Kamogelo Seekoei

Kamogelo Seekoei

Nurses around the world this week renewed their vows to their profession.

A few staff members converged on the gardens of Garden City Clinic in Johannesburg to remind themselves of their responsibilities and duty.

The nurses and other staffers prayed and lit candles to mark International Nurses Day.

They read the nurses' pledge and compared themselves to Florence Nightingale, founder of the profession.

Garden City Clinic's matron, Pauline Montsho, compared the pledge to a marriage vow. "When you get married you are excited, but when the day arrives you consider the vows as a serious part of the marriage."

Mercy Molale, a trainee nurse at the hospital, said the day was significant for her because it showed once again the importance of nursing.

Being a nurse meant taking care of lives and the pledge was just a reminder of how important her profession was to the community.

"I am glad I had the opportunity to take the pledge.

"I have been reminded anew to treat my patients with love and respect," Molale said.