The world is your oyster if you go into nursing
Nursing in South Africa faces many challenges but one has to look beyond the obvious to see the satisfaction and enjoyment a career in care can bring. spoke to Sharon Vasuthevan, group nursing and quality executive at Life Healthcare Group about the indus
attend a university and obtain a degree in nursing. Both of these options lead to registration as a nurse. The advantage of the degree is that it allows one to pursue an academic career leading, ultimately, to a PhD in nursing.
Nurses can specialise in a number of areas, both clinical and non-clinical, post registration. The important aspect is that nurses have opportunities in a variety of settings and will always have employment. Courses are available at both college and university levels. with many of our nurses achieving undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and representing the group at scientific conferences, both nationally and internationally. Health care has become increasingly specialised, which has also resulted in a greater need for specialist nurses.
Furthermore, the use of state-of-the-art technologies in nursing practice, infection prevention, teaching and learning has proven to be critical in successful nursing. specifically in the areas of critical care, operating theatre nursing, primary health care, occupational health care, education and management. There is also a big research aspect out there for nurses who wish to evolve as scientists. Nurses must have the ability to show empathy and compassion, be critical thinkers, problem solvers and be a natural carer. Nurses have the opportunity to become leaders, so great leadership qualities also come into play.
Nationally, nursing is in crisis because we have a nurse shortage and are not training as many nurses nationally, as a country, to meet the needs of the services.
The various training initiatives both in the public and private sectors are inadequate and needs a major overhaul at national level.
Registered and specialist nurses are in short supply and these categories are critical to the health-care services and in meeting the needs of patients and communities. Up-skilling and additional training is, therefore, required.
Life Healthcare offers our nursing staff regular learning opportunities to up-skill and ensure they are practicing their best quality care.