TODAY, the world commemorates International Nurses Day in honour of the invaluable role nurses play in healthcare systems and communities across the globe.
This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” shines a spotlight on the urgent need to support, invest in and empower nurses so they can continue delivering life-saving care.
Nurses remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery, often serving as the first point of contact for patients seeking care, guidance and reassurance.
From primary healthcare clinics and pharmacies to hospitals and community outreach programmes, nurses play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems.
“Clinic nurses are the primary entry point of our healthcare system,” says Lizeth Kruger, Clinic Executive at Dis-Chem.
“They are often the first healthcare professionals patients interact with, making their role essential in ensuring communities have access to quality healthcare and preventative care services.”
However, the profession continues to face significant challenges, including a global shortage of nurses, increasing healthcare demands and mounting pressure on healthcare systems.
The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has emphasised that empowering nurses through education, leadership opportunities, safe working environments and professional support is essential to safeguarding the future of healthcare.
According to Kruger, investing in nurses is one of the most important steps healthcare organisations can take to strengthen patient care.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Every day, they provide compassionate, patient-centred care while navigating increasingly demanding environments. Empowering nurses through continuous development, support and access to opportunities is critical not only for the profession, but for the health and wellbeing of communities across South Africa.”
South Africa, like many countries around the world, continues to grapple with a shortage of skilled nursing professionals. This shortage places additional strain on healthcare workers and impacts access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
Recognising the need to help develop the next generation of healthcare professionals, Dis-Chem has committed to investing in nursing education and skills development through its nursing bursary programme.
The bursaries assist students with study costs, accommodation and meals, while also providing practical workplace experience within Dis-Chem pharmacies and clinics.
She adds that supporting aspiring nurses is essential to building a more resilient healthcare system.
“As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, it is vital that we actively contribute to developing and supporting skilled nursing professionals. Through our bursary initiatives and ongoing professional development programmes, we aim to help bridge the gap in the nursing sector while empowering nurses to thrive in their careers and continue making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
For many young healthcare professionals, access to financial support can be life changing.
Jordan Schürmann, a recipient of the Dis-Chem nursing bursary, says the support helped remove financial barriers and allowed him to focus on his studies and future career.
“The bursary from Dis-Chem Pharmacies genuinely changed my starting line. For my first two years, I worked as a sports coach to help pay off a bank loan. I didn’t want to begin my career already financially behind.
The bursary closed that gap for me. It allowed me to focus on becoming a better nurse instead of constantly stressing about repayments.
“But more than that – having a respected healthcare brand believe in me did something for my confidence. It made me believe in myself a little more too. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
Olona Mtshabe, another recipient of the Dis-Chem nursing bursary, says her upbringing in Mdantsane, East London, helped shape the compassion and resilience needed in the nursing profession.
“I grew up in Mdantsane, East London, where community and caring for one another are a big part of everyday life. We were taught to help where we can, to respect others regardless of their situation, and to remain strong through challenges.
Those values prepared me emotionally for nursing because nursing is not only about skill, but also patience, empathy and strength.
“I come from a home where both my parents were unemployed, so although I had the passion to pursue nursing, I did not have the financial means to do so. At one point, my dream of becoming a nurse felt completely out of reach.
“The Dis-Chem bursary changed everything for me. It gave me an opportunity I otherwise would not have had and made my dream possible. Knowing that such a respected healthcare brand believed in my future was deeply emotional and motivating. It made me feel supported and inspired me to work even harder because I knew this opportunity was truly special.”
With South Africa continuing to face pressure on its healthcare system and a growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, ongoing training and professional development remain essential in ensuring nurses are equipped to meet changing patient needs and deliver quality care in often demanding environments.
As the world commemorates International Nurses Day, the theme serves as a powerful reminder that investing in nurses is an investment in healthier communities and stronger healthcare systems.
Empowered nurses do more than care for patients, they save lives, drive healthcare innovation and help shape the future of healthcare for generations to come.
Image supplied (Clinic nurses are the primary entry point of our healthcare system- says Lizeth Kruger, Clinic Executive at Dis-Chem.)
