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Philipkee
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On 3/1/2020 at 5:28 AM, Philipkee said:

Actually I think it's not so much that you are safer at work but you know what is going on while outsiders depend on social media and hearsay to get info, which can be misleading and terrifying. 

Safer as in hand hygiene has step up and everyone is on it to keep each other safe. As for once out of the hospital premises...I have nothing to say.

 

Social media and hearsay is such a waste of time. People should just not waste their time on that other than from CNA or news.

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I doubt so because is a allowance given by the sponsored holdings . Guess the cpf contributions will comes in when u start seeving your bond.

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On 4/11/2020 at 12:19 AM, Mac2020 said:

Hi, just wondering if anyone has idea if there's any cpf contribution during the pcp degree training period?

No cpf contribution, but allowance will come from sponsoring hospital. Meaning you don't have to contribute, hospital also will not contribute. 

Once graduated, and when you receive salary, there will be cpf contibution from both employee and employer. 

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Twincharged
On 4/18/2020 at 3:44 PM, Hellobelle said:

No cpf contribution, but allowance will come from sponsoring hospital. Meaning you don't have to contribute, hospital also will not contribute. 

Once graduated, and when you receive salary, there will be cpf contibution from both employee and employer. 

 

On 4/15/2020 at 3:40 PM, Lynmei said:

I doubt so because is a allowance given by the sponsored holdings . Guess the cpf contributions will comes in when u start seeving your bond.

 

On 4/11/2020 at 12:19 AM, Mac2020 said:

Hi, just wondering if anyone has idea if there's any cpf contribution during the pcp degree training period?

Allowance by hospitals dont have cpf contributions.  Correct.

BUT if you signed on SAF or something like that (cos I am not sure about SCDF or SPF), you are paid a salary during your students days as opposed to an allowance.  So you get CPF.

BUT only if you signed on with them so you get equivalent of recruit's regular pay.  And you will have to go for BMT and whatever training after graduation.

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Neutral Newbie

Speaking about PCP programme, is there anyone here already part of it? 

Since it's an intense course because of the shortened period and amount of dedication needed, (besides the benefit of allowance and fully sponsored course Diploma or Degree). Is this worth your time? 

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On 5/21/2020 at 8:21 AM, oh-boi said:

Speaking about PCP programme, is there anyone here already part of it? 

Since it's an intense course because of the shortened period and amount of dedication needed, (besides the benefit of allowance and fully sponsored course Diploma or Degree). Is this worth your time? 

Hi there, I have completed the PCP diploma course and is currently working as a staff nurse. The course is definitely worth it if you want to be a registered nurse. But worthy of time is subjective. 

Let's say if you are in your 30s, and you have already attained a diploma or degree in the past using tuition grant, you will not be eligible to do a diploma or degree in nursing at a subsidised cost. You will be paying full cost as a full time student with no subsidy. 

The PCP course is also an accelerated course, which is good because you spend a shorter time learning the same things. 3 years contents condensed into 2 years, you are still learning the same contents. 

Currently, nursing is still considered 'iron rice bowl'. But you never know what may happen in future. But at least in the next 5 to 10 years and with aging population, nursing is still considerably a stable job. You can also have the opportunity to work overseas as a nurse if you have a nursing degree. 

Also many skills that you acquire from nursing are life skills. Because nurses really care for the life of another human being who is a stranger. 

But there are other things to consider. 

1. In the next 5 years (2 years studying + 3 years bond) are you able to commit without breaking the bond ? 

2. Because Singaporeans are highly educated and are pretty much complaining people, they are more likely to question things and always be requested to be updated. Are you ready to be constantly questioned by family members? And deal with complains over minor issues on a daily basis. 

3. Is the pay enough for you? With the recent saga of swabbers being paid more highly than nurses, are you ready to accept the pay what the hospital is willing to pay you. 

Currently, I feel that the 2 years of study was worthy of my time as I managed to get an additional diploma and I am using the knowledge and applying it daily at work. Everyday I am learning to be a problem solver dealing with difficult family members and patients. I am also learning how to be a better human being by showing goodness and kindness to people. I am also choosing to be less judgemental of people who doesn't agree with me. I get the opportunity to teach new people at work and share knowledge. So worthy of time ultimately is up to a person's discretion. 

 

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On 5/27/2020 at 1:55 PM, Hellobelle said:

 

But there are other things to consider. 

1. In the next 5 years (2 years studying + 3 years bond) are you able to commit without breaking the bond ? 

2. Because Singaporeans are highly educated and are pretty much complaining people, they are more likely to question things and always be requested to be updated. Are you ready to be constantly questioned by family members? And deal with complains over minor issues on a daily basis. 

3. Is the pay enough for you? With the recent saga of swabbers being paid more highly than nurses, are you ready to accept the pay what the hospital is willing to pay you. 

 

Add one more. 

Are you able to take instructions from your seniors who may be much younger than you?  Cos when I was in the hospital, there are these accelerated students who became nurses.  Some have been managers before retrenchment and then they applied for this.  They couldn't handle taking instructions from people much younger than them and a lot of conflicts happened.  Some resigned and paid back the money.  Some survived and excelled.

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Neutral Newbie
(edited)
On 5/27/2020 at 1:55 PM, Hellobelle said:

Hi there, I have completed the PCP diploma course and is currently working as a staff nurse. The course is definitely worth it if you want to be a registered nurse. But worthy of time is subjective. 

Let's say if you are in your 30s, and you have already attained a diploma or degree in the past using tuition grant, you will not be eligible to do a diploma or degree in nursing at a subsidised cost. You will be paying full cost as a full time student with no subsidy. 

The PCP course is also an accelerated course, which is good because you spend a shorter time learning the same things. 3 years contents condensed into 2 years, you are still learning the same contents. 

Currently, nursing is still considered 'iron rice bowl'. But you never know what may happen in future. But at least in the next 5 to 10 years and with aging population, nursing is still considerably a stable job. You can also have the opportunity to work overseas as a nurse if you have a nursing degree. 

Also many skills that you acquire from nursing are life skills. Because nurses really care for the life of another human being who is a stranger. 

But there are other things to consider. 

1. In the next 5 years (2 years studying + 3 years bond) are you able to commit without breaking the bond ? 

2. Because Singaporeans are highly educated and are pretty much complaining people, they are more likely to question things and always be requested to be updated. Are you ready to be constantly questioned by family members? And deal with complains over minor issues on a daily basis. 

3. Is the pay enough for you? With the recent saga of swabbers being paid more highly than nurses, are you ready to accept the pay what the hospital is willing to pay you. 

Currently, I feel that the 2 years of study was worthy of my time as I managed to get an additional diploma and I am using the knowledge and applying it daily at work. Everyday I am learning to be a problem solver dealing with difficult family members and patients. I am also learning how to be a better human being by showing goodness and kindness to people. I am also choosing to be less judgemental of people who doesn't agree with me. I get the opportunity to teach new people at work and share knowledge. So worthy of time ultimately is up to a person's discretion. 

 

Hello there!

 

Thanks for the comprehensive sharing! I am shortlisted for PCP Diploma RN and was wondering....

1) What are the interviews questions that sponsoring organisations will ask?

2) PCP RN-Diploma pay starts at an average $2500, will this be lower? And what sort of allowances are given? Now with PCP RN Degree, the pay is much higher, so I guess the differences is only the pay and the job level?

I agree with the sharing knowledge, humanity, job stability and overseas work opportunity (migration). But one thing for sure as with any job, I do hate the part where I may have to help to clean the patients 'dirt' - faeces, though circumstances may require me to do so. Other than that I love the aspect of the job that allows one to specialise in many areas as well as the possibility of an educator/mgt track (because I am a working adult, hence that explains it) which I am interested at, though not gonna rule out clinician.

 

 

 

Edited by oh-boi
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Neutral Newbie
On 6/10/2020 at 7:46 PM, Philipkee said:

Add one more. 

Are you able to take instructions from your seniors who may be much younger than you?  Cos when I was in the hospital, there are these accelerated students who became nurses.  Some have been managers before retrenchment and then they applied for this.  They couldn't handle taking instructions from people much younger than them and a lot of conflicts happened.  Some resigned and paid back the money.  Some survived and excelled.

Taking instruction from younger ones are very much an ego one cannot let go. Yes, I agree with any workplaces there are sure people who are not happy with you. You just gotta do what you need to do. 

I rather see it as a learning progression from younger ones.

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2 hours ago, oh-boi said:

Hello there!

 

Thanks for the comprehensive sharing! I am shortlisted for PCP Diploma RN and was wondering....

1) What are the interviews questions that sponsoring organisations will ask?

2) PCP RN-Diploma pay starts at an average $2500, will this be lower? And what sort of allowances are given? Now with PCP RN Degree, the pay is much higher, so I guess the differences is only the pay and the job level?

For question one, from my experience it's always the same question.  Why did you choose nursing blah blah.  Nothing special cos now there is a shortage of nurses they are not exactly out to "fail your interview".  Of cos dont say things like I need a job, I heard the money is good or it seems like a good idea.  And don't lie about your employment history.  Cos they will check.  Some people hide it cos maybe they left under not so good circumstances.  It's best to just be honest.

2) Pay level no comment.  Allowances are usually meal and shift allowances.  But this is assuming you work in a shift duty.  Like ward. If you are posted to clinic (very rare) or to day surgery or even major OT where most of your hours are office hours, you wont get the allowance.  So be prepared.  Usually for places like OT you will get some shift allowances after your probation cos that is when you will do shift while when you are in the ward, you get shift allowance from day one.

Pay wise just dont expect too much.

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2 hours ago, oh-boi said:

I do hate the part where I may have to help to clean the patients 'dirt' - faeces, though circumstances may require me to do so. Other than that I love the aspect of the job that allows one to specialise in many areas as well as the possibility of an educator/mgt track (because I am a working adult, hence that explains it) which I am interested at, though not gonna rule out clinician.

Please don't mention this in the interview.

1) it gives the impression you dont really want to be a ground staff.

2)  it gives the impression that you just want to get in and you really want to climb high and out of this mundane job

So don't.  If you can't do this then don't take the job.  If you can, join the job, be good in what you do and specialise, then choose your career path.  Don't worry.  Every year during the appraisal you can mention this.  That is the time when people judge you.  Not during the interview before your first day as a student nurse.

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1) What are the interviews questions that sponsoring organisations will ask?

As answered by @PhillipKee , just prepare like a normal job interview. But be real and genuine. Best if you have some personal experiences with nurses, or if you felt that a particular organization gave you a different experience and you felt compelled to join this particular hospital. 

Quote

2) Difference between PCP degree and PCP diploma

i) PCP Degree 

If you have the qualifications of both

- Bachelor degree from a recognised university in a discipline other than nursing

AND

- Any two H2 or ‘A’ passes in Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Physics and Mathematics; or a science-related Diploma from a polytechnic in Singapore

then you should apply for PCP nursing degree. 

ii) PCP Diploma 

- Bachelor degree from a recognised university in a discipline other than nursing

OR

- Local polytechnic diploma in a discipline other than nursing

OR

- 3 GCE ‘A’ level credits* with 2 GCE ‘O’ level credits^ in a Science subject and Mathematics

I guess in terms of getting into the programs, PCP diploma is easier as there are  two intakes per year (if things have yet to change). PCP degree only has one intake. However upon graduation, the pay will be different because you are at different grade. In the long run, the pay differs I guess. I do have PCP classmates who immediately did a part time degree after graduation from PCP diploma and then get promoted thereafter. 

Also if you are from nus degree, it seems like there is an unsaid expectation that you have to be better than others. The expectation of you just seem to be higher. 

My advice is that if you can get into nus degree, apply for that. If not get into diploma first then work up from there. 

Quote

3. I agree with the sharing knowledge, humanity, job stability and overseas work opportunity (migration). But one thing for sure as with any job, I do hate the part where I may have to help to clean the patients 'dirt' - faeces, though circumstances may require me to do so. Other than that I love the aspect of the job that allows one to specialise in many areas as well as the possibility of an educator/mgt track (because I am a working adult, hence that explains it) which I am interested at, though not gonna rule out clinician.

Totally agree with @PhillipKee.

"If you can't do this then don't take the job.  If you can, join the job, be good in what you do and specialise, then choose your career path." 

Actually tbh, to me, there is alot of joy in cleaning pee and poop.

You can imagine one day when you are old or got into an accident, and unable to do anything on your own, and there's someone there who helps you with the cleaning, who do you think you will appreciate?  

If you do want to be a nurse educator, go into management track, or be a specialist nurse, give yourself at least 10 years to reach there. But then again, in order to be at that level, you have to learn from basics, if not how else would you be able to teach newbies or understand the difficulties that the staff are facing? 

The mindset that you have when you go into the program in is very important. 

If you are just looking at, I need a job that pays decently, go and find some other job that pays the same. 

If you have interest in medical stuffs, want to make a person comfortable during their hospital stay, care for another human being, learn human behaviours, have a different perspective of life, be a patient advocate, then join nursing. 

 

 

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Years ago i have asked a question on this forum while deciding on my university courses, and I eventually plucked the courage to join nursing.Ffew years down the road, and now I'm reaching the phase where i have to start thinking about which speciality to go for, and here i am again. Im really heartened to see this thread still alive, and I want to thank you for creating this thread. I am sure you have impacted other student nurses out there as well. Anyways my qns is that, do you think it's possible for a fresh grad to go straight into demanding specialties like ER and ICU? Hope to hear from you! :) 

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3 minutes ago, VQxx said:

Anyways my qns is that, do you think it's possible for a fresh grad to go straight into demanding specialties like ER and ICU? Hope to hear from you! 🙂

Your question can be divided into two.

Is it POSSIBLE for a fresh grad to go straight into demanding specialties like ER and ICU?

Yes.

Is it A GOOD IDEA for a fresh grad to go straight into demanding specialties like ER and ICU?

Personally, i would say no.  Cos the specialties are demanding and i am from the old school who believe that everyone should start out in bedside nursing before specialising.  I know some have gone straight into the specialties and thrived so it's up to you.

The reason why I think bed side nursing is good as a beginner cos it's not so demanding and you can slowly learn what you want as a nurse.  Then you can go to your speciality.   If you jumped straight into the speciality, what if you don't like it?  It is easier for a ward nurse to move into a specialised area than the other way round.  Cos ward to specialised area -> you dont have specialised knowledge so it's easy to adapt to focus on the speciality. Specialised area to ward -> you already have specialised exposure and it becomes harder to adapt to the ward where demands are not specialised but varied.

So possible =/= good idea.  But some have made it.  

It is precisely this that is why I also recommend getting a degree first before an advanced diploma.   Cos a degree is general.  You can still take the time to think what you want.  Once you have done your advanced diploma, it's a bit late for regrets if you hate the speciality of your choice.

Best wishes.

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16 hours ago, Philipkee said:

Your question can be divided into two.

Is it POSSIBLE for a fresh grad to go straight into demanding specialties like ER and ICU?

Yes.

Is it A GOOD IDEA for a fresh grad to go straight into demanding specialties like ER and ICU?

Personally, i would say no.  Cos the specialties are demanding and i am from the old school who believe that everyone should start out in bedside nursing before specialising.  I know some have gone straight into the specialties and thrived so it's up to you.

The reason why I think bed side nursing is good as a beginner cos it's not so demanding and you can slowly learn what you want as a nurse.  Then you can go to your speciality.   If you jumped straight into the speciality, what if you don't like it?  It is easier for a ward nurse to move into a specialised area than the other way round.  Cos ward to specialised area -> you dont have specialised knowledge so it's easy to adapt to focus on the speciality. Specialised area to ward -> you already have specialised exposure and it becomes harder to adapt to the ward where demands are not specialised but varied.

So possible =/= good idea.  But some have made it.  

It is precisely this that is why I also recommend getting a degree first before an advanced diploma.   Cos a degree is general.  You can still take the time to think what you want.  Once you have done your advanced diploma, it's a bit late for regrets if you hate the speciality of your choice.

Best wishes.

Thank you for your advice! 🙂

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Is there anyone interested to apply for the PCP-EN this intake in September (which has just opened)? Unfortunately I do not have sufficient Os and As to qualify for the diploma course although I would very much love to attempt it instead of going to ITE for Nitec. With the many years of working experience and continuous learning (albeit without the necessary certificates and credentials), I think they will only consider us based on our academic achievements for entry. 

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