Expert nurse explores a whole new world
With the advancement of medical science, specialty nursing is more crucial than ever. Oky Lam, Nurse Consultant of Colorectal Specialty in New Territories East Cluster, joined the industry in the 1990s. She then further studied various courses including wound, ostomy and continence care, bowel function assessment and treatment etc. to enhance her knowledge in specialty care. “For some complex cases with bowel function disorders, surgeons may consult Nurse Consultant about non-surgical interventions to patients. If nurses equip themselves with extensive knowledge and advanced nursing skills on the specialty, they would be a valuable asset for the team.”
Looking back at her career progression, Oky says she was once standing in front of a crossroad. “I had considered applying for the post of Ward Manager (WM), but I realised that I was keener on handling clinical duties. Subsequently, I carried on my pursuit in clinical care and make the way to become a Nurse Consultant.” After working as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) for six years, Oky became a Colorectal Cancer Case Manager in Prince of Wales Hospital and North District Hospital, coordinating the diagnostic investigations and appointments, providing an individual treatment plan to each cancer patient. Meanwhile, she studied three more courses related to colorectal specialty care and provided anorectal assessment and nursing management to bowel dysfunction patients. She was promoted to Nurse Consultant in 2020.
Oky welcomes the creation of the new ANC rank. “In the past, becoming a Nurse Consultant through the accumulation of clinical care experiences or continuous education was a rather long and competitive way. It turns out that many colleagues would turn their way to WM, performing management duties of wards. With the enhancement to the nursing grade career structure, APNs are more inclined to stay in the HA and pursue further in their specialties. It also facilitates continuous development in the nursing profession.”
Looking back at her career progression, Oky says she was once standing in front of a crossroad. “I had considered applying for the post of Ward Manager (WM), but I realised that I was keener on handling clinical duties. Subsequently, I carried on my pursuit in clinical care and make the way to become a Nurse Consultant.” After working as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) for six years, Oky became a Colorectal Cancer Case Manager in Prince of Wales Hospital and North District Hospital, coordinating the diagnostic investigations and appointments, providing an individual treatment plan to each cancer patient. Meanwhile, she studied three more courses related to colorectal specialty care and provided anorectal assessment and nursing management to bowel dysfunction patients. She was promoted to Nurse Consultant in 2020.
Oky welcomes the creation of the new ANC rank. “In the past, becoming a Nurse Consultant through the accumulation of clinical care experiences or continuous education was a rather long and competitive way. It turns out that many colleagues would turn their way to WM, performing management duties of wards. With the enhancement to the nursing grade career structure, APNs are more inclined to stay in the HA and pursue further in their specialties. It also facilitates continuous development in the nursing profession.”