Nursing as a Career: Do You Have the Passion to Serve?
Is Nursing Your Calling? Here’s What You Need to Know to Become a Nurse in South Africa
Nurses form the backbone of South Africa’s healthcare system. With over 280,000 registered nurses as of 2021 (South African Nursing Council – SANC), they play a critical role in providing safe, quality, and patient-focused healthcare.
But nursing is more than just a job—it’s a calling, requiring compassion, resilience, and a desire to make a difference, one patient at a time.
Why Choose a Career in Nursing?
Nursing is a rewarding profession that offers multiple career paths—locally and internationally. Nurses work in:
Public and private hospitals
Clinics and community healthcare centres
Old age homes
NGOs
Schools
International healthcare institutions
There’s no such thing as a “typical” day for a nurse. One day may be emotionally uplifting; the next, heartbreaking. From life-saving interventions to providing comfort in final moments, nurses experience the full spectrum of human emotion and resilience.
A Real-Life Example: Dr. Theresa Bock’s Journey in Nursing
Dr. Theresa Bock, Head of Academia at the Western Cape College of Nursing, shared her inspiring journey into the nursing profession.
“At a young age I knew I was going to be a nurse. I had a calling and chose my subjects in school accordingly,” says Dr. Bock.
She began her career in 1986 with a 4-year diploma in nursing at the Otto Du Plessis Nursing College. During her practical rotations, she discovered a passion for psychiatric nursing—a field in which she now holds a Doctorate in Psychiatric Nursing Science.
How to Become a Nurse in South Africa
To qualify as a nurse, you must study at a SANC-accredited nursing institution and complete the relevant nursing programme.
🔑 Key Personal Qualities for Nurses
Nursing is more than academics. According to Dr. Bock, you must have:
A genuine love for helping others
Empathy and emotional strength
Good communication and problem-solving skills
Critical thinking
Physical ability: You must have full use of your limbs and senses
Dr. Bock emphasizes:
“Don’t think this is a career for quick money. If you don’t have a passion for helping people, nursing is not for you.”
What School Subjects Do You Need to Study Nursing?
To apply for most nursing programmes in South Africa, you should take the following subjects in high school:
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Sciences / Biology
English Home Language or First Additional Language
Physical Sciences (sometimes preferred for degree programmes)
Admission Process & Interviews
In addition to academic requirements, many institutions conduct interviews to assess a candidate’s:
Communication skills
Emotional intelligence
Motivation for becoming a nurse
This helps ensure students are suited for the demands of the profession.
Types of Nurses in South Africa
There are three main nursing categories, each with its own study programme:
1. Auxiliary Nurse (ENAs)
Qualification: Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing (R.169)
Role: Provides basic care like feeding, bathing, and monitoring vital signs
2. Staff Nurse (Enrolled Nurse)
Qualification: 3-Year Diploma in Nursing (R.171)
Role: Provides more advanced care under supervision of registered nurses
3. Professional Nurse and Midwife
Qualification: 4-Year Bachelor of Nursing & Midwifery (R.174)
Role: Administers medication, creates care plans, leads clinical teams
Licensing and Registration with SANC
After completing your studies, you must pass the licensing exam set by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to become a registered nurse.
“Four to six months after completion, students write the licensing exam, covering anatomy, physiology, nursing practice, and management,” explains Dr. Bock.
Only nurses registered with SANC can legally practice in South Africa.
Demand and Opportunities in Nursing
The demand for nurses is growing every year. Dr. Bock confirms:
“We receive over 1,000 applications for just 50 seats in our diploma programme.”
Despite high interest, South Africa still faces a shortage of nurses, primarily due to limited funding and vacant unfunded posts in the public sector.
A Word of Advice for Aspiring Nurses
Dr. Bock strongly recommends job shadowing during school holidays:
“Spend time at clinics or hospitals to understand what nursing truly involves. It’s not enough to say you care for family members—you need to experience real-world nursing first-hand.”
Final Thoughts
Becoming a nurse in South Africa is not just a career choice—it’s a life mission. If you feel that strong inner pull to serve, care, and comfort others, then nursing might be the right path for you.
Before applying, ask yourself:
Do I have a genuine love for helping people?
Am I emotionally strong and physically able?
Am I ready to face both the beauty and pain of human life?
If the answer is yes, your journey to becoming a nurse starts now.