Lambton nurse tells what it takes to be a good donor care officer
“What I find most rewarding about my role is seeing donors walk out feeling proud of the humanitarian act.”
To mark International Nurses Day recently, Germiston City News spoke to Bonolo Masilo, a donor care officer at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Lambton branch.
Bonolo’s nursing journey, which began in 2018, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Her transition from blood transfusion to donor care has been a remarkable adventure driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the journey of blood from donor to patient.
ALSO READ: SANBS urges residents to donate blood
At SANBS, Bonolo found her true calling.
She finds immense reward in her work, especially in witnessing donors leave with a sense of pride in their humanitarian act.
As a donor care officer, Bonolo’s responsibilities extend beyond collecting blood products.
She performs medical assessments, offers donor education, and provides care throughout the donation process.
Her tasks include checking donors’ blood pressure and haemoglobin levels, educating them on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and offering post-donation care.
“Every interaction with a donor is a chance to forge meaningful connections and honour their humanity.
ALSO READ: Donate blood and save lives – SANBS
“I always take the time to listen to their stories, understand their backgrounds, and genuinely show appreciation for their life-saving gift,” she said.
Educating donors about the impact of their donations is a crucial part of Bonolo’s role.
“With every unit of blood separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, I remind donors of their gift’s incredible impact on those in need,” she said.
According to Bonolo, a good donor officer must be compassionate, kind, and empathetic.
“You deal with different people daily, and others have questions, while some just want to know about blood donation but might not necessarily want to become donors. So, you must be patient,” she said.
Bonolo’s dedication to her role exemplifies the spirit of nursing – a commitment to care, compassion, and making a difference in the lives of others.
