Martin's decades of nursing excellence: Caring beyond the call

Mariska Martin believes nurses are the backbone of Mzansi’s healthcare sector. Her journey as a professional nurse with 23 years of unwavering commitment to her patients and community is a testament.

Her story begins in Amstelhof, Paarl in the Western Cape, a place of humble beginnings. Growing up amidst the beautiful mountains of the Winelands, she recalls a childhood filled with traditional games and outdoor adventures.

“We had lots of fun growing up as children,” she reminisces. Her secondary school years at Northern Paarl High from 1991 to 1995 were some of the best of her life. Here she forged lifelong friendships and cherished memories during this time.

A natural caregiver

Martin’s inclination toward nursing wasn’t inspired by a specific event but rather stemmed from her innate desire to care and make a difference. After the birth of her son, she decided to pursue a career in nursing, driven by a determination to provide a better life for herself and her child.

Her nursing career started at Netcare Training Academy in 2001, and she began working at N1 City Netcare Goodwood in the surgical unit, where she honed her skills for the next eight years.

In 2008, Martin returned to Paarl, driven by a desire to contribute to her community. She worked in various roles, including a stint in Wellington at Silwerkruin old-age home, an Alzheimer and frail care facility. In 2014, she moved to the Mediclinic where she pursued further studies and continued to advance her career. “I did my staff nursing course,” she shares.

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Championing healthcare awareness

Martin’s experience has given her a unique perspective on the pressing healthcare issues in South Africa. She believes that a lack of awareness and insufficient staffing are significant challenges. “We need to make more people aware of their health and provide more support for our nurses,” she emphasises. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare sector, and it’s crucial to look after them.”

Among her proudest moments is winning the Nursing Excellence Award in 2023, a recognition based solely on patient experiences and colleague feedback. “Receiving that award was a proud moment for me,” she says, tears welling up at the memory. “It pushed me to strive even harder in my work.”

Martin’s dedication to personal development is evident in her continuous pursuit of knowledge. “I love learning,” she declares. “I recently completed a maternal course, and my next goal is to do a bridging course to become a senior sister before I retire.”

New challenges

Her drive extends beyond healthcare. She recently embarked on a new challenge by participating in the Mrs Bold South Africa pageant. “It was something I wanted to challenge myself with,” she explains.

Despite initial financial hurdles, Martin and her supportive husband attended the pageant workshop in Johannesburg. “I love challenges, and this experience has taken me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow.”

Martin’s advice to other women juggling multiple responsibilities is to prioritise time management and self-care. “You need to fill up your jar before you can give to others,” she advises. “If you have a time frame for everything, you won’t feel burned out.”

To her colleagues in the healthcare sector, her message is clear: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.”