International Nurses’ Day is celebrated annually on May 12.
This year the Life Healthcare Group honoured more than 9 516 nurses stationed at hospitals country-wide.
The theme for this year’s International Nurses’ Day was “A force for change – a vital resource for health”.
The day also recognises the important role that nurses play in providing quality care, with special focus on developing countries where access to health services is often limited.
The Life Roseacres Clinic, in Primrose, joined in the celebration.
The hospital organised a special presentation for its nurses, with messages from the management.
Sophie Sibisi (new nursing manager), Rozan Newfeldt (hospital manager), Maralize Schoeman (nursing standards manager), Barend Erasmus (finance and administration manager) and pharmacy manager Yolande van Deventer took it in turn to thank the nurses for the work they do.
“We are lucky to have so many great nurses,” said Newfeldt.
“We could not do anything we do without our amazing nursing staff.
“It is a no-brainer that Mother’s Day and International Nurses Day are celebrated in the same month, because both nurses and mother’s work tirelessly and put the needs of others before their own.”
The presentation also offered an opportunity to honour two nurses in particular, who have recently received rewards.
The first was Sharon Kock, who received a Life Healthcare Top 100 Nurses Award.
The “Great 100 Nurses Celebration” was held to honour 100 of the top nurses who have made a significant difference to the profession of nursing and in the lives of patients, peers, students and the community at large.
Nominees are judged on professionalism, compassionate care-giving, clinical competence and leadership qualities.
The 100 top great nurses will be nursing ambassadors for Life Healthcare and the nursing profession at large.
Kock is based in the maternity ward at the hospital and is described as a hard worker, who is always ready to learn.
She is always respectful and makes sure patients receive the best care possible.
The second nurse honoured was Nokwanda Shelembe, who received the Bio Oil Florence Nightingale Nursing Award.
She was named the top winner in the whole East region.
She is based in the hospital’s surgical ward and is described as dedicated, strong, energetic and helpful.
Shelembe has formed a great relationship with the doctors and nurses with whom she works.
She always makes time for her patients and is a good all-rounder.
The event closed with the Nurses Prayer, followed by all the attending nurses retaking their Nurses Pledge.
