A Day in the Life of a Nurse
Nursing is a vital and rewarding profession, especially in South Africa where a shortage of nurses intensifies their importance in the medical field.
Meet Gabriella Serrotti, a dedicated registered nurse at Mediclinic, who, at the age of 21, was already pursuing advanced studies to become a sister.
In our 2016 interview, Gabriella shared the challenges of her role – from gruelling shifts to the emotional impact of patient care.
Her story highlights the demanding yet fulfilling nature of nursing, underscoring the urgent need for more healthcare professionals in South Africa.
Gabriella’s journey exemplifies the selflessness of nurses.
While our interview dates back to 2016, her dedication remains timeless, continuing to inspire and emphasize the crucial role of nurses in providing care and bridging healthcare gaps.
Table of Contents
The Different Types of Nurses in South Africa
The healthcare landscape in South Africa is illuminated by a diverse array of nursing professionals, each contributing their unique expertise to the well-being of the nation.
In South Africa, nursing offers various career paths:
- Auxiliary Nurse: Performs basic nursing procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse.
- Staff Nurse: Provides medical assistance, patient care, and health counselling.
- Registered Nurse: Holds a nursing qualification from the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
- General Nurse: Holds a Bachelor’s degree and is equipped with comprehensive nursing qualifications.
- Sister: Holds a managerial position, overseeing all nurses and making advanced decisions.
A Typical Working Day for Nurses
In the heart of healthcare facilities, nurses orchestrate a daily rhythm of compassion and expertise. Their days are a blend of healing, skill, and unwavering dedication, shaping moments of connection amidst medical interventions.
Gabriella shared with us what a typical day in the life of a nurse looked like for her. Gabriella’s typical day involves dedication and hard work:
- Early morning routine, coffee, and getting ready for work.
- Handover time to receive daily tasks such as patient care, observations, and preparing patients for procedures.
- Breakfast and tea breaks, during which doctors conduct rounds.
- Handling various patient cases, including nutty patients and those in need of specialized care.
- Documenting all patient interactions and treatments.
- Evening handover before heading home.please
How Nurses Shifts Work
Nurse shifts in South Africa typically operate on a 2-week cycle. Nurses work both long and short shifts during this period. Here’s how it generally works:
- Long Week: Nurses work on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday during the first week of the cycle. These shifts are usually 12 hours long.
- Short Week: During the second week of the cycle, nurses only work on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Again, these shifts are typically 12 hours long.
In a 28-day cycle, nurses work a total of 14 days.
- However, it’s important to note that staff nurses and sisters have the opportunity to work overtime.
- They can work additional shifts, typically 12 hours each, and are paid overtime rates.
- For example, Saturday night shifts often earn double the regular pay, while other overtime shifts are paid over and above the regular salary.
It’s essential for nurses to be aware of their shifts and the associated pay rates, as it can significantly impact their schedules and income. The regulations regarding shifts and pay rates are set by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and may be subject to changes or variations in different healthcare facilities.
Gabriella's Passion for Nursing
For Gabriella, nursing is all about helping people and making a difference in their lives. A passion for assisting others is the driving force behind her dedication to the profession.
Challenges and Rewards
Nursing has its challenges, including dealing with ungrateful patients and families. However, the rewards of seeing patients' improved health and well-being outweigh the difficulties.
Nurses encounter a range of challenges and rewards as they navigate their demanding and rewarding profession:
Challenges:
- Long and Irregular Hours: Nurses often work extended shifts, including weekends and holidays, which can lead to physical and mental fatigue.
- Emotional Toll: Witnessing patients’ suffering and sometimes dealing with loss can take a heavy emotional toll on nurses.
- High Stress Levels: The fast-paced and high-pressure environment of healthcare settings can contribute to stress and burnout.
- Physical Demands: Nurses are required to lift, move, and care for patients, which can lead to physical strain and injuries.
- Lack of Resources: Some healthcare facilities may have limited resources or staffing, leading to increased workload and decreased quality of care.
Rewards:
- Meaningful Impact: Nurses have the unique opportunity to make a positive difference in patients’ lives by providing care, comfort, and support.
- Building Relationships: Nurses forge strong bonds with patients and their families, often becoming trusted sources of guidance and empathy.
- Skill Development: The nursing profession offers continuous learning and skill development, allowing nurses to stay up-to-date with medical advancements.
- Variety of Specialties: Nurses can specialize in various fields, from pediatrics to critical care, enabling them to pursue their passion and expertise.
- Job Security: Nursing is a highly respected and essential profession, providing stable job prospects and opportunities for growth.
Education and Training
Gabriella pursued her nursing education through Mediclinic, starting with a 2-year course leading to enrollment as a nurse. She then undertook additional studies to become a registered nurse and then embarked on the journey of becoming a sister.
My educational journey unfolded at Mediclinic, where I undertook a transformative two-year course known as "Leading to Enrollment as a Nurse." This initial phase qualified me as a staff nurse, marked by the white shoulder insignia. To progress further, I pursued an additional two-year program, often referred to as a "bridging course." Contrary to the name, it's a route for existing staff nurses to become registered nurses.
Nurses can receive training and education at various institutions and settings, including:
Universities and Colleges: Many universities and colleges offer nursing programs at different levels, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in nursing. These programs provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical training.
Vocational Schools: Vocational or technical schools often offer practical nursing programs that focus on hands-on skills and clinical experience, leading to licensure as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Some hospitals and healthcare facilities provide in-house training programs for aspiring nurses. These programs may offer a combination of classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
Online Education: With advancements in technology, many institutions offer online nursing programs that allow students to complete coursework and clinical components remotely. However, hands-on clinical experience is still typically required.
Medical Centers and Teaching Hospitals: Medical centers and teaching hospitals may have nursing schools affiliated with them, offering comprehensive nursing education and training.
Nursing Associations and Organisations: Professional nursing associations and organisations often provide continuing education opportunities, workshops, and seminars to help nurses advance their skills and stay updated on the latest developments in the field.
Government Institutions: Some institutions offer nursing education through government institutions, providing specialised training for healthcare professionals serving in these sectors.
It’s important for aspiring nurses to research and choose accredited and reputable institutions that meet their educational and career goals.
Each training pathway has its own unique features, and prospective nurses should consider factors such as program duration, curriculum, clinical experience, and career opportunities when selecting their training path.
Advice for Aspiring Nurses
Gabriella offers valuable advice for those considering a nursing career, emphasizing the importance of a passion for helping people, quick thinking, and emotional resilience.
It’s hard and very strenuous. It’s mentally and physically challenging. If you go straight from school, you go from a 6-hour day to a 12-hour day. They expose you to really rough stuff in the first year. You’ll need to sit next to someone who doesn’t have family and wait with them while they pass on because everyone has the right to not be alone when they die. They don’t warn you about that. So take heed of my warning.
Earning Potential for Nurses
Nursing salaries vary, dependent on factors like one’s role, professional level, and nursing qualifications.
Typically, nursing remuneration spans a broad spectrum, ranging from R20,600 to R350,000. As previously indicated, a nurse’s earnings hinge on their specific role or professional tier.
Nursing offers competitive salaries, especially in management positions. While nurses may climb the career ladder, caring for patients remains an essential aspect of their role.
Career Opportunities in South Africa for Nurses
In South Africa, the field of nursing extends far beyond traditional patient care, offering a plethora of diverse and fulfilling career opportunities.
Nurses in this dynamic landscape have the chance to carve unique paths that align with their interests, skills, and aspirations.
There are numerous career opportunities available for nurses in South Africa. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Clinical Nurse Practitioner
This role involves advanced clinical practice, allowing nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage patients independently. They often specialize in specific areas such as family health, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
2. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are responsible for teaching and training the next generation of nurses. They work in nursing schools, hospitals, and healthcare organisations, imparting both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
3. Nurse Manager/Administrator
Nurse managers oversee nursing departments and units within healthcare facilities. They manage staff, budgets, and ensure that patient care is delivered effectively and efficiently.
4. Nurse Researcher
Nurse researchers contribute to the advancement of healthcare by conducting studies and investigations to improve patient outcomes, enhance treatments, and develop new nursing practices.
5. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients before surgeries and procedures. They play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety during medical interventions.
6. Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives provide care to expectant mothers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They can work in hospitals, clinics, or even offer home-based care.
7. Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational health nurses focus on promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of employees within workplaces. They address workplace health hazards, injuries, and provide wellness programs.
8. Hospice or Palliative Care Nurse
These nurses specialise in providing care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. They offer support, pain management, and emotional assistance to patients and their families.
9. Community Health Nurse
Community health nurses work in various settings, including clinics and community centres, to provide healthcare services and education to underserved populations.
10. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses have the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings across various regions. This role allows nurses to experience new environments while providing essential patient care.
Fund Your Nursing Studies with Fundi
Nursing is a much needed occupation in South Africa. Government and private medical institutions alike are in dire need of more nurses. More nurses would mean more efficient, better run and better care in all medical facilities.
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