Nurses from the Esda Nursing Education Institution recently graduated at a gala function held at the Civic Centre.
With an outstanding result of 100% all the graduates received certificates.
With 34 students writing the South African Nursing Council exams in November, the institution is proud of the seven distinctions obtained in theory, five in clinical practical and seven honours.
Jennifer Phoku was the top student overall and the top student in theory.
The top clinical practical student was Prudence Xaba, and the most improved student was Dolphy Mampuru.
Two students wrote the upgrading exam, from nursing assistant to nursing auxiliary.
One passed with honours and distinctions in theory and practical.
Principal Yolanda Ells says the exams are judged on the students’ performance since the beginning of the course.
The students are developed for the health profession and the institute’s vision, which is to enable them to attain full potential – spiritually and personally – and to reflect the Lord’s character through all their activities.
Yolanda says the values are personal and professional integrity, and respect for all people with core values of caring, integrity, diversity and excellence.
These are vital components in the development of a nurse and are emphasized in their programmes.
Although the school opened in the 1980’s, the training institution was only registered in 1993 and officially opened in August 2002.
The school started with four students and is proud to announce there was a total of 134 students last year.
The building of the institute’s own hall will start in May and the plan is to have the next graduation ceremony there.
The principal is grateful to Esda Frail Care Centre, Advent Haven Frail Care Centre in Heidelberg, Trimed Sub-Acute Centre in Vereeniging and the N17 Hospital for placing the students.
She thanked the clinical facilitators, Sisters Amy Mackenzie and Viona Swart, for their hard work and dedication, and Elizabeth Mabena who cooks for them and ensures that the school is always neat and clean.
“Although nursing remains a highly feminised career, we are delighted to have four male students this year,” says Yolanda.
In her final message to the students, she mentioned they will encounter new opportunities, experience personal growth and stumble upon a few bumps along the way.
“Take a look at the person in the mirror and introspect, especially when you feel challenged, but remember you are always a winner,” she says.
