Free State nurses have gathered to celebrate International Nurses Day under the theme: Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care at the Imvelo Safari Lodge outside of Bloemfontein.

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on the 12 May to celebrate the life of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The Department of Health in collaboration with the provincial government organised the event on Friday (17/5) to celebrate young and old nurses for their dedication to the profession.

“As we are here today to celebrate you, I am also asking all of you to be involved in your communities, let us build better communities that are resilient, sustainable, and successful,” said Premier Dukwana.

Premier Dukwana, MEC Leeto, and Mayor Nthatisi arrived at Imvelo accompanied by nurses. Picture: Facebook / Free State Provincial Government

He was joined by Health MEC Mathabo Leeto, Free State HOD of Health Godfrey Mahlatsi, Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, nurses, and managers from all the districts of the province.

“We are grateful for the care that you provide to people, it is the way you make us feel, it is also the way you take care of us even when we act as if we don’t need your help, and ladies and gentlemen I say to you today, you are appreciated.”

Compassion, empathy, and sympathy were mentioned numerous times as the important qualities that nurses need to have. “These qualities have to be there because I don’t see how else you could pursue nursing if you don’t really care and see yourself through the patients themselves,” said Pelonomi Hospital Community Service Nurse Roché van Jaarsveld.

Prizes and certificates that were handed to nurses from the province at the award ceremony. Picture: Facebook / Free State Provincial Government

“On a daily, there are so many challenges nurses face but the most challenging is assistance because in the country we are in there is a lack of resources, therefore we can’t assist as much as we would really want to.”

The main challenge we have is a shortage of staff, and as a government, we are trying to amend that by making sure that we create adequate posts for nurses, said Mangaung District Primary Healthcare Manager Wesi Malete.

“Knowing that nurses are the epitome of health there is always hope for a brighter and better future where we really want to work hard to ensure that we augment the staffing levels that we are currently having.”

The nursing organization was present to celebrate the organization's nurses. Picture: Zenande Mpame

Nursing is not a field for females only, but it is a field for both genders and I encourage most males to come forward so that we fill this gap, it is encouraging and fulfilling being a professional nurse. There are many opportunities in the profession, said Pelonomi Hospital ICU Area Manager Pule Lethetsa who has been a nurse for 30+ years.

“This profession is heavily populated by females and we encourage males to join the profession because this field is one of those that needs brave and strong men,” said Pelonomi Hospital Assistant Director in Accident and Emergency Unit Mohau Morake, with 24 years as a male nurse.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh