Following in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale, using their passion as the guiding light in providing quality patient care, local nurses reaffirmed their commitment to their profession on May 12, in celebration of International Nurses Day.

With epaulettes glistening on their shoulders, nurses across the city gathered to celebrate a profession that originated 220 years ago.

Life The Glynnwood

Sr Sophie Sibisi, Life The Glynnwood nurse manager, welcomed the room of proud healthcare providers under the theme, ‘Power behind care’.

“Every action of care is powerful, thus creating power in the care we provide to our patients,” she said.

“We show up to every shift, dedicated to fulfilling our duties with pride and passion, but it is important to remember that we cannot access the inner strength if we do not replenish our souls through self-care.”

Taking the podium, Life Marketing and Communications, Change, and Life Health Solutions executive Pennie Phillips said that nurses’ duties extend beyond administering medicine.

“Nurses are anchors in patient care, connecting patients and their loved ones with medical specialists,” she said.

“You are at the core of health care, you are the constant at each bedside, interpreters, and most importantly, you stand as advocates for patients and their care.”

During the celebrations, Mr David Siane and Mr Ntethelo Mtembu were named to the healthcare group’s Top 100 Nurses, while 2 South was awarded as the hospital’s unit of the quarter.

The paediatric unit was named the infection prevention unit of the year.

Modderbee Correctional Services

Clad in traditional white uniforms, a stark contrast to the environment they work in, nursing staff at the Modderbee Correctional Services strive to uphold their pledge, offering dignified care to all their patients.

According to Mr Mabanga Malusi, who graduated and became a registered nurse in 2019, working in a correctional facility entails unique challenges and responsibilities.

“We are not only offering health care services,” he said.

“Our patients look to us to offer mental-health support while being their cheerleaders throughout their rehabilitation processes. I am proud of the small role I play in their lives during their imprisonment.”

Mr Thapelo Mareka, the facility’s health manager, said working within this environment is challenging.

“Nursing is a calling and these epaulettes are a symbol of our dedication to offer quality healthcare to the offenders under our care,” he said.

“Let us stay motivated and committed to the dignified care of all.”

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