Celebrating International Nurses Day
Assistant manager for the medical unit, Annah Nyembe, said being a nurse is a calling.
SOUTH Rand Hospital commemorated International Nurses Day on Friday, May 20.
Scores of nurses in their white uniform gathered at the dining hall to join the world in celebrating the day.
Under the theme: “Nurses are a Force for Change, Building Health Systems Resilience”, hospital nurses recommitted to their profession by taking their vows.
The pledge of service reminded nurses why they chose health as a career in the first place, and it also reminded them that the rights of patients and nurse’s do not compete.
The celebration was also filled with activities such as the stage drama presented by infection control coordinator Elizabeth Kenana, educating the attendees about the significance of nursing in the society and infection control.
Operational manager Nokuthula Gubheka inspired the crowd in the hall with her motivational speech. The annual celebration coincides with Florence Nightingale’s birthday who is regarded as the founder of the modern nursing profession.
The day was also used to mark the nurses’ contribution towards people’s health.
During these multitudes of world celebrations, South Africa is also remembering one of its own – Cecilia Makiwane who was the first registered black nurse.
Assistant manager for the medical unit (ward six, 10, 13 and infection control), Annah Nyembe, said being a nurse is a calling. “We wake up every day to serve our people and save lives. It’s an honour to be a nurse. Being a nurse is a fulfilling profession because you get to help people feel better.”
