Nurses please listen to your Council’s urge on attitude

By Daily Revelation Editor

The Health Professional Council of Zambia (HPCZ) has urged the newly recruited health workers to embrace a positive attitude during the course of their work.

Commenting on the recruitment of 3,000 health workers, (HPCZ) public relations manager Terry Musonda said one may be knowledgeable and skilled but if they have a bad or negative attitude, everything they do will be watered down.

“From a regulatory point of view and what we have been getting from social media and coming through the public out there, I think issues of attitude are also critical. So in addition to three hallmarks which are knowledgeable, practice and competence, we are saying altitude, attitude and altitude, it’s very critical if somebody is knowledgeable, well skilled and able to practice. With a bad and negative attitude everything they do is watered down,” said Musonda.

We agree with Terry. The points he is raising are very valid and speak to the actual situation of what is obtaining on the ground.

There are several instances where members of the public have complained about the attitude of health professionals who administer services to them. There are numerous incidences out there, which are happening even now where patients have been victims of being screamed at, instances where in several labour wards for instance and other wards, attention and help is only provided when the situation has reached the most critical stage.

In saying this, we do not mean to be mean to our very hard working and overworked doctors, nurses, pharmacists, cleaners and many other professionals working to make us better. In fact the majority of them are very caring and working throughout the clock staying true to their noble calling. However, their very good efforts are muddied by some bad elements who exhibit an uncaring attitude, a negative attitude towards the patients. These are the ones who make society reach an unfair view where they bundle all the nurses as people who are mean to the patients.

This should not be the case. Yes, there will always be times when our health professionals will sulk or have a negative attitude because they work under a very extreme and stressful environment. And we all should not forget that they are but human beings who like ourselves, experience varying mood swings. But for some, these mood swings are almost a constant and instead of helping the patients get better, they actually worsen the situation.

People resort to medical centres in the hopes of getting better. The atmosphere in these health centres should be conducive at all times to help in the healing process. Sometimes just a little smile, a little care when one is ill goes a long way in lifting up their spirits.

Someone says laughter is good for the soul and the most powerful therapy. Its therapeutic effects work miracles in one’s body, mind and soul. That is true for both the patient and those who tend to them.

In congratulating the new recruits, we urge them to take the counsel from Terry very seriously.The Holy Bible in Proverbs 1:5 states, “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.