Unisa online - Nurses contributing to the future of nursing

Dr Mary Moleki (Chair of Department: Health Studies) reading the Nursing Pledge with her lantern

Prof Rosemary Moeketsi (Executive Dean of the College of Human Sciences) being presented with the Charlotte Searle rose bouquet

The Department of Health Studies recently hosted a celebration in honour of International Nurses Day at the Dr Miriam Makeba Hall, Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria. The hall was filled and brightened by the white outfits of nurses and other esteemed guests in tribute to Florence Nightingale’s birthday on 12 May 2012.

In her opening and welcoming speech, Chair of Department: Health Studies, Dr Mary Moleki, stated, “This is a special day for us, that the world is celebrating us as nurses.” She reflected on the background of International Nurses Day as a commemoration of the commitment made by nurses to contribute to the education of future health practitioners.

Prof Rosemary Moeketsi, Executive Dean of the College of Human Sciences, was awarded a Carol Searle rose bouquet to thank her for her leadership of the Nursing Staff in the Department. She remarked that her perceptions of the nurses had changed as sometimes people take them for granted and expressed how she was cared for when she was ill in hospital

Dr Moleki expressed her gratitude for the exceptional manner in which nurses contribute to society. She encouraged nurses to embrace each other, to be proud of themselves both as nurses and caring human beings, and to join in the celebration.

Dr Moleki with Prof Moeketsi planting the Charlotte Searle roses

Martha Malefo from the Department of Communication Science supported the day and expressed her view on the subject; “I wish all the nurses countrywide would keep their nurses’ pledge and keep a candle burning all the time. Medical care today is about money, and not about caring for the sick, as Florence Nightingale did.  People who train as nurses should have a calling and passion for the job and not do it for money”.

Prof Sarie Human from the Department of Health Studies gave a historical presentation on nursing. She focused on the contributions made by the nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale. The presentation gave a brief overview of Florence Nightingale’s Biography, highlighting some of her key contributions to nursing.

Dr Moleki elaborated on this important career, and described the unique contribution of nursing as “Science and Art”. She believes that their extraordinary skills in delivering care, both empathetically and scientifically, are the special attributes that make nurses invaluable.

Prof Tennyson Mgutshini concluded the event by reading from the Nursing Pledge. He acknowledged how far they had travelled as nurses, and described the profession of nursing as a profession of saving lives. The celebrations ended with the ceremonial hand-over of the Charlotte Searle rose bouquet to Prof Moeketsi where a planting ceremony was observed.