IR Medical hosted its caregivers’ graduation ceremony for last year’s and this year’s students at the hall of the NG Kerk in Strubenvale on November 13.

Students from various East Rand areas told the Springs Advertiser about their journey. Selcourt resident Gregory Macintyre said being a caregiver was not his plan, as he wanted to be a nurse. However, being a caregiver has become a stepping stone into the healthcare sector.

Macintyre is one of two men who graduated after a close friend abroad recommended he enrol in the course.

“He told me it would be best for me and that the sector needed male caregivers, so I did. He was so happy I followed his advice,” said the graduate.

Apart from the graduation, Macintyre said working with patients, including those with dementia and cancer, was the most rewarding part of the course.

The 23-year-old worked with a very ill patient for two weeks, who later died. He said it was a difficult time for him because he thought the patient was getting better and had bonded with him.

He also said the training has prepared him well to deal with patients and their possible deaths.

Macintyre added, “Our lecturer was tough on us, especially as we were the only guys in the course, and gave us extra training. I believe I am ready and know how to deal with male and female patients.”

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He said the course required them to lift patients, so he advises men doing it to be respectful toward all patients assigned to them.

Nelly Tsabane from Tsakane said she wanted to drop out because it was hard to understand some modules and because of the treatment from one lecturer. She said it affected her self-esteem because it became hard to ask questions.

She added that one of the training consultants, Tsepiso Morenne, helped her understand the modules.

“I wanted to drop out, get my money back and involve my family, but it was a good thing that Mr Morenne came and taught everything from scratch,” said Tsabane.

She added that with the training, she can follow her dreams and not give up despite the challenges.

Morenne told the publication that the graduation meant the number of qualified caregivers is growing and that there is still passion for caregivers in the community.

He is proud of the graduates and encourages more men to join the training.

“Male caregivers are in demand because we have patients who require their assistance, and in some cases, we don’t have them, so I am appealing to young men out there to consider being caregivers,” said Morenne.