Learning for life

2024 marks Senior Staff Nurse Jason Mok’s 14th year as a nurse. After joining SingHealth as an enrolled nurse in 2010, Jason harboured dreams of becoming a registered nurse, but the missing piece was the academic qualification he needed to be admitted into a diploma programme.

Despite that, Jason’s dedication and clinical skills quickly became apparent. While at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), he seized the opportunity to advance through a specially designed course for enrolled nurses. This course, which recognised clinical experience over academic qualifications, allowed selected candidates to attend a three-month bridging programme to qualify for the diploma course. This was a pivotal moment in Jason’s career, enabling him to qualify for a diploma course and, thereafter, a series of academic achievements.

After completing his Diploma in Nursing, he pursued a nursing undergraduate degree from King's College London , armed with a scholarship by Ngee Ann Academy . His efforts paid off when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with first-class honours. He pressed on in his educational pursuits and attained an Advanced Diploma in Peri-anaesthesia. Currently, he is enhancing his expertise by studying for a Master of Advanced Practice (Clinical Leadership).

Jason’s academic achievements have elevated his professional capabilities. He is now exploring career pathways in innovation, leadership and quality improvement — areas in which his advanced education will be instrumental. His keen interest in leveraging technology and innovation to solve problems and improve efficiency reflects his forward-thinking approach to nursing. “With the ease of access to technology and information, solutions can come from various ways as long as you have an idea and the ability to innovate,” he noted.

Jason’s journey is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration to other nurses. He advises young nurses to start their learning journey early, capitalising on the momentum from their initial studies to avoid the difficulties of returning to education later.

This article was first published in Singapore Health Special Nursing Issue 2024.