However, they are not likely to talk about going overseas when it comes to professional development, as the opportunities offered here are “equally good”, he said.
One of the “marked changes” in recent years is the remuneration package, which has helped to reduce the need for these nurses to move overseas, he said.
TACKLING THE PAIN POINTS
The government is addressing pain points such as abuse, harassment and well-being, Ms Rahayu said.
“We’re using technology to augment some of the jobs,” she said, adding that patient care assistants also ease nurses’ burden.
Assoc Prof Yong said one important factor that impacts nurses is the support they get from their institutions.
“What they want, really, is that when something bad happens to them, the organisation is behind them … Maybe 20 years ago, we were not as good, but in recent years, we’re very sensitive to such matters,” he said.
“We take care of them whenever such incidents happen. Our response is fast. They do feel protected. Even if the patients or the family are the perpetrators, they know that the organisation is behind (them).”
Ms Rahayu added that there is a larger issue of how accepting and welcoming of foreigners Singapore is as a society.
HOW SINGAPORE RANKS
When asked how Singapore ranks for foreign nurses to work in, Mr Keith said that the city is “probably the top choice” in Asia. However, when compared to the West, it may pale in comparison.
For instance, some countries may allow nurses’ dependants to accompany them, and even provide free education for their children. He acknowledged that Singapore is limited in terms of land size.
He added that rental fees for flats here may account for a big proportion of foreign nurses’ salaries, describing it as a “pain point”.
“Their first question is ‘if I’m going to pay for my rental beyond my allowances, how much more do I have to dig into my basic salary? And I think that’s one of the push backs,” he said.
Ms Rahayu said the government’s plan to provide hostel-type housing facilities for some foreign healthcare workers who are new to Singapore may provide a solution to the issue.