By Grace Lim

Heartiest congratulations to the recipients of the MOH Nurses’ Merit Awards 2025 - Nurse Clinician Aishabi Binte Sidik (Ward 56) and Nurse Clinician Lee Kwee Huey (Ward 47B)!

There are few professions where wellness forms the cornerstone of their work, and nursing is one of them. Nurses not only care for patient’s physical wellbeing but also often go above and beyond to support their mental and emotional health, providing compassionate and holistic care while maintaining their own wellbeing.

As we celebrate wellness at NHCS’s Nurses’ Day this year, we speak with our MOH Nurses’ Merit Awards 2025 recipients: Nurse Clinician (NC) Aishabi Binte Sidik from Ward 56 and NC Lee Kwee Huey from Ward 47B. They share their experiences of navigating the fast-paced and ever-changing healthcare landscape with wellness as their anchor.

What made you decide to pursue a career in nursing?

Aishabi: Nursing was something I grew to love over the years. As I cared for patients, I realised how deeply rewarding it was to support their recovery and make a tangible difference in their wellbeing. This brings me a sense of purpose and fulfilment!

Kwee Huey: I’ve always wanted a role that would allow me to advocate meaningfully for patients. Nursing combines compassion, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge, enabling me to make an impact clinically, emotionally, and spiritually during some of the most vulnerable moments of a person's life.

How has nursing changed over the decades, and how do you stay updated and motivated?

Aishabi: Nursing has evolved significantly. It now extends far beyond bedside care, encompassing information technology, artificial intelligence and various specialised fields. I’ve adopted a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability to embrace these changes. This has not only enhanced my skills but allowed me to set a positive example for my team, encouraging their professional growth alongside mine.

Kwee Huey: Throughout my five-decade nursing career, I’ve witnessed how nursing has evolved into an increasingly autonomous and evidence-based profession. As such, keeping up to date with new findings has become a norm. I stay ahead by attending relevant workshops and webinars, and stay motivated by focusing on three fundamental questions:  why I chose this path, why our patients depend on us, and why it matters to maintain both clinically competent and compassion in my role.

Please share an example of how you practice mental and emotional self-care in challenging situations.

Aishabi: In difficult situations, I make a conscious effort to understand the reasons behind people’s reactions, which helps me respond calmly and effectively. I discovered that when patients and their family sense my genuine desire to help, even tense situations can lead to positive outcomes. This is incredibly rewarding.  I also believe in having conversations and offering emotional support to one another, hence, I regularly reach out to my colleagues and friends.

Kwee Huey: After particularly challenging shifts, I take time to decompress. I process emotionally heavy moments by chatting with my children and trusted colleagues. Since we don't always have control over what happens during a shift, I keep myself grounded by acknowledging my limitations and showing myself the same compassion I extend to my patients.

Similarly, how do you promote wellness for both your patients and your colleagues?

Aishabi: During my rounds, I make it a point to greet patients warmly and check in with them. Occasionally, I help with personal tasks like trimming their hair. These small yet sincere gestures can boost their confidence and overall wellbeing, especially when they feel discouraged by their medical condition.

For my colleagues, I believe an inclusive and supportive environment is essential for wellness. Getting to know them as individuals during informal moments, such as coffee breaks and roll calls, helps us unwind and build stronger bonds with each other.

Kwee Huey: I ensure my patients receive holistic care – not just their physical needs  but emotional wellbeing. I take time to explain their conditions in simple terms, empowering them to be involved in their own care, while advocating for their needs.

Similarly, I check in with my colleagues after challenging shifts. I believe wellness stems from consistent support and empathy. By maintaining a steady and calm presence at work, I help create a reliable support system for my co-workers.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring nurses entering this fast-paced healthcare environment?

Aishabi: Nursing is a fast-paced and emotionally demanding profession but it is also one of the most rewarding and impactful careers, offering a sense of purpose rarely found elsewhere. Essential qualities include resilience, compassion, adaptability and a growth mindset. I encourage my team to treat every patient as they would, like their own family – this conviction has guided me to act with empathy, patience and respect throughout my career.

Kwee Huey: Even when nursing feels overwhelming, remember that you belong in this profession and that each challenge strengthens you.  Always be curious and build trust with your colleagues but prioritise your mental health - your ability to care for others depends on how well you care for yourself. Above all, stay empathetic – it’s your greatest strength!

Happy Nurses’ Day to our angels in white, and congratulations to NC Aishabi and NC Kwee Huey on their well-deserved achievement! You inspire us not just through your heartfelt dedication to patients, but by showing that the best caregivers prioritise their own wellbeing as well.