Chelva Wells
The health ministry has hired 278 retired nurses on temporary contracts across the country for periods ranging from three to six months as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to address staff shortages.
In an interview with Nampa on Wednesday, executive director Ben Nangombe said the ministry has been recruiting additional staff, particularly healthcare workers, since 2020 as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as to address the country’s labour supply shortage, adding that these contracts are renewed based on the ministry’s needs.
“The ministry has recruited retired nurses under the age of 67 years through this process. Because of their vulnerability, they are kept out of Covid-19 wards and are mostly used for vaccination drills. In addition, the nurses were hired to mentor and guide newly-hired graduates,” he explained.
Nangombe stated that these nurses qualify for a minimum salary notch of a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse, which is between N$18 000 to N$26 000 for a registered nurse and between N$10 000 to N$15 000 for an enrolled nurse.
Their benefits include leave days (sick, vacation, compassionate leave), social security, transportation and housing allowances.
Anitha Hummel, a retired enrolled nurse and midwife for 38 years, told Nampa that when she was recalled by the ministry in the midst of the pandemic, she did not hesitate because her first thought was the patients who needed her help.
She shared that she didn’t mind risking her health because the country was in need of professionals, which is why she sees the opportunity for recalled nurses as necessary.
“Today’s young nursing professionals are not as dedicated as our predecessors. They have no time for patients. People who started nursing in my era prioritised their patients, and would go to any length to make them comfortable and provide them with the necessary healthcare. That is why I returned, and I will continue to return if the opportunity to renew my contract arises,” she stated.
Hummel noted that nursing is a calling, and that people in the profession should devote their time and efforts, especially during these difficult times, to making it easier for those who truly need it.
-Nampa
Response… Health ministry ED Ben Nangombe.
Photo: Nampa