It is often a thankless job that requires long hours and demanding situations.
However, the nursing staff is the backbone of the healthcare system and on International Nurses Day, celebrated annually on 12 May, nurses are honoured for the critical role they play in healthcare and emergency response.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale’s birth.
The nurses at Groote Schuur Hospital were honoured today (12 May) during a celebratory event at the Nico Malan recreational hall.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Our Nurses, Our Future.’
Dawood Peters, Assistant Nursing Manager: ICU, says he became an “accidental nurse” about 38 years ago.
“My aunt organised a December holiday job for me and two friends at Groote Schuur Hospital. We started as scholar nurses and worked in orthopaedics. I enjoyed working with people and that was where my passion developed.
“I never thought I would be a nurse. I always thought it was more like a woman’s job. But for me, the area where I worked in orthopaedic, I realised it was not just for women, so I settled in quickly.”
He says he did not return to school but finished his matric part-time.
“My teacher was upset that I did not return to school to finish my matric. I finished my matric by attending night school while still working. From there, I did the staff nurse course and completed another two-year course to become a general nurse. I did a one-year midwifery course as well.” Peters says he has not looked back.
“In 1996, I moved to GF Jooste Hospital and worked there for 17 years and returned to Groote Schuur Hospital as an operational manager. I later applied for the assistant nursing manager position, which is still my current position.”
Peters says he still finds satisfaction in his job.
“I love the interaction with patients. I love that I get to teach people things. To celebrate this day with my colleagues is great. As nurses, we have been going through a tough time during Covid-19. We need to appreciate our nurses.”
Rochelle Africa pursued a career in nursing six years ago, following the death of her great-grandmother, who suffered from dementia.
“I decided to become a nurse because I helped my mom and grandmother care for my great-grandmother. I love helping people. To me, it is always great seeing a person discharged after you have cared for them. When they thank you, it makes it even more special.”
Africa says although the profession comes with its challenges, she would not change it for anything.
“I have a passion for my job and on International Nurses Day all nurses are honoured for their hard work.”
Achmat Mohamed, Director of Nursing at the hospital, says: “We are celebrating Florence Nightingale, but also the role of nurses. We are the backbone of the healthcare system in the country and the world. When you are born, a nurse is with you. When you die in a hospital, a nurse is there with you. Part of your development as a child, a nurse will be with you all the time.” Mohamed says nurses played a critical role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We had a pandemic recently. If you took the nurse out of the equation, we would have been in a disaster. Nurses were there with the roll-out of the vaccinations, nurses manage the hospitals over weekends, public holidays and at night. There is always a nurse at the table.” He believes nurses should be celebrated daily.
“We are always busy. But as a manager, I always try to acknowledge staff throughout the year. But it is never enough to thank all our health care workers, especially nurses.”
Dr Nomonde Mbatani, a senior lecturer and Clinical Head of the Gynae Oncology Unit at the hospital, was the guest speaker. She encouraged staff to stay true to the cause and to serve patients with dignity. Staff was also serenaded with two songs by children from Grotties Childcare Centre.
Local singer Anslin Gysman entertained the crowd and thanked nurses for their hard work.
“Thank you for all that you do. I am so happy to celebrate with you and to honour you for the work you do.”
