# At 70, Dialysis Nurse Continues Lifelong Calling in Singapore After thirty years of service, a dedicated nurse defies retirement to support patients. - **Source:** [CNA – Singapore](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [careers](https://brifing.si/c/careers) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/01d15662-8846-48ed-90e7-62831806de0c ## From Myanmar to Singapore Daw Mi Mi arrived in Singapore in 1996 for a two-year dialysis nursing contract. Originally a chemistry student in Myanmar, her academic path shifted after political unrest forced university closures in 1974. What began as a temporary placement evolved into a thirty-year career, eventually leading her to become a naturalized Singaporean citizen. ## Early Crisis and Resilience During her nursing training in Myanmar, Mi Mi survived a major hospital fire caused by a generator explosion. She and her colleagues manually evacuated patients from the second floor while carrying stretchers down stairs. This high-stakes environment prepared her for seventeen years of intense work in operating theatres before moving abroad. ## Mastering Complex Dialysis Dialysis requires precise needle insertion into veins, a task complicated by varying vessel depths and patient conditions. Mi Mi’s extensive operating theatre experience allowed her to master these difficult procedures quickly. Her reputation for success in challenging cases made her a sought-after clinician, often called upon during breaks to assist colleagues. ## Adapting to New Challenges Throughout her career, Mi Mi has handled diverse medical situations, including treating high-profile patients and isolating during the SARS outbreak. In 2013, she transitioned to the National University Hospital to contribute to public healthcare. Her dedication included supporting a pregnant patient through frequent dialysis, ensuring a successful delivery for the mother. ## Workforce Sustainability Initiatives Recognizing her specialized skills, the National University Health System invited Mi Mi to work beyond Singapore’s statutory retirement age of 64. This initiative aims to retain experienced staff and improve workforce sustainability. Now 70, she continues to provide essential care, proving that institutional knowledge remains a vital asset in modern healthcare. ## Setting Up Peritoneal Services At age 68, Mi Mi moved to Alexandra Hospital to help establish a new outpatient peritoneal dialysis service. This procedure allows patients to manage waste removal at home using abdominal tubes. She currently trains patients on safety protocols, mentors junior nursing staff, and provides expert advice for the most complex medical cases. ## Philosophy of Lifelong Service Mi Mi views nursing as a lifelong calling rather than a standard job. She maintains a routine of daily meditation and prayer for her patients, which she credits for her sustained energy. Living with her niece, she remains physically and mentally active, stating she has no immediate plans to retire from practice. ## Impact of Experienced Nurses The story of Daw Mi Mi highlights the value of veteran nurses in complex clinical settings. Her journey from a student protestor to a senior clinician demonstrates how adaptability and compassion define long-term professional success. Her continued presence in the hospital system provides stability and mentorship for the next generation of nurses. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/women/daw-mi-mi-dialysis-nurse-alexandra-hospital-6506216 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._