To take a personal interest in death is not what a young woman normally does. Melissa Fong, however, is different from most 25-year-olds. It is not just due to the fact that she is a nurse – dealing with death may be routine in the course of a nurse’s career – but this young woman has also chosen to go on the specialised path to becoming a palliative nurse at MWS Agape Methodist Hospice (Homecare) (AMH).
Melissa worked at the intensive care unit of the cardiology department of a major hospital before joining AMH at the end of March 2014. While at the hospital where she had cared for patients at the end stage of their lives, she felt a growing restlessness in her heart, as if some element was missing. She wanted to be someone who was involved not just in the healing and recovery of patients but also in providing comfort and relief to those on the last leg of their journey on earth.
“Palliative care enriches one’s life experience. I get to walk with, learn from and help patients on their last mile on earth.”
Within one week of working at AMH, Melissa experienced an astonishing calming of her once restless heart. She knew then she was in the right profession. It opened a fresh dimension.
“I learn a lot about humanity,” she said.
Melissa feels that relieving physical suffering alone is not sufficient, and is thus currently learning the ropes of how to provide other end-of-life support to the patients from her seniors, Nurse Manager Moira Tan and Staff Nurse Amanda Ong. She observes how they comfort patients, and help them to come to terms with death.
“The look of peace and calmness that comes over the patients when they realise and accept that their end is
near is very inspiring,” Melissa said.
The experience of caring for a patient with terminal nasopharyngeal cancer has taught her the power of presence.
“I learn to care beyond words. This has taken me further, beyond the normal medical nursing care that I can provide. When patients die, I know that I have grieved with them and their caregivers. I too get a proper closure,” she said.
Amanda, who has two more years of experience as a homecare palliative nurse than Melissa, echoed Melissa’s feelings. She expressed the deep satisfaction she feels from bonding with her clients and having them open up and talk about their innermost feelings and emotional struggles.
“The close walk with my patients on their last days on earth is very meaningful,” she said, “The progression in the patient from being wary of you to enjoying your presence is very encouraging. You can feel the appreciation.”
Once she was tickled pink when one of her elderly male patient’s caregivers said, “Your girlfriend is here.”
Over the years, Amanda has treasured in her heart the patients whom she had cared for, even after they passed on.
“Seeing them grow weaker every day and being able to be with them in their last moments has helped me prepare for their departure. I say a prayer for them in my heart and bid them goodbye. This brings peace to me and eases the pain of having to see them go,” she said.
These heartfelt words from our two nurses underline the high calling of the vocation, and add a deeper meaning to palliative care nursing. If you feel a similar calling or simply want to add a new dimension to your abilities as a nurse to aid and comfort those suffering from terminal illnesses, we warmly welcome you to join AMH to experience an unforgettable journey.