Nurses serving with empathy and care
From left are nurses Pamela Mountain, Nolubabalo Gixela, Leonie Muggels, Alison Fritz, Nomviwo Mseleni, Tonia Mtyhalela, Francina Brown and Juliet Julius. At the back is Reginald Geswindt, nursing manager at Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital.
Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital nurses celebrated International Nurses Day on Friday May 12.
Held on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth in 1820, the day marks the contribution nurses make to society.
Nightingale, who organised care for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, is considered the founder of modern nursing, and that key element of caring for others still lies at the heart of the profession today, according to Alison Fritz, an assistant nursing auxiliary at Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital.
“It’s all about people. It all started with Florence Nightingale. We are sharing what she started off with. For me, it’s all about patient care, nursing care, serving them with respect and dignity,” she said.
“In today’s era, some come to the profession for money. I came here because I’m born to be a nurse. I was chosen to be a nurse, not here for the money but working with people. You’re not just a nurse as you become so much more than just a nurse. You’re a physio, a doctor, a counsellor and a friend. Just to sit with them to give an ear is so important so that you can treat them. Learn to listen and have an eye to see.”
Francina Brown, the hospital’s infection-control coordinator, said she had wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl as the profession was based on empathy and care. “Sometimes we lose those values, but we need to get them back.”
She added: “When I’ve seen I made a difference in the lives of patients, it is special as it has changed my life. Being compassionate is important to me.”
Reginald Geswindt, the hospital’s nursing manager, said they were celebrating the commitment and bravery of their nurses.
“We’re the backbone, without us, the system may collapse,” he said. “We’re working the hardest and yet we’re underrated and underpaid. We’re there at the bedside of patients 24/7 and advocate for the patients in a holistic way. At times, we need to lend an ear, dry the eyes and tears. We are proud to be the custodians of care and nurturing.”
