We can all agree the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects all over the world. Every day there is a growing number of deaths related to the coronavirus. Many businesses have come to a standstill and, consequently, numerous employees have lost their jobs or are on furlough. Schools are closed and most are practising social distancing, living in fear of catching the disease or spreading it. Isolation is leading to mental health issues, as social interaction is a natural inclination of human behaviour. The stress of health and financial strain is felt on an individual level, as well as on a global scale. Times are uncertain, and we, as humans, are at our most vulnerable state.
But, every cloud has a silver lining. There are positive takeaways from this horrific chapter in our history. What are some key lessons learned?
From Wage Earner to Hero
The nursing profession is both challenging and gratifying; all it takes is one patient saying a poignant "thank you" while holding your hand. However, as a nurse, I felt underestimated most of the time. Before this global crisis, we were seen as the workers that lurk in the background. We constantly faced scenarios where verbal abuse and a lack of respect were thrown our way. Now we are seen for the true heroes we are. This was shown last Thursday when the entire nation clapped for healthcare professionals. Due to COVID-19, people are now more aware of the effort and responsibility that this mission--because it is not just a job--carries!
Pay Reflecting Responsibility
Obviously, we did not choose to become a nurse because of the money, however, would it not be great to be recognised for the hard work we do?
If we look at the numbers, nurses in the UK are paid relatively little compared to those in other countries. The average salary in Australia, for example, is reported to be around $65,000 AUD (£38,535 GBP). In the UK, the average nursing salary is £25,653 ($43,287 AUD).
Recently, the Daily Mail posted an article saying that help desk staff are being recruited for the new Nightingale Hospital, boasting of a £37,500 per year salary: £13,500 more than the average wage for British nurses. This discrepancy is truly upsetting for nurses in UK, but now, in the middle of the pandemic, is not the time to complain. Rather, it is an important lesson learned for the future of nurses, where pay rates should reflect the heavy responsibility we carry every day. COVID-19 has brought the true value of nurses to the limelight, pushing for a more just pay rate on a normal basis and not just crisis circumstances.
We, here at ROHME, are pushing for change in the long run via this petition. Please take a moment to sign Parliament's consideration of increasing salaries for nurses.
Proper Training & Safeguarding Drills
In China, 3,300 healthcare workers have been infected with coronavirus, whereas, in Italy, 2,629 medics have been infected. Though the figures are not out yet, UK is most likely not far behind. In addition, 20,000 former NHS workers are returning to work to fight the virus, exposing themselves and their loved ones to this life-threatening illness. Now more than ever the safety and well-being of nurses and other healthcare providers is important. Proper protective gear is imperative to help stop spread of the virus amongst healthcare workers, not just for their own protection, but also to ensure enough healthcare workers are able to help the public fight this pandemic. Testing all NHS staff is also a crucial safety precaution to slow down the spread of this virus.
Due to the influenza pandemic, New York City hospitals regularly hold drills and go over action plans with hospital staff to minimise the spread of life-threatening viruses. COVID-19 has exemplified that hospital staff in the UK and around the world need to follow these important processes in emergency preparedness.
Hope
The courage, benevolence and bravery of medical professionals to build the fortress of care for the people of this Kingdom against this war of infection is modern-day chivalry. My hope is that this extensive period of isolation and subsequent self-reflection will cultivate a nationwide appraisal of where are true priorities lay professionally, personally and socially--exposing the institutional inequality which is suffered in what we ourselves have branded “essential services.” May nurses and other medical professionals continue to be viewed as national heroes, with the world clapping for their contribution long after the pandemic is over.
At Rohme, we know the true value of healthcare workers and will always be on your side, which is why we have decided to give you for the first time in history the opportunity to choose your own pay rate, schedule and location. Join us today!