The visits to medical facilities in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom/Klerksdorp and Vanderbijlpark during May coincided with international Nurses Day, which is celebrated on 12 May.

 

Alumni Office taking the lead

 

The Alumni Office spearheaded this project aimed at showing nurses how much their work on the frontlines is appreciated.

 

“During various short meetings with hospital management, it became apparent that nurses were experiencing extreme pressure and fatigue,” says Nicolize van der Walt, section head of the Alumni Office.

 

“We took Eagi along to cheer them up, hoping that his shenanigans could help them to forget about illness, suffering and death for a few minutes.”Their visits were also accompanied by the well wishes of Prof Dan Kgwadi, NWU vice-chancellor. “A special word of thanks to all the nurses who are tirelessly working on the frontlines.

 

“Please stay safe during this pandemic,” his message read.

 

A feather in our cap

 

In addition to being responsible for the health and well-being of NWU students, staff and communities, the hospitals in the areas surrounding our campuses are also used as training facilities for our nursing students.

 

“We are humbled by the feedback from these facilities that they appreciate our students’ work ethic, skills and quality work,” says Nicolize, adding that some facilities even asked for more students to be placed with them for practical learning.

 

“It was a feather in our cap to realise the NWU is truly delivering top-class nurses and alumni.”