Johannesburg - This year has undisputedly been one of the most daunting years for South African nurses who have been at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.
This year’s International Nurses’ Day on May 12 was somehow overshadowed by the growing number of Covid-19 cases and the then imposed hard lockdown restrictions.
Gauteng’s steady progress in recovery rate which is sitting at 32% and the easing of lockdown restrictions nationwide have now allowed for the official honouring of nurses.
Gauteng Health Department and the Gauteng Nurse Leaders Forum are set to host a Nurses Day of Prayer on Thursday, with the aim of celebrating and recognising the role played by health-care workers within the province’s health-care system.
The Star interviewed some of the nurses ahead of the big day. They shared their trials and tribulations during pandemic.
Thelma Mokoena, 39, an assistant manager nurse at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane cited improvisation has helped them in their fight against Covid 19.
With more than 20 years of experience in the nursing field, Mokoena spoke highly of nurses at the hospital.
“Times have been difficult for all of us, but the staff at Steve Biko has been outstanding and went the extra mile during this challenging period.”
Mokoena conceded their fight has not been easy with countless reports of personal protective equipment shortages at various health facilities.
“When the president declared the National State of Disaster (in March) we did our research and we were anticipating the shortage of PPE.”
“Remember, this was a period when PPE was in demand. So the quality was always going to be compromised as time went by and some of the things were blown out of proportion.”
Mokoena said they have discovered that a lot of pregnant mothers were Covid positive, citing that their compromised immune system and lack of vitamins might have been the reason for this.
Nurse Tembakazi Mashamaite from the Tembisa-based Ethafeni Clinic said making a difference in the lives of community members has been her greatest satisfaction.
“We work 12-hour shifts because I believe this is a calling and knowing that you have made that meaningful impact in someone’s life gives us the greatest pleasure.”
Mashamaite said serving community members in one of the province’s largest townships has its challenges.
“People come from all walks of life. You have to try by all means to meet them halfway.
“Ever since the start of the Covid19 the clinic has changed in the way it operates to make sure that we don’t turn anyone away. We still assist those with chronic illness while also dealing with Covid-19 cases.”
Mashamaite applauded the health department for their contribution and support during this pandemic.
“The health department has come under a lot of criticism. The same applies to nurses and all the healthcare workers but I’d really like to appreciate everyone who goes beyond the call of duty,” she said.
For Zengezile Makhombothi, 35, operations manager nurse at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Joburg, it was the public’s ignorance that has made their jobs even difficult.
“Our people are disobedient and therefore we must take the blame. Wearing of masks should not be debated at this stage.”
Makhombothi raised her concerns with the gradual reopening of the economy.
“Trauma cases have now gone up due to alcohol and hosting of other events compared to the hard lockdown period.”
The operational manager said the country’s nurse unemployment rate is disheartening considering that they are short-staffed.
“The Covid-19 exposed us and we had to embark on an emergency employment. Almost everyone including myself had tested positive for the virus.
“Now we were sitting with newly recruited nurses with no experience but nonetheless they applied themselves very well and made a huge difference in fighting this virus.”
The Star