Thembisile Mtshweni from Standerton contributes to well-being of community
Sister Mtshweni, who has been at the hospital for 10 years, works in OPD and sees between 200 and 350 patients daily, depending on the day.
The Lekwa community is warmly in appreciation of Sister Thembisile Mtshweni of Standerton Hospital.
The hospital CEO, Nhlanhla Dladla, recognised her contribution to improving health care by awarding a trophy and certificate to her on March 11.
Mtshweni, who has been at the hospital for 10 years, works in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and sees between 200 and 350 patients daily, depending on the day. Many messages from the community on Facebook confirmed her efforts.
“I was overwhelmed when reading the messages and spent the whole Saturday just crying,” she said.
Thembisile is married to Ntokoza, and they are blessed with two daughters, Awande and Simi.
Awande Dhlamini is a learner at Laerskool Standerton and the youngest, Simi Mtshweni, is at Wise Owls.
The birth of her children was a highlight in Thembisile’s life.
“If you have children, everything falls in place somehow.”
She added you have to support your children and have programmes in place to keep them off the streets.
“Parenting is an important ingredient in our lives.”
Thembisile was a learner at Stanwest Combined School and at first, her vision was to become a clinical psychologist.
“I, however, ended up in nursing.”
She studied her first course at Standerton Nursing College for two years and completed it in 2012.
This was followed by a second course she completed in 2016, and the last course, as a professional nurse, which she completed last May.
She admitted her work does not really allow time for hobbies, but in her free time, she keeps up to date with the latest news in the health sector.
Reggae music’s Bob Marley is a firm favourite, especially the inspiration encompassed in his songs.
Thembisile adheres to the Batho Pele principles and has strong views on the role of a nurse.
“Respect for patients and keeping their human dignity in mind are important aspects. You interact with patients across racial divisions and have to portray yourself in such a way as to be trusted.”
Administration also takes up a big part of her day, with all the statistics needed to be completed for OPD.
“I would like to be a matron one day,” Thembisile concluded.
“This award propels me to do much more.”
