Sister Paddy Chettiar.
Image: Supplied
As we commemorate International Nurses Day on May 12, the POST spoke to Sister Paddy Chettiar who is making invaluable contributions to the healthcare sector and to people's lives.
SISTER Paddy Chettiar, a registered nurse, is no stranger in the healthcare sector and communities, having dedicated the last five decades to improving people's lives.
The 66-year-old, of Nirvana Hills in Pinetown, started her nursing journey at the age of 16.
Today, she is a renal practitioner at the Access Dialysis Centre.
Chettiar, who hails from Chatsworth, said while attending Montarena Secondary School, she decided to pursue a career as a nurse.
“I was inspired by my paternal grandmother, who was a nurse. She delivered many babies and healed people with chronic conditions such as asthma and psoriasis. My maternal aunt, who was a nurse at Addington Hospital, also inspired me to follow the same footpath. She was instrumental in securing me a job at the hospital.
“I started working as a ward attendant and then pursued my studies to become an enrolled nurse. While working in the renal unit at Addington Hospital, I developed my passion to help people with renal failure. I spent 16 years at the hospital.”
She thereafter worked in the renal unit at the Life Entabeni Hospital for a decade.
“During this time, I pursued my further studies and qualified as a registered nurse, subsequently attaining a diploma in psychiatric nursing.”
Chettiar during her early career days.
Image: Supplied
Over the years, Chettiar, a director of the KZN Kidney Association, worked in various renal units in both private and public hospitals across the province.
She has also been involved in community outreach programmes.
“I have held educational and wellness days that include free tests for blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Taking care of people has always been my main priority. It is what I live for.”
For her efforts, the mother of one was featured in volume two of the book, Unsung Heroes, in 2024 by the Unsung Heroes Publication Board.
“I was also recognised as a nurse leader and received a prestigious award from the Forum for Professional Nurse Leaders.”
Chettiar added that among the qualities a nurse should possess were humility, compassion and critical-thinking.
Her advice to aspiring nurses was: "be passionate about caring. You must love what you do”.