I read for nurses all over the world. Many of whom would rather be working here in Ireland. I read for exhausted student nurses who are put under unbelievable pressure & left in compromising situations because of the staffing crisis. Some of my clients fly back to Ireland on the weekends from working in the UK, as they have no other choice to make a basic wage. Having spent time in hospital last year, being admitted through a&e, I saw the absolute diabolical conditions they face. All the time being professional & courteous.
I had my bloods taken at a waiting area for visitors with people walking by, all the while the kind nurse was reassuring & apologizing for the lack of privacy.
I saw scared faces on trolleys, tempers flaring in frustration & nurses doing their goddamn best to treat patients.
I came away from my hospital stay with such a renewed respect for them. I witnessed true grace under fire.
As a citizen of this country I stand alongside the nurses of this country. I fully support pay parity. The government has to wake up and recognize we are haemorrhaging our resources to other countries. To all the nurses reading this, I think you are wonderful. Thank you for being there for me in my time of need & I’m here for you now…
©️Fiona Ní Mhuirri
