The Unseen Side Of Nursing
Nursing as a whole seems to represent a profession that is supposedly filled with compassionate care and competent practice. While these attributes are undoubtedly true, there is an unseen side to nursing that is less frequently discussed. This side, however, is framed in terms of emotional, mental and physical challenges that the professionals experience every day as a result of being engaged in a demanding yet rewarding career.
The Evolving Role of Nurses
Nursing has evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days when nurses were viewed as mere assistants to doctors. Today, nurses are considered indispensable members of the healthcare teams, taking on increasingly complex roles. Managing chronic conditions, driving community health projects, conducting research and formulating health policies are some of the leading roles nurses take on in today’s medical field.
In many healthcare settings, nurses are the first point of contact for patients. They assess symptoms, make preliminary diagnoses, and provide essential information to doctors. They also perform tasks related to follow-up on the set treatment plan: monitoring, administering drugs and educating patients on how to take good care of their health. With the demands on increasing health needs, the need for a highly competent nurse rises further. Of course, behind this work of nursing, the intellectual efforts remain hidden.
Emotional Resilience
The challenging aspect of nursing is linked to the emotional resilience required to perform the job effectively. Most of the time, nurses are on the frontline in patient care and they comfort and reassure individuals and families at their most distressed moments. Such frequent encounters with human suffering and vulnerability require nurses to possess great emotional strength. They need to be clear as to how to channel their emotional quotient in the right direction so that they show empathetic care yet keep their faculties sharp enough to make decisions.
Mental Challenges
Nurses must be able to think quickly and make informed decisions, often in high-pressure situations. They have to keep a constant watch over the patients, administer medicine and coordinate with other professionals for a holistic approach to treatment. This requires a deep understanding of medical knowledge and its potential use in real time. Furthermore, the need to be updated on newly evidenced healthcare practices adds another layer of mental effort, as nurses constantly have to undertake professional development for effective nursing care.
Physical Demands
Beyond the emotional and mental challenges, nursing is also a physically demanding profession. Nurses are on their feet for long hours, often working shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays. They frequently lift and move patients, which can lead to physical strain and injury. The physical demands of the job can take a toll on a nurse’s body, necessitating a focus on personal health and well-being to sustain their capacity to care for others.
A Path to Leadership and Specialisation
Despite the challenges, modern nurses have the opportunity to advance their careers by pursuing further education and training in specialised areas such as paediatrics, oncology or mental health. Many go on to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or even nurse educators, shaping the future of healthcare.
With the increasing complexity of healthcare services, more leadership roles are emerging in nursing practice. The roles played by senior nurses in managing whole departments, planning care provided by other disciplines and implementing healthcare policies bear testimony to this fact. They ensure healthcare teams work effectively to deliver the best results to patients.
The Importance of Continued Education in Nursing
Nurses must stay updated with the latest medical practices, technologies and patient care strategies. To the nurses who want to take the next step in their careers, the Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programme offered by the prestigious King’s College London at Ngee Ann Academy is one of the best options.
This part-time 24-month programme is ranked No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. This adopts a blended learning approach because the class-based sessions will be conducted at Ngee Ann Academy, while online learning will be supported through the King’s e-Learning and Teaching Services-KEATS platform. The flexibility in learning lets the nurses continue working without interrupting their professional duties, hence it being very suitable for those nurses who want to specialise or move into leadership roles.
Besides, students have the opportunity to enjoy the stimulating learning environment of the programme with its combination of lectures, case studies and online discussions spanning locations and time zones. Online informal study groups with peers in Singapore and the United Kingdom further enhance learning through collaborative review and the exchange of insights.
“I benefit from my classmates’ diverse perspectives from various healthcare systems,” explained Calista Koh. “Collaborating with peers from Singapore and the United Kingdom in informal online study groups has further enriched my learning by allowing for collaborative review, exchange of insights and fostering camaraderie.”
- Calista Koh, a student of Master of Science in Clinical Nursing Programme
Explore the Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programme at Ngee Ann Academy and take the next step in your nursing journey. Embrace the challenges and rewards of a career that not only touches lives but also transforms patient experience. Contact Ngee Ann Academy’s Admissions Team today to learn more about the enrolment criteria.
*NB: The course is not accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and does not lead to certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).