Registered Nurse/Staff Nurse

Registered Nurses take charge of the recovery process of patients, anticipate and meet their needs while nursing them back to optimal health.

Registered Nurse/Staff Nurse Job Description

Assess patients' physical and mental wellness.

Initiate, implement, and evaluate treatment plans and services.

Perform clinical and service operations.

Educate patients and their families and train caregivers to provide basic care.

Plan and implement health education and promotion programmes.

Note

Nurses are NOT maids or “Sai Kang Warriors”. There is a wide range of job scopes depending on the area of practice e.g. Accident & Emergency, Operating Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, etc.

A day in the life

Geriatric Nurse

Join CNA Reporter Jason as he becomes a Geriatric Nurse for the day. From ensuring they are fed and helping them clean up to doing basic exercises with them.

Nurse (Sterile Supplies Department)

Not all nurses interact with patients! Nurses working in the Sterile Supplies Department ensure equipment being used is safe and sanitary for patients' use.

Nurse

Dealing with patients can be challenging. It requires courage, dedication and empathy. Watch how Nurse Hui Yi from the Special Care Nursery makes a difference.

Advanced Practice Nurse

Hear from Singapore's first Advanced Practice Nurse, Sylvia Lee, on what it's like to be one in the Community Care sector.

What you should know about Registered Nurse/Staff Nurse jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

Your role centres around comprehensive patient care including treatment, monitoring vitals, and assisting with daily needs.

Key Advice

Always approach your patients with empathy, as the emotional support you provide can be just as crucial as medical care.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Sign up for attachments and job shadowing opportunities at local Healthcare institutions e.g. Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and National University Health System (NUHS).

Minimally a diploma in Nursing is required. You can also further your studies by taking a bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Registered Nurse/Staff Nurse career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Patient Care Delivery in Nursing

Delivering comprehensive patient care, including assessment, planning, and implementation.

Care Transitioning in Nursing

Skilled in managing care transitions for patients, ensuring continuity and quality across settings.

Medication Management in Nursing

Skilled in safe administration, understanding Pharmacology and patient-specific considerations.

Soft Skills

Communication

Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective patient interaction and healthcare collaboration.

Empathy

Deep empathy and sensitivity to patient needs and situations, fostering trust and comfort in care.

Passion in Learning

Eagerness to continually learn and adapt in the evolving field of Nursing, enhancing professional growth.

“As a Nurse in the Special Care Nursery, I teach parents how to feed and bathe their fragile babies.”

Chng Hui Yi, Senior Staff Nurse

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an SIT and a NUS Nursing degree?

SIT only takes in polytechnic Nursing graduates, but NUS accepts both polytechnic and junior college students. Polytechnic Nursing graduates may proceed directly to Year 2 in NUS. The course in NUS focuses on clinical judgement, theory and critical thinking, while SIT focuses more on technical medical skills.
What qualities should good Nurses possess?

Being emotionally stable and paying attention to details are good qualities to have. Nurses must also look out for patients' drug-to-drug and drug-to-food interactions.
What is the work environment typically like for Staff Nurses?

The work environment for Staff Nurses can vary depending on the setting, but common elements include a fast-paced and sometimes hectic work environment, with long hours and shift work.
How does the role of Staff Nurses differ from other Nursing roles?

Staff Nurses are typically responsible for providing direct patient care, assessing patients' health conditions, administering medications, and implementing Nursing care plans.
What is a common challenge faced by Staff Nurses?

Staff Nurses often face heavy patient loads, which can make it challenging to provide individualised care to each patient. This can lead to stress and burnout.