Not My First Career Choice – Now My Passion – Sr Mpho Nkosi (CANSA)
While nursing wasn’t Mpho Nkosi’s first career choice when she left school, it eventually became her calling.
On International Nurses Day, 12 May, CANSA is sharing Mpho’s story as one of the ways in which to pay tribute to the valuable contribution these often unsung healthcare heroes make to society.
Held on 12 May every year, this event commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The theme for 2025, as announced by the International Council of Nurses, is ‘Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’. This theme highlights the importance of supporting nurses’ health and wellbeing, recognising their crucial role in optimising healthcare systems and contributing to economic stability.
CANSA salutes the more than 270 000 registered nurses in South Africa.
Mpho’s Story
Sr Mpho Nkosi
Born and raised in the small town of Duduza on the far East Rand in Gauteng, Mpho Nkosi (31) always knew that she would end up in health sciences, but not necessarily in nursing. “When it was time to apply for university, my first choice was to study medicine at the University of Cape Town,” says Mpho. “My application was successful but when the matric results came out, my family and I realised that we couldn’t afford it.”
Mpho’s mother looked her in the eye and said, “My child, tomorrow morning you will wake up first thing, catch a taxi to Johannesburg (this was the closest commute from home), walk in at the universities of Johannesburg (UJ) and Witwatersrand, go to all the departments and find out which one will still accept your late application.”
And so she did, nervous as she was. “I was going to accept just about anything for me to get that student number then change to health sciences later,” says Mpho. “Nursing sciences at UJ still had space. I asked no questions, handed in all that was required, and have been hooked ever since. It was fate really, I cannot see myself doing anything else.”
She started working as a professional nurse in 2016 and now holds a nursing position at CANSA where she is an advocate for cancer awareness and lowering cancer risk. Mpho specialises in cancer education and risk-reduction screenings.
Engaging with diverse groups, Sister Mpho conducts educational talks and screenings for companies invested in the health of their employees and communities.
Too Many Highlights to Mention
Mpho says she has had so many positive experiences during her nursing career that she can’t just focus on one highlight. “I kid you not, she says, “it brings me so much joy each time I offer my services and share my knowledge with my patients.”
Besides that, she has a keen interest in advancements in technology, such as telemedicine and wearable health devices which have the potential to improve access to healthcare and promote early detection.
Ongoing Challenges
When it comes to challenges, Mpho admits that the main challenge is the conditions that nurses need to work under every single day. These conditions include the limited health care resources, such as equipment, staff, facilities and financial support, which are all necessary for providing quality medical care. “What’s more, it isn’t showing signs of improvement and is actually getting worse,” she says.
But Mpho says nurses have to put their patients first. “You must choose to be a good and decent person and show up with your best smile despite the conditions. Our patients are human beings and have nothing to do with these challenges.”
Managing Stress
With the long hours nurses put in, they often find that the easiest thing to do is work and sleep and simply repeat the cycle, observes Mpho. “With the type of shifts we work we find it difficult to navigate life outside of work and tend to lead monotonous existence,” she says.
“We hardly ever get invited to events like weddings and parties as when we are invited, we often cannot make it.”
“My advice to my fellow nurses is that when you are off duty or on leave, use the time wisely to do things that tug at your heart strings. I enjoy being with family, and that’s how I fill my cup.”
When Burnout Hits
Mpho also advises that when nurses no longer find enjoyment in work and life and find themselves suffering from burnout, they need to ask for help. “Report it at your workplace. Burnout is a real thing and can leave one feeling hopeless and despondent. We should not feel ashamed or shame others for being in this state. Rather face it and work through it. You will be doing yourself a favour.”
Mpho’s Goals and Plans
“I love being a health professional, I love my job, and I look forward to growing within CANSA,” says Mpho. “The advancement of technology in the medical space intrigues me and I would like to explore that further. But I must say that I also like owning my time, so a good work-life balance is the ultimate goal.”
What International Nurses Day Means to Mpho
“It is an important campaign as it recognises the vital contribution that nurses make to healthcare and society,” she says. “I love that it acknowledges the dedication, hard work, and compassion of nurses, particularly in challenging situations.”
“Also, it means a lot that the campaign advocates for better working conditions and highlights the importance of nursing education and standards of practice. It would be wonderful if this awareness could be encouraged every day of the year,” she adds.
Advice for Future Nurses
Here are some of the lessons Mpho has learned along the way:
1. Research and learn about the different roles and specialties within nursing. Nursing is diverse, with opportunities in, for example, hospitals, schools, community health and research.
2. Consider volunteering in healthcare settings. This will provide valuable insights into the profession and help you determine if nursing is the right fit for you.
3. Focus on developing essential skills such as communication, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These are crucial for providing effective patient care.
4. Nursing can be demanding and emotionally challenging. Cultivating resilience and self-care practices will help you navigate the stresses of the job. So, stay resilient.
5. Be prepared for lifelong learning. Healthcare is always evolving, and staying updated with new information, techniques, and technologies is important.
6. Furthermore, always be in your ‘soft-girl’ era. Never let the tough working conditions harden your heart or change you. Once that starts happening, stop, observe and act to rectify it.
A Day in the Life
“A typical workday for me starts at 5am,” says Mpho. “I prepare myself and my family for the day and get to the office at 8am.” Some days Mpho has to leave the house earlier than usual, especially when she is booked for wellness events or has to do patient home visits. “I am normally done for the day at 4.30pm and then it’s home to tend to the family until about 8pm.
“My weekdays are normally packed and fast paced. While weekends are normally slow, I still manage to squeeze in family entertainment.” This often includes going home to her parents’ house in Duduza where she shares her mom’s home-cooked meals, laughs and chats with the family. “I am actually a certified home body,” says Mpho.
Credit: Roslyn Jones, Freelance Journalist
