Going the extra mile to care for others
Robert Mngambi is an Eastern Cape healthcare worker who goes the extra mile to ensure that people who cannot afford private healthcare have access to quality services.
The 32-year-old works as a theatre nurse and describes his job as fascinating.
Despite initially aspiring to a career in broadcasting, fate led him to the noble vocation of nursing, where he found his true calling and embraced it with passion.
Mngambi’s journey has been marked by challenges.
In 2014, he made the courageous decision to return to school to start grade 11 at the age of 22.
By 24, he had earned his matric but found himself working as a petrol attendant.
Undeterred, however, he embarked on further education at the age of 26, eventually graduating from Lilitha Nursing College.
“At school my heart was set on becoming a radio presenter,” Mngambi said.
“However, due to limited resources and opportunities in rural areas, I found myself drawn to agriculture and biology.
“While I held equal interest in both fields, fate intervened, and I seized the nursing opportunity that came my way.”
Born and bred in Kwabhaca (Mount Frere), he said he had always been driven by the need to facilitate change.
“My day-to-day work is a fascinating journey of learning as we encounter diverse cases that challenge and enrich our skills.
“It’s a rewarding experience centred on preserving lives,” he said.
Like any other profession, Mngambi says, nursing comes with its challenges.
“At first, being a male nurse, particularly in obstetrics and gynaecology, presented some challenges.
“You encounter very intimate situations with female patients, but ultimately we are trained extensively to handle these situations.
“We develop a fundamental understanding of the human body, which we see as simply an organ.
“Our role as nurses is clear, and with time, you become used to every aspect of the job.”
He said maintaining a positive attitude was his recipe for success.
“While we operate within a framework of shared goals and ethical standards, it’s individual positivity that helps navigate challenges and achieve desired outcomes.”
Mngambi said nursing extended beyond physical care and included social and spiritual aspects.
Reflecting on his journey, Mngambi said his proudest moment was his decision to return to high school at the age of 22, persisting until he achieved his dream of becoming a professional nurse.
He said he wanted to be remembered as someone who defeated the odds to achieve his career ambition.
“I hope to be remembered as a person from the rural areas who overcame failure, transformed his life through education and realised his dreams.”
Mngambi said his journey would not have been possible without the support of his loved ones.
“My journey was fuelled by the support of my family, friends and colleagues, as well as my unwavering determination to change my situation.”
Addressing aspiring nurses, Mngambi said among the important attributes needed as a nurse were humility, cultural sensitivity and respect for the profession.
“To those considering nursing, approach it with a mindset of continuous learning and a deep appreciation for the diverse beliefs and customs of those you serve.”
Growing up in a big family where he had six siblings, Mngambi said another driver was the urge to change the situation at home.
“Life has not been easy. I come from a big family that was headed by a single bread winner who [worked away from home]. But we made it work,” he said.