Hero by day, mother by night

Some superheroes don’t wear capes. They just put on protective gear, hand gloves and a mask, and say goodbye to their families to brave the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

In light of Women’s Month the Record spoke to Life Flora Hospital’s Nurse Manager, Vasti van Niekerk who represents thousands of female healthcare workers who have to find the balance between raising a family and serving their country.

Vasti, who has been in nursing for the past 23 years is responsible for the safety and efficiency of nine wards, which include three ICU units, a children’s ward, medical wards and surgical wards. Every ward has a unit manager who, in turn, reports to Vasti.

“We attend to every ward to ensure quality nursing care is being maintained, and that everything operates according to our standards. We also look at patient and staff health and safety, which are of the utmost importance to us, especially during these strange times,” she explained.

“I really enjoy doing this because I have had a passion for nursing my entire life. People, both staff and patients, are special to me. When I look after my patients, it’s like looking after my own family – it’s really just the love I have for people.”

When Vasti is not running around the hospital, she can be found at home running after her 12-year-old twin boys. It’s a good thing she has a step counter with her at all times.

People might ask how she manages longer shifts at work and additional care at home.

“It all comes down to planning. It’s most important to remember that your family is just as important as your job. When you are at home, you shift your attention to your family and when you are at work, you shift your attention to your job. It’s not always as easy as that, but we have to try,” she said.

“I’ve explained to my children why my job is special to me and why it means so much. Even though I love my job it’s important to remember that in the end, family is all you have left. That’s why I try to spend as much time with them as possible, even if it’s just exercise in the form of going for a walk and creating a healthy lifestyle for them.”

While she keeps her family positive at home, she motivates her staff and colleagues by encouraging them to talk about their concerns. She does her best to ensure everyone gets the rest and support they need.

“At least once a week my colleagues and I try to speak about something uplifting. We are always there for each other and always help out where help is needed. I am really blessed with such an amazing support system,” Vasti said.

“During the day I am a Nurse Manager, but during the night I am just a mother and a wife who wants the best for her family. I think women are too hard on themselves – they always try to satisfy everyone around them, and tend not to notice how much they actually accomplish every day. They try so hard to be perfect, they tend to overlook how perfect they are.”

With this she would like to encourage women to acknowledge their worth and everything they have achieved. It’s too easy for women to lose themselves trying to be their best version for work and for their family. Women should be kinder to themselves and remember it’s all right to take off their proverbial mask every once in a while and appreciate themselves for everything they contribute to humanity.