Often at the forefront of health services, nurses are described as the ‘backbone’ and ‘heart beat’ of the medical profession. Their hard work was recognised last Wednesday when Estcourt Provincial Hospital held a Nurses Day of Prayer at the Nurses Home in the South Wing. Hospital management, board members, guests and local nurses were invited to the function, which was themed ‘nurses – a force for change – care effective, cost effective, improving health and well-being.’
The purpose of the day was highlighted by Mrs T Hlongwa who explained that Nurses Day was celebrated internationally on May 12, which also marked the birthdate of Florence Nightingale, whose contribution to nursing is seen as a beacon of light to nurses worldwide. Dr Lalitha Badul who represented the Multi-Disciplinary Team from the hospital emphasised team work in her speech, adding that respect, trust, caring and the right attitude gets one a long way.
The Key Note Address was presented by Mrs NP Xulu who is a Clinical Co-ordinator at the Durban University of Technology. Mrs Xulu who started her career as an Enrolled Nursing Assistant has mastered her trade by obtaining a Master Degree in Nursing, making her one of 20 nurses in KwaZulu-Natal to achieve this.
Her speech was a motivation to fellow nurses and she encouraged them to first love themselves as this will manifest in their jobs, transfer to their patients and colleagues. Mrs Xulu interpreted the day’s theme of care effective and cost effective nursing, backing her research up with information from the Patient’s Charter, Batho Pele Principles, Millennium Development Goals and National CO Standards. Her concluding words were: “Smile, walk tall and keep the lamp of Florence Nightingale burning.”
Special messages from the South African Council of Nursing and other individuals were read out by Ms Z Gumede. One of the highlights of the day was the reciting of the Nurses Pledge. Every nurse held a candle, while reciting the pledge.
It was a solemn and proud moment. Hospital Board Member Reverend Thusi delivered the vote of thanks before Chaplain K Mbili read from the Bible. Entertainment was provided by the Estcourt Choir who received thunderous applause and comments of appreciation from the audience. The day ended with a hearty warm lunch served to everyone present.
