KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane. Image: KZN Department of Health/ Facebook.
Young men urged to consider nursing as a career
MEC Simelane made the nursing call during the graduation ceremony of 197 nurses, including 56 male nurses in KZN.
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane. Image: KZN Department of Health/ Facebook.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane, has urged young men to consider pursuing a career in the nursing profession.
NURSING GRADUATION INSIRES CALL TO INVITE MEN TO JOIN THE FIELD
Simelane made the call during the graduation ceremony of 197 nurses, including 56 male nurses, from the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing.
The MEC also noted that the overall representation of men in the department currently stands at 12% across all nursing categories, and at 20% when it comes to nursing managers.
However, she said, when it comes to the student nurse cohort, men account for 42%, which is a “welcome improvement towards the goal that we are pursuing.”
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MEC SIMELANE ENCOURAGED BY MEN WHO TOOK NURSING AS A CAREER
“We also note with a great deal of encouragement that 56 men [graduated] as male nurses today, which will add to the existing 4 088 cohort of male nurses. We encourage more men to consider pursuing a career in the nursing profession,” Simelane emphasised.
The MEC also called on all nurses in KwaZulu-Natal not to neglect their own health, while caring for others.
“Finding the time to take care of our health is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity. It is not an option or an afterthought, but a fundamental priority.
“We therefore encourage regular screening and preventive care among yourselves as well, because it can help detect potential health problems early, making them easier to manage or even prevent,” the MEC said.
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MEC ENCOURAGES HEALTH WORKERS TO MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Turning her attention to patient care, Simelane emphasised the need for nurses to advocate and care for patients.
“Do not be that single bad element who gives everyone else a bad name. Do not let your actions tarnish the image of your facility, our department, the community that you come from, and the nursing profession at large.
“Always remember the commitments that you’ve made in the Nurses’ Pledge, and stick to them. Remember that you have the power to heal, to comfort, and to inspire,” Simelane concluded.
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