Our “Nurse of the Month” is chosen for their extraordinary contributions and the positive impact they make on patients, colleagues, and the community.
This is our way of honouring their work—and sharing the stories that inspire us all.
Please join us in congratulating Poloko Dijong as our Nurse of the Month for February!
To help you get to know Poloko a little better, we asked a few questions about her journey, what motivates her, and what nursing means to her:
What Inspired You To Become A Nurse?
What inspired me to become a nurse was my deep desire to help and care for others and to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am a village girl, and my late grandmother was my role model and greatest motivator. Her words still ring in my ears: “Always make sure you leave a mark and bring a smile into other people’s lives, because that is something priceless.”
Those words shaped me into the nurse I am today. I strive to be compassionate and empathetic, with a strong urge to listen and to be a voice for the voiceless
What Is Your Current Position?
Unit Manager – ICU
How Many Years Have You Been A Nurse?
I have been a nurse for 34 years
What Is The Most Rewarding Part Of Your Job?
The most rewarding part of my job is working as part of a team. In ICU, we have different disciplines, but we share one goal. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a critically ill patient recover and return to say thank you
Name One Time I Made You Proud To Be A Nurse.
My proudest moment was when I was a Unit Manager and noticed that a patient might have Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I immediately called the doctor, and we intubated the teenage patient to protect his airway. He recovered quickly and was transferred to rehabilitation
Later, he came back to thank me. To this day, he still calls me and tells people how I saved his life and how proud he is of me
How Do You Keep Motivated During Challenging Times?
There are daily challenges, especially in a management role. When I feel overwhelmed, I step out of the office and spend time with patients. There is always a patient who brings a smile to my face. I remind myself of my purpose and the reason I wake up every day
What Advice Would You Give To Someone Considering Nursing As A Career?
Nursing is a wonderful profession. Not everything goes according to the book, and every day brings new challenges and lessons. You need to be passionate, compassionate, and empathetic. There are many opportunities in nursing to grow and explore what interests you most
I plan to retire in three years. I hope to have my own place for the elderly, specializing in family planning and bringing healthcare to the comfort of people’s homes
