Nursing is in her blood
HAVING served the Zululand community for 18 years, Sister Madeleen van Niekerk has earned tons of respect and a reputation for caring.
Patients always leave her rooms at Medipark Pharmacy (which is part of the uMhlathuze Pharmacy Group), not only with the right diagnosis and medication, but also feeling better and happier.
Sr Madeleen is able to use her bubbly nature and warm smile to make her patients feel at ease.
‘When it comes to my job I treat everyone the same; I focus on the person, their problem and their need,’ she says.
The 49-year-old professional nurse has acquired a number of qualifications over the years, and her 32-year working experience makes her one of the most sought-after nurses in the area.
She completed a fouryear nursing diploma, a two-year nursing administration and education certificate, completed a post graduate programme at Boston University of Medicine in Paediatric Nutrition and is a qualified National Asthma Educator.
Added to all of this are numerous certificates for courses she has completed.
‘I always wanted to be a nurse as I love helping and serving others and have had a passion for what I am doing.
‘I think what got me interested in nursing was when I experienced a home delivery in the back of the garden when in grade 6.’
Through all the years of working, Madeleen has met and helped hundreds of people and has a number of highs and lows that will stick with her.
‘I have delivered babies, resuscitated someone back to life and started two clinics in my career.’
She started working in a three-bedroom house in the middle of Leandra, trying to aid the local community in the location. ‘Eventually the Department of Health gave us some money and we founded the Lebohang Health Care Centre where I was the Chief Professional Nurse for six years.’
Madeleen started the clinic at Medipark Pharmacy and currently presents talks, courses, wellness days, visits old age homes and completes all health related issues with the Golden Oldies. ‘My dream is to have my own private practice and specialise in children and old people.’
Lowlights stuck in her memory bank over the years include losing patients that grew close to her heart and the accident of former work colleague
Kobus van Wyk. ‘I wake up every morning and ask God to help me use my knowledge and experience to help at least make a difference in one person’s life.’