We salute and give thanks to our nurses this International Nurses Day

Each year, International Nurses Day shines a spotlight on the incredible nurses across the world who devote themselves to caring for and improving the lives of others. The theme of International Nurses Day on 12 May this year is Nurses: A Voice to Lead - a vision for future healthcare. As nurses have done so much to get us through this pandemic, we'd like to support their resilience with our recognition and gratitude.

Hospitals around the country have told us about nurses whose compassion and leadership have made a huge difference in the last year. Here's what they have to say about these phenomenal nurses.

Sister (Sr) Kavitha Rkioomar (Unit Manager - Medical Unit)

"In the corridors of the medical ward you will hear the well-recognised voice of Sr Kavitha motivating, supporting and educating. During these difficult times, she was an excellent example of a leader. Her staff and patients turned to her for support and guidance in the most difficult times. What an exceptional caring voice for nurses."

Sister (Sr) Philile Zikalala (Infection Control Nurse)

"Sr Zikalala herself had COVID-19, and not only assisted patients but was also there for each and every nurse, coming out to assist with notification and reporting, guiding and assisting all the other Unit Managers on what to do and how to do it. She was a pillar of strength, and a voice to lead and to listen to - a voice for the nurses with COVID-19 - communicating daily with them and motivating them during their own time of sickness."

Magda van Vuuren

"In 2020 the world was hit by a pandemic like we have never experienced. In these difficult and unsure times, we needed individuals to stand up and lead us. People who could think on their feet and make a plan in very difficult situations. Magda is one of these very special people. She focused her energy and time on running the hospital, putting protocols in place to protect her staff, patients, colleagues and friends. She placed all her own needs on the back burner to focus on the hospital and everyone in it. On top of this, she moved to Lenmed Ahmed Kathrada to assist them in their time of need. She dived in head first and kept the ship afloat. This was no easy task and she is continuing the process. She is still focusing on quality and care for our patients. She is always available with advice and an ear to listen. She will go out of her way to ensure that patients and staff get the best care and opportunities. Magda is a real inspiration in these difficult times."

Registered Nurse (RN) Bulelwa Sogiba

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, RN Bulelwa Sogiba worked in the intensive care unit (ICU) department under huge pressure and stress due to the critical condition some of the patients were in. We had difficulty getting staff to cover shifts. RN Sogiba is a shift leader and takes every day very seriously. On a specific day during COVID-19, they could not find enough Registered Nurses for the night shift. Due to her dedication and commitment to her patients, RN Sogiba volunteered to do a 24-hour shift to ensure her patients were given the care they deserve. RN Sogiba is a true inspiration and example of dedication to the nursing profession. Her light shines brightly in the midst of this pandemic."

Sister (Sr) Tammy Nadesan (Unit Manager - Surgical Ward 1)

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sr Tammy Nadesan worked in the yellow zone, where many patients tested positive. She is over 60 years old and set the example for the rest of the team by living the values. She was able to swiftly change from yellow zone to green zone to accommodate patients waiting for surgery. In addition, Sr Tammy set an example by quickly and accurately completing her notifications and assisting her colleagues. She supported her staff who tested positive, and counselled and coaxed them to work in all areas in the hospital, including the ICUs. Her relationships with patients were exceptionally caring and empathetic, which resulted in the ward gaining many compliments during this difficult time. She really shone during the COVID-19 pandemic to help us through as a nursing team."

Registered Nurse (RN) Bongiwe Mthethwa (Theatre Operating Room)

"A shining star who stood out for me in 2020 was Sr Bongiwe Mthethwa. She was the COVID-19 patient liaison who went from bed to bed, assisting patients and families to contact each other. Her kindness, patience and compassion shone through. She would ensure that families from many networks could get on the social platform - no easy feat, as many times she coordinated from different time zones around the world. She would frequently come in on her days off to update patients' families. She tirelessly coached families through the difficulties of talking to loved ones on their deathbeds, and to those who were unconscious and ventilated. Not once did she complain. Her workload was extremely tough, yet she did everything with devotion and kindness."

Registered Nurse (RN) Elaine Le Fleur (Surgical ICU)

"RN Elaine Le Fleur is shift leader who ensures team cohesion and, by maintaining this, she was able to assist Surgical ICU (SICU) through the rocky road during the pandemic. She always ensured that patient care was excellent. She upheld our hospital's values by helping resolve staff shortages in COVID-19 units, taking on the nursing of ventilated patients and overseeing SICU. She had shorter breaks to ensure her team was supported on the floor and also worked extra shifts to cover the unit, even though she had a close family member in a critical condition in hospital. We salute you, Elaine!"

Enrolled Nurse (EN) Nondumiso Mqadi (Surgical ICU)

"During the pandemic, Nondumiso left her children with relatives so that they were safe. She came to work daily and was often nursing critically ill patients under investigation (PUI) and ensuring that they were well taken care off, even though she herself is asthmatic. She also ensured that patients' families were kept informed about their loved ones. She definitely gave of her best during the pandemic. She ensured that her team maintained COVID-19 protocols to protect themselves. She has never complained about the workload or about working in any department. We salute you, Nondumiso!"

Jeanne Rasmussen (Infection prevention and control (IPC) and clinical facilitator)

"Jeanne Rasmussen has been a source of strength throughout the last year, ensuring COVID-19 training happened for everybody in the hospital. She tirelessly makes sure the hospital remains compliant in terms of IPC and kept us all updated with statistics and new procedures and protocols. We thank Jeanne for all she has done, an unsung hero indeed!"

Matron Glynis Herselman

"Matron Glynis Herselman has shown exceptional commitment during this pandemic. Glynis avails herself at every time of the day, and her support to the managers and nurses in the hospital goes without saying. She has been a source of support. The nursing space at Zamokuhle is lucky to have a person of her calibre, with knowledge and understanding of the field. A great asset generally to the nursing community."

Enrolled nurse (EN) Cynithia Hlongwane

"I had been nursing for eight years when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I was initially very scared that I would infect my loved ones. I did not know what to expect as this was my first experience with a pandemic in my career. I am passionate about nursing and had a positive attitude to the COVID-19 patients. This helped me give the best possible care to my patients."

Sister (Sr) Evashni David

"When I think of the year 2020, a gripping sense of pain courses through my body. Scenarios and scenes of daily events play out in my head and are sadly unforgettable. Bitter sweet, you may call it. Bitter being an understatement due to the multitude of loss that was bestowed upon us in terms of human life. Despite being faced with many challenges, I found myself in the midst of things, hopeful and with a belief that I wake up with a purpose and that is to preserve life at any cost, even if it meant facing the pandemic called COVID-19 head on. On a sweeter note, I have persevered through the storm. I have gotten through 2020 as a frontline worker with the support of my team and the ongoing prayer of the nation."

Registered Nurse (RN) Cindy Pillay

"No Healthcare Professionals will forget the year 2020. At the time it seemed merely a buzzword, COVID-19, and little did we know the impact this was going to have in our daily lives. Each shift was tough, and it came with uncertainty of what the day would bring. The selflessness and teamwork from colleagues was truly admirable. Nursing, in my opinion, is more than just a job, it is about serving humanity. Despite the challenges, there was still moments of relief and happiness, such as when a patient recovered and when tests were negative. I overcame 2020 with the support of my family, friends and colleagues by always putting my faith in God first."

Sister (Sr) Desiree Joseph (Unit manager)

"The year 2020 was the most challenging time in my career, both physically and emotionally. Patients needed constant emotional and physical support, which I had to ensure was done efficiently every day. My patients were my first priority. Patients' relatives also had to be given emotional support during this time, which meant working out of our normal hours. The most etched memories were seeing the patients completely helpless, and no matter how hard we tried, there was only one inevitable outcome. Over my 25 years of nursing I have never witnessed any event like this. At times, my colleagues turned to me for consolation. Even with my experience I felt helpless. Things that got me through 2020 was constant support from my family, colleagues and constant prayers."

Sister (Sr) Jayshree Moodley (Unit Manager - Medical Ward Two)

"Initially there was fear and uncertainty of what the pandemic would bring. Being in the profession for 28 years, and never being exposed to something like this before was strange at the beginning. My passion for my profession and my love for humanity was the driving force to getting through each day. To stand together as a team, and to support each other was truly heart-warming. The teamwork helped us get through each day. The support from management, from the doctors, physiotherapists and nursing teams was outstanding. We had no choice but to keep a positive mindset for the patients and for each other. "

Nursing Services Manager (NSM) Rome Pillay

"Being an NSM, I just moved from one hospital to another, so I experienced COVID-19 in two institutions. Never in my nursing career did I ever experience something like this. I was involved from the very beginning of COVID-19, the first patient that was positive, I was on duty and it was up to me to put my training into practice. This was reality and this was it! I still remember getting a small team together and started delegating duties as it was after 16H00, while the doctor just stood and watched what I was doing. The move went smoothly that day, I felt proud of myself. Thereafter we had an influx of COVID-19 patients that were very ill, battling to breathe, most passed away and some survived. It was unbelievable. It was a very emotional time for me and my staff, using PPE and working was hard. I watched staff become infected and booking off, staffing was a problem, agency staff was difficult to get. I worked many late nights, that my family life took a toll. I spent most of my time in the hospital and did the best I could. During my interviews with staff that was positive, it was sad to hear what each one of them experienced. 2020 was the 'Year of the nurse', I totally agree when all others were safe at home, we the nursing staff stayed and cared for our patients. I am glad that I was part of this pandemic, I learnt a lot and it made me stronger and more resilient. I added value and made a difference, that is the reason I am a nurse."

What can you do to make a difference on International Nurses Day?

Thank the nurses in your life. Nursing is known for being a "behind-the-scenes" profession. A simple "thank you for all you do" could make a nurse's day by showing that you notice their hard work. This year, the greatest gift we can give our nurses is to stay safe by adhering to all the preventive measures of social distancing, wearing a mask and regularly washing our hands so that we can avoid overloading our hospitals. You can also post a special message of thanks on social media to brighten up a nurses' day.