IMAGINE getting a promotion on your first day at work, sounds like one for the movies right? Well, for Petronella Mundia this wasn’t a movie or a dream, it was her reality.
Mundia’s first day at a new hospital wasn’t what most people experience. Instead of receiving a standard orientation, Mundia was unexpectedly promoted to nurse in charge.
As the health fraternity celebrates nurse week Kalemba shines light on Mundia told who revealed via an interview that she had never worked as a mere nurse before.
For 29 years now, Mundia has given care to the sick without regrets stating that her passion stems from her Christian background.
She was a Catholic nun for eight years and decided to continue her way of her services to people by pursuing nursing.
However, due to circumstances beyond her control, Mundia decided to remain with the nursing calling.
“My first job was at Lukulu Sancta Maria Teaching Hospital. I worked at Lukulu for six months and was transferred to Livingstone central hospital again as nurse in charge,” she revealed.
“I landed on the first day and was appointed as nurse in charge and I have worked for 29 years.”
Anyone who has ever crossed paths with this great woman will attest to the warmth and care she extends to people, the writer of this article is no exception.
Throughout her nursing career, she has risen through the ranks from acting ward in-charge to clinical instructor, nurse tutor and principal nursing officer.
She was promoted to chief nursing officer and transferred to the University Teaching Hospital – Adult Hospital in 2016 following the decentralisation of the UTH.
She told Kalemba that her’s is a duty based on a foundation of strong Christian values that drives her to offer a service of compassion and love to all who cross her path.
“I grew up as a religious person and I was once a Catholic nun because I always wanted to give a service to the vulnerable.”
“I take this as a religious journey,
I find joy in giving care to people and contributing to the kingdom of God,” shared Mundia.
Mundia noted that her desire is to see team of well-seasoned nurse leaders that are able to manage nurses and have a positive impact in the provision of quality patient-centred care.
She is a holder of a Bachelor of Science in nursing which she completed in 2010 and other qualifications.
Mundia currently heads five units under nursing at the University Teaching Hospital.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, May 7, 2024
