Poh Yin, what inspired you to work as a nurse at IMH?

Nursing provides me with a platform to teach, contribute a part of who I am and make a difference to patients. While completing my rotation at the hospital, I discovered that psychiatric nursing really suited me. I felt comfortable talking to patients and saw how my work aids in the recovery and discharge of these patients.

Hence, specialising in psychiatric nursing, choosing to work in IMH seemed to be only natural.

An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is independent in clinical decision-making. An APN is at the highest level of the clinical track for nursing and is viewed and respected as an authority in nursing. She evaluates, assesses and conducts therapy to individuals, families and the community.

A staff nurse, on the other hand, is an entry level position. The nurse provides quality-nursing care to meet the needs of patients. She can choose to specialise in clinical, education or management track during her career. She can also choose to progress on to an APN.

What are some of the challenges that you face in your work?

One challenge is that school personnel, such as teachers and school counsellors, and mental health providers like myself, use different terms to address problems and do not have the same approaches in identifying and treating children’s needs. I need to address these differences while working with school personnel and parents. It is important that parents and teachers understand the diagnosis and agree with the treatment plan so that they can reinforce therapeutic goals at home and in the classrooms.

What are your goals for the future?

I strive to become the first APN to provide school-based mental health services. This will improve the accessibility and efficiency of student interventions, and allows ease in follow-up cases.

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