Women’s Month: Sr Tiimile on Covid-19 and being on the frontline of health care
She answers the call daily to serve the country amid a pandemic.
Kempton Park’s Bongi Timile (49), who is a nurse in a corporate environment, is a shining example of perseverance, bravery and resilience.
She answers the call daily to serve the country amid a pandemic.
Timile knew at a young age she wanted to be a nurse.
“I have a passion for caring for others. I am a nursing sister with qualifications in a variety of specialities and vast experience in the nursing profession, which include emergency care, critical care and surgery,” said Timile.
The essential worker continues to show up for work amid increased risks of exposure in the hospital facility.
“In December 2019, we started hearing about Covid-19. Little did we know it would soon hit our shores and change our lives and the world completely.
“It posed numerous challenges for our nation and the world. It has become very challenging to administer comprehensive nursing care with some of the guidelines, which includes social distancing.
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“Wearing a mask at all times makes it difficult for health-care workers to observe facial expressions during patient examination.
“During a simple greeting, one does not see that smile or empathy from the caregiver. The pandemic has caused so much fear and vulnerability to health-care workers.
“As a nurse, I am no longer able to hold my patients’ hands or hug them to comfort them. The counselling sessions have been reduced to ensure precautionary measures are adhered to.”
She said this leaves the patient feeling unloved and unwelcome.
“I am unable to assess the level of pain or discomfort of my patients due to masks. This can lead to miscommunication between me and my patients.
“Health-care workers are also suffering because of the psychological impact. For example, you have to break the news to the family who might not even be allowed to view the body for closure.
“Nurses these days are heartbroken and anxious but remain courageous. After all, we will keep on fulfilling our professional obligation and commitment since we took the oath through the Florence Nightingale pledge.
“The most exhilarating moment in our profession is when patients recover and are able to go back home to their loved ones.”
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