What nurses need to be a success . . .
I COULDN’T agree more with Peter Kemp, who argued that the nursing shortage is down to changes in training (Letters). In 1980, with one mediocre A-level and a handful of O-levels, I underwent State Registered Nurse training, which in my view is the best way to be taught. We spent weeks in the classroom followed by practical periods on the wards, consolidating the theoretical knowledge we’d learned. I enjoyed my training and went on to work in the NHS for 37 years. I loved my time as a staff nurse and then a sister. However, despite my long and successful career — and with less than five years before I was due to retire — I was told I had to study to degree level following a change in management. Since I was caring for my terminally-ill parents at my own home, I had no choice but to resign. I applaud nurses who have a degree but, in my opinion, to be a nurse requires a certain level of intelligence, a sense of humour, a willingness to work, a degree of compassion and an ability to care.
RUtH MARtIN, West Wickham, Kent. COULD one reason for the nursing shortage be that young people aiming to join the profession have no idea of what the day-to-day job involves? If idealistic, but unrealistic, young people do a degree in nursing without doing the daily practical work that older, traditional training provided by the bucketload, the reality is likely to shock them. Bedpans and bed changes are still necessary, as is cleaning up every kind of bodily fluid, all with a friendly reassurance that it’s quite all right and normal. Young people can’t imagine what these things will be like before being confronted with them. Some will learn to cope cheerfully and present the same calm and cheerful faces as the best of their experienced colleagues. Others will be horrified and disgusted, and may give up the profession. Young people should have the chance to experience the reality of nursing before investing years in getting a degree in the subject. And training should be available to those without A-levels, but with the temperament to make good nurses.
ANNE StILL, tiptree, Essex.