The shortage of nurses is a recognised global concern, prompting countries to adopt various strategies to mitigate the issue.
In Malaysia, private hospitals are considering the recruitment of foreign nurses as a temporary measure. While nurses from countries like India and the Philippines have proven to be valuable contributors, this approach is not a sustainable, long-term solution.
This article aims to shed light on persistent challenges within private hospitals in the Klang Valley, specifically addressing the reasons behind the attrition of nurses.
Having worked in three prominent private hospitals in the region, I would like to highlight issues that go beyond racial discrimination, including the problematic attitudes of nursing leaders.
Regrettably, an increasingly prevalent mindset among nursing leaders in the private sector is one that dismisses the concerns of dissatisfied or unhappy nurses with a blunt directive: “If you are not happy, just leave. We will find a replacement.”
This dismissive approach fails to address the root causes of nurse dissatisfaction and contributes to the growing trend of nurse shortage.
It is crucial to question what measures nursing leaders are implementing to retain their nursing staff. While purported efforts may be mentioned, they often do not focus on improving the overall work environment.
Nurses, unfortunately, find themselves treated as subordinate to physicians, expected to execute orders without the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills.
This practice results in a dehumanising experience, where nurses function more like robots than health care professionals.
Moreover, the lack of ongoing education and training exacerbates the issue, leaving nurses without the necessary tools to excel in their roles.
The persisting culture of fear is further worsened by instances of doctors who resort to yelling at and berating nurses.
It is imperative to thoroughly examine these concerns, as the departure of nurses could have severe consequences for the functioning of hospitals.
Acknowledging and rectifying these issues is paramount for ensuring the wellbeing of both health care professionals and the patients they serve.
Sandra Laxmana is a Malaysian nurse.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
