Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare – but who’s caring for them?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As South Africa marks World Nurses Day on 12 May, the findings of a recent International Council of Nurses (ICN) report serve as a timely reminder that the emotional wellbeing of nurses deserves urgent attention.
Dr Jessica Hamuy Blanco, a medical doctor and Product & Clinical Risk Executive at Dis-Chem, says the daily pressures faced by nurses across the country are not only immense, but often invisible. “Burnout is more than just a buzzword. For nurses, it can feel like a slow erosion of the very compassion that drew them to this profession,” she explains.
The ICN report highlights a growing mental health crisis among nurses globally, particularly in countries like South Africa, where demand for care far outweighs available resources. Dr Hamuy Blanco notes that this imbalance contributes to a workplace environment where healthcare workers are constantly stretched physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“Nurses are the backbone of the medical system and don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. They routinely work long hours, in demanding environments, and often with limited support. But it’s not just the fatigue, it’s the emotional weight of not always being able to offer the care they know their patients need,” she says. “And often, they carry this burden quietly.”
While many nurses remain outwardly resilient, Dr Hamuy Blanco points out that signs of burnout often manifest in subtle ways, from emotional withdrawal to a quiet sense of helplessness. “Many don’t feel they have the space or permission to admit they’re struggling,” she says.
The ICN report also flags the concerning trend of skilled nurses leaving the profession or the country in search of better conditions, even as thousands of trained professionals remain unemployed locally due to budget constraints.
“We’re at risk of losing the very people we rely on most,” says Dr Hamuy Blanco. “But this is also a moment to act with care and foresight.”
She and other healthcare advocates are calling for steps to support and retain nurses including accessible mental health services, fairer staffing levels, strong leadership that prioritises wellbeing, and recognising the value nurses bring to society.
“Caring for nurses isn’t just about policy,” she says. “Because taking care of those who care for others isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s necessary for the future of healthcare in South Africa.”
