Unsung heroes celebrated
Although nurses have always proven to be caring, empathetic and compassionate, Covid-19 has made it difficult for staff to cope.
With their commitment and care, nurses have established themselves as the backbone of the healthcare system. Traditional nursing, as we know it, is a far cry from the intense days nursing staff had to endure over the past two years.
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International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12, and this year those nurses who often feel worried and burnt out are acknowledged. This day provides the perfect opportunity to give a well-deserved thank you to all the nurses who sacrifice so much on a daily basis.
Life Flora Hospital honoured their unsung heroes for their continued perseverance and resilience – especially during the raging pandemic.
“We know that nurses are heroes. When Covid first arrived in the country, the nurses were ready and they were fearless. They put on their N95 respirator masks – which are much thicker than the normal face mask – and they braved their 12-hour shifts, continuing to save lives,” hospital manager Jacques de Klerk said.
“Since the establishment of nursing care dating back to the early 1800s, nurses have shown so much sacrifice in what they are willing to do for the world. I have had a deep-rooted respect for nurses all my life, and being trained by them in the profession as a young man only strengthened this level of appreciation.”
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Although nurses have always proven to be caring, empathetic and compassionate, Covid-19 has made it difficult for staff to cope on professional, personal and emotional levels. Nurse Manager, Dr Vasti van Niekerk also highlighted a BMC Nursing study which explored the experiences of nurses caring for patients with Covid-19.
“It is said that nurses experience excessive workloads, fear, anxiety and worry as well as compassion fatigue. Just because the patients don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. We’ve had heartbroken nurses saying that they’ve never had so many deaths under their hands, and it’s just horrific for them,” she explained.
“They take this feeling of devastation home with them, and it just sticks for long periods. However, the amazing thing about these nurses is that they’ve persevered. They’ve made it through and they’ve found new ways to cope.”
In recognition of these brave warriors, each nurse was personally commended on this special day by Life Healthcare’s Chief Nursing Officer Merle Victor, Corporate Services Manager Ayanda Myeni, Inland South Regional Nurse Manager Ravashni Naidoo and HR Operations Manager Roger Jannaway.
The event was also attended by Jacques and Dr Vasti as well as Life Flora Hospital’s Senior Nurse Manager Fathima Mohamed, and Nurse Manager Chrisna Scholtz.
The highlight of the occasion had to be when six of the hospital’s nurses received the sought-after ‘Great 100’ award.
Each year since 2011, Life Healthcare has held a Great 100 Nurses Celebration to honour 100 Life Healthcare nurses across the country who have made a significant difference to the profession of nursing and in the lives of patients, peers, students and the community.
“We make a point of it to make International Nurses Day a big celebration. It’s the least we can do as we have so much appreciation for everything they do for those around them. Each nurse also received a little gift from the hospital’s side to express our thanks. We truly hope that each nurse felt valued,” Jacques concluded.
