Top award for local nurse

In addition to her certificate as a qualified nursing sister Nike was also rewarded special academic accolades for her hard work.

The Chief Operating Executive’s award for the student with the highest overall marks in the inland region was rewarded to the hardworking nurse from Springs.

This graduation was held in honour of the students at the Life College of Learning which offers training for nurses who wish to become registered nurses and are currently doing their practical at any of the many Life clinics and hospitals.

The college focuses on the integration between nursing education and nursing practice in all teaching and learning programmes.

The students are taught by experts in the field and are given the opportunity to acquire clinical experiential learning.

Nike has been studying towards her dream of becoming a registered nurse through the college. Although known for her hard work, she was surprised when told that she had won the top award.

“I am so proud of myself. It was such an unexpected award and I give all the glory to God, because I can’t see how I could have made it so far without Him,” she says.

She adds that although the nursing field looks easy, there are many challenges that can discourage a person and make them decide to leave the demanding profession.

“You work 12 hours straight and you need to be on top of your toes and ready for anything. Patience and a passion for the job are very important. Emotionally you need to be strong and stable,” she says.

From a young age Nike has always wanted to be a nurse. Although she derailed in her early 20s to do other things, she was soon drawn to Springs and back into her passion and two years ago she started studying towards a nursing career.

Her new career meant that she was able to be what she had always dreamt of, so when the opportunity came to further her studies, she jumped at it.

Nike admits that it wasn’t always easy to juggle schoolwork, home and her profession but with the help and support of her family she was able to make it through.

“I have a very supportive family and they are the reason I was able to achieve my goals. Being a mother and working 12 hour shifts is not easy when you are not passionate about what you do,” she says.

Nike will continue to study further and is looking at many more fulfilling years in the healthcare field.

Asked what her long term goals are, she simply smiles and says,”I would love to work in the trauma unit, it’s challenging and gives you a chance to take part in the saving of a life.”