NURSES play an invaluable role in the health and well-being of communities, forming the backbone of any healthcare system.
Empangeni’s Sister Glenrose Manyathi (41) spends her days impacting the lives of people when they are most vulnerable, not only through clinical care, but also through the compassion she demonstrates when it is most needed.
The Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Regional Hospital nurse, originally from Nqutu, comes from a family of passionate healthcare practitioners, with both her sister and aunt being qualified nurses.
Graduating from the Charles Johnsons Memorial Hospital, Sister Glenrose has also worked in Saudi Arabia for a few years.
‘The knowledge I gained abroad and working with diverse nationalities with different cultures and norms have opened my eyes.’ she said.
‘Despite my love for nursing, it was not easy in the field initially as I dealt with the critically ill, those near death, abnormal babies with distraught parents and so on.
‘One works under stressful conditions, serving a large community and you are expected to do your best despite the many obstacles.
‘When complaints are lodged, it is discouraging. Nurses have five professional roles they are expected to fulfill at all times and owing to circumstances it is often difficult to meet all the demands.’
But despite the challenges, she believes nursing is a calling.
‘The profession needs people who are dedicated, knowledgeable, skillful, passionate, efficient, proficient and able to practice her expertise.
‘My first delivery of a normal baby was so exciting.
‘The hardest part is delivering abnormal babies and breaking the bad news to the mother and family.’
In her spare time, the single mother of two enjoys jogging, any novel by Danielle Steel and a good seafood dish.
