After nine years away from bedside nursing, Sr Engela Rademeyer has returned to what she calls “the best place to be” – Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services.
The seasoned healthcare professional, whose name derives from the Greek word “ángelos” meaning “messenger of God” or “angel,” will be overseeing the hospice’s specialized Children’s Unit.

Sr Engela’s journey with Stepping Stone began almost a decade ago when she received an unexpected call from the hospice’s chairperson, Barbara Campbell-Ker, asking if she would consider joining the then newly established facility – New Market IPU.

“I got a call out of the blue. Barbara knew me from my previous hospice work in Houghton, and she asked if I’d be prepared to come for an interview for this new hospice they were starting in Alberton. That interview launched a deeply rewarding chapter of my career. I worked alongside Tersia and a dedicated team,” she said.

With over 30 years in nursing, the mother of two’s experience spans maternity wards, casualty departments, medical aids, and hospice care. Sr Engela brings a wealth of experience to her role. But it’s her passion for community care that truly sets her apart.
She said doing home visits was so rewarding for her. And her deep understanding of hospice care philosophy is evident in her work.

“You also grow with everything you see every day. I wake up in the morning grateful for what I’ve got – to bath myself, to brush my own teeth, to do things for myself. After experiencing burnout, a common challenge in such emotionally demanding work, I took time away from bedside nursing to focus on my family and later worked in administrative roles,” Sr Engela said.
However, when circumstances changed, her thoughts immediately turned back to hospice care.

Heeding to her calling
Now working as a locum at the Children’s Unit, Sr Engela acknowledges she’s learning alongside her colleagues as she readjusts to the evolving field of nursing.
“I’ve been in administrative post for eight years, coming back to full nursing. Things changed. In 18 months, everything gets new. So I’m learning as they show me. And lucky I’m a fast learner,” she said.

Stepping Stone Hospice founder and CEO, Tersia Burger, expressed her delight at Sr Engela’s return: “Having Engela back with us feels like welcoming family home. Her experience, compassion, and deep understanding of hospice care philosophy make her an invaluable addition to Stepping Stone. She truly embodies what it means to be a messenger of hope and comfort during families’ most difficult moments.”

Tersia said they are absolutely thrilled to have her expertise and caring heart back where it belongs.
As she settles into her new role, she brings with her not just decades of clinical expertise, but a profound appreciation for the privilege of caring for others during life’s most sacred moments.