Rasool Khan’s nursing journey at Life Entabeni Hospital has seen him grow into ever more effective ways to improve the lives of others.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (24 May 2022) – A deep passion for helping others has seen KZN male nurse Rasool Khan move from being a street vendor selling vegetables at the roadside to managing the cardiac high-care unit at one of the most respected hospitals in the country.
“I believe that I was born to be a nurse, to comfort and help save lives, to teach and to inspire,” says Khan. “Being a nurse is a calling and a passion – it’s now part of my entire identity.”
Even when working as a trader selling vegetables in Durban, Khan already felt that passionate calling to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I was always motivated by a dream to help people – particularly those living with HIV/ AIDS,” he says.“I felt that nursing would be a way for me to do that. I believed that one day, with great perseverance, I would get the opportunity.”
The first step towards achieving that dream came in 2005 when Khan was appointed as a seasonal caregiver at the hospital now known as Life Entabeni Hospital. Khan joined the hospital’s permanent staff in 2008 after completing his enrolled nursing course. He qualified as a professional nurse in 2011, then completed a diploma in medical and surgical nursing in 2015.
In 2016, he was appointed as a unit manager in a male surgical ward. He continued his studies and completed a degree in management and education in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. From January this year – 17 years since his professional nursing journey began – Khan has been the manager in the Cardiac High Care Unit.
“Choosing a career in nursing is a choice to dedicate yourself to the care of others,” says Khan of his rise through the ranks. “I see myself as a transformational leader, and keeping up with nursing trends is one of my priorities. I hope to keep contributing to healthcare service delivery in our country.
“Nursing requires dedication and compassion, it involves long hours and many years of studies,” says Khan. “But in the end, the reward is fulfilling.”
Khan agrees that nursing can be exhausting but says being in a position to help with the healing of others keeps him motivated during the challenging times. He believes that healing is about more than just medical treatment – it’s also about creating a positive environment.
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“I dedicate all my time and effort to bringing a positive, lively atmosphere to the hospital for my patients and colleagues,” he says. “I aim to always bring a smile to the faces of the people around me.”
Khan has spent his entire nursing career at Life Entabeni Hospital, caring and upholding the values of the business and striving for excellence. Ever humble, he credits his colleagues for his success in the medical field.
“Sister Swart from Annex Theatre gave me a chance early on; another colleague, Mrs Williamson, kept me motivated and instilled a sense of stability in my life; while Regional Nurse Manager, Karena Goldman accepted my weaknesses and helped develop my career,” says Khan.“ Senior Nurse Manager, Indu Ramrattan offered sound advice, and groomed me to become a leader, while Nurse Manager, Viloshnee Ponnan and Nurse Manager, Shammimah Samuel both inspired me to become what I am today.”
“I am eternally grateful to my co-workers at Life Entabeni Hospital for motivating and funding me throughout my career journey,” he says.
“I believe I have already made my mark in the company, but I am still growing as a medical professional, and I look forward to doing even more and making a further impact on the lives of my patients and my colleagues.”
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