They are known as the backbone of the health sector and often go beyond the call of duty to ensure patients are taken care of.
For many, the profession is more than just a job but a passion.
International Nurse’s Day celebrated annually on 12 May once again paid homage to the thousands of men and women under the theme: “Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.”
People’s Post spoke to a few nurses to find out what the profession meant to them.
For Noerjan Morkel (57), a clinical nurse practitioner at Lady Michaelis Community Day Centre in Plumstead, being a nurse is a divine purpose.
She has been in the nursing field for 37 years.
Her father wanted her to become a doctor, but she instead followed in the footsteps of her two aunts.
“I have two aunts that are nurses. One if them is currently 68 years old and she is still nursing. She retired and is on contract now.
“Her care and dedication to the profession made me identify with her. I wanted to do law, but God had other plans for me.”
Morkel believes she was a born nurse.
“Care, compassion, dedication and helping people are all qualities I had that inspired me to become a nurse. My patients make me feel special. “Working with people is the best that could’ve ever happened to me, and I go that extra mile for them. I can’t stop thanking God for sending me here.”
Morkel says she proudly wears her epaulettes.
“This was the first year that I felt like it was Nurses’ Day. I felt proud. Just wearing my uniform with my epaulettes makes me feel that I deserve to wear it. I am proud of being a nurse.
“I can boast about myself because I am a good nurse.”
She encourages nurses to invest in their well-being.
“I take leave when needed and often go and see a counsellor whenever needed. I have learnt to set boundaries, and I try and exercise a lot. I like spending time with family and friends too.”
Aeysha Wagiet is an advanced Midwife at Mowbray Maternity Hospital for the past 27 years.
She explains that a midwife plays a vital role in providing patients with support during childbirth.
“Helping patients with pain relief and being very attentive and explaining each procedure.
“Identifying any problems and managing it as per standard procedures and protocols.
“I would always inform partners and family and continuously update family members regarding a patient’s condition. Communication with families is very important to address any fear or anxiety that the family may feel.”
Wagiet believes Nurses’ Day is an opportunity to uplift the nursing profession.
“I focus on my own well-being by ensuring that nursing staff work in a safe environment. I always try to keep my staff motivated to do their best in any situation.”
Rondebosch resident Sesethu Magqashela has been a midwife for the past two years.
His passion for the profession was sparked following an injury during a rugby game.
“The nurses that took care of me inspired me to come out of my depression.”
Magqashela believes the biggest challenge in the health profession today is shortage of staff.
“Shortages of well-trained nurses. After covid I noticed an increase in mental health illnesses.”
“You firstly need to be very sure as nursing is not just a job for security.
“You need to have the passion, the drive, endurance and heart to become a nurse.”
