Thursday, August 3, 2023

Celebrating Nurses' Day: The history of nursing in Singapore

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/celebrating-nurses-day-history-nursing-singapore
By Jamie Loh, Asiaone, 31 July 2023 at 02:22 pm


 Singapore is the only nation which celebrates our nurses on Aug 1 instead of May 12.
PHOTO: Singapore is the only nation which celebrates our nurses on Aug 1 instead of May 12.
Photo from SingHealth
Picture posted by Jamie Loh, Asiaone on 31 July 2023 at 02:22 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVvD4mPges3OpPUwEwJmZ0ma_9nBAc5Y_1DCQxDmDVbAETfhfi87Vkr7DNoibbaZfqPqxpkY7P9rOfsMgiDu-IRjWu3Ec0vvCZy_E9-M1od9fA6OEnrDOP1BMrVDdsveh-q042nO_QgrgJgiHVn9IDJRPNEPvEWP1x3c-F3FBgFNYY1I9HCDkhAilHpk/s848/0731-NURSE_MAIN.jpeg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/original_images/Jul2023/0731-NURSE_MAIN.jpeg?itok=37fJkYjD
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/celebrating-nurses-day-history-nursing-singapore


International Nurses' Day, which falls on May 12 every year, is celebrated in most countries in the world. This day commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. However, did you know that Singapore is the only nation which celebrates our nurses on Aug 1 instead of May 12?

If you have ever wondered why that is the case, take the quiz below to discover the reasons behind this exception and learn more about the history of nursing in Singapore!

Question 1: Nurses were part of Stamford Raffles' entourage when he arrived in Singapore in 1819.
1. True
2. False

Answer: B

 In fact, there were no nurses in Singapore until the end of the 1800s.
PHOTO: In fact, there were no nurses in Singapore until the end of the 1800s. Between the time of Raffles' arrival and the end of the 19th century, military doctors posted from Britain or India tended to the medical needs of the colonial administrators and those in the army.
Picture posted by  Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fZSMMUWtDpGhNtOpFpRsxdqmD94KZZc8Tv94A8JZimAKIZcNEhGl44pQ111FlE96dyVkIea4v_iXrcHLHNwpV6A0UajPN2FtZP4HUIR4nJJQNJfjUAHcXaDiWYnQxrgVuisOv5pKYQCn8V-j7noCZbx3oTFUUBfqWSRSlgiVpLBPc9zX70dKApGBX9E/s1000/Nurses-Image-1.jpg
https://wchfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Nurses-Image-1.jpg
https://wchfoundation.org.au/our-rich-history-of-nursing/


While Raffles did have a group of all-male medical doctors and staff, including the equivalent of pharmacists as well as "dressers" who specialised in tending to wounds and bandaging injuries, there were no nurses in his entourage (group of people).


 While Raffles did have a group of all-male medical doctors and staff, including the equivalent of pharmacists as well as 'dressers' who specialised in tending to wounds and bandaging injuries, there were no nurses in his entourage (group of people).
PHOTO: While Raffles did have a group of all-male medical doctors and staff, including the equivalent of pharmacists as well as "dressers" who specialised in tending to wounds and bandaging injuries, there were no nurses in his entourage (group of people).
Photograph of a male attendant from NAS, via National Library Board
Picture posted by Tanya Ong, Mothership on 01 August 2017 at 12:43 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCv8rHHVeieITdskIlYfWZnxb_Z6pAPZ7b3GlE9pLGjnz36sJOyghP7v6oQb17bkov96CcYQjzGNMEgDjlpNGqIZ6qtWzt18iW_Wur6tGhsA9NcMt8DmiH9KqxREgoWKVIfKfywHmJ1Op3KFWgUMwrJf4lFQU7QlOVSDQuwdJjI_7mlqrf9STjy67XsE/s690/male-attendant.jpg
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2017/07/male-attendant.jpg
https://mothership.sg/2017/08/spores-nurses-day-falls-on-aug-1-the-noble-profession-here-was-started-by-french-nuns/


In fact, there were no nurses in Singapore until the end of the 1800s. Between the time of Raffles' arrival and the end of the 19th century, military doctors posted from Britain or India tended to the medical needs of the colonial administrators and those in the army.
 

 Nurses were not part of Stamford Raffles' entourage when he arrived in Singapore in 1819.
PHOTO: Nurses were not part of Stamford Raffles' entourage when he arrived in Singapore in 1819.
While Raffles did have a group of all-male medical doctors and staff, including the equivalent of pharmacists as well as "dressers" who specialised in tending to wounds and bandaging injuries, there were no nurses in his entourage (group of people).
Picture posted by Olga Divnaya, Pexels
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQJdBXd-zk7KHr_Q1JkaulvOko9oQesQZA60zBLRJcZkWuWl47kzBA7wBy9fS7gRZXBsjOw6hX6jV-90RKElPYIVaoORmcF57O2t9IPWCvvBegkczVq5ygw-BBQaymCfYU5PL8qUlZU4jO6PGx0f-npQcY6PGfGDjyKnKHvQG2uEVYtb1sMf9N-g3Ano/s4032/pexels-photo-12248619.jpeg
https://images.pexels.com/photos/12248619/pexels-photo-12248619.jpeg
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-white-long-sleeves-smiling-while-wearing-a-hat-with-flowers-on-her-head-12248619/


The local community had their own traditional practitioners who looked after healthcare needs. Bidan, who were traditional Malay midwives who supported women with birth as well as pre and post-partum care, are an example.


 A bidan, or a traditional Malay midwife, weighing a newborn baby at home. School of Nursing
PHOTO: A bidan, or a traditional Malay midwife, weighing a newborn baby at home. School of Nursing Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
Photo from Biblioasia
Picture posted by Jamie Loh, Asiaone on 31 July 2023 at 02:22 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZkDrS92gVDv3b4wkdb2h9WI1RAbJc_FV0V6h4Rl0GyYGsYGZh3Toj25sYls9LUYgUnvkgQhcVkVhrZxHBZ40RN03LGrucrYktlLUma-_yE4j2HkKpdsrFYfWjFz1QOlIqREakbrVH5NDDKZHwm7DtF4ncGv9s99i_7yeXiluOj4VFNuKtmeMBLm9to0/s690/04-angelsinwhite.jpeg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/04-angelsinwhite.jpeg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/celebrating-nurses-day-history-nursing-singapore


Question 2: Who were the first nurses in Singapore?
1. A group of trained British nurses who were recruited to Singapore
2. A group of French nuns

Answer: B
 

While the answer may be surprising, the very first nurses in Singapore were a group of French nuns who were trained to take on nursing duties!

As the women in the local community began to request more care, the demand for female carers also grew. However, the British authorities found it difficult to recruit trained nurses from English and Madras, now known as Chennai, to work in Singapore.


 Photo of two French nuns who took up nursing duties at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885.
PHOTO: Photo of two French nuns who took up nursing duties at the General Hospital on  Aug 1, 1885. Courtesy of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.
Photo from Biblioasia
Picture posted by Jamie Loh, Asiaone on 31 July 2023 at 02:22 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoooXNk0act2xRZoIRl1kALnwu0dAFV-5tDbgJEiFZXL_o2yzCJEa9SSKSWmXDOa6Muw5HPgjM0l9G2bcxAUnwIyW6a_59U4mZd7OCNZHcMY0jq8ugeOtWMbDNjJmj3fH6ydHZ3JSL6nWD_vqeR3VT54778viaqvQObCBx6RzsM_okY3UXAwTHWG5B19I/s1024/02-angelsinwhite.jpeg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/02-angelsinwhite.jpeg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/celebrating-nurses-day-history-nursing-singapore


It is important to note that during this time, nursing work was reserved largely for women. In particular, educated European women were thought of as the best candidates. It was decided that the nuns from the Church of the Holy Infant Jesus, who were willing to be trained and take up these nursing duties, fit the criteria.

As such, the nuns-the first nurses in Singapore who were trained in Western medicine-began their work at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885, marking the very beginnings of the profession in our nation. This is why we celebrate our version of Nurses' Day in August instead of May 12!


 As such, the nuns-the first nurses in Singapore who were trained in Western medicine-began their work at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885, marking the very beginnings of the profession in our nation.
PHOTO: As such, the nuns-the first nurses in Singapore who were trained in Western medicine-began their work at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885, marking the very beginnings of the profession in our nation. This is why we celebrate our version of Nurses' Day in August instead of May 12!
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyLaNMAHHWPC6AAr-BMLqC3rXt8RJOZLAL5e96mkC4ywfC7npuxSLBBCpGvcFJWhtkxi-SFZzE7f1iVigQ746OaxSolm9_HqOjWmqneDeLdGxJT8fxRCmtaujr8AThuxhK0xJn2cSap2VGFB5mF92iV3aMDaN__grE3RPRhVHmanvCD96_P8Ixa017XM/s1024/04.-FMDM@MandalayHospital-1024x771.jpg
https://history.catholic.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/04.-FMDM@MandalayHospital-1024x771.jpg
https://history.catholic.sg/the-nursing-nuns-of-the-catholic-church/


Question 3: Nurses' Day used to be celebrated as Nurses' Week.
1. True
2. False

Answer: True

n the 1950s and 1960s, the public's perception of the nursing profession changed. With the new School of Nursing opening in 1956, as well as the setting up of a Nursing Education Committee and the Singapore Trained Nurses' Association (now known as Singapore Nurses' Association), nursing had become a recognised and appreciated profession.


 The three FMDM (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood) Sisters arrived in Singapore in March 1949.
PHOTO: The three FMDM (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood) Sisters arrived in Singapore in March 1949. They were allotted a bungalow in Moulmein Road. It became their first convent which they named Mount Alvernia.  More reinforcements would come between 1949 to 1955. They took over the running of three tuberculosis wards at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, which were later renamed as the Mandalay Road Hospital.
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZMr20HnDK6a5s_WxwLW4SAgcR2Zm-8olMic-WjCCsFM0MfiCBGRB3Ild6Me6kg_cz-3ec3XmDTlbQ_Tkmd2Z8687dI38sTOuJ_uIJvofM1IhcS5JN7kH1x51fcfSyoxBaOa35xcuSgL-qSzmNRBbXv58LrUp5BTtrJN9CXTw1WHwSEmLxgWw6uXyBN8/s900/03.-Mt-Alvernia_142-Moulmein-Rd_c1949-50_ed.2_1.jpg
https://history.catholic.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/03.-Mt-Alvernia_142-Moulmein-Rd_c1949-50_ed.2.jpg
https://history.catholic.sg/the-nursing-nuns-of-the-catholic-church/


Nurses' Week was celebrated for the first time in May 1965 and continued until 1984. These celebrations often included graduation ceremonies for nursing students and midwives, who were now certified medical professionals and trusted as care providers in the community. Blood donation drives, charity events, and even celebratory concerts, were also included as part of the week-long celebrations.

However, in 1985, Nurses' Week was changed to a day-long observance and renamed Nurses' Day.

The future of nursing and healthcare
Unlike in the 19th century, nurses are now an integral part of our local healthcare system-one that our community cannot do without.


 The future of nursing and healthcare
PHOTO: The future of nursing and healthcare
Unlike in the 19th century, nurses are now an integral part of our local healthcare system-one that our community cannot do without.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a-tftpv_YScnNi0ttmPrZaav9TXOF2KbLBWH9RUN5Ra85GAdnkfq51epIaVwquJR6qcNWehzqK1lDPsnkkmqz2e9Glxueq-jzvXziDYY2vurSbJcQ4CUyoIbpGukSQWHk9wcu7KxT9fQirZ_7osvk3cQb133dG4jgOv6_CDp9yBfHXicEnXVf8wLoT4/s1346/fileVA390V3W.jpg
https://article-imgs.scribdassets.com/49atnfjlfk7qizui/images/fileVA390V3W.jpg
https://www.scribd.com/article/454377843/Angel-Of-The-Battlefields


However, in recent years, many nations all across the globe are seeing increasing attrition among nursing staff, including our own.

New initiatives and schemes have been implemented to encourage local nurses to stay on in the healthcare field, such as sign-on bonuses for new nursing graduates entering the public healthcare system and choosing to work in public community care facilities.

Celebrating your achievements and contributions
Being a nurse can often mean taking the road less travelled. The pressure of working in understaffed conditions, confronting life-and-death situations, and potentially coping with loss on a daily basis, cannot be overstated.


 Celebrating your achievements and contributions
PHOTO: Celebrating your achievements and contributions
Being a nurse can often mean taking the road less travelled. The pressure of working in understaffed conditions, confronting life-and-death situations, and potentially coping with loss on a daily basis, cannot be overstated.
Picture posted by Asiaone on 26 July 2017 at 9:38 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN7xkA7ShRyGYysEhi5qINxNE3gjoNiReC_n_Um13uq8AApvxo40YO7Z-vRucagHvDLhygq3Wf3lVzxTanotea2eRuh5dLbg-DtZT2h89YbKch9xD-4nXueGcJgxB-87xVOMpZBtXj53Jqsg3XncC86YH5GbDPN39GuI_VkRhzUeR8SLXeY8_NIKt-Wo/s848/20170725_singhealth2.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/original_images/Jul2017/20170725_singhealth2.jpg?itok=OY4pEyLE
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/photos-singhealth-nurses-get-new-uniforms


Today, we want to celebrate your contributions, your selfless work, and above all, you. Thank you for your dedication to keeping our community safe and healthy.


 Today, we want to celebrate your contributions, your selfless work, and above all, you.
PHOTO: Today, we want to celebrate your contributions, your selfless work, and above all, you. Thank you for your dedication to keeping our community safe and healthy.
Picture posted by Singhealth, Tomorrow's Medicine, The Straits Times on 26 July 2021 - Meet the healthcare workers who go the extra mile to provide nursing excellence and also innovate new ways to advance patient care. (Ma Victoria Dela Cruz Gonzalves, Nurse clinician, Sengkang General Hospital (SKH))
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E-vcY8L4csKGXUhAVguPe1q7_GRozgevPhf5CXLvVltrd7qGZeTCzWD6XBGYexE5LKyRZJLRwefRsdcZCCd0mn9HtnExR-siSRN-WbicEwMqecWaJgigMPzmivq7_bupepdvjbX76HxTemtHY1aryt1HtmDgsyHG2BiecSdmx-bDyL5sHc2G5Kr9Zoo/s860/2021-07-26_NursesDaySpecialArticle.jpeg
https://www.singhealth.com.sg/sites/shcommonassets/Assets/Tomorrow%27s%20Medicine/2021-07-26_NursesDaySpecialArticle.jpeg
https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/tomorrows-medicine/nurses-who-are-also-innovators
 

 International Nurses' Day, which falls on May 12 every year, is celebrated in most countries in the world.
International Nurses' Day, which falls on May 12 every year, is celebrated in most countries in the world.
PHOTO: International Nurses' Day, which falls on May 12 every year, is celebrated in most countries in the world. This day commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. However, Singapore is the only nation which celebrates our nurses on Aug 1 instead of 12 May 12.
The nuns-the first nurses in Singapore who were trained in Western medicine-began their work at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885, marking the very beginnings of the profession in our nation.
Picture posted by Sang Nguyen on 14 December 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Mb8S1J2n4PVidBYp1x4nsx5atVOYoe-SzYgbD02Sg5Nodbt8_9P2SK-BLQoU7rurMazg08thLEfS0bhzhLivksLxESz9b3y_Eh9qzvd5QD7w2O1TIwlBnLsPYJelwBziNNYzILkY0JdsVsarKucKuR4ItNvJa4HhSfA7lOIOQ6izzKNTcH-rLJBYzog/s1600/39052028821_07da180a4a_h.jpg
 

 It is important to note that during this time, nursing work was reserved largely for women.
PHOTO: It is important to note that during this time, nursing work was reserved largely for women. In particular, educated European women were thought of as the best candidates. It was decided that the nuns from the Church of the Holy Infant Jesus, who were willing to be trained and take up these nursing duties, fit the criteria.
Picture posted by Sang Nguyen on 14 December 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B0-fyvG70KRHMYbd7Y6x90SfeFSRSaZvfrI-so8mUznHxOypB6opecTj4sQTusXBOTPLjJQc7mc9T_ngR-C8ZD2UOdCpz0HnwfdH5iiqEvdpIbe_ZBv4kI7ZqDG6WhXMklzN-BQu-AIyN7xOjsQ563cjIrDCGRbcT7m7C_HYoqoPEUR13PJPbljl-_k/s1600/38170263065_51e130e3fa_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4643/38170263065_51e130e3fa_h.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sangphotography/38170263065/in/photostream/
 

 However, in recent years, many nations all across the globe are seeing increasing attrition among nursing staff, including our own.
PHOTO: However, in recent years, many nations all across the globe are seeing increasing attrition among nursing staff, including our own.
New initiatives and schemes have been implemented to encourage local nurses to stay on in the healthcare field, such as sign-on bonuses for new nursing graduates entering the public healthcare system and choosing to work in public community care facilities.
Picture posted by Sang Nguyen on 05 January 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrnRwjg6WTioRwwLqkUc5quff60g6w19JbsxzTNfluF4aDvuE6ZTCFoNvCnQVEOSBDfyNnvhMVprafGQLiA9GqzIJEAb4aEFBHUG5eoZvjIodIfSv2S7y3nvyfJbnSfAteszArsj4Xjril0kPHspAicKYes42jux_Rafv03BjaQi-1NyjMng9bOb26ns/s1600/38805391974_3c6bdb4967_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4727/38805391974_3c6bdb4967_h.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sangphotography/38805391974/in/photostream/
 

 The nuns-the first nurses in Singapore who were trained in Western medicine-began their work at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885, marking the very beginnings of the profession in our nation.
PHOTO: The nuns-the first nurses in Singapore who were trained in Western medicine-began their work at the General Hospital on Aug 1, 1885, marking the very beginnings of the profession in our nation. This is why we celebrate our version of Nurses' Day in August instead of May 12!
Picture posted by Sang Nguyen on 05 January 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw8uq9jYfNRLo3Gb5-6cRjn4jKJQ8p_PbycCu6UlaeQa51la1ocpPczpEVxUHgUxRPj7Z3xrMnebvhg5N3tAbiLc4Z5pWqS0VNPRW06TLHqMAnL23qogMI9fwLS9zbY97BsaS_rAfKi8MJG0wg3RoF88eHuih0Ss8IQwN816dUIk0rzVOaqJ6LoVDbgM/s1599/38805374404_84056e0f36_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4593/38805374404_84056e0f36_h.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sangphotography/38805374404/in/photostream/

By Jamie Loh, Asiaone, 31 July 2023 at 02:22 pm
This article was first published in Homage.

Reference
[1] Jamie Loh, Asiaone, Celebrating Nurses' Day: The history of nursing in Singapore, posted on 31 July 2023 at 02:22 pm, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/celebrating-nurses-day-history-nursing-singapore




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