Ms Julia Law knows how it feels to be a caregiver: A family member is born with cerebral palsy and requires round-the-clock care.

“I know how stressful it can be for caregivers, even more so if their loved ones are admitted to hospital. I would like to assure them they do not have to worry while their loved ones are under our care.”

Now 29 and a senior staff nurse at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, she is glad to be able to help others in a similar situation.

Ms Law develops and implements nursing care plans for patients in the inpatient ward, which include patient and family education, and ensures that the needs of every patient are met. She juggles work with  part-time studies at the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), where she is pursuing the Bachelor of Science, Nursing (Top-up) programme, awarded by Edinburgh Napier University, UK.

Although she began her coursework at MDIS only this year, Ms Law says she has already picked up some valuable lessons. “The lectures by overseas lecturers have opened my eyes to potential alternatives in critical thinking or treatment options when caring for a patient,” she says.

“Sometimes, all that a patient needs is just a listening ear, to have someone whom they can confide in, someone to hear their concerns and worries, or a pat on the shoulder to calm and encourage them.”

She says nurses should give their best when caring for their patients: “We should not be daunted by the challenges that we may face at work. It is important to stand firm with the knowledge that we are doing what matters to make a difference, and that we have done our best.”