#InternationalNursesDay: Retired nurses still care

“BEING a nurse is about having a passion and love for your job and, most importantly, having empathy – putting yourself in the patient’s situation.” This is according to retired nurse Pam Zungu.

After working as a nurse for 46 years, Zungu is now the president of the Masibambisane Retired Nurses’ Organisation.

Speaking to the Highway Mail, she said the organisation, which is comprised of retired nurses from Clermont, KwaDabeka, Wyebank and the Pinetown area, was started in 2001 by Dora Khanyile, Nomalizo Sixishe and Gloria Shabalala.

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Last Wednesday, dressed in their beautiful nurses’ uniforms, the members gathered at the Clermont Hall at their annual general meeting, which is Masibambisane’s biggest gathering.

The day was also held to celebrate International Nurses’ Day. “The Nurses’ Day of Prayer for all the nurses is observed from the 6th to the 12th of May each year.

“May 12 is Florence Nightingale’s birthday – the founder of the nursing profession. We also lit candles and recited the Nurses’ Pledge of Service,” she said.

Talking about the organisation, Zungu said their theme is ‘United to Promote Togetherness’.

“This is exactly what we stand for: We are united, we show love to one another, and as we are pensioners, there are sick ones [among us] who can no longer meet with [a medical professional]. We go to visit them from time to time – this was the purpose of Masibambisane when it was first started – to care for one another when we are at home and have nothing to do. Being part of this organisation keeps us going and looking forward to the next day.”

The members do not only care for one another, but they also engage in outreach programmes.

“We visit various homes and special schools where we spend the day, make a donation, interact in fun activities and share love,” she said.

Asked about the difference in the nursing industry compared to the old days, Zungu said she cannot pinpoint one thing or one industry as she feels that there are many challenges in society.

“Things have changed, and there are many challenges nowadays, everywhere,” she said.

Zungu worked in the nursing industry for 46 years and retired as a nursing manager at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital before joining Masibambisane in 2015.

Her caring nature comes from when she was a child.

“My grandmother had breast cancer, and I used to spend a lot time with her. I witnessed her pain – that was one of the reasons I studied nursing. My mother was also a nurse; even my daughter is a nurse,” she said, her face beaming.

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