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Nursing is one of the oldest professions, but being a nurse is a daunting task.
You have to take care of individuals from all walks of life, day in and day out. It is not always possible to be bright and chirpy, but a caring attitude goes a long way.
Many nurses work in undesirable environments but have to endure such conditions to take care of patients.
Nursing became popular in black communities as people had limited information about other career opportunities.
But there is no doubt that if you have a diploma or degree in healthcare today, you would probably stand a better chance of securing a job.
This is especially so in a country that is facing an unemployment crisis. No one likes being unemployed or going to bed hungry.
This has made some graduates reconsider their dream careers and turn to studying nursing purely for survival and not passion.
It has been said that if people lack passion in their career they could end up resenting the job they have – and this could result in them having a bad attitude.
But are some nurses the rudest professionals in South Africa? It is wrong to paint all nurses with the same brush but “one rotten apple spoils the barrel”.
Some people might agree, others won’t. Most people who disagree are probably those who can afford to pay for private healthcare services.
Those who cannot afford private care have no choice but to deal with sometimes horrendous services provided in public hospitals and clinics.
It is hard to understand what triggers nurses to behave the way they do.
Perhaps it is because they are overwhelmed by the increasing numbers of patients visiting the facilities every day.
Most public hospitals work at full capacity.
Maybe some nurses believe they do not have to put in much effort because the money they earn is not equivalent to the duties they perform.
Some nurses spend more time on their cellphones, engaging in conversations that are not work related, and take numerous, unaccountable breaks.
Some nurses have been known to shout at patients who really just need some tender loving care.
I have no idea what happened to the Batho Pele (People First) principles that are aligned to the Constitution.
It would be good to know what the ministry and health department are doing to change the dodgy attitudes of many nurses.
Liphadzi is a graduate
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