In celebration of the 49th annual International Nurses Day on May 12, the medical profession stood united to pay tribute to nurses throughout the city.
Mary Moodley Clinic
Nurses from the Mary Moodley Clinic in Actonville hosted a nurse’s day to honour health workers for their dedication to the health sector.
A candlelight moment was observed before the ceremony started.
A nurse in the profession for 20 years, Reneisha Toorie, gave each nurse sunflowers to put over their uniform, a symbol of loyalty and adoration.
Speaking to nurses at the ceremony, Refilwe Sapie, an assistant manager, reminded nurses of their crucial role in the community.
She thanked the nurses for their undying spirit in providing healthcare amid the daily challenges they face in their line of work.
Chaplain and motivational speaker Samantha Moagi encouraged the nurses to look after themselves and seek help when facing personal challenges.
Meanwhile, Jacky James from the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) shared information about the various courses available to nurses.
Life The Glynwood and Glynnview hospitals
Under the theme, Our Nurses Our Future, the hospital manager at Life The Glynnwood and Life Glynnview, Hendrik Swartz, said that, despite life’s challenges, he was humbled by the selfless dedication and commitment of nurses in serving others.
“Nurses make immense sacrifices, yet they tend to patients’ needs with passion and compassion. This work ethic inspires me daily,” said Swartz.
“We are privileged to employ over 400 nurses in our two hospitals. They serve not only as the backbone of patient-centred care but also champion advancements in healthcare services through their leadership and advocacy.”
Six nurses received awards as part of the healthcare group’s Great 100 Nurses Awards.
Established in 2012, the awards recognise nurses, chosen by their peers, for exemplifying excellence and compassion in their daily practice.
“The initiative aims to honour nurses who have positively influenced the nursing profession and made a lasting impact on patients, peers, students and community,” said sister Lydia Mthimkhulu, a nurse manager.
The recipients were Sister Bianca van Eeden, Joseph Mashamaite, Sister Joyce Monareng, Sister Naomi Rakau, Sister Boitumelo Maseloa and Sinethemba Ndayi.
Unit awards were presented to the High Care Unit and the theatre.
Netcare Linmed
In Rynfield, the nurses at Netcare Linmed celebrated by putting on their dancing shoes and enjoying a little shimmy at the end of their shifts.
“Our nurses work tirelessly to not only tend to the wellbeing of their patients but to also restore hope when diagnoses become overwhelming,” said Ronel van Niekerk, the spokesperson for the hospital.
“To recognise their invaluable work and unwavering dedication, we encouraged our staff to let their hair down and dance the worries away. Being able to laugh is often the best medicine.
Mary Ann Nabbie, the nursing digitalisation manager at Netcare Limited, reminded nurses that the day was not only one of celebrating the profession but a reminder of the ground-breaking work done by Florence Nightingale.
“As we thrust into the future, we may wonder how relevant Florence is to today’s nurse,” said Nabbie.
“Compassion and care must forever live in our hearts and minds while we take care to assist our patients in healing, we must manage crisis with a calm demeanour while schooling those who will follow in our footsteps. The future of the nursing profession is in our hands.”
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