KZN MEC Nomagugu Simelane at the KwaZulu Natal College of Nursing graduation ceremony.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has commended the 195 nurses who graduated on Thursday, with 86 completing a Diploma in Nursing and 109 a Diploma in General Nursing ‒ 159 graduates are entering the workforce for the first time, with 79 being male.
The MEC highlighted the province’s improved pass rate of 97% in 2023 and saying the graduates’ newly-acquired skills and qualifications will help enhance health-care service delivery in the province.
“As a department, we are extremely pleased to announce that our overall pass rate in 2023 was 97%, which is an improvement from 96% in 2022, and 94% in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are especially proud of RK Khan Campus, which achieved the highest pass rate at 99%. Benedictine Campus followed closely with 98.5%, and Addington Campus with 98%,” said MEC Simelane.
She expressed gratitude for their choice of profession and emphasised the importance of empathy and clear communication in patient care.
“Being a nurse is not only a demanding job, but also a deeply rewarding one. Yes, there are moments of sorrow when lives are lost, but there are also moments of great relief and joy when patients recover, often due to your tireless efforts and advocacy.”
She pointed out that KwaZulu-Natal is stronger today because of the graduates’ training and newly-acquired skills, which have equipped them well to make a significant and positive impact on people's lives.
The MEC advised the graduates to embrace diversity, avoid cliques, and mentor their colleagues.
“We urge you to always be mindful that our patients come from diverse backgrounds, with different races, languages, religious beliefs, and cultural customs. It is our responsibility to ensure that these differences do not become barriers to care,” said Simelane.
She stressed the significance of professional appearance and conduct, urging them to treat patients with care, dignity, and respect.
“We must speak to our patients in a way that helps them understand the importance of disease prevention, regular testing, and adherence to treatment. Let us ensure that they fully comprehend their ailments, diagnoses, prognoses, and medication dosages.”
She also cautioned the new graduates against falling into the “Pull Her Down” syndrome, encouraging them to avoid forming cliques or undermining their less experienced colleagues. Instead, she called on them to use their qualifications, experience, and skills to mentor, guide, and support others.
The Mercury
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