Why Nursing?

Nursing is a calling to serve humankind. Most people start nursing because they care about other people and because they like helping people.

It is however important to understand that nursing is not always an easy task, but it is very rewarding and enjoyable. It feels great when you can reach out, touch someone in need, and help someone regain his or her health. It feels fantastic to be able to bring a new baby into the world and to make use of all the latest technology. It also feels wonderful to care for the young and old and make the dying person more comfortable. Nursing also teaches us to understand the different behaviours of people, to develop good interactive skills and coping mechanisms and to increase our emotional intelligence.

Nurses are important in communities too. They are often looked upon as the educated and are therefore asked to take the lead in community projects and development initiatives. Nurses can and do, make a difference in the world.

Yes, nurses sometimes care for people with infectious diseases. Nurses are trained how to protect themselves and others to minimize the risk. At the beginning of their training, nursing students are strongly advised to use different methods of boosting their immunity, e.g., having immunisations, ensuring that they follow a balanced diet and developing a healthy lifestyle to increase their levels of protection from disease.

It is a legal requirement that employers put protective measures in place, but it is also required that employees comply with these measures and do everything in their power to protect themselves and prevent injury or infections. In the event that a nurse is exposed to a health risk, he or she will be treated immediately, and the necessary policies and procedures will be implemented. Please ensure that you ask your lecturers for the necessary information.