Whether they're influencing our decisions or inspiring us to go the extra mile, friends and mentors have a critical role in our lives. In Nicholas's case, he credits the medical officers he served with and several professors from the National Institute of Education (NIE) as being inspirational figures in his life.
In his own words, "When I was feeling lost, I reached out to both my superiors and professors I met when I participated in NTU’s Nanyang Research Programme (NRP). They advised me to go with my instincts and helped me better understand the healthcare sector. And I can definitely say that this is what convinced me to make the shift from Electrical Engineering to Nursing.”
However, before he could truly commit himself, there was one more thing that Nicholas had to do, and that was speaking with his parents. As any young Singaporean will tell you, when it comes to the older generation, education is a deadly serious matter.
Fortunately, Nicholas's parents were extremely supportive of his decision and encouraged him to make the shift.
As he puts it, “My parents were surprised by the sudden change. But at the same time, they encouraged me to pursue my passion. And this is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
So, armed with a new sense of direction, Nicholas set out to pave his way into the world of nursing. And this is where he came across MOH Holdings's (MOHH) Healthcare Scholarships Instagram page. Inspired by the stories of various scholars, Nicholas was galvanised and immediately submitted his application for a Community Nursing Scholarship.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Currently, Nicholas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (Honours) degree at the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS).
The 4-year honours programme covers all aspects of patient care that professional nurses are expected to master. In addition, there is a heavy emphasis on both academic knowledge and practical skills, which is essential for producing well-rounded nurses. The programme also requires participants to put together a portfolio demonstrating their research experience and to complete a thesis.
As he was first inspired by the nurses he encountered in various community care hospitals, Nicholas intends to specialise in community nursing upon the completion of his degree. After that, he hopes to move into the clinical side of nursing and participate in various research programs.
When asked about his long-term plans, he responded with this, "I want to make a change in the healthcare sector for the better. This includes improving the quality of life for my patients and optimising hospital operations. I also intend to branch out into the research side of nursing and improve myself professionally."
Advice For Future Generations