Mid-career switch with a difference

SINGAPORE — Would you voluntarily take a 40 per cent pay cut for a job that requires you to work night shifts and clean up after the infirm?

Ms Faith Tan, a 40-year-old staff nurse at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), did just that.

At the age of 36, when her twin girls were barely three years old, Ms Tan went back to school to pursue a Diploma in Nursing (Accelerated) offered by Nanyang Polytechnic. The course was sponsored by KTPH and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

Before making the switch, Ms Tan worked as a coordinator in a logistics firm and voluntary welfare organisation.

“When I was ready to go back to the workforce after staying at home for more than two years to care for my twins, I asked myself if I really wanted to go back to the corporate world or do something more meaningful. The second option was more appealing to me,” she said.

Ms Tan is one of 760 nursing graduates who have undergone healthcare conversion programmes that facilitate a career switch to nursing for locals without a healthcare background.

The course fees are co-sponsored by the WDA, Ministry of Health and healthcare employers.

In addition, there is a training allowance of between S$1,100 and S$1,700 a month.

One of the toughest challenges Ms Tan faced as an older nursing student was having to juggle school work and family. She recounted how it was impossible for her to take a week off from school when her children came down with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. She had to rely on her supportive father and husband, who took turns to care for them.

“Going back to school after two decades was quite a challenge, especially when you have young kids at home. When you’re working, you can take childcare leave, but it’s an entirely different game when you’re studying. The accelerated nursing course also meant that I had to complete a three-year course within two years —so every moment in school was precious,” she said.

As a mid-career nurse, Ms Tan said her age sometimes works against her. She is currently based in a geriatric ward in KTPH.

“In the ward, all the nurses wear the same uniform and badge. Because of my age, many people are not aware that I’m actually still a ‘young’ nurse so they may expect a lot from me,” she said.

Her energy levels also tend to take a beating after gruelling night shifts, unlike some of her younger, more energetic co-workers.

However, knowing that she has made a difference in the lives of her patients keeps her going.

Currently, Ms Tan is pursuing a part-time nursing degree to beef up her nursing knowledge.

“The continuous on-the-job learning makes this profession interesting. I have no regrets and if I could choose again, I would do it all over again,” she said.