• Careers

A calling beyond the uniform

• 22 Hours Ago

Growing up in an extended family, career options were often limited – you either became a teacher or a nurse, says Elizabeth Angula, explaining that her own attraction to nursing began in the simplest way: “A nurse’s uniform.”



But soon, it was no longer the uniform that inspired her. What mattered most was what it represented: hope. “I was inspired by the idea of treating patients, giving them hope through treatment and counselling, and caring for the bedridden – washing them, feeding them, and simply being there,” Angula said.



Her nursing career began in 2006 at Oshakati State Hospital, where she dedicated nine years of service.



Those years were marked by growth, challenges and countless moments of reflection. “At the end of each day, I take a quiet moment to reflect. Some days leave me uplifted, others leave me heavy-hearted, but one truth remains: in this profession, failure is not an option because every decision affects a human life.”



Working together



In 2015, Angula joined the Namibia Institute of Pathology, where she continues to serve to this day.



The transition offered new opportunities and responsibilities, but one constant remained: her passion for patient care.



Over the years, she has learned lessons that have shaped both her professional and personal outlook.



Guided by senior colleagues who pushed her to excel, she discovered that nursing is about more than medicine; it is about people. “Every patient is treated equally, whether they come from a rich or a poor background. That’s the heart of this profession,” Angula said.



For her, the joy of nursing lies in teamwork. “Working together as a team, with one positive goal in mind, is what makes this work fulfilling. Alone, you can’t do much, but together, we move mountains,” she said.



A heart of gold



However, the work has not been without obstacles.



The biggest challenge, Angula said, is resources. “Sometimes resources are so limited that they hinder your efforts, no matter how much you want to help. It’s heartbreaking when your ability to give your best care is held back by shortages.”



Despite the struggles, her advice to people interested in nursing is “patience and tolerance. You must have a heart of gold and be God-fearing, prayerful and sympathetic. Most of all, you need a strong hold on ethics, because this job is about human life.”