Tang De Ning (left) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore. From 26 August to 12 September 2024, I (an IMU University nursing student) had the opportunity to participate in a student mobility programme at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in Singapore. Since I had no prior experience in neurological wards, I chose to focus on this specialty to expand my exposure and deepen my understanding of neurological conditions and their management. Consequently, I undertook my placement in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Acute Care Unit (ACA) at TTSH.
TTSH offers comprehensive neurological treatment and rehabilitation services through its National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) campus. The Department of Neurology at TTSH is a national referral centre for patients with neurological disorders. It consists of a team of highly trained specialists, nurse clinicians and nurses across various subspecialties who treat different brain and nervous system diseases. In addition to neurology, TTSH also provides neurosurgery and neuroradiology services through the NNI. Neurosurgeons treat conditions requiring surgical intervention, while neuroradiologists provide specialised diagnostic imaging and interventional services.
An Enriching and Fulfilling Experience
The 14-day placement at NICU and ACA in TTSH was an enriching and fulfilling experience. During my attachment there, I was fortunate to work with registered nurses and enrolled nurses from various countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, India, Philippines and China. I was assigned to follow different nurses and sisters every day, which allowed me to explore different working styles.
Needless to say, all the nurses demonstrated wonderful teamwork, knowledge and expertise in critical care, which truly inspired me. They not only ensured that I met my learning objectives regarding neurological conditions, but also provided me with opportunities to learn more about the health information technology, known as Epic Systems. According to the nurses there, Singapore transitioned to Epic Systems last year. This change has made the medical records more comprehensive, and has facilitated higher-quality, more personalised care in a simpler and more efficient manner.
Additionally, I was also given the opportunity to utilise their Omnicell Automated Dispensing Cabinets, which greatly help reduce medication errors and increase nursing efficiency.
In NICU, I had the privilege of participating in the care of patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), arteriovenous malformations (AVM), subarachnoid haemorrhages (SAH), intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH), basal ganglia bleeds, status epilepticus, pituitary tumours and more. I also had the opportunity to observe and practice various procedures such as intrathecal urokinase administration, different types of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, care of patient with external ventricular drains, endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning and others.
In the ACA, I observed the transition of patient care from intensive care towards recovery. The ACA serves as a bridge between general wards and high-dependency units, accommodating patients who require continuous hemodynamic monitoring. During my time there, I had the opportunity to learn from the rehabilitation team, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Their expertise in helping patients regain mobility and independence was invaluable. This exposure to the interdisciplinary collaboration in ACA has deepened my appreciation for the role each healthcare professional plays in a patient’s journey towards regaining health and independence.
I am grateful for this opportunity to go beyond Malaysia to experience different cultures and nursing practices in Singapore. Although it was just a 2-week attachment, I am deeply thankful to TTSH for accommodating me and providing me with such valuable learning opportunities. The dedication, teamwork, and expertise of the nurses in TTSH have truly inspired me. Proud to have been part of such a compassionate and skilled team. A memorable learning journey towards becoming a professional nurse!
Written by
Tang De Ning (Bachelor of Nursing Student, IMU University)
Reviewed by
Dr Chang Woan Ching (Lecturer, Nursing Division, School of Health Sciences, IMU University)
