We feature Sister Seipati Letsae, a nurse at UP’s Student Health Services, and find out more about her role and why the students love her service.

Sister Seipati Letsae, a nurse at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Student Health Services, is a shining example of innovative service: she has come up with what she calls “happy hour” to better serve the student population. Intrigued? Read on.

What do you do on a daily basis?

I am a professional nurse who provides basic healthcare services to students at Student Health Services (SHS). This includes providing minor ailment care, administering medication, changing wound dressings and other treatment options. I also counsel and educate students about the different options of family planning, and am part of emergency services.

We work through a booking system, and we provide virtual consultation to students who are unable to come in person. I have a Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing as a general nurse from Baragwanath Nursing College and a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Have you always wanted to be a nurse?

Back in the day, we did not have much career exposure, so I was fortunate to have been able to identify what I would like to be. I initially wanted to be a medical doctor; unfortunately, my late uncle who was going to sponsor my fees passed away, so I ventured into nursing. My friend’s mother was a nurse and seeing her in her uniform with the epaulettes used to fascinate me. I would go to work with her because she worked in a community clinic and I observed her throughout the day. At some point, I enrolled for a programme at the clinic where they taught me the basics.

When did you start working at UP?

I used to work at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital as an emergency nurse/medical receptionist before I came to work at UP. When one of the nurses in the department resigned in 2014, I grabbed the opportunity and applied for the occupational health nurse practitioner post, which is the current one I am in.

What do you enjoy about your job and why?

Knowing that I answered my calling. It is critical for me to offer my patients hope that they can overcome any obstacle and accomplish what they came to UP for, which is education and a better life. My aim is to support a student to the best of my ability.

What do you enjoy least about your job?

When I get into the building and I see a long queue of people. As much as I get to help people, it is demotivating.

What are the challenges in your division and are there any solutions that you could offer?

The shortage of nurses in the clinic is a big challenge. We are unable to efficiently serve students as the workload gets too much. The ratio of nurse to student is quite unrealistic and as a result, students are reluctant to come to the clinic. Those who do are not very cooperative. It would really go a long way if there could be more health consultants – our division would improve drastically.

Which UP pillar do you resonate with?

INNOVATE. Because of the influx of students who come to the clinic without booking, I have introduced “happy hour”, where I cater for walk-ins as well as emergencies that may occur. I limit the service to five students per happy hour. I have found that lessens the burden. Because of the limited number of nurses, we find ourselves having to come up with ways to do the job better amid all the challenges.

What do you do in your free time?

I am a part-time programme director for events and I am also writing a book titled The Journey Called Life.

Quick quiz:

What is your favourite food? Slap chips

What are your favourite hobbies? Singing gospel and listening to soul music.

What is your dream destination? Zanzibar

If you could change the world, what would you change?

Society’s attitude towards healthcare workers. I would also reduce the sense of entitlement people have.

What is your favourite motivational quote?

“Opportunities don't happen – you create them.”

Anything you would like to share with the UP community?

Life is never easy; we just get better at being the force needed to change the world for the greater good.