LIMPOPO – “You cannot be an effective nurse without compassion.” These are the words of Nancy Makamu, the operational manager of the female ward at Nkhensani Hospital, as she reflects on her 26-year journey in the nursing profession.

Speaking to the Herald on International Nurses Day, celebrated globally on May 12, Makamu emphasised that compassion is at the heart of quality patient care. “A good nurse must have a compassionate heart. Without it, it’s impossible to truly meet the needs of patients,” she said.

This year’s Nurses Day theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care,” highlights both the vital economic contribution of nurses to healthcare systems and the need to invest in their well-being.

Makamu’s passion for nursing began in her childhood in Mtititi village, Malamulele. Her father often called her “my nurse,” a nickname that planted the seed for her lifelong calling.

“From a young age, I was drawn to the profession. I associated nursing with purity, cleanliness, and a way to express God’s love to people in need,” she recalled.

She began her career in 1999 at Shikhumba Clinic, delivering primary healthcare services to the local community. There, she and her colleagues conducted home visits, educated residents on disease prevention, delivered babies, and provided various medical services.

In 2006, seeking new challenges, she joined Nkhensani Hospital, first working in the maternity ward and later in paediatrics. Her dedication to learning and growth saw her rise through the ranks.

From December 2006 to 2010, she served as a chief professional nurse at Kgapane Hospital, working at a specialised clinic offering antiretroviral treatment (Art) for HIV patients.

“I loved working with HIV patients. It was new and challenging, but also incredibly fulfilling. Helping people through such a critical stage of their lives gave me deep satisfaction,” she said.

Makamu encourages more people to consider nursing as a career.

“Nursing improves the lives and longevity of people. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling that brings real change to the world.”