Nurses: Understaffed, Overworked, Underpaid

Nurses today do not have much self-worth. For the longest time, they have been, I would say, unappreciated for reasons I know are not worth it. This may seem bias since I'm still a registered nurse, but this is not just my opinion, it is the opinion of hundreds and thousands of nurses all over the world.

1. Understaffed

This is one of the most common complaints in a hospital. There's usually a one nurse is to one ward or floor ratio in most hospitals. This lack of nurses inside the hospitals is absurd since we have an abundance outside. I've been trying to figure out the reason behind understaffed hospitals but only officials can give us answers. Unfortunately, these government officials prefer to be silent on this matter because they simply couldn't care less.

2. Overworked

Of course, the most anticipated complaint from having understaffed hospitals is overworking of employees, specifically nurses. Due to shortage, nurses are pushed to work beyond their capacity, knowing no boundaries in terms of workload. Some nurses even handle 50-65 patients (handling meaning: taking care of them, giving their medicines, monitoring and checking them every now and then) per shift! It's no wonder nurses today tend to improvise methods of handling their patients, thus patients become compromised. Uh-oh!

3. Underpaid

Being underpaid is somewhat subjective and opinions on this matter vary among nurses. Some say they are underpaid because they have been overworking, while for others, "underpaid" means getting less than the recommended minimum wage. Regardless of how underpaid a nurse is, I believe whatever amount a nurse receives should be equal to the service he/she gives.

WHAT OTHERS DON'T REALIZE...

Through the years nurses often give and yet receive almost none, both in appreciation and compensation. It's no wonder why some nurses especially in some third world countries prefer to work a second job or work a totally different job (call center agent, escort, English teacher and writer) to be able to bring food onto their families' tables.

Red-Light Nurse Agency: You'll Forget You Were Ever Sick

I hope no professional nurse will work at this "Red-Light Nursing Agency" as years pass despite this unfavorable condition that we have right now.