MilMed Jan Feb 2007.qxp - SA Military Health Service

Nursing is a HumanScience and ArtWritten by Lt Sello Segone Photographs by 5 ASUThe Nursing Credo states: Nursing’s origins arerooted in the need of man for health care, medicalscience for a trustworthy and carefully preparedco-worker with the doctor and other members ofthe health team, the nurse must cherish certain philosophicallight beacons about nursing. These beacons arebelief, faith, yearning, acceptance, transcendence, conservationand change, assistance and support, technology andtherapy.In a move to celebrate some of the achievements innursing, the 19th Diploma and Pledge of Service Ceremonyof the South African Military Health Service Nursing Collegewas held on the 6 March. This transpired in the Z. K.Matthews Hall, Theo van Wijk Building at the University ofSouth Africa.The spectacle was attended by senior officers of the SAMHSand invited guests from the business sector. Among thoseattending were the Chairperson of the College Council:Lt Gen V. I. Ramlakan, the Director School for Humanities,Social Sciences and Theology at UNISA, Professor M. B. G.Motlhabi and the Officer Commanding of the NursingCollege, Col J. F. M. MabonaImmediately after the entry of the academic procession, allclad in their colourful regalia, Lt Gen Ramlakan constitutedthe assembly. Cpln M. N. van der Merwe conducted thescripture reading and prayed for the Lord to guide the heartsof those who are now rejoicing after long hours of sacrificeand studying.In her address to those attending the ceremony, the guestspeaker, Ms Makwakwa, emphasised that nusing is avocation by its nature. “A nurse is called to provide healthcare to those in need, sick or well.” She further elaboratedthat according to the World Health Organisation (WHO),health is defined as “the state of physical, social and mental24