Today, I read an article about nurses being “threatened”. Apparently, the culture of intimidation among nurses still exists even today.
I only realised it after being out of the field for several years, and unfortunately, there hasn’t been any change. This profession has become even “dirtier” now, compared to the past.
Twenty years ago, I was a nurse. I was placed in a special unit and learned special techniques there. Although it wasn’t for long, I managed to acquire life skills to become a great nurse.
Unfortunately, I became a victim of discrimination by the nurses I worked with at the time. Just because I occasionally questioned the injustice, I became a target and was eventually transferred to another unit.
But I learned to be broad-minded during that time. I was young, after all, and there was still much to learn. The strange thing was, I was the only one who was transferred under the pretext of “reshuffling”. That was when I had my first time experiencing how “dirty” the nursing profession could be.
When I moved to the new place, I was shocked. It was busy, but I enjoyed it. I loved the work environment where I could discuss matters with other nurses.
However, there was an incident I’ll never forget, involving a senior nurse at my workplace. It was truly heartbreaking.
The nurse gave birth spontaneously at the workstation, and her baby passed away right there. She was on night duty when she was already 37 weeks pregnant.
Do you know what she got? Nothing. Just condolences, and then told to return to work as usual afterwards.
I was stunned. That was my second lesson about the “dirty” side of being a nurse. I was still new in the field then. Later, I felt comfortable, maybe too comfortable, that I forgot the rule that staying too long at one place isn’t good for career growth.
I started to worry and pursued further education to get a post-basic qualification. I was also among the first in my peer group to do so. But a post-basic qualification is no longer something to be proud of. Nowadays, it’s just a piece of paper with no value for nurses. Even with a post-basic, they’ll assign you to unrelated units, right?
I tried applying for a promotion but was rejected, despite being overly qualified. Not to boast, but I did have significant experience leading.
However, it wasn’t my destiny, and I ended up in the reserve pool. That was when I learned that being placed in the reserve pool is just a way to give false hope. In reality, you’re being subtly fooled. But I still believed in God’s greater plans.
Look at what’s happening now. It’s so easy to belittle nurses these days. The “Yes, ma’am” culture has become deeply ingrained among nurses. They pull skilled nurses from their specialised units, claiming they need to be “returned” to their original posts in wards.
I laughed. Is this how they expect the nursing profession to progress? Advance in all aspects? Excel in expertise?
I could only laugh when they issued orders for nurses to work in wards instead of clinics. They claim nurses aren’t suited to work with machines.
I was right. Many nurses have resigned due to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) extraordinary actions. The unions? Associations? Organisations? All kept silent because they are all sycophants.
I also heard about extending nurses’ working hours. Once again, nurses are oppressed.
At this point, everyone can see the games played by the higher-ups. From leadership to the grassroots, it’s all about currying favour.
The higher-ups easily issue directives to silence nurses from voicing their dissatisfaction. Even liking a Facebook post that contradicts government-approved ideas can lead to disciplinary action, let alone commenting to voice out workplace issues. Shocking, isn’t it?
They have monitors who track anyone opposing the system on social media. Nurses are merely stepping stones and tools for the higher-ups to achieve their KPI targets. Problem solved.
I remember my initial nursing interview, where they promised that new nurses would rise and lead. Thinking back, I’d love to punch those interviewers for their empty promises.
But what can I do? God’s path is better.
When I pursued my degree, I faced numerous obstacles from the higher-ups who tried to stop me. I eventually completed my degree, but all I got were sarcastic remarks from nursing superiors, claiming my degree was nothing more than wrapping paper for nasi lemak. Only “senior” nurses are deemed worthy of having degrees, they said.
I am confident that, in a few years, the nursing profession will no longer be popular. I guarantee that if you ask existing nurses whether they want their children to follow in their footsteps, not one would say yes.
Conduct a survey, and I assure you no one would recommend this “dirty” profession. Stop romanticising this career and fool the younger generation into thinking that it is noble.
There are many other noble jobs out there — PPP, pharmacy, MLT — careers that also help others. Many honourable jobs exist outside of nursing. God promises rewards for all noble work, not just nursing. Every profession has its honourable aspects.
To those aspiring to be nurses, seek workplaces that value your talents, not ones that treat you like expendable workers. Find places that reward you generously and recognize your quality and dignity.
Don’t limit your mind, dear young ones. Venture out, find suitable opportunities. I fear your minds will be corrupted if you stay.
Many nurses avoid psychiatric clinics for fear of being labelled as crazy or stressed or burned out. These is the reality if you choose to continue.
Many nurses I know have experienced divorces because of the overwhelming demands of their jobs, leaving no time for their partners. Children are often neglected or sent elsewhere because their mothers are too occupied with work.
Some even miss school due to the demands of nursing. Deployment, standby, floating — these are euphemisms for endless work with no room for complaints.
And what will you hear if you voice out these problems to your superiors? “Not my problem” or stories about “Back in my day”. If you’re too outspoken, you’ll be threatened with a transfer. This is the dirty game of nursing leadership.
I have resigned. Many of my friends have too and have moved abroad. I have become a paramedic earning a five-figure salary and have erased “nurse” from my life dictionary.
I loved the work of nursing — seeing patients smile and recover — but I hated the “profession”. Enough with the threats.
To my friends still in this field, I wish you the best. Don’t worry — oppressors will face divine justice in the afterlife.
For anyone considering a nursing career, go ahead. I heard many were eager during the Covid-19 pandemic. Let’s see if their enthusiasm persists.
The author providing her first name, in her recount of 20 years of experience working in the Ministry of Health, is a former nurse who has removed her title.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
