shloboe boe
Mthokozisi Ncube
Health professionals have been reminded that genuine compassion in nursing begins with self-care, as caring for others is most effective when caregivers also nurture their own wellbeing.
This message came out during a workshop themed “Caring for yourself whilst caring for others”, held at Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo on Monday.
The event was organised by the Bulawayo Retired Nurses Fellowship and facilitated by Dr. Raksha Balbadhur, a South Africa-based medical doctor and palliative care specialist. The session was hosted by the Brahma Kumaris organisation in Bulawayo.
The workshop focused on helping nurses—both retired and practising—to rediscover their inner values and learn practical ways to relax and manage stress in their profession.
Dr. Balbadhur emphasised that self-care was not selfish but essential for sustainable nursing practice.
“Nurses often practise compassion but forget that real compassion starts with self-compassion. One cannot pour from an empty cup,” she said.
She explained that nurses frequently become overwhelmed by their workload and, in the process, lose touch with the core values that define their calling. Through interactive exercises and reflection, participants were encouraged to reconnect with their purpose and apply mindfulness in their daily routines.
Speaking at the event, Bulawayo Retired Nurses Fellowship President Mrs Linda Moyo said the programme aligns with their motto, “We are retired but not tired.”
“We still have a lot to contribute to our communities,” she said. “This workshop was an eye-opener. We need to get more involved in these kinds of exercises so that we can also share them with the communities we serve.”
Mrs Moyo added that the Fellowship aims to bridge the gap between retired and practising nurses, ensuring that valuable experience and values are passed on to younger professionals.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital Principal Nursing Officer, Sarah Goma, expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with the retired nurses.
“We are thankful for our relationship with the retired nurses of Bulawayo. They still come and support us and remember where they came from. Through this workshop, we learned new ways of delivering nursing care, including meditation and relaxation techniques that remind us every individual has something good to share in caring for the sick.”
Online Reporter