150 nurses lauded for outstanding service, dedication

At work, senior nurse manager Varadhan Arivazhagi has been slapped, kicked and pinched by individuals who show “expressive behaviour”.

- Natalie Tan

The 47-year-old specialises in dementia care, working with residents of the Ren Ci @ Bukit Batok St. 52 nursing home who can get physically aggressive or shout at staff.

A resident once slapped her when she approached him to draw blood. Initially shocked, Ms Arivazhagi, known to her colleagues and residents as Ms Ariva, put on a “pleasant face” and explained that she was just trying to help him.

She said patience, empathy and compassion are the most important traits for nurses to have.

Ms Ariva was one of 150 recipients of the Nurses’ Merit Award from the Ministry of Health on July 12.

They were recognised for their outstanding performance and dedication to their profession.

The award’s recipients come from a variety of care settings: public healthcare institutions, community care, private hospitals and statutory boards.

They also get $1,000 and a medal to be worn as part of their uniform.

The resident who slapped Ms Ariva later apologised for his behaviour.

“Dementia patients live in the moment... I know they are not acting from their sound mind,” she said, adding that she did not take his actions to heart.