International Nurses’ Day, and the birth anniversary of the founder of modern day nursing Florence Nightingale, was celebrated last Tuesday.
The day is all about paying tribute to and saluting nurses for the wonderful work they do.
This year’s celebration carried more weight for nurses due to the Covid-19 pandemic the world is facing.
The GCN had the opportunity of being part of a small ceremony held by the nurses from Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where they renewed their pledges and paid tribute to one of their own, Xolile Ndlamini, who died earlier this year.
The nurses kept their distance from each other and wore their masks at all times during the ceremony.
Bertha Gxowa Hospital CEO Dr Arthur Manning shared a special message with the nurses.
He said despite the pandemic the country is fighting, the day was about the nurses.
“It’s not an ordinary day.
“But that has nothing to do with the viral pandemic or the economic upheaval in the country.
“It is extraordinary because we remember a special category of health workers today.
“Today, we hail the immeasurable contribution of nurses of all categories in the provision of healthcare – this is the career of nursing,” said Manning.
In his message, he shared the definition of a nurse.
“The word nurse is derived from ‘nourish’.
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“It means to supply what is necessary for life, for health, for growth, to cherish, to foster, to keep alive, to strengthen, to build up, and to promote.
“Nursing is a calling to go beyond your fears, beyond your anxieties, and beyond your own needs.
“It’s a calling to serve,” said Manning.
He also thanked and encouraged the nurses.
“At Bertha Gxowa Hospital, we have such precious gems among us and other precious stones in the making.
“I acknowledge all of you.
“You are the backbone, heart and soul of the hospital,” he said.
“Continue to practise your profession with honour, dignity and pride.
“If you think you are getting weary and it is becoming difficult, I pray that these words strengthen and invigorate you to get up and go.
“May the hand of God always be over you, protecting you.”
The nurses were pleased to have the opportunity to come together and celebrate the day, even though it was not a big celebration.
Tshepiso Motaung, who has been in the profession for five years, said she was happy to celebrate the day even in difficult times.
“We enjoyed all the messages of appreciation, especially as we are at the forefront of fighting this invisible yet deadly virus.
“It’s also motivating seeing healthcare workers coming together to work towards a common goal, which is elimination of this virus,” said Tshepiso.
Fellow nurse Simon Mabasa said the message from the CEO will inspire and motivate them to soldier on.
“As frontline workers facing the pandemic, we appreciate the message of support.
“I am prepared to put my country first and serve as a nurse since our duty as nurses is to nourish and nurse back to health.
“In these difficult times we shall nurse those who are infected and protect the nation from the spread of this pandemic,” said Mabasa.
During the ceremony, the nurses lit a candle for their fallen ‘soldier’, Ndlamini, as a sign that she had finished the journey of her calling.
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