Nursing from the Heart: A Purpose Beyond Profession

SLEC’s Senior Enrolled Nurse Ruby Ann Ferraren with an elder at our St Luke’s ElderCare Residence @ Ang Mo Kio

This Nurses’ Day, we honour our colleagues who deliver selfless and unconditional care to our elders. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to show up with compassion and an unwavering commitment to serve.

Among our extraordinary caregivers is Senior Enrolled Nurse Ruby Ann Ferraren, whose journey into nursing began with a deeply personal experience.  

When Ruby’s father battled with end-stage liver cancer, she stood by his side and supported him. His passing ignited a calling in her—to become a nurse and be a pillar of strength for others in need. She started as a nursing aide in Singapore, facing various difficulties and having to adapt to a new culture. But the gratitude from patients and their families kept her motivated. She went on to become an Enrolled Nurse specialising in dementia care and wound management. She also took on responsibilities that required her to train colleagues and manage multiple centres. To remain adaptable to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, she attends training sessions to upskill herself.

“Ongoing education, workplace opportunities, and meaningful connections with elders inspire me to thrive.” 

Ruby has been part of SLEC for six years. On 21 November 2024, she became one of just 12 people to win the prestigious Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award for Enrolled Nurses! Organised by the Singapore Nurses Association, the national award is the highest accolade for Enrolled Nurses in Singapore, recognising their talent and dedication to advancing the nursing profession. The awards were presented by Ms Jane Ittogi, the association’s Patron. 

Ruby’s journey has been one of perseverance and passion—a reflection of the heart of our nursing team at SLEC. In commemoration of Nurses’ Day, we extend our gratitude to all nurses for their support in the recovery journeys of those in their care! 

Wishing all nurses a joyful and meaningful Nurses’ Day!