THERE is a growing need for healthcare workers and an even greater need for proper training as, unfortunately, many students have been done-in by completing training at facilities which do not comply with industry regulations.
“We are well aware of those facilities. Through years of recruitment we have established that there are many healthcare workers with qualifications that are not on par with what are expected in the industry,” said Trish Cunningham, director at InterX Local & International Recruitment.
“Instead of showing people away, InterX developed a healthcare development and upliftment programme with the course outcomes focussed on proper training, placement for practical in a facility and if that does not turn into a job, we are going to help you look for work placement.
The course facilitators are registered with SETA and the course is conducted in partnership with the Department of Social Development. It comprises two weeks of theoretical training and 180 hours of practical at a registered facility.
Healthcare student Noxolo Natalia Jantjie said, “I gave birth to a disabled child and did not know how to handle my baby. Since then I had the urge to know more about healthcare. Now I am passionate to assist other people.”
Another healthcare student, Siphokazi Mkayi, said it had always been her dream to be a medical practitioner and being a healthcare worker was the start in this career journey of hers.
“I did my practical at Rosa Munch Home which was an awesome experience and I enjoyed it to give special attention to the elderly,” said Mkayi.
After completion of her 180 hours of practical she requested to do practical at the Park Centre Clinic, where she gained valuable experience in the observation room, help desk, pharmacy as well as baby room.
“Having completed this course opened my eyes to how people need us and how I need them. This is why I am so passionate about healthcare.”
Janice Jade Arries followed a career in nature conservation at Ushaka Marine in Durban as well as Bayworld in Port Elizabeth, but then decided to turn her caring passion towards humans.
“I was always interested in healthcare as I was growing up helping my mom looking after her parents. I loved the InterX healthcare programme, I never felt less inclined and they made it clear that we are all here to learn, to succeed and pass well,” said Arries.
“I was placed at Huis Najaar at Despatch and the experience I gained was astonishing with a lot of self-growth. I assisted people with Alzheimers, people who had strokes, diabetic people and you have to love what you do, you can’t just do it for the money. I am a people’s person and to help those in need, those who are neglected by their families, or to hear someone who had a stroke saying ‘thank you’ is an absolute blessing to me,” said Arries.
The next InterX healthcare course in Uitenhage is scheduled for the end of February.
- For more information contact Deline Thomas 065 821 5239 or Bev Bortz 076 984 9967.
