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Sunday Times Forum
31 August 2014
The Health Ministry’s decision to enhance the salaries and career development of nurses (“Giving nursing its due”; Aug 17) reminds me of the transformation of the teaching profession years ago.
I have three suggestions to further increase the attractiveness of nursing as a career.
First, increase the annual leave entitlement for nurses to a full month, as this will give them the chance to adequately “replenish” themselves, both physically and psychologically.
This is because nurses are in the “giving” profession – when they “give”, they need to “replenish” lest they suffer burn-out.
Second, instead of handing out yearly recognition awards, why not offer half-yearly awards and also continue to introduce other innovative reward and recognition schemes.
Most of us appreciate a pat on the back once in a while. By having more frequent awards, our exemplary nurses can inspire others, and more can be motivated to go the extra mile for their patients.
Lastly, the ministry can retain good nurses by placing more emphasis on coaching and nurturing their leaders, as it has been said that “employees do not leave companies, they leave bosses”.
An effective leader does not pick on and amplify the shortcomings of employees. Instead, he helps them to identify their strengths and coaches them to strengthen these strengths.
Of course, some of the more critical shortcomings should also be worked on so nurses can be even more effective overall
The nursing profession is important, given our ageing population. We need to be mindful, however, of not just increasing the numbers – quality is just as important, if not more.
Paul Heng
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