The Midlife Nurse

I think the some of the most frustrating, emotionally draining and stressful jobs are in healthcare sectors. Followed closely by education (having worked in a school – I know it’s tough). The pay I feel, would be adequate were the hours sociable, the teams well staffed and breaks consistent. The workload could be better to avoid stress and burnout …. but it’s none of the above. Now the fault does not lie with employees or peers – although as with any job there are drains and radiators – if you know what I mean. Nor does it lie in the management if you have good support. An issue to some extent is patient/public expectation. Education and ownership of health are sorely lacking. Many Parents want teachers to be responsible for their children, their welfare and their education. Many Patients want healthcare professionals to be responsible for their comorbidities, and many families want clinicians to shoulder the blame when their loved ones health fails or we are unable to attend for visits due to staff shortage or overload. Obviously I am not talking about everyone who uses the educational and healthcare system – but I am referring to a good many that do cause a strain on our services. It sometimes feels like no one wants to be responsible for their own health (even though this isn’t always the case)! Heart disease, T2 Diabetes, some mental health concerns, some cancers, stroke, copd, obesity; all these risk factors can be reduced to some extent with ownership and lifestyle modifications. This is only a small example of the bigger picture. The thing is, there comes a point when you just can’t do it any more. Nurses are leaving hand over fist and not necessarily to go to different jobs within healthcare, but actually leaving the profession altogether. The frustration of working in the healthcare system really takes its toll and covid has exhausted everyone. More support is needed for nurses across the board financially, emotionally and physically from a higher power than the trusts, who do the best they can for staff. Is this a political thing? Is it an issue with the glamourised advertising around products that promote an unhealthy or easier lifestyle? Probably both. I have no idea.

Anyway. Off my soap box and onto my more pertinent point: The menopause support in many workplaces is sorely lacking and given that the nhs and private sector are predominantly female heavy, I find it just bizarre! I’m very lucky to have the willingness from my trust to support – even if my team and managers don’t know how to support – the important question they ask is “what can we do to support?” My workplace has most certainly asked that.

HAS YOURS?

Footnote: Obviously this is my opinion and I’m not talking about ALL healthcare users but it cannot be ignored that there are individuals and families who could with guidance, reduce their risks of mortality. The question is are they receiving the appropriate education to support their wellness, do they want that help, do we have the capacity to help and can everyone please just be kind to us! We are trying to help where we are able, it’s not like we are doing it for the money or fame now is it?