Before joining St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) as a nurse, I had taken a gap year after graduating from university in 2023. My educational path was a little longer than most — I started in junior college before realising that nursing was what I wanted to pursue. I went back to polytechnic to study nursing, then continued to take my degree.
It was during my university days that I first came across SLEC. I was doing my thesis on pressure injuries and new technologies in wound care. During my research, I learnt that SLEC is very established in wound care management.
Not long after, while volunteering at a leadership conference during my gap year, I had a chance encounter with SLEC’s CEO, Adj A/Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan. In our conversation, I found out that Ms Susie Goh – a leading voice in wound care – worked at SLEC. When working on my thesis, I had told God that it would be so cool to meet and learn from this wound care expert.
It was through these repeated chance encounters and seemingly small details that I started to think that maybe this was where the Lord was calling me to.
“Why’s a young girl working in a nursing home?”
When I was a student nurse, I never thought I would end up in the geriatric setting. I didn’t think I had the patience for it.
But during my final internship in polytechnic, I was placed in a geriatric ward. Watching my senior nurses care for elders with such tenderness and dedication stirred something in me.
As a polytechnic student and during my gap year, through volunteering at nursing homes, I surprisingly found favour with the ah gongs and ah mas.
My peers often asked how I did it so naturally, but deep down, I knew it was not me. It made me realise that maybe this was God’s way of showing me that He could use even my weaknesses for His glory!
Almost all my friends asked what a young girl and fresh graduate like me was doing in a nursing home.
Still, joining a nursing home as a fresh graduate felt daunting.
The conventional path for new nurses is to start in a restructured hospital to gain more experience before moving to step-down care facilities. I often wondered if I made the right decision to start my career in a nursing home. It felt like I took the “reverse route”.
Almost all my friends asked what a young girl and fresh graduate like me was doing in a nursing home.
Fear and anxiety slowly started to creep in. Going to work in the first two months felt like a wrong decision. My biggest struggle was staying confident in my conviction that this was truly the place that God called me to. The opinion of others and the fear of missing out felt so real.
God’s guidance
Looking back, there were many moments that convinced me of God’s calling.
First, I had a long-standing interest in wound care. While many nurses saw it as tedious work, I found it fascinating. My degree thesis had deepened that passion.
Then came the opportunity to meet Sister Susie — someone I had admired from afar — and later, to train under her.
She offered a two-day attachment with a wound clinician at SLEC so I could see if this was truly something I enjoyed.
During that attachment, even though I still had apprehensions about starting in a nursing home, I felt an undeniable peace.
The biggest turning point came months after I officially joined SLEC. I continued to ask God for confirmation — and He kept giving it.
One of the clearest signs was being offered the chance to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing with Curtin University.
Such sponsorships usually have long waitlists, so when the opportunity came, I was excited to be given the rare chance to further my education in something I’m passionate about.
Growing in faith and skill
Starting out at SLEC’s Residence @ Ang Mo Kio as a fresh graduate was intimidating.
In hospitals, doctors are readily available, but in a nursing home, nurses often make the first call. My seniors had years of experience and clinical judgment; I was just starting out.
I spent many evenings reading up on geriatric care, consulting my seniors, and learning how to manage emergencies and complex cases.
Yet even in those early, overwhelming months, God was very sweet. He sent me a good mentor and surrounded me with supportive colleagues. On discouraging days, I would receive “sweet winks” in many forms — encouragement from elders or random texts from friends checking in.
I was also grateful that my schedule still allowed me to attend church regularly. Being fed by the Word grounded me and gave me strength to persevere.
What I’ve learned about God
Through my time at SLEC, I’ve learned that God is truly unconventional. We live in a society where systems define a standardised way to live and progress. While that has made us efficient and organised, it can also box God up. But with God, everything is truly possible!
I’ve also learned that God deeply cares — not just about our work or service, but about our dreams, fears, and desires. As healthcare professionals, we can get so focused on caring for others that we forget God also cares for us. I’ve seen how He tends to my own heart, reminding me that I am not overlooked.
One small but meaningful example: I was praying for leave to attend my church youth camp, where I had a serving role. Being new, I knew approval wasn’t guaranteed, but somehow, God made a way.
Another time, I was sent for wound care courses without even asking. I’m someone who hesitates to request things, so it felt like God saying, “I know your heart’s desires.”
Since moving to work at SLEC Residence @ Punggol, I’ve been tasked to lead a small team of nurses in caring for our elders, and I’m only in my second year of nursing!
Through community care, I’ve also discovered a genuine love for the elders. Interacting with them, listening to their stories, and seeing them light up brings me a joy I didn’t expect.
They remind me of my own grandparents and serving them has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.
Looking back, I see how each stage — my studies, gap year and doubts — was part of God’s preparation.
Don’t fight your heart
If you’re someone who feels uncertain about your next step but wants to follow God’s leading, my encouragement is this: don’t fight your heart.
Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
If there’s something you feel passionate about, bring it to God. Ask Him, “Is this from You or from me?” Every tug on your heart is a chance for Him to reveal more of who He made you to be.
If you feel inadequate and unqualified, the Lord will and can grow you to carry out the “God-assignment” He has for you. Our only step is to avail ourselves of our heart and hands and step out to see how He can and will use you!
The question is: what is God calling you to today?
SLEC Miles of Smiles 2025 Challenge
St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) is organising the SLEC Miles of Smiles 60km challenge, to bring more smiles to elders! With a donation of $20 or more, you can run, walk or hike 60km, anywhere from 1 Nov 2025 to 31 Jan 2026. Every step you take will bring us closer to raising $500,000 for elders at SLEC. Your support will help build a future where every senior can age with dignity, care and a smile! Find out more here!
