It’s all about being humble and progressing humanity
Ernst van Rensburg is a Dis-Chem and Dis-Chem Baby City clinic admin manager
How did you end up in the work you do?
My passion for nursing began in my childhood, from my initial experiences visiting family in the hospital and watching nurses helping patients. My empathetic nature resonated with these caring and passionate professionals. I realised then that this career would align perfectly with my character.
What makes you a good nurse?
A combination of technical skills, compassion, empathy, professionalism and a commitment to others’ wellness and welfare. I believe, like other professionals, that continuous learning is important to keep ahead of trends in the industry.
What traits make a good nurse?
In my opinion, a nurse is a “good” nurse when he advocates for his patients and always has their best interests at heart. Nurses often advocate and give a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves, such as the vulnerable, the frail and the disabled.
The stereotypical nurse is female, how has this affected you and your work?
Despite the stereotype associating nursing primarily with women, I am pleased to see this changing. As a proud male in nursing, I advocate inclusivity in health care and the elevation of men’s health.
When I started my studies, it immediately became apparent that most patients are not used to being nursed by a man. People are usually very curious and are often pleasantly surprised to find out that the number of male nurses is increasing.
Nursing is a humble and honourable profession, one that I am certainly very proud of. With nurses being more in demand than ever, I encourage all men who are interested in the profession to find out more about studying nursing.
What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
Nursing is rewarding and I cherish every moment of my nearly decade-long experience in the field, caring and looking after others’ wellbeing. The impact of the work we do, and the multifaceted roles nurses play in patient care, from initial patient contact to co-ordinating care, monitoring conditions, educating patients and families, offering emotional support, promoting health and championing public health initiatives makes it all worthwhile.
What part of your job would you like to outsource to someone else?
With the advent of artificial intelligence there are some administrative tasks that we have shed across the 524-clinic network, such as automating shifts and optimising staff placement through the pharmacies; this includes tailored patient reminders for medication schedules, new prescription submissions and repeat prescription orders via our app, SMS, WhatsApp, or e-mail. This has enhanced workflow efficacy, allowing us to focus more on patient care and strategic management. With its intricate blend of medical expertise and compassionate care, nursing remains a profession that thrives on the irreplaceable human touch, an essence no AI can replicate.
What lessons did you learn during Covid, and are they still relevant today?
During 2020 I was initially responsible for contacting all Covid-19 patients who tested positive at a Dis-Chem testing facility. In 2021 I was working at one of the country’s first Covid-19 vaccination facilities.
Covid-19 taught me that as South Africans we are much more resilient than we realise. People were forced to wait in queues for hours, and I was proud to see how gentle and patient people were towards one another. I think that many of these values are still visible today.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be in a profession where I could make a difference in people’s lives. Nursing appealed to me because of its direct impact on patient care and wellbeing.
What advice do you have for young people wanting to study nursing?
Go for it. Nursing is one of those professions that progresses humanity. Embrace diversity, stay curious about emerging technologies like AI, and diversify your skill sets to support this profession.
Additionally, maintaining a balanced life with adequate rest, regular exercise, proper nutrition and laughter is essential for preserving wellbeing and good mental health.