Local nurse wins prestegious award

Life Robinson Private Hospital nurse Agnes Mahlangu was announced as one of the winners of the Florence Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing on 12 May.

Florence Nightingale is the founder of modern nursing and came to be well-known after tending to wounded soldiers in 1820 during the Crimean war.

According to Bio-Oil, the company that hosted the awards, the award is presented to nurses who resemble Nightingale’s compassion, sensitivity and belief in quality healthcare for all.

Mahlangu was chosen from a total of 1 846 nurses from 355 hospitals across the country.

According to her, she is honoured to have received the award and says that it was completely unexpected.

“I really did not expect this.

“I am honoured to know that my hard work is recognised appreciated, ” says Mahlangu.

She adds that she loves working with people, especially the elderly.

“I love my job and I love working with people from all walks of life and helping patients where I can.

“Being part of their healing process is really what drives me and seeing continous improvement in their health is one of the things that makes me proud of my profession,” says Mahlangu.

Mahlangu who was awarded with a R6 000 voucher is currently studying towards a degree in Nursing Education and Administration and says that she will be using some of her prize money towards her studies.

She says that she is also going to contribute some of it towards a children’s home she is involved with.

The Herald also spoke to Mahlangu’s colleagues who described her as one of the individuals who actually go above and beyond duty.