Up to 100 Thousand SGD will be paid out to nurses as part of a retention strategy every four to six years
Up to 100 Thousand SGD will be paid out to nurses as part of a retention strategy every four to six years. The retention awards for nurses in Singapore are structured so that those below 46 will receive their first payout in 2028, while long-serving nurses aged 46 and above can expect their initial retention award by the end of this year.
The new retention incentive scheme for nurses in Singapore, known as the Award for Nurses’ Grace, Excellence, and Loyalty (ANGEL), will provide payouts every four to six years, with nurses aged below 46 receiving their first payout in 2028. The scheme aims to benefit approximately 29,000 nurses in the public healthcare system, with the potential for nurses to receive up to 100 Thousand SGD through the program.
The Award for Nurses’ Grace, Excellence, and Loyalty (ANGEL) scheme will provide nurses in Singapore with the opportunity to receive up to S$100,000 over a 20-year period, or until the prevailing retirement age, which is expected to be raised to 65 by 2030.
Newly recruited nurses and those below the age of 46 will receive awards ranging from S$20,000 to S$30,000 every four to six years. Nurses aged 46 and above with at least five years of service will receive an immediate award of S$5,000 to S$15,000, followed by subsequent payouts every three years.
The ANGEL scheme is inclusive, extending to foreign nurses after they complete four years of service in Singapore’s public healthcare sector. Eligible foreign nurses who have already served for four years or more will be immediately eligible to receive the awards under the new retention incentive scheme.
Long-serving nurses aged 46 and above will receive their first retention award by the end of this year, while younger nurses will get their initial payout in 2028. Publicly funded community care organizations and social service agencies can also apply to participate in the scheme, with co-funding required, primarily from the government. The ANGEL scheme aims to support nurses in the public healthcare system and encourage them to stay and contribute to the nursing profession.
Retention schemes like ANGEL acknowledge that individuals, including nurses, may consider leaving their roles due to various valid personal and family reasons. The intention is to encourage individuals to think twice before making such decisions, providing them with incentives and recognition for their loyalty and contributions to their profession. The scheme aims to support nurses through different stages of their careers, promoting longer-term commitment to the healthcare sector.
The introduction of retention schemes like ANGEL, along with initiatives such as sign-on bonuses for fresh nursing graduates, reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Health to address the challenges and dilemmas that healthcare workers, particularly nurses, may face at different stages of their careers.
Recognizing the importance of nursing professionals and their significant contributions, these measures aim to enhance job satisfaction, provide meaningful incentives, and ultimately encourage healthcare professionals to continue making positive impacts in their roles. The emphasis on recruitment and retention strategies underscores the value placed on the crucial role nurses play in Singapore’s healthcare system.
It’s encouraging to see the Ministry of Health taking proactive measures to address nurse attrition and maintain a strong recruitment momentum. The commitment to sustaining these efforts for both local and foreign nurses reflects a dedication to ensuring a robust healthcare workforce that can effectively meet the demands of patient care.
By recognizing the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and implementing retention schemes, Singapore aims to create an environment where nurses feel supported, valued, and motivated to continue their vital contributions to the healthcare system.
