Attention South Africa! The nurses of our nation need you. Strap on those running shoes and don your athletic gear for the 5th annual Exceptional Nurse Campaign Night Run, scheduled for this September in Cape Town and Gqeberha.
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Wondering why you should participate in this unique run? Well, besides being an excellent opportunity to enjoy the community and the refreshing outdoors, it’s also a chance to show your support and appreciation for the exceptional nurses across the country.
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The 7km night route is symbolic of the 7–7 shifts our nurses tirelessly work. ‘The purpose of the night run is to raise awareness of the critical shortage of professional nurses in South Africa and to promote a culture of honour and gratitude towards all,’ says Sister Teresa Basson, the brainchild of this event.
Sister Basson adds, ‘Nurses play an essential role in the medical profession and health care system, and we hope that through the work of The Exceptional Nurse Campaign and events that we host, we can change the tide of negative sentiment by highlighting all of the ‘exceptional nurses’ that help create beautiful miracles every day. Nurses not only form the backbone but the beating heart of our Healthcare System.’
The proceeds from the entry fees will be used to offer bursaries, allowing more individuals to pursue their dreams of becoming exceptional nurses. As the World Health Organization reveals an international shortage of approximately nine million professional and specialist nurses, our own situation in South Africa has become even more dire, particularly with the additional strain brought about by the COVID pandemic.
So lace up those takkies, slip into your lycra, and be a part of this inspiring campaign! Let’s come together, honour our nurses, and make a difference in the healthcare landscape of our beloved nation. Join us for the 5th annual Exceptional Nurse Campaign Night Run and be a part of this positive change.
‘The main reason for the crisis in South Africa is that 50% of our nurses are over the age of 50 and will be retiring within the next 10 – 15 years,’ explains Sister Basson.
‘Each year in SA over 9000 nurses retire, meaning we are losing 9000 nurses annually in our country. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of Government funding for Nurse Training and qualified Nurse Educators, we only have capacity, as a country, to train 3000 nurses each year. With only 3000 new nurses coming into the profession each year, we lose a total of 6000 nurses annually!,’ concludes Sister Basson.
As The Exceptional Nurse Campaign acknowledges the boundaries and understands the financial crisis in our nation, it is capable of doing the following:
- Encouraging exceptional nurses to specialise in nursing education
- Raising funding for bursaries for exceptional student nurses
- Raising public support to honour and appreciate our nurses
- Raising the status of the nursing profession in South Africa as a whole
The objective behind the annual night run, dedicated to honouring nurses, extends beyond raising funds for nursing bursaries. It also involves expressing a deep appreciation and affection for those exceptional nurses who play a crucial role in our communities.
Details:
- Date: Saturday, 9 September 2023, 6pm to 8pm
- Location: The Promenade, Cape Town | Starting at the Mouille Point Lighthouse
- Cost: R70 under 12 / R130 for adults
- Bookings: Exceptional Nurse Campaign Night Run
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Picture: The Exceptional Nurse Campaign / Facebook