Medical Attachments

My first-ever clinical posting at RENCI Nursing Home was unforgettable, I even cried on my last day because I had grown so attached to the patients and the team. It was here that I experienced my first hands-on nursing care, from taking vitals to assisting residents with daily activities. I slowly built friendships with the residents, which made every task meaningful. My first Clinical Instructor (CI) was incredible, she made nursing interesting and inspiring, never hesitated to praise my efforts, and encouraged me to be proactive in learning. For the first time, I saw how knowledge from school could directly improve a patient’s well-being, which motivated me to study harder and approach all my subsequent postings with confidence and curiosity.

At Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, I dived deeper into renal nursing care and learned things not taught in the classroom. One memorable activity was conducting a case study on a patient, which opened my eyes to the patience and dedication required to gather accurate information and provide holistic care. This experience taught me that nursing involves more than following procedures, it demands critical thinking, research, and attention to detail. I truly enjoyed this posting as it challenged me intellectually and helped me connect theory to real-life patient care.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital gave me a profound perspective on pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s health. I vividly remember a young patient who tragically miscarried from a simple sneeze; seeing her panic and helplessness was heartbreaking. As a student, I could only observe and assist, but it taught me the importance of compassion and emotional support. I was inspired by the staff nurses, who were gentle, patient, and reassuring, calming patients’ fears and providing both medical and emotional care. It was here I truly understood why nurses are called “angels”, their warmth and empathy left a lasting impression and reinforced my desire to be the same kind of nurse.

I was amazed at how dynamic and versatile polyclinic nursing is, it’s like a small hospital under one roof! Nurses there handle multiple departments and patient types, from routine check-ups to chronic disease management, with skill and efficiency. This posting taught me the importance of adaptability, multitasking, and prioritisation, as well as the value of teamwork in a fast-paced environment. I gained a new appreciation for primary care and the breadth of knowledge and skills required to provide safe, holistic care.

These attachments were full of “firsts” for me: first time taking vitals, first time building meaningful connections with patients, first time applying theory in practice, and first time witnessing the realities of life and illness. Each experience strengthened my skills, patience, and empathy, and motivated me to pursue nursing with dedication, curiosity, and compassion. They also helped me develop qualities essential for an Operating Theatre Staff Nurse: discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and calmness under pressure.