Nursing in Singapore is a demanding profession that requires much resilience, dedication and deep compassion. With an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs, nurses are more essential than ever. However, the reality of the job comes with significant challenges that stretch beyond the visible caregiving duties. Let us explore some of the key issues facing nurses in Singapore today and how they affect the profession.

High Workload and Stress

One of the most pressing challenges in nursing is heavy workloads. As Singapore’s healthcare system grows and more patients require care, nurses find themselves handling a myriad of responsibilities. The fast-paced environment in hospitals and clinics means that nurses must care for multiple patients while also managing administrative tasks, patients’ documentation and ensuring compliance with medical protocols.

Long shifts, combined with emotionally and physically demanding work, can take a toll on nurses. Thus, the pressure of dealing with such complicated cases amongst the patients while maintaining high standards may lead to mental and emotional exhaustion.

Shortage of Nurses

Like many places around the world, Singapore faces a shortage of nurses. This shortage stems from a combination of factors, including the growing demand for healthcare services, an ageing workforce and the challenges of recruiting new nurses into the profession.

While efforts have been made to attract more people to nursing through education and career progression opportunities, the issue remains significant. For nurses already in the healthcare system, this shortage means more responsibilities and fewer resources, which can impact the quality of care and job satisfaction.

Emotional and Mental Strain

Nursing is not just physically taxing; it also comes with a great deal of emotional and mental strain. Nurses in Singapore often face difficult situations, such as dealing with critically ill patients, supporting grieving families and making quick decisions that have life-or-death consequences. Balancing the emotional connection they form with patients and maintaining a level of detachment to carry out their duties effectively can be taxing and difficult to manage.

Career Progression and Education: The Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programme provided by King’s College London at Ngee Ann Academy

Despite these challenges, nursing remains a vital and rewarding career. Yet, many nurses feel that there are limited pathways to advancement unless they pursue further education. Specialisation and leadership positions may not be within reach unless one acquires more qualifications. 

Some of these challenges can be overcome through continuous education. The Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programme provided by the prestigious King’s College London at Ngee Ann Academy gives a great opportunity for nurses to enhance their experience and take up leadership roles.

King’s College London is ranked No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, this 24-month part-time programme offers a blended learning approach. By combining classroom-based sessions at Ngee Ann Academy with online learning through the King’s e-Learning and Teaching Services (KEATS) platform, the programme allows flexibility for nurses to balance work and study, hence ideal for those who wish to specialise or move into leadership roles.

“The flexible hybrid format offered through NAA, which is known for its academic excellence and support services, also allows me to pursue my studies while working,”

• Calista Koh, a student of Master of Science in Clinical Nursing Programme

The Master of Science in Clinical Nursing is delivered by highly recognised clinicians and academics with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and translation into practice. The core modules included Evidence & Research as the Basis of Care, Patient Safety and Cultural Variance and Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation. On top of that, students are allowed to customise their learning by selecting two elective modules from options such as Clinical Leadership, Health Systems Management or Principles for Managing Long-Term Conditions. 

“One of the primary aims of the programme is to enable nurses to understand research, ensuring they can incorporate the best available evidence in their practice.You start by understanding research and evaluating evidence, and you complete the programme with a dissertation that allows you to analyse how evidence can be applied to practice.”

• Dr Ehsan Khan, senior lecturer in Nursing Education and programme lead for the Master of Science in Clinical Nursing at King’s College London

If you are an SNB registered nurse and want to upgrade yourself in nursing or advance your career, this course, the Master of Science in Clinical Nursing at Ngee Ann Academy, would be a perfect choice. Take the next step towards a rewarding future in nursing by contact Ngee Ann Academy’s Admissions Team today for more information or to apply.

*NB: The course is not accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and does not lead to certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).