NURSES Day, celebrated on 12 May internationally, has been different for nurses around the world since the Covid-19 pandemic emerged.

Healthcare professionals were oblivious to what to expect as the virus claimed the lives of thousands.

In light of Nurses Day today, Northglen News visited two hospitals in the area to gain insight as to what the experience was like for nurses.

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Yasmin Ebrahim, has been in the nursing profession for 22 years and is currently the unit manager of the surgical ward at Life Mount Edgecombe Hospital, said no two days are the same for a nurse.

“Each day brings with it different challenges and we come to the hospital never knowing what to expect,” she said.

“Nurses are performing on of the most essential jobs in society, particularly in the current environment, while our communities adjust to the life in the pandemic,” added Ebrahim.

Adding that the pandemic has been a life-changing experience for her and her colleagues, Ebrahim said the job as a nurse is to be self-sacrificing and the pandemic was one of the ways in which they (nurses) had to fulfill what they were called to do.

“When the first Covid-19 patient came to our hospital, there were feelings of fear and anxiety as we had no idea what to expect. We also found that our patients’ expectations towards us had changed. They were more appreciative towards us and the work we do as they witnessed what we had to endure as frontliners,” said Ebrahim.

Training and awareness became the name of the game for Ebrahim and her colleagues.

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“There were so many processes and procedures that we had to learn about while still taking care of our patients,” she said.

Speaking on the loss of colleagues to the infectious disease, Ebrahim added that they allowed themselves to grieve but had to pack their feelings away as soon as their feet hit their nursing wards.

“We saw people die in their cars from Covid-19. It was something no nurse at this hospital has ever experienced. Even though we ourselves, were going through so much. Some colleagues had lost family members but they had to put on a brave face and come to work and save lives. We had to be strong for our patients,” she said. 

“Every wave has brought about something different, but we have gained immense knowledge since the first wave and we are confident that we will get through this,” added Ebrahim. 

Christina Govender, Nursing Manager at Busamed Gateway Hospital, said the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic had brought a lot of fear with it.

With 28 years of experience in nursing, Govender said she slowly saw her nurses become stronger and more prepared for the virus.

“We gained support from our Covid Committee, and the Department of Health during who regularly supported us with visits. We also learnt a lot from our stakeholders, doctors and specialists” she said.

With regards to the looming third wave, Govender said they are prepared.

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“We are tired but as an organisation we are prepared in terms of structure, resources and the flow and layout of the hospital.”

“It really is a calling to be a nurse. Patience, integrity and professionalism is expected at all times. We didn’t get to celebrate Nurses Day last year because as we were in the first wave, so this year we planned a special but safe event for our staff whom we really appreciate. We thank our nursing team for their high levels of team work and dedication. Without them we would not have been able to get through both waves,” said Govender.

She reminded readers that although there are different variants of the virus, the three basic precautions are still applicable.

“Wear your mask, practise social distancing and ensure good hand hygiene at all times. If you do these things, already have a good chance of fighting this virus and stopping the spread,” she added.

When Ebrahim and Govender were asked what is keeping them strong and positive throughout the pandemic, they both answered that it was prayer.

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