Featuring Bindeeya Chandran, Senior Staff Nurse, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up) Graduate, Class of 2021
A patient-focused registered nurse with more than 10 years of experience in healthcare, Bindeeya decided to pursue King’s College London’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up) programme to advance her career in nursing in 2019. When the number of COVID-19 patients surged last year, Bindeeya was assigned to care for COVID-19 patients who were sicker and needed more medical attention. Despite having to manage the challenges at work, she graduated from King’s College London’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Top-up) with first class honours in 2021.
In the article, Bindeeya shares her aspirations to progress in her career, what has she learnt at King’s College London, and how she managed to juggle work and studies throughout the pandemic period.
Why did you decide to pursue the degree from King’s College London?
When I received the offer to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up) at King’s College London, I accepted it right away as it is one of the best nursing programmes internationally and King’s College London is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Besides learning from the best, it would allow me to advance my career in nursing.
Moreover, I had developed an interest in Palliative and End-of-life Nursing. The Palliative and End-of-life Nursing module offered by King’s College London would equip me with the knowledge and skillsets to improve the quality of life of patients who require palliative care.
Photos were taken before COVID-19
How did the degree with King’s College London prepare you for a career in nursing?
I am a Senior Staff Nurse in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Upon completing my degree with King’s College London, I am more confident in providing quality nursing care to patients and advancing my career in nursing. With my knowledge in palliative care, I am now able to explore more career options in Nursing, such as Palliative Nursing. Through my studies, I have also learnt the essentials of a nursing leader and the suitable leadership styles that would work well in different working environments. This empowers me to take on leadership roles at work.
Studying at King’s College London also gives me the confidence that I will be able to explore job opportunities globally in the future, as the degree is recognised worldwide.
How did you manage to juggle between personal life, work and studies throughout the pandemic when healthcare workers were in demand?
Juggling different roles as a nurse, a mom, a daughter, a wife, and a student was the most stressful situation of my life! I was an infection control nurse and clinical instructor for an isolation ward. The ward where I worked was quickly converted to COVID-19 ward and we were assigned to handle COVID-19 patients who were more ill and needed close monitoring. I was emotionally affected when the patients I cared for passed away. This happened when I was just starting my dissertation, and on a few occasions, I almost gave up.
However, I managed to push myself to complete my degree in nursing and achieved first class honours. This would not be possible without the constant support and encouragement from my family and lecturers throughout my studies. I am also thankful to my three-year-old son who gave me the motivation and strength to carry on during this difficult time.
Could you share your learning experience in King’s College London and what makes it rewarding?
Throughout my nursing career, having frequently witnessed the last days of my patients’ lives, I empathise with my patients and their families. This motivated me to learn how to provide quality care for patients in their last days. The Palliative and End of Life course taught me how to provide care to patients holistically. I also learnt the importance of communication in helping patients and families to feel safe and comfortable. This is an area that I need to work on in my course of work – to alleviate the patient’s symptoms and improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
Although we had to stop face-to-face classes due to COVID-19, I still enjoyed the camaraderie with my classmates and my lecturers from London. After classes, we would share and discuss our cultural experiences in Singapore and London. One memorable moment for me was a Virtual Congratulatory Celebration upon completion of our dissertation. All the graduating students, together with staff from Ngee Ann Academy and lecturers from King’s College London, came together to celebrate our achievements online. The entire learning journey was special and meaningful to me.
Photos were taken before COVID-19
Any tips and advice for current and future King’s College London’s students?
Enjoy the journey. With the best resources and guidance from all the lecturers at King’s College London and Ngee Ann Academy, you will be able to do it! Believe in yourself, keep doing your best, and all your hard work will be worth it!
King’s College London’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up) programme is Open for Application!
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up) post-registration programme is taught by staff from the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, and other Faculties at King’s College London. Teaching is delivered in a combination of classroom lectures and via the King’s e-learning online platform, KEATS.
The programme will equip you with the advanced, specialist knowledge to provide the best possible care, to pioneer innovation and deliver improved outcomes for patients and their families. Graduating students will hold a degree from the No.1 Nursing Faculty in the UK and No. 2 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
For more information about the programme, please click here.