Letters
Send your views by email to [email protected], the letters editor @RogerEvansE1, post on the Nursing Standard Facebook page or visit www.nursing-standard.co.uk
Please keep letters to a maximum of 200 words, and include your full name and a daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited
First, we have to look after ourselves before we can look after others On a recent plane journey, I could not help thinking how relevant the standard airline safety announcement is to nursing practice. The announcement emphasises that in an emergency, passengers must make certain that their own oxygen mask is correctly in position and working before attempting to assist those around them. This makes sense. Anyone experiencing hypoxia and struggling to breathe in such a situation will not be of much use to their neighbours. As nurses working in demanding, emotional and challenging environments, we too must first look after ourselves before we can effectively look after others. A tired, malnourished, dehydrated, burnt out, unhappy and stressed nurse is in many respects like the struggling airline passenger attempting to help their neighbours. I welcome your Eat Well, Nurse Well campaign and am pleased that NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has given it his backing (Editorial, News and Analysis September 17, News September 24). It is essential for us to eat healthily, rest properly, sleep enough and make our own wellbeing a priority. At work we should all be addressing the issues that cause us stress and seek appropriate support when necessary. We should always make sure we have proper breaks, stay well hydrated and not put ourselves in unhealthy situations. Perhaps now is the time for all of us to address unhealthy practices in our own lives and to promote healthier ways of living at our workplaces. Donato Tallo, by email
WHO EUROPE NEEDS NURSING INPUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Kevin Davies (Letters September 17) makes a number of valid points
about the lack of a senior professional nursing and midwifery presence at the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe. We need a much stronger presence within the organisation. It is vital in the current global health policy context that our nursing expertise and interest are considered widely in the development of a range of health initiatives. Rather than tokenistic representation, we need committed and knowledgeable nurses who can take on the role of raising the general profile of nursing so we are routinely considered key members at decision-making events that influence health policy and ultimately health outcomes. Nursing must now ensure it has a powerful and active presence at the WHO Europe table. I am hopeful that the RCN’s policy and international department and its international committee will
serve as catalysts to build and support greater collaborative working with WHO Europe. Susan Oliver FRCN, by email
STROKE CONFERENCE IS VITAL FOR THOSE SEEKING TO TRANSFORM CARE As a GP and senior clinical researcher looking at ways of reducing cardiovascular events in general practice, I see the irreparable and devastating impact of stroke. Stroke is the second biggest killer in the world. It is only through world-class research and treatment of the highest quality that we can help stroke survivors make their best possible recovery. The UK Stroke Forum Conference brings together stroke professionals and researchers from across the entire stroke care pathway. The event, which is in Harrogate on December 2-4, is an opportunity to shape future stroke services, improve standards of care and share ideas to help conquer stroke.
34 october 15 ::from vol 29 no 7 :: 2014 STANDARD Downloaded RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 15, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
I urge all Nursing Standard readers interested in transforming stroke care to attend. To find out more visit www.ukstrokeforum.org, email [email protected] or call 0845 521 2505. Daniel Lasserson, by email
PLEASE MAKE A SMALL DONATION TO COMPLETE MARY SEACOLE STATUE The Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal is launching a fundraising drive for individuals who support our appeal to give £1 by text or £2 online. By doing so, you will be contributing to the first statue of a named black woman in the UK, due for completion next summer. We need another £96,000 to reach our £500,000 target. For information or to donate, visit www.maryseacoleappeal.org.uk. For those interested in knowing more about Mary Seacole’s life and work, emeritus professor Elizabeth Anionwu is presenting a Nightingale lecture in celebration of Black History Month. Her talk will take place on Monday October 20 at King’s College London’s Franklin-Wilkins Building from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Attendance is free, but please book your place in advance at tinyurl.com/qzhx8e7 Lord Clive Soley, chair, Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal
THE RCN’S 8,500 RETIRED MEMBERS STILL HAVE MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE Zeba Arif led a debate at last year’s RCN congress urging the college’s council to use the talents of retired RCN representatives. The proposed resolution – ‘retired not redundant’ – was passed with a majority of almost 96 per cent. I heartily support Zeba’s plea for the RCN to use the talents of retired RCN members – and not just retired representatives (Reflections October 8). The RCN’s 8,500 ‘retired members’ include many former activists, branch and forum leaders, council and board members – even former presidents. As Zeba points out, we have time and energy to invest and knowledge and expertise to share.
The RCN has recently established a retired members’ network, but for some reason it is limiting its function to representing the RCN at the National Pensioners’ Convention, and says it has no role in influencing RCN policy. Similarly, the RCN is encouraging boards to establish networks – on condition that they have no formal connection with the national network. Since the network leaders are denied access to members’ email addresses, there is little scope for the sharing of ideas that networking normally implies. I share Zeba’s disappointment that when it comes to being part of the RCN family, it appears that we are not really welcome after all. Readers who would like to join the national network should contact [email protected]. Those who are interested in starting a network in Wales, please contact me at [email protected] June Clark, former RCN president, by email
MY EXPERIENCE OF RETURNING TO NURSING HAS BEEN DISHEARTENING NHS bosses may see former nurses as the solution to a looming staffing crisis, but my experience of trying to return to nursing has been disheartening (Analysis October 8). It was a long and difficult process to find a university that ran the course. I then had to find and self-fund my placements, as there were none available in the local health region. After completing the course, I was offered a temporary contract, but the department ran out of money. All I have been able to find since then has been bank work. I have had numerous interviews, to no avail. When offered the temporary post, I was told that I interview well. I can only surmise that my 30 years’ experience, putting me on the highest incremental rate, is the problem. Trusts have a limited budget, and if they can recruit cheaper newly qualified nurses, they will. Name and address supplied
TWEETS OF THE WEEK Mandatory flu jabs would put the onus on employers to ensure staff are vaccinated & have access to clinics #NScomment @GGByrneSTN
It’s a breach of human rights plain and simple. My employer doesn’t own my body @Poker_Vixen
Was near bullied into having one yesterday. The person doing them only backed off when I said ALLERGIC! @supernurse67I
On my ward qualified nurses seem keen to have the jab. HCAs less so, many still saying it will give them the flu @Katrina_J_W
Where I work if you have the #FluJab you get an extra day holiday to take. Might catch on @julielc1
I don’t see flu jabs as any different to any other imms. I want to protect me as much as I protect my patients @LisaxDx2072
Nurses are well aware of informed consent AND protecting their patients. No need for compulsion @ScotsBok
I will not be dictated to about what I put in my body for the ‘good of others’. As far as I’m aware I’ve never had flu @astronomer14
Follow Nursing Standard @NurseStandard and join the #NScomment chat on Thursdays at 12.30pm
NURSING october :: vol 29without no 7 :: permission. 2014 35 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 15, 2015. For personal use only. No15 other uses Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
Send your views by email to [email protected], the letters editor @RogerEvansE1, post on the Nursing Standard Facebook page or visit www.nursing-standard.co.uk
Please keep letters to a maximum of 200 words, and include your full name and a daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited
First, we have to look after ourselves before we can look after others On a recent plane journey, I could not help thinking how relevant the standard airline safety announcement is to nursing practice. The announcement emphasises that in an emergency, passengers must make certain that their own oxygen mask is correctly in position and working before attempting to assist those around them. This makes sense. Anyone experiencing hypoxia and struggling to breathe in such a situation will not be of much use to their neighbours. As nurses working in demanding, emotional and challenging environments, we too must first look after ourselves before we can effectively look after others. A tired, malnourished, dehydrated, burnt out, unhappy and stressed nurse is in many respects like the struggling airline passenger attempting to help their neighbours. I welcome your Eat Well, Nurse Well campaign and am pleased that NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has given it his backing (Editorial, News and Analysis September 17, News September 24). It is essential for us to eat healthily, rest properly, sleep enough and make our own wellbeing a priority. At work we should all be addressing the issues that cause us stress and seek appropriate support when necessary. We should always make sure we have proper breaks, stay well hydrated and not put ourselves in unhealthy situations. Perhaps now is the time for all of us to address unhealthy practices in our own lives and to promote healthier ways of living at our workplaces. Donato Tallo, by email
WHO EUROPE NEEDS NURSING INPUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Kevin Davies (Letters September 17) makes a number of valid points
about the lack of a senior professional nursing and midwifery presence at the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe. We need a much stronger presence within the organisation. It is vital in the current global health policy context that our nursing expertise and interest are considered widely in the development of a range of health initiatives. Rather than tokenistic representation, we need committed and knowledgeable nurses who can take on the role of raising the general profile of nursing so we are routinely considered key members at decision-making events that influence health policy and ultimately health outcomes. Nursing must now ensure it has a powerful and active presence at the WHO Europe table. I am hopeful that the RCN’s policy and international department and its international committee will
serve as catalysts to build and support greater collaborative working with WHO Europe. Susan Oliver FRCN, by email
STROKE CONFERENCE IS VITAL FOR THOSE SEEKING TO TRANSFORM CARE As a GP and senior clinical researcher looking at ways of reducing cardiovascular events in general practice, I see the irreparable and devastating impact of stroke. Stroke is the second biggest killer in the world. It is only through world-class research and treatment of the highest quality that we can help stroke survivors make their best possible recovery. The UK Stroke Forum Conference brings together stroke professionals and researchers from across the entire stroke care pathway. The event, which is in Harrogate on December 2-4, is an opportunity to shape future stroke services, improve standards of care and share ideas to help conquer stroke.
34 october 15 ::from vol 29 no 7 :: 2014 STANDARD Downloaded RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 15, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
I urge all Nursing Standard readers interested in transforming stroke care to attend. To find out more visit www.ukstrokeforum.org, email [email protected] or call 0845 521 2505. Daniel Lasserson, by email
PLEASE MAKE A SMALL DONATION TO COMPLETE MARY SEACOLE STATUE The Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal is launching a fundraising drive for individuals who support our appeal to give £1 by text or £2 online. By doing so, you will be contributing to the first statue of a named black woman in the UK, due for completion next summer. We need another £96,000 to reach our £500,000 target. For information or to donate, visit www.maryseacoleappeal.org.uk. For those interested in knowing more about Mary Seacole’s life and work, emeritus professor Elizabeth Anionwu is presenting a Nightingale lecture in celebration of Black History Month. Her talk will take place on Monday October 20 at King’s College London’s Franklin-Wilkins Building from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Attendance is free, but please book your place in advance at tinyurl.com/qzhx8e7 Lord Clive Soley, chair, Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal
THE RCN’S 8,500 RETIRED MEMBERS STILL HAVE MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE Zeba Arif led a debate at last year’s RCN congress urging the college’s council to use the talents of retired RCN representatives. The proposed resolution – ‘retired not redundant’ – was passed with a majority of almost 96 per cent. I heartily support Zeba’s plea for the RCN to use the talents of retired RCN members – and not just retired representatives (Reflections October 8). The RCN’s 8,500 ‘retired members’ include many former activists, branch and forum leaders, council and board members – even former presidents. As Zeba points out, we have time and energy to invest and knowledge and expertise to share.
The RCN has recently established a retired members’ network, but for some reason it is limiting its function to representing the RCN at the National Pensioners’ Convention, and says it has no role in influencing RCN policy. Similarly, the RCN is encouraging boards to establish networks – on condition that they have no formal connection with the national network. Since the network leaders are denied access to members’ email addresses, there is little scope for the sharing of ideas that networking normally implies. I share Zeba’s disappointment that when it comes to being part of the RCN family, it appears that we are not really welcome after all. Readers who would like to join the national network should contact [email protected]. Those who are interested in starting a network in Wales, please contact me at [email protected] June Clark, former RCN president, by email
MY EXPERIENCE OF RETURNING TO NURSING HAS BEEN DISHEARTENING NHS bosses may see former nurses as the solution to a looming staffing crisis, but my experience of trying to return to nursing has been disheartening (Analysis October 8). It was a long and difficult process to find a university that ran the course. I then had to find and self-fund my placements, as there were none available in the local health region. After completing the course, I was offered a temporary contract, but the department ran out of money. All I have been able to find since then has been bank work. I have had numerous interviews, to no avail. When offered the temporary post, I was told that I interview well. I can only surmise that my 30 years’ experience, putting me on the highest incremental rate, is the problem. Trusts have a limited budget, and if they can recruit cheaper newly qualified nurses, they will. Name and address supplied
TWEETS OF THE WEEK Mandatory flu jabs would put the onus on employers to ensure staff are vaccinated & have access to clinics #NScomment @GGByrneSTN
It’s a breach of human rights plain and simple. My employer doesn’t own my body @Poker_Vixen
Was near bullied into having one yesterday. The person doing them only backed off when I said ALLERGIC! @supernurse67I
On my ward qualified nurses seem keen to have the jab. HCAs less so, many still saying it will give them the flu @Katrina_J_W
Where I work if you have the #FluJab you get an extra day holiday to take. Might catch on @julielc1
I don’t see flu jabs as any different to any other imms. I want to protect me as much as I protect my patients @LisaxDx2072
Nurses are well aware of informed consent AND protecting their patients. No need for compulsion @ScotsBok
I will not be dictated to about what I put in my body for the ‘good of others’. As far as I’m aware I’ve never had flu @astronomer14
Follow Nursing Standard @NurseStandard and join the #NScomment chat on Thursdays at 12.30pm
NURSING october :: vol 29without no 7 :: permission. 2014 35 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 15, 2015. For personal use only. No15 other uses Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
