Quick training for new nurses to meet challenges at ease

Wong Sai-leung
Advanced Practice Nurse
Tuen Mun Hospital

“Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a tense world, but you’ll be able to handle stress at ease with a positive attitude if you keep on improving yourself,” says Wong Sai-leung, Advanced Practice Nurse (ICU) at Tuen Mun Hospital.

ICU nurses are versatile. On top of the tasks of general patient care such as oral care and wound management, they also need to master complex techniques including haemodialysis and application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, during which they have to race against time and make the best of every microsecond. However, junior nurses may find the role a big challenge, which is why Sai-leung designed a series of 15-minute fast-track stimulation training, including the use of mechanical ventilator which offers new colleagues genuine experiences and enhance their confidence. Carried out in a group of two in real wards, the short training simulates real life experiences while handing the torch on to the new generation.

The Operating Theatre Block of Tuen Mun Hospital is currently under expansion. Sai-leung also took part in the project to assist in the planning and design of ICU wards, such as equipment set-up, number of plugs, sockets and data ports, as well as the future workflow, during which he considered service flow and ancillary facilities that best suit the interests of patients.

Sai-leung was mischievous when he was a kid, constantly injured himself and was no stranger to hospitals. He not only got used to the unique odour of hospital but also slowly developed an interest in the work of a nurse. He joined the nursing field in 2002, a year before the city fought a hard battle against SARS. He volunteered to work in the SARS ward and to look after patients suffering from the unknown infectious disease. In an interview with the medical Department Operations Manager, he was reminded of the potential danger of death in the SARS ward, he answered calmly, “Regardless of the ward, the duty of a nurse is to take care of patients. I should dedicate myself to working on the frontline especially because I’m young.” This battle has strengthened his sense of commitment and courage. Years later, his belief remains. “This city is occasionally hit by highly infectious diseases. Whenever it happens, I’ll drop my wife a line of notice – I may join the battlefield anytime.”