Once an executive in the tourism industry, Hendra Roy Osland never imagined himself donning scrubs and working in an intensive care unit. But a life-changing experience on the job set him on a path towards caring for lives rather than customers.

Hendra Roy Osland (Class of 2022) presently works in the National University Hospital’s Surgical Intensive Care Unit as a Staff Nurse.

Before he became a staff nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the National University Hospital, Hendra Roy Osland spent years in tourism management — a career that let him meet people from all walks of life. Yet one incident changed everything: when a guest collapsed in front of him, his instinct to help revealed a new purpose. Through the Career Conversion Programme for Registered Nurses (Degree) offered by NUS Nursing and Workforce Singapore, Hendra transitioned into healthcare and discovered a more profound sense of fulfilment in serving others.

Tell us a bit about your previous career and what drew you to it.
I worked as an executive in three large-scale tourism companies. Although I was trained as a pharmacist, I enjoyed serving people and found tourism rewarding because I got to meet thousands of people every day.

What made you decide to make a switch to nursing?
One evening, while on duty, a guest collapsed. As all frontliners are trained in CPR and AED, I ran over to help. That experience ignited my passion to do something more meaningful with my life — to truly help people in moments that matter most.

How did your past experience prepare you for nursing?
As a service excellence trainer and manager, I was trained to understand people’s needs and make quick decisions under stress. These skills have proven invaluable in patient care and in high-pressure hospital environments.

What was your experience like going through the Career Conversion Programme?
The programme prepared me thoroughly — from theory and simulation sessions to many weeks of clinical practice. It was demanding but rewarding, both academically and emotionally.

What was the most memorable lesson from your training?
The gratitude of patients feels profoundly different from that of customers. In tourism, people thank you for making their trip better; in nursing, they thank you for helping them eat, rest, or even survive another day. That difference stays with me.

How did you adapt to the demands of nursing in a hospital setting?
The structured and comprehensive training gave me confidence. I learned not just technical skills, but also teamwork, communication, and patient-centred care in real clinical situations.

What do you find most fulfilling about being a nurse today?
Seeing ICU patients recover enough to leave intensive care is the best feeling. And when they don’t, being there to comfort them and their families reminds me why I chose this profession.

Were there any surprises about nursing that you didn’t expect?
Yes — how empowered nurses have become. Advanced Practice Nurses now run clinics, nurses make autonomous decisions under clear protocols, and doctors often seek our advice. Nursing today is dynamic and respected.

Looking back, how has this career switch changed your sense of purpose?
It’s been life-changing. Ten years ago, I never imagined being an ICU nurse. Now, I know that answering this calling was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What advice would you give someone thinking about switching to nursing?
The first step is always the hardest. But if you feel that pull toward nursing, take it. You might discover a version of yourself you never knew existed.

For more information on the Career Conversion Programme for Registered Nurses (Degree) and apply for the programme, please visit: https://conversion.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/Portal/ProgramDetails.aspx?ProgID=P00000189
Applications close on 1 Dec 2025.