EFFIE BATEMAN | Lifestyle | Contact
The nation have today concluded that people who spend their days saving the lives of patients whilst copping verbal and physical abuse could probably do with a pay rise too, after it was announced the NSW Police would be getting raises of up to 40% over the next four years.
The Minns government have so far been able to close deals with the health services union, teachers union and now police, but have been unable to reach an agreement with the nurses union, as negotiations reach he eight month mark.
This comes despite there being a nurse shortage across the nation, with burnout, violence and inadequate staffing being the most common issues.
And while the NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has stated they are ‘bleeding police’ and that “to keep cops, you’ve got to pay them properly,” it appears the same thing can’t be said about nurses.
“I mean, it’s fantastic for them, right? They risk their lives daily. They’re constantly facing violence, potential infection, and let’s be honest—dealing with human bodily fluids,” said Nina Roberts, a nurse from Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
“Oh wait, that’s exactly what I do too.”
Nina, who has been serving on the frontlines of emergency healthcare for over 12 years, was hard at work on the night shift at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital when she first heard the news.
In between extracting her sleeve from the mouth of an angry patient and trying to wash blood out of her scrubs, Nina confessed she felt a tiny twinge of jealousy.
“This week alone, I’ve had a patient spit directly in my face, a confused guy bite my arm, and an elderly gentleman leave me a little… gift on the floor,” she said. “It’s like I’m a nurse, prison guard, psychologist all in one.”
The nurse went on to explain that her day-to-day routine involves a healthy mix of unexpected bodily attacks from patients, heart-pounding adrenaline as she navigates the healthcare crisis and severe staff shortages, and an ongoing physical fitness regime that comes from trying to dodge violent patients and wayward body fluids.
While the NSW government cited “public risk” as one of the main factors behind the recent pay rise for police, they have assured nurses like Roberts that their value is “felt” across the community.
However, Nina has pointed out that emotional validation doesn’t go far when trying to buy groceries or pay rent in Sydney.
“Oh, they feel my value alright. My paycheck just doesn’t.”
More to come.
