We, the Registered Nurses of the Foothills Hospital Emergency Department, would like to respond to an article by Dr. S. Duckett in the Calgary Sun, September 19, 2009.
It is very interesting that recently we were advised that we could not voice our opinions regarding our workplace for fear we would suffer the possible consequences of job termination. Yet, it is perfectly acceptable for Dr. Duckett to slander a whole profession, violating the AHS Code of Conduct. It is obvious by his statements that he questions the value of registered nurses as a profession.
We are complying with a mutually agreed collective agreement Dr. Duckett. Currently, we are not paid for 3 of our breaks in a 12.25 hour shift. There are times when we do not get our breaks at all. Perhaps Dr. Duckett would like to face an already angry public that have waited for several hours to get into the Emergency Department, not have a break and be able to do his job with patience and compassion.
Nursing is a predominantly female workforce, many of whom are parents trying to juggle family and work. Many work 12 hour shifts, weekends and holidays. Often nurses take a part time position and agree to work extra shifts so they can have flexibility. Dr. Duckett's comments feel as though he is threatening to take away these part time jobs.
Leaders should lead by example, i.e.
_ Granting a 25% raise to members of the health board - but stating nurses are paid too much; _ Hiring a Vice President during a hiring freeze; _ Receiving bonuses while making health care cuts, and, _ Slandering a profession, which is in complete disregard to the Code of Ethics Dr. Duckett himself endorses.
We chose this profession because we care about people. If we had chosen a career for monetary reasons, it would not have been in healthcare. Other university educated professions have the ability to increase their earning potential as Dr. Duckett personally knows, while we reach our maximum after 10 years.
Is Dr. Duckett aware of what a registered nurse actually does in this country? The job description here is very different than that in England or in Australia. We invite, and encourage him, to spend a 24 hour period in the emergency department and see what it is that we actually do.
We are proud of what we do and honoured to be part of this profession. Nursing has traditionally been held in high regard, but Dr. Duckett is doing his best to sway public opinion.
Respectfully,
The Registered Nurses of the Foothills Medical Centre - Emergency Department
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