Our Support Team

Zhang Liting Palliative care nurse Training Nanyang Polytechnic with Diploma in Health Science, Nursing in year 2000 Sydney University with Bachelor in Health Science, Nursing in 2003 Trained in palliative care at Nanyang Polytechnic in 2006. Awarded Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care and Singapore Hospice Council Award Experience: Worked as staff nurse and senior staff nurse in various clinical settings (including oncology) in Singapore General Hospital for 9 years. Joined Parkway Cancer Centre as palliative care nurse in 2009 Membership: Member of Palliative Care Chapter, Singapore Nurses Association

1. Why become a palliative nurse?

Palliative care is very different from other specialties. When I was a staff nurse in a ward caring for cancer patients, I often felt helpless when I was nursing very ill patients who were at the terminal stage of their lives. It led me to ask myself: Was I giving the best treatment to these patients? Did it help them feel better, or did it only add more pain to their condition? Did the pain-relief medication I gave them help the patients, or did it cause more side effects?

All these questions were answered when I started to learn about palliative care and how it helps patients in their overall well-being. It also helped me to focus on what I really wanted to do in my nursing career.

2. What’s one goal you hope to achieve as a palliative nurse?

As most of my patients are at the end stages of their lives, I want to see them live comfortably with the pain and other symptoms under control, so that they can maintain a reasonable quality of life before the end comes. I also want to support their families in coping with the process better, especially in relieving their feeling of helplessness.

3. Any interesting experiences? Or unforgettable incidences?

I was once called in to visit a very ill patient at her home. When I entered her bedroom, I saw a young lady tossing and turning in bed, groaning in pain. I wanted to call her by her name, but could not remember it at the moment, as it was in a foreign language. So I gently patted her hand, and said, “Hi, I am nurse”. At once, she turned over, stretched out her other hand to me, and gave me a smile.

I could see her eyes suddenly brighten up, as if she had seen some hope of relief from her pain and suffering. I was very touched. It was the first time she had met me, yet she had trusted that I could help her with her agony – and all I had done was tell her that I was a nurse.

I have always remembered her, and have always shared this story with my nursing friends to encourage them. I tell them: As nurses, we mean a lot to our patients, and we should do all we can to bring hope, comfort and relief to them, no matter what stages of illness they are at.

4. What would you say to someone who would like to volunteer or counsel with CanHOPE?

You will be doing a very meaningful job that will bring a difference to the lives of the terminally ill. You will not only be able to offer help and support to patients, but also, when you witness patients fighting through their journey with indescribable courage, dignity and perseverance, you will be inspired and see a total change in your perspective of life.