susters

Susters is the Indonesian term for nurses. In everyday usage, suster refers to a professional who provides patient care and medical support in hospitals, clinics, and other health settings. The plural form is often expressed as para suster or suster-suster, depending on context.

Etymology and usage notes

The term suster derives from the Dutch zuster, meaning sister, and entered Indonesian through colonial-era medical and religious language. As a result, suster can carry both clinical and historical or religious connotations in Indonesian, and in some contexts it may also refer to a Catholic nun. In modern healthcare, the primary meaning is nurse, with the word typically distinguished from other health workers by title or qualification.

Roles and training

Susters perform a range of clinical and caregiving duties, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications under supervision, assisting with procedures, maintaining hygiene, and educating patients and families. They work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and home care programs. Nursing education in Indonesia includes diploma and bachelor’s degree programs, followed by professional licensure. The profession emphasizes patient safety, ethics, and competency in clinical skills.

History and context

Historically, religious orders and charitable institutions staffed early hospitals, and many of these workers were referred to as suster. Over time, the term became a standard label for trained nurses in Indonesian healthcare. Today, susters include both religious and lay professionals who contribute to patient care across various health systems.

See also

Perawat, Nursing, Catholic nursing orders.