For over twenty years, I have had the privilege of teaching nurses—both in the operating theatre and in formal classrooms at Nanyang Polytechnic. Over this time, I’ve come to realise that educating nurses is not just about transferring knowledge; it’s about fostering understanding, confidence, and the ability to anticipate and respond in complex surgical environments.
Nurses are at the heart of patient care. They prepare patients before surgery, support procedures in the operating theatre and endoscopy suite, and guide recovery afterward. Their expertise can make the difference between a smooth procedure and one fraught with complications. My goal as an educator has always been to give nurses the tools they need to excel—not only through lectures and structured courses but also through daily, hands-on teaching.
Learning Happens Every Day
Some of the most important teaching moments happen informally. During routine procedures, I take the time to explain what is happening, why each step matters, and how anatomical structures and pathology influence surgical decisions. I discuss patient positioning, the retroperitoneal space, and pelvic anatomy—showing how even a millimeter can matter in protecting nerves, vessels, or organs.
These interactions are not one-sided. Nurses bring questions, observations, and insights that enrich the learning experience for everyone. Over the years, these daily interactions have become one of my most valuable teaching tools. They are practical, immediate, and directly linked to patient outcomes.
Different Surgical Approaches, Different Considerations
Urology is a diverse specialty, and each surgical approach has its own principles. Over the past twenty years, I have taught nurses to understand endoscopic, laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgery, emphasizing how each affects patient care and nursing responsibilities.
Endoscopic procedures allow treatment from within the urinary tract, requiring precision and careful attention to irrigation, visualization, and anatomy. Laparoscopic surgery brings the challenge of operating through small ports, demanding spatial awareness and anticipation. Robotic surgery enhances precision, especially in the pelvis, but depends on a highly coordinated team and understanding of equipment and workflow. Even open surgery, while less common today, reinforces the fundamentals of anatomy, tissue handling, and perioperative vigilance.
When nurses understand the rationale behind each approach, they move from following instructions to actively anticipating needs—enhancing efficiency, safety, and teamwork in the theatre.
Pre- and Post-Operative Care: The Nurse’s Critical Role
Surgery is only one part of a patient’s journey. Pre-operative preparation and post-operative care are where nurses’ knowledge and judgment have a direct impact on outcomes. I emphasize the importance of understanding anatomy, pathology, and expected recovery pathways. Nurses who grasp the surgical plan are better able to manage drains and catheters, detect complications early, and provide patients with confidence and reassurance.
Over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how nurses who are empowered with understanding, rather than simply instructions, can transform the patient experience.
Specialized Equipment: More Than Just Tools
Modern urology relies on advanced instruments—endoscopes, lasers, laparoscopic, and robotic systems. In my teaching, I make it a point to explain not just how to use the equipment but why it is chosen for each procedure. Nurses who understand the purpose and function of these tools can prepare more efficiently, anticipate surgical steps, and respond effectively to any technical issues.
This understanding transforms the operating theatre from a series of tasks into a coordinated, proactive team effort.
Formal Teaching at Nanyang Polytechnic
Beyond the daily informal teaching, I have spent over twenty years lecturing at Nanyang Polytechnic, shaping post-registration programmes for experienced nurses. The Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Perioperative) focuses on applied anatomy, surgical principles specific to urology, perioperative care, and specialised equipment. The Specialist Diploma in Nursing (Endoscopy) emphasizes anatomical navigation, pathology, procedural safety, and patient-centred care.
These programmes allow nurses to reflect on their experiences, connect practice with theory, and develop a deeper understanding of their role. Watching nurses progress from competence to confidence has been incredibly rewarding.
Reflections on Two Decades of Teaching
Over twenty years, I’ve realized that teaching nurses is a partnership. Their insight and dedication inspire me as much as my guidance supports them. Nurses who understand the “why” behind their actions work with greater confidence, anticipate challenges, and ultimately improve patient care.
Education is not just about knowledge—it’s about fostering judgment, teamwork, and empowerment. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the professional growth of so many nurses over the years, knowing that their development directly benefits the patients we care for.
Looking Forward
Urology will continue to evolve, but the fundamentals—anatomical understanding, surgical principles, and collaborative teamwork—remain unchanged. My commitment to nursing education remains unwavering. By sharing knowledge gained from years of practice, guiding nurses in the theatre and the classroom, and connecting theory with real-world care, I hope to continue empowering nurses to provide confident, skilled, and compassionate care for decades to come.
