeem your deal, simply flash your Singapore Nursing Board practising certificate upon confirmation for dine-in and upon collection for takeaway.
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#caretogobeyond #happinurse

From 27 Jul to 9 Aug, indulge in @gongchasgofficial’s Peach Black Tea with Rainbow Jelly (M) at just $1.50 for some #happinurse this Nurses’ Day season. May the rainbow after this COVID-19 storm appear soon 🌈
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Present your staff pass or be in uniform to redeem your cuppa at the following Gong Cha outlets: Ang Mo Kio, Causeway Point, Century Square, Changi General Hospital, Compass One, Eunos, Hougang Mall, Lot One, Northpoint City, Paya Lebar Quarter, Pasir Ris, SingPost Centre, Simei MRT, Toa Payoh, Tampines MRT, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Westgate or Woodlands.
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#caretogobeyond #nursesdaysg

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝘼 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚’𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙘𝙩
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The past few months have been a whirlwind for Senior Nurse Manager Tan Pek Hoon, Head Nurse of Yishun Polyclinic, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. It has seen her juggle multiple roles — co-leading the National Healthcare Group mass swabbing team, and fulfilling her duties as a mother, wife and daughter. Get a peek into what goes on behind her juggling act at the link in bio 👆
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

Our heartiest congratulations to the five winners of the President's Award for Nurses, the highest accolade in nursing in Singapore 👏
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For the stories behind these outstanding nurses, visit https://bit.ly/2ZM6j05.
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📷: Ministry of Health, Singapore
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#caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤
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"As a patient service associate in the isolation ward, I am usually the first person to greet new patients and handle their administrative details. This obviously means I may interact with patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. Was I fearful at first? But of course. It is only natural for anyone on the frontlines to worry.
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What gave me the courage to keep going is the knowledge that the management is doing its best to keep everyone safe. For instance, we are given the appropriate protective gear and work processes are reviewed to reduce the risk of exposure.
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I enjoy being part of the frontline team, supporting the medical staff. In fact, the camaraderie and words of encouragement from my colleagues help to keep my spirits up. Unfortunately, with the need for safe distancing, I don’t see them as often these days. For example, I have my lunch alone in the ward pantry instead of heading out to food courts. But I understand that this is necessary. I am also thankful for the hospital’s dietetics department, which serves us meals during this time.
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There are new procedures to adhere to. To name some, keeping our surgical masks on at all times in the ward and being in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whenever we need to attend to a patient. It takes effort to don the PPE as it includes a gown, gloves, cap as well as the N95 mask. Often, the nurses help to ensure that we have worn our PPE correctly before we step into the wards. After all, we look after each other to keep all of us safe.
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Most patients are understanding towards us during this period as they know that we are all doing our best to fight this battle. It warms my heart to see recovered patients coming back to thank us.
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This crisis is only temporary, and I’m sure things will get better in time. Chin up, everyone!"
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— Nurhamizah Abdul Hamid, Senior Patient Service Associate, Changi General Hospital
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

Get a taste of Paris with @parisbaguette_sg’s special deal just for nurses this Nurses' Day! Flash your Singapore Nursing Board practising certificate at the Bugis Junction, Jem or Jewel Changi Airport outlets to enjoy an Americano and croissant at just $2 (originally priced at $8) from now till Monday, 3 Aug.
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Americanos can be changed to Honey Lemon Ginger Teas (Hot/Iced). As all pastries are freshly baked, a limited number of croissants are produced daily. Do redeem your deal as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. While stocks last!
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#caretogobeyond #happinurse #nursesdaysg

"Unlike most people, I don’t do a typical ‘9 to 5’ day job. Some days I start my shift even before sunrise or work through the night when most are asleep at home.
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My job requires me to interact with people from all walks of life. I’ve witnessed living and dying, and have stayed by the sides of individuals experiencing emotions from hope to grief. There are more times than I would like to admit where I felt the burning desire to capture moments whenever I observed the essences of humanity at work. However, such scenes only exist in my memories given my duty to protect privacy.
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My work in #healthcare, in many ways, has shaped me into someone who appreciates even the tiniest of gestures. Therefore, on my off days, you’ll find me exploring the streets of Singapore with my camera, taking photographs of people, the not so mundane moments or chasing lights and shadows; life from another perspective.
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I’m a #nurse caring for the sick at work, an observer with a camera on the streets. And this, is My Story."
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📷: @law_lens
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#caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙊𝙑𝙄𝘿-19
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“I didn’t think that being on the frontlines was something to be fearful of. It was simply a new challenge that I had to overcome! As a #nurse at The National Kidney Foundation, I care for renal patients who require regular dialysis – many of whom are elderly. This means I am in close contact with many patients at a time when media reports were talking about the presence of asymptomatic cases in the community. Though there were instances where I felt a tinge of fear when I read about other #healthcare professionals who became infected with the disease, I brushed my anxieties aside. Allowing myself to be fearful of the situation would compromise the quality of care delivered to my patients. So, I concentrated on providing safe care for them, while protecting myself and loved ones.
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One of the biggest challenges was to help elderly patients understand the measures that were implemented due to the evolving situation. We managed to do so with the help of colleagues from various departments. For instance, our medical social workers helped to explain the situation to patients, while the clinical ops department assisted with operations and administrative needs. Another obstacle was to educate patients and their caregivers on the importance of filling up declaration forms. Initially, some were not forthcoming in their declarations. Fortunately, they gradually came to understand the importance of the forms and took them more seriously.
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My mother has been giving me continuous encouragement, and patients have been understanding of the situation and have supported us as much as they can. Being part of a close-knit team and getting to interact with patients on a daily basis are my driving forces to work every day.
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The public has greater appreciation for the work that nurses do now, and it’s my hope that this awareness and respect will continue even after COVID-19 comes to an end!”
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– Vinod Rajandran Muthu, Staff Nurse, National Kidney Foundation (@nkfsg)
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮
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“Though I am not in the thick of the COVID-19 action, all of us at Ren Ci Hospital had to overcome the concern that the virus could find its way into our facility too. After all, we could not stop caring for our patients in the community.
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As a staff nurse at Ren Ci Hospital, I have to ensure that I adhere to the right safety protocol so that I will not endanger myself and my patients. During the tightening of measures, visitors were not allowed and patients’ family members were understandably more anxious about their loved ones. There are other means of communication, but they don’t match face-to-face interaction and physical touch. I try my best to give the family members support and reassurance to ease their anxiety throughout this period.
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Even though we are not looking after COVID-19 patients, we still constantly update ourselves with the new Ministry directives and follow them strictly. The fear of contracting COVID-19 is there but I believe that as long as I adhere to the protocol, it’ll be fine.
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Friends and family have always been supportive of my job. However, in recent times, I have been receiving more messages to “take care” and “stay safe”. Everyone has been very encouraging!
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Working in the #healthcare sector is a choice that I made and it is my responsibility to continue doing it well. This sense of responsibility towards the community and my family spurs me on.
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So, let us comply with the restrictions and hope that all will turn out well, and that this period will end soon!”
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― Marwatee Binte Ahmadrawi, Staff Nurse, Ren Ci Hospital (@ren_ci_hospital)
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

Congratulations to the 100 deserving #nurses who were presented with the yearly Nurses' Merit Award by the Ministry of Health yesterday!
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The award is given to nurses who have displayed noteworthy and exceptional performance, participated in professional development, and contributed to raising the #nursing profession.
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Currently 42,000-strong, the nursing workforce has grown over the years from 36,000 in 2013, and the profession has expanded to encompass community nursing, education, research and technology so as to improve the quality of care for patients.
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(Pictured: Award recipient Antoinette Goh, Assistant Nurse Clinician, National University Health System Regional Health Office, who helps recovering patients transition from the hospital to their home environments.)
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📸: @straits_times
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#caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝘼 𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙩’𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙪𝙩𝙮
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“My dad had his reservations when he learnt that I wanted to volunteer at the Community Care Facility at Singapore Expo in my capacity as a pharmacist. A small part of me understood his concerns, as these were the same fears I felt the first time I donned my Personal Protective Equipment. My biggest worry was bringing the virus home to my family. But I chose to brush all negative thoughts aside. I knew I wanted to contribute more to the fight against COVID-19 and care for the migrant workers in our community.
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To put my family’s mind at ease, I made a promise to be extra careful to keep myself and my loved ones safe. Before entering the Expo halls, I would run through the sequence of protocols in my mind several times to make sure that I knew exactly what to do.
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When the pandemic was at its height, workflows were constantly refined and my colleagues and I were always kept on our toes. On some days, we did not even have time for our meals! What fuelled me was the steadfast support and encouragement from my colleagues and friends. Being around my colleagues who are on-site also made me feel less alone. Their thoughtful acts – such as delivering meals to me whenever I was busy – reminded me that I had a team I could count on.
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During this period, we had to constantly reinvent how pharmacy services were carried out. As pharmacists, we provide medication counselling to patients. Instead of the usual face-to-face consultations, we now had to use video calls. At times, the language barrier made it difficult to provide clear instructions. However, while we may not speak the same language, and our interactions are limited to mostly hand gestures and expressions, it is heartening to see many patients take ownership of their health. It gives me a strong sense of satisfaction whenever I see patients leave with a better understanding of their medication and treatment.”
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- Stephanie Er, Pharmacist, Singapore General Hospital (@sghseen)
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#sghseen #caretogobeyond #couragetocaresg

This year, our generous friends at Maki-San are doing something special to celebrate Nurses' Day. From now till 16 August, enjoy a 20% discount on their new Braveheart Salad. Simply present your Singapore Nursing Board practising certificate to redeem the deal.
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What are you waiting for? Grab your nursing kakis and head over to your nearest Maki-San outlet 🍙
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📷: @rollwithmakisan
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#caretogobeyond #happinurse

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠

“I felt really nervous at the beginning of the pandemic. As a patient service officer, I had to be in contact with COVID-19 patients. Over time, I began to put more trust in my hospital’s regulations and the protective gear we were given. It’s essential protection against the virus! Wearing the N95 mask was pretty uncomfortable for me in the beginning, but I am used to wearing it now and it makes me more confident in supporting the team.

I vividly remember one particular day where I was overwhelmed by numerous phone calls from anxious members of the public and an increasing number of patient admissions. It got really stressful, but I tried my best to keep my cool and stay focused by creating a system for note-taking that made it easier to convey messages to the nurses. The support from my loved ones and colleagues also keeps me going whenever I feel like giving up. My family has been really supportive of my work and they constantly reassure me that I will be proud of my role in this battle when the pandemic is over!

I take pride in preparing the necessary safety equipment such as gowns, masks, gloves and shoe covers to keep our doctors and nurses safe when they come into contact with patients. It is gratifying to know that my colleagues count on me for help, and that everyone is working hand in hand to keep the nation safe. It is my hope that the public will be more appreciative of all healthcare workers as we are risking our lives to save others.”

— Zarina Aziz, Patient Service Officer, Raffles Hospital

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝙑𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠
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“When I saw SG Healthcare Corps’ call for #healthcare professionals to volunteer our services towards the nation's COVID-19 operations, I agreed with little hesitation. I felt that, as a doctor, I should step up to play my part during this unprecedented health crisis. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’m now deployed at the Community Care Facility (CCF) at the Singapore Expo. The long shifts are compensated by the wonderful team spirit. Everyone has been very supportive.
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One thing I am incredibly grateful for is my family members’ support for my frontline role. For sure, there is always the worry that frontline workers like me may inadvertently be infected as we see so many COVID-19 patients. In turn, I may just become the vector that transmits the virus to my loved ones at home. My precaution for this is to try and self-isolate when I get home — not an easy feat at times!
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Everyone has a part to play in fighting the virus. I have been blessed with responsible patients in my primary place of practice as an aesthetic general practitioner. They understand the need for contact tracing and screening measures, as well as the importance of staying at home if they are unwell.
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Making a difference in my patients’ lives, no matter how minor my actions may seem, keeps me going during such tough times. Whether it’s lifting their mood with a smile, a prescription of medication or even just giving them the reassurance that things will get better goes a long way.”
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— Dr Ong Xiangning, SG Healthcare Corps volunteer and locum deployed with Woodlands Health Campus at Singapore Expo CCF
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

All ready to serve.
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Credit 📸: @affanjr ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝙒𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚
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“When the announcement was made for current and former medical professionals to provide support in the fight against COVID-19, I signed up as a volunteer under the SG Healthcare Corps. As a family physician, I saw this as an opportunity to help the migrant workers and provide primary care for them at the Community Care Facility (CCF) at Singapore Expo.
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The concern of contracting COVID-19 and passing it on to patients and others unknowingly is real. However, this is nothing compared to the migrant workers’ anxiety of having to be far from home at a time like this. They have been very understanding and patient, even as they deal with their own fears and uncertainties. It is often during the night shifts, when the pace of work eases slightly and there are fewer administrative tasks to settle, that I get to spend more time with each patient I see.
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While we view them as “foreign workers”, each of them bears multiple roles in the society – a son, a husband, a brother or a father. Most of them are grateful to us, and some told me to convey their thanks to Singaporeans for the support and encouragement. They may be isolated in the CCF, but they can definitely feel the care.
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The long hours at the CCF are made more bearable by my wonderful team members. It is extremely heart-warming to see volunteers from all walks of life - cleaners, catering staff, administrative staff, IT support, security personnel - stepping up to help in their own way. It is truly an amazing display of Singaporean unity amidst this crisis. As the saying goes: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give’. I am grateful that my job as a physician allows me to make a living and lead a meaningful life by caring for others.”
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– Dr Joanna Chan, SG Healthcare Corps volunteer and locum deployed with by Woodlands Health Campus at Singapore Expo CCF
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝘼𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘
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“I had only started my first medical posting at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases a few months before the first COVID-19 patient arrived in late January. As the full severity of the pandemic was not apparent then, any fear or anxiety at being involved at the frontlines during those days were mostly felt with the perspective of hindsight. The learning curve was steep, but I am privileged to have worked alongside SARS veterans. Their experiences, insights and guidance on medical fundamentals such as assessing exposure risks were vital during the early days, and have since become second nature.
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The pandemic can feel like it is never-ending and this can be discouraging. I recall an eventful shift whereby the medical team on standby were activated to help us manage new cases coming in. We had been admitting cases all night and continued into the morning, until the day team arrived to take over. I remember feeling exhausted upon reaching the Special Precautions Area at the outpatient clinic after my shift, as that was the first time I had properly sat down since I started that shift. Attending to new admissions and overseeing the increase in ward capacity can be daunting but I am thankful for everyone, including the cleaners and porters, coming together to help us during this time.
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While my family and friends are understandably concerned, I am grateful to have received support and encouragement from them. I have reconnected with worried friends who have reached out and received adorable handwritten notes of encouragement from school students.
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As I remain on the COVID-19 frontline, I remind myself that each patient who recovers is a tangible step towards overcoming this outbreak.”
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― Michelle Law, Medical Officer, Infectious Diseases, National Centre for Infectious Diseases
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨
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“As #healthcare workers who are new parents to our four-month-old, my husband Rahmat (a radiation therapist at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore) and I do fear that we may come into contact with COVID-19 patients. In turn, we may infect our child and loved ones.
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However, the hospital’s strict infection control guidelines and workflows have helped to allay our worries. As soon as we get home after work, we head straight to the bathroom to clean ourselves thoroughly before carrying our child. I am glad to have a strong source of support in my family who understands what I am going through. I also apply skills from my experience as a paediatric developmental and behavioural nurse. I have seen parents making difficult decisions, and giving everything they have to comfort and care for their child. A parent’s unconditional love for their child is an amazing thing.
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It is difficult being a new mother during this pandemic. With tighter safety measures enforced earlier this year, I had to deal with looking after a new-born without the help of a confinement nanny or my mother. While it was definitely a stressful experience, I am thankful to Rahmat who is always there to lend a helping hand. He makes an effort to help out with chores without complaints, and cares for my emotional needs throughout my motherhood journey. He often sacrifices his sleep to care for our child at night and shares diaper changing duties with me as well! He is an amazing role model for our son.
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To my husband: What a crazy ride it has been, so glad we’re in this together! I’m so grateful to be sharing life, love and parenthood with a wonderful man like you. Happy Father’s Day, the father of our beautiful child. May all the love you give to our family come back to you on this special day.”
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– Nur Faraniza Binte Abdul Malek, Senior Staff Nurse, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital
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Read Rahmat's thoughts @caretogobeyondahp 👈

Meowth, that's right!

Credit 📷: @sgnurses
#caretogobeyond

"The first news that I received upon touching down in Singapore on 29/1 was that all our annual leave are officially frozen. No travel out, stay put. "WE NEED YOU", they said.

I guess no one can really understand the devastation that we (the healthcare workers) experience. The ultimate sadness of not being able to travel (not even back to hometown), being separated from families for the longest time, being stuck at our workplace working hard every day tiring ourselves out, being discriminated by the public for having meals in our uniform. The stress of having pressure ulcers mark on our faces everyday, the constant exhaustion of donning-doffing full PPE (protective personal equipment) and enduring long hours of treating/nursing patients in those PPE. Imagine that.

Kudos to my fellow comrades and friends at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases who have been fighting hard every day to serve, to nurse and to treat patients. The overwhelming cases and the crazy amount of workload has tired so many people out. Aye aye comrades. Hang in there. Help (I'm coming!) is on the way, soon! 💪🏼❤️" Credit 📷: @_peikhim_

#caretogobeyond #couragetocaresg

Dear #nurses, thank you for your heart in going beyond 💛
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Credit 📸: @fyreflyz ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caretogobeyond #couragetocaresg

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 – 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨
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“As healthcare professionals, we have seen our fair share of disease and pain. However, the unpredictability and scale of COVID-19 is something else altogether... as a result, the fear we feel is no less than the public. Despite these worries, I felt that it was my responsibility to do my part in this fight.
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I’ve been given the opportunity to carry out COVID-19 duties at various sites. So far, I’ve had three deployments: The first was in the home quarantine team, where I served quarantine orders to contacts of confirmed cases at their residences and gave them temperature monitoring kits. The second was at the Singapore Expo community care facility to provide nursing care for up to 600 COVID patients. My third and current deployment is at the dormitories as a swab assessor, where I supervise new swabbers.
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Throughout these deployments, I had to find the courage to keep working in environments where we could contract the virus and, worse, transmit it to my loved ones. Thankfully, we are all safe and sound! My family members have been very reassuring – sending encouraging text messages are amongst the little things they do to show their support. When a healthcare worker contracted COVID-19 while working at the Expo (where I was stationed at previously), I was flooded with messages from concerned loved ones.
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The patients I’ve met are very friendly and appreciative. They understand that regular swabbing is necessary to ensure they are clear of the virus before discharge. Communication at the dormitories was a barrier in the beginning, but became easier with the development of a template in different languages.
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Now, apart from operational updates during briefings, we spare some time to share our experiences and encourage one another. These moments of camaraderie make me feel even more motivated to do my part!”
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— Toh Wei Wei Wendy, Staff Nurse, Health Promotion Board
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚
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“A motorbike accident veered my life in a different direction. Impressed by the caring nature of the #nurses who took care of me, I decided to do my research about the profession. Joining the #healthcare sector was a desire I’ve had since secondary school and this incident became an impetus for me to switch from hospitality, where I had worked for half a decade, to healthcare.
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After taking my accelerated diploma in nursing, I realised that applying the skills that I learnt in school to the real world was tough – what we acquired was mainly theoretical knowledge. From the moment I start working at the hospital, I am providing nursing care for actual patients and cannot afford to make any mistakes. I never make assumptions of any situation and will always make it a point to clarify with my senior nurses and doctors if there is anything that I am unsure of. Experience counts.
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The initial phase of COVID-19 was scary for me as little was known about the virus. Moreover, working as a nurse in the isolation ward at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital meant I was in direct contact with many positive cases. However, we are managing the situation the best we can. Knowing that I have my colleagues to depend on is a huge comfort.
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For those considering a career switch… Have a think if being a #nurse is really what you want to do as someone's life is in your hands. If this is the path that you want to take, it is never too late to make a switch as long as you are passionate about it!”
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— Siti Nur Afidah, Staff Nurse, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
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To find out more about the Professional Conversion Programme for Registered Nurses (Diploma), visit the link in bio.
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#caretogobeyond

#𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙤𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙎𝙂: 𝘼𝙣 𝘼&𝙀 𝙣𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨

When news of the COVID-19 outbreak reached Singapore, I knew it would be a matter of time before I would be on the frontline along with many others. This was a risk I accepted when I decided to work in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. But my wife has always been there to remind me of how important my job is – she says she’s proud of me.

Despite having dealt with other smaller outbreaks in the past, I felt worry and fear – not for myself, but for my family. At work, I am well protected with my Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). My family, however, had limited access to face masks and sanitisers. Thankfully, my worries were allayed when the government stepped in to provide these supplies for the public.

The earlier stages of the outbreak were tricky. At the A&E, we had patients deliberately concealing the fact that they had been in contact with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Some even hid their travel history. This was incredibly frustrating as hiding such information potentially exposes healthcare workers and vulnerable patients to the virus. I urge everyone to cooperate so we can give you the proper treatment and overcome this disease as soon as possible.

Though the public was initially fearful of being close to healthcare workers, that perception has changed. We have been receiving gifts like food, supplements and thank-you cards. Several patients have gone out of their way to express their gratitude by sending us cakes after they leave the hospital. I am encouraged by these acts of kindness, and believe that Singapore will come out of this crisis more united than ever. – Senior Staff Nurse, Mohammad Rakib Bin Muhd Ridhuan, Changi General Hospital
#caretogobeyond #couragetocaresg

"When others worked from home, we rushed to the frontline...
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When others put on a facial mask, we do too! Albeit with marks and pain on our faces at the end of shift...
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When others had the luxury to soak in their bath tub till their hands turn wrinkly, we do too! But from the collected sweat underneath our gloves. Sweat dripping from our waterproof gown and mask, sweat that is no longer salty...
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It is not easy, it will never be easy. But what’s easy, is for you to STAY HOME, and be socially responsible.
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To all my fellow #nurses, you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem! Let’s keep our attitude positive and beat COVID-19 together. Not all HEROES wear capes, some wear scrubs!"
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Credit 📷: @syasya_ar
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#couragetocaresg #caretogobeyond