As I write this message two years into the pandemic, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is steadily replacing its Delta cousin globally. Healthcare systems are being put to the test once again by this virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) chief has warned us not to take lightly even if it is less malignant than Delta. In January, cases spiked dramatically in Europe, the Us and Asia. with hospitals again filling up.
Here at home, we are faring better because of the precautions implemented by the authorities. That said, Singapore’s weekly infection growth rate increased the same month as the Omicron virus made its presence felt here.
And once again, NUS Nursing alumnae work alongside colleagues to care for the sick. Their steadfast effort and dedication is something that gladdens the heart.
To gain an appreciation of the Impact that Nursing professionals make on the lives of patients. read about the work done by Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Angela Kirk from KK Women and Children’s Hospital, who specialises in paediatric critical care (page 19), and that of Joanne Gan, a Year 3 Bachelor of Science (Nursing Practice part-time student who Is working as an “end-of-life” doula at Assisi Hospice (page 25).
More heartening news came in the form of an award for NUS Nursing faculty educator Dr Jocelyn Chew. who was awarded the NUHS Family Medicine/ Primary Care Health Services Research Seed Grant for her project. Acceptability and user perceptions of smartphone-based mobile applications adoption for weight management: A sequential explanatory study (page 4).
Dr Chew aims to study the perceptions of Singaporeans towards the viability of Artificial Intelligence (AU-powered mobile applications for weight management.
Another faculty staff member’s efforts in using virtual reality gaming technology to train and teach also bore fruit – Rosalind Siah’s VISION (Virtual Simulation for periOperative Nursing) is now part of the Nursing curriculum (page 15).
VISION Is used to train Year 2 Nursing students in the importance of a state operating theatre culture. Through this learning approach. Nursing students take on the role and responsibility of a scrub nurse, demonstrate the key patient safety and infection control considerations in the operative environment, identify the key process chat may take place in the operating room, and recognise the working environment of the operating room.
Whether in the wards, operating theatres. clinics or classrooms, in ways big and small NUS Nursing people are helping to improve life for patients.
Prof Emily Ang
Head (NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies)
