SINGAPORE: When Ms Hsu Pei Chi first started as a nurse 20 years ago, she followed doctors on their medical rounds and, in her words, blended into the wall.
Now 48, Ms Hsu is an advanced practice nurse at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital who has a masters’ degree, consults heart failure patients, teaches at one of Singapore’s medical schools, and still manages to find time to help out at the hospital’s intensive care unit.
After 26 years in the profession, the Taiwanese-turned-Singaporean has spent time studying and working overseas as a nurse.
Despite stints in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, she chose to return to Singapore and became a citizen in 2010.
Comparing Singapore to other healthcare systems, Ms Hsu said the country’s nurses are guided and protected by protocols, with intensive and robust training. “It is also very safe … Hospitals take staff abuse seriously,” she added.
