Nurses are more than healthcare providers—they are pillars of support during patients’ life-challenging moments, advocates for their well-being and essential drivers of positive change that will shape the future of healthcare. As we celebrate Nurses' Day on 1 August 2025, we hear the stories behind three SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) nurses who share their journeys and reveal how they actively build the foundation of tomorrow’s healthcare.
Compassion Lights the Way
For Staff Nurse Tracer, the path to nursing began with a personal experience. "When I was younger, many careers fascinated me, from ballerina to scientist," she recalled. However, it was a nurse's kind words during her moment of anxiety during one unexpected late-night visit to the hospital as a teenager that became the catalyst for her career choice.
Today, Tracer brings that same compassion to her practice, particularly evident in her approach to provide patients with emotional support. She shared a touching moment when she sat with a distraught patient at Bedok Polyclinic, providing a listening ear and a sense of comfort when the patient most needed it. "Being a nurse means I get to meet people from different walks of life, and walk with them through their health journey."
Staff Nurse, Tracer Tioe, builds meaningful connections with her patients through empathetic care
Like many early-career nurses, Tracer's journey has been marked by both challenges and growth. She recalled her first emergency case as a defining moment that tested her abilities. “I was really nervous due to the unpredictable and urgent nature of emergency cases, but with the strong support from my seniors and with continuous learning, I have grown more confident in handling critical cases these days.” Looking ahead, she envisions taking on greater responsibilities in preventive care and health promotion, with a particular focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing. “We do much more than just following doctors' orders. We practice critical thinking, advocate for patient's needs and play active roles in decision-making that impact the outcome of patient care,” Tracer emphasised.
Guiding Patients Towards Better Health
For Assistant Nurse Clinician Diana, who has dedicated 18 years to SHP, nursing is about journeying with patients and empowering them with knowledge to better take care of their health. “The trust our patients place in us during their most vulnerable moments is both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously,” Diana shared.
Beyond treating patients during their visits to Pasir Ris Polyclinic, Diana would ensure that they understand their conditions and learn how to care for themselves at home. One of her strength lies in making healthcare relatable—breaking down medical complexities into everyday language and working with patients to set simple, realistic goals that fit into their daily lifestyle and goals that they can easily achieve on their own.
Even in challenging situations, Diana's patient-centered approach shines through. She recalled working with someone who was hesitant about health screenings. Instead of just telling the patient that she had to do the screening, Diana took the time to understand her concerns and carefully explained the importance of early detection. “It's not just what we say, but how we communicate that makes a difference," Diana added.
Assistant Nurse Clinician, Diana guiding her patient through health education materials
Living by the motto "Always give my very best at every opportunity," Diana finds fulfilment in seeing her patient’s progress. "What makes me most proud is knowing that I have played a part in their health journey," she shared. Her story demonstrates how patient education, delivered with understanding and care, can transform healthcare outcomes.
Leading with Heart and Knowledge
At Bukit Merah Polyclinic, Senior Nurse Manager Lu Xin Ping finds deep fulfilment in the nursing career for two key reasons: the endless opportunities for learning and growth, and the profound satisfaction of helping others.
Senior Nurse Manager Lu Xin Ping conducting a clinical assessment with a patient
Within her four and a half years with SHP, Xin Ping has built a remarkable career path through diverse clinical experiences—from Ophthalmology to Geriatrics. Her diverse clinical experiences allow her to better comprehend the complexities of healthcare and patients’ needs, as well as strengthened her confidence and decision-making skills. Her commitment to growth is evident in her academic pursuits, having completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Advanced Diploma in Gerontology.
When SHP launched its Geriatric Services Hub (GSH) to enhance elderly care, Xin Ping took the lead in developing a comprehensive set of geriatric care training materials. Through hands-on training and clinical supervision, she ensured that the nurses mastered the essential skills in geriatric assessment, problem identification, and patient communication.
Senior Nurse Manager Lu Xin Ping (third from the right) with her Geriatric Services Hub team
As a leader, Xin Ping believes in leading by example, creating a supportive environment where other nurses can learn, share ideas and concerns, and grow through hands-on experience. Living by the principle that "the character of a nurse is as important as his or her technical knowledge," she emphasises both professional excellence and personal growth. To aspiring nurse leaders, she offers this piece of advice: "Have courage and an open mind; be proactive in seeking opportunities for advancement. Always take challenges as opportunities to learn and improve."
The Future of Nursing
Together, Tracer, Diana and Xin Ping have unveiled different facets of nursing - bringing fresh perspectives on holistic care, demonstrating the power of patient relationships, and showing how nursing leadership can drive systematic change.
As we celebrate Nurses' Day, these stories remind us that nursing is more than just a job—it's a calling that continues to shape the future of healthcare.
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