Superstar Nurse Manager – Loh Kwai Yoke, Nurse Manager, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital

This is the fourth feature in mosAIC’s profile series featuring selected Singapore Health Quality Service Awards 2019 (SHQSA) Superstar Award winners. mosAIC speaks to Kwai Yoke, Nurse Manager from Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital on her belief in continuous learning.

“Nursing is not just a job to me. It is a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others and a lifelong learning journey. This is why I am always looking out for learning opportunities that can help my patients and mentor younger colleagues.

I joined Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH) in 2014 and was in charge of a 50-bedded dementia ward. To care for patients with dementia, we have to first understand the differences in their behaviour, memories and triggers. This knowledge will allow us to provide individualised care for each patient.

The next step is to equip myself with the right skills. I joined the dementia care “Train-the-Trainer” programme in 2015 to gain more knowledge of dementia care and management. Together with other nursing colleagues, I also participated in the “Workplace Learning@Thinking Nurse” project in 2018. This project aims to instil critical thinking skills in our nurses so that we can make decisions with greater confidence and professionalism. Our skills were put into practice with a thorough review of nursing practices, development of new operating procedures to standardise care for residents with dementia and resolution of residents’ issues in a more structured approach.

In 2016, a study trip to Hong Kong showed me the importance of conducting different activities with patients with dementia – it keeps them engaged and motivated. I then worked with my team to enhance each patient’s care plan to keep them engaged during the day and introduced new activities such as gardening and baking.

I feel honoured and grateful that my commitment and efforts are recognised with the Superstar Award at the SHQSA. Moving forward, I hope to mentor younger colleagues through sharing my work and life experiences so that they too, can make a difference in their patients’ lives.”