Jennifer’s bright smile and cheerful
personality have helped many
patients warm up to her. Over the
course of her nursing career, she has
befriended many of them, and holds
memories of them close to her heart.
One of her fondest memories was
that of a young leukaemia patient
she befriended as a nursing student
on attachment. Despite being unwell,
the patient gave her many words of
encouragement and affirmed that
nursing will always be her vocation as
long as she is in her nurse’s uniform,
regardless of her qualifications. These
words still resonate with Jennifer today.
Jennifer always finds opportunities to
connect with her patients on a deeper
level. When she found out that her
patient’s husband was diagnosed with
cancer, she made an effort to catch up
with the couple every time they came to
the National Cancer Centre Singapore
for an appointment. She lent a listening
ear and encouraged them throughout
their journey.
“Dealing with emotions during the
cancer journey is not easy, and that is
why I try my best to be attentive and
sensitive to my patients’ needs. I want
them to feel supported and to know
that they are not alone in this difficult
time,” she said.
As a Senior Enrolled Nurse, Jennifer
plays an active role in nurturing and
inspiring junior staff. She enjoys the
camaraderie she shares with her
colleagues, especially when they come
up with ways to work more efficiently.
Once, her team introduced a steady
holder for disposing waste on the
dressing trolley. Although it was only
a small change, it boosted the nurses’
confidence as they did not have to
grapple with dropping things in front of
their patients.
On her days off, Jennifer volunteers
at the Assisi Hospice, where she
accompanies patients in their final
hours of life through the “No One Dies
Alone” programme. “It is humbling to be
by someone’s side as he completes his
final journey. It reminds me to always
live in the moment, which is one of my
life mottos,” she said.
Jennifer Tan Mae Yung
Senior Enrolled Nurse
Specialist Oncology Clinic B
National Cancer Centre Singapore
Recipient of the Singapore Health Quality Service Awards (SHQSA) 2020 Superstar Award - Nursing Category
