ITE launches work-study diploma course to help working nurses upgrade their skills
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Tan Tock Seng Hospital enrolled nurse Bridget Vargilia Welford (left) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital senior enrolled nurse Nur Shahirah Maahadi are among the first batch of 33 nurses who have registered for the work-study diploma.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
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SINGAPORE - It is back to school for 33 enrolled nurses as they hit the books and get practical training to improve their skills while continuing to work.
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) has started its first Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) in Nursing to help those working at healthcare institutions by providing them with both classroom learning and on-the-job training.
Launched by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung at his ministry on Sept 30, the WSDip in nursing was designed in consultation with nursing leaders and the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union to upgrade enrolled nurses to registered nurses.
The three-year WSDip in nursing is particularly useful for in-service nurses to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance in their careers and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector without disrupting their income and work, said Mr Ong.
“With this change, we now have a full range of pathways to become a nurse, and upgrade further,” he added.
The course comprises about 30 per cent on-campus learning and 70 per cent on-the-job training. Those who graduate can go on to practise as registered nurses.
Enrolled nurses and registered nurses undergo different training and have different scopes of practice. Enrolled nurses work directly under the supervision of registered nurses, assisting in providing care to the patient.
With additional training and good academic performance, an enrolled nurse can become a registered nurse, but anyone can study to be a registered nurse directly.
Ms Nur Shahirah Maahadi, a 23-year-old senior enrolled nurse at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, said the WSDip work-study programme will allow her to continue working, making it “easier for me to learn and provide better care for my patients”.
She had earlier decided not to continue her studies at a polytechnic after graduating with a Nitec in nursing “because I was still managing financial and family commitments”.
“I wanted to start working to support myself financially and to help my family in any way I could,” Ms Shahirah said.
“With four years of experience as an enrolled nurse, I now feel ready to upskill and take on higher responsibilities in my job. As a work-based learning programme, the WSDip allows me to continue working while gaining more practical skills and experience alongside my studies.”
Ms Bridget Vargilia Welford, an enrolled nurse at Tan Tock Seng Hospital who also registered for the course, said: “I believe lifelong learning is essential in any industry and key to staying relevant with the evolving roles and responsibilities.”
A former project manager in advertising, Ms Welford, 37, quit her job during the Covid-19 pandemic to enrol in the ITE Train and Place Healthcare Aider Course in 2022 to support the healthcare sector. She later went back to school and graduated as an enrolled nurse.
“I was moved to support the healthcare industry, having seen how everybody came together during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I have not looked back since. I now look forward to advancing my career in nursing with the next step of pursuing a degree in nursing at a local university,” she added.
