540 Year 3 and Year 4 students, together with final-year Career Conversion Programme students, celebrated the end of their 10-week clinical rotations and gained firsthand advice for their journey ahead, at an event attended by faculty, clinical partners and alumni.

The 10-week clinical attachments saw the students rotate through various healthcare settings, where they follow a nurse’s schedule and work three shifts. They assume care of patients while being supervised by preceptors. The students are responsible for many aspects of patient care like case management, medication administrations and holistic care.

“Clinical rotations are a vital component to Nursing school and to a Nursing student. They offer an environment where Nursing students can implement skills on patients that they have been practising in their courses,” says senior lecturer Laura Tham, a co-programme director for Clinicals. 

Year 4 student Chloe Goh, who is joining National Heart Centre Singapore as a staff nurse, says that having clinical rotations as a required part of her Nursing education has helped her and her fellow students to be confident as they enter into their jobs. “Clinicals was a great opportunity for me to get hands-on experience with both nursing and communication skills,” she says. “It taught me that nursing is not just about skills, but about compassion, resilience and heart. It will help me better transition into my job as graduate nurse for the first time.”

Veteran nurse educator shares her career journey 

The event opened with a warm welcome and an address by Professor Liaw Sok Ying, head of NUS Nursing, who shared her personal journey from her early days as a registered nurse in the neurology ward to her role today as a department head and tenured professor. Through her sharing, she encouraged students to embrace the challenges ahead and continue to innovate and follow their passion as they step into the profession. 

Clinical instructors give insights on journey ahead 

Equipping students for what lies ahead was a central focus of the programme. Dynamic panel discussions featuring clinical instructors from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University Hospital, and Singapore General Hospital gave students a clearer picture of life in their first six months of practice, such as what to expect, how to adapt, and how to grow with confidence. This was complemented by sharing by the Singapore Nursing Board and NUS Nursing’s postgraduate programme deputy director A/Prof Zhou Wentao, which offered valuable insights into post-graduation pathways, helping students better understand the steps towards professional registration and practice. 

Alumni inspire with their varied nursing roles 

One of the most meaningful segments of the celebration came from alumni who shared their journeys beyond graduation. Among them were Kimberley-Ann Tan from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, who spoke about her work in TTSH@Home and organisational development and communications; Eugene Tan from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), who shared his experience in nursing informatics; and Reina Cheong from SGH, who highlighted her involvement in nursing research and innovation.  

Their experiences showcased the diverse and evolving opportunities within the profession, from clinical nursing to organisational development as well as informatics and innovation. These stories served as both inspiration and reassurance, reminding students that their paths in nursing can be as varied as they are impactful. 

Staying connected with NUS Nursing Alumni Association 

The programme also invited the NUS Nursing graduating cohort to stay connected with their schoolmates through the NUS Nursing Alumni Association (NUSNA) and with a professional body such as the Singapore Nurses Association. Rallying students to be part of the NUS Nursing alumni network, NUSNA president Nilawan Cheng shared the association’s activities and urged the graduating cohort to stay connected so that generations of NUS nurses with shared identity and values can learn and grow together.   

Nursing students showcase their talents

Beyond the formal programme, Nursing students took to the stage with performances including singing and a beatbox segment, bringing energy to the event while highlighting the diverse talents within the NUS Nursing community. 

 Healthcare institutions set up booths to offer sponsorships and jobs 

Students who have not found a sponsorship or job in nursing also connected with hiring institutions from the three major healthcare clusters and private healthcare groups to explore job opportunities, paving the way for them to secure employment and entry into the healthcare system.