International Nurses’ Day – Department and SAPS working together for safer health facilities
Today, the Western Cape MEC of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, honoured nurses throughout the province at Groote Schuur Hospital’s International Nurses’ Day celebrations.
This event, and others like it across the province, pays tribute to the commitment and dedication shown by nurses in the Western Cape towards the realisation of a health system which delivers quality care to patients.
The celebrations are held each year on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, this year under the theme, ‘Nurses: A force for change: improving health systems' resilience.’
Health systems are only as strong as the people in them, and people can only perform at their best in a safe and secure environment. Crime and violence are societal issues which threaten the effective functioning of the health system. Crime not only affects the Department but all people in the Western Cape.
To meet this growing challenge, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for the South African Police Service, Major General Patekile, has agreed to be a member of the Western Cape Provincial Health Council. This will assist us with the fight against crime at our health facilities.
It is our belief that by working together with other departments, organisations and, most importantly, communities, we can meet the threat that often presents itself at our door. The Department has already spent R175 382 000 in the past year providing security services for health care workers and our clients. A further R185 713 000 is committed for the current financial year.
Nursing is not just a vocation but a calling – it is not only about providing a health service but is also about advancing the dignity of people by providing quality person centred care.
The 12 980 nurses staffing our 482 health service points, often working in challenging environments, are the backbone of the province’s health system and are crucial to achieving safe, healthy, connected and resilient communities.
Nurses who are at the health system’s coalface not only provide quality patient care but are crucial to empowering clients with knowledge that will allow them to make healthy lifestyle choices which prevent illness.
Are you interested in becoming a Nurse?
Read more about the nursing profession and where you can study below.
What is nursing?
Nursing is one of the oldest and most trusted professions. It has over the years evolved to embrace more areas of healthcare other than the traditional forms of nursing. Delivering safe and quality healthcare and caring for a patient's wellbeing first is the basic principle of the nursing profession.
What do nurses do?
Modern day nursing professionals cover a variety of fields in the health sector and some of a nurse's daily duties may include:
- Perform physical examination on patients.
- Promote health education and counselling.
- Analyse patient health history and electronic graphics.
- AdMEC injections, care for wounds and perform several personal patient interventions.
- Interpret patient information and issue medication.
- Perform administrative duties working in collaboration with other health professionals such as doctors.
- Monitor healthcare trends and contribute towards improved practice research.
What career options does nursing offer?
Healthcare has advanced to the extent that opportunities can be found in a variety of work environments other than hospitals and clinics. Places where nurses can be employed include:
- Schools and universities.
- Correctional facilities.
- Sporting events.
- Corporate companies.
- Shopping malls.
- Shelters for homeless persons.
- Recreational areas such as beaches.
- War zone camps and at sea
What do i need to do to become a nurse?
Nurses are some of the most needed professionals and an accredited post-matric qualification stands you a good chance of getting employed.
Where can i get financial assistance towards my studies?
The Western Cape Department of Health offers a limited number of bursaries for full-time study each year. You can access more information on the Western Cape Government Health Bursaries page.
Where can i study nursing in the Western Cape?
Some of the institutions where you can study to become a nurse include:
Western Cape College of Nursing
Klipfontein Road, Heideveld
Tel: 021 684 1200
Web: www.cput.ac.za
University of Cape Town
Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Tel: 021 406 6401
Fax: 021 406 6323
E-mail: nursing@uctgsh1.uct.ac.za
Web: http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/nursing
University of Stellenbosch
Faculty of Health Sciences
Tel: 021 938 9111
Web: Health Sciences
University of the Western Cape
The School of Nursing
Tel: 021 959 2911
Web: www.uwc.ac.za/school-of-nursing
How will i know if an institution is accredited?
It is important that you register with an accredited institution in order to obtain an accredited qualification. To verify the accreditation status of an institution, you can contact any of the following:
Department of Higher Education and Training
Call Centre: 0800 872 222
Tel: 012 312 5911
Fax: 012 321 6770
E-mail: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
Web: www.dhet.gov.za
South African Nursing Council
Telephone (Call Centre)
National: 012 420 1000
E-mail: registrar@sanc.co.za
South African National Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
Tel: 012 431 5000
Fax: 012 431 5147
E-mail: saqainfo@saqa.org.za
Enquiries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Spokesperson to the Western Cape MEC of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo
Cell: 076 171 5978
Tel: 021 483 5862
Email: luyanda.mfeka@westerncape.gov.za
