Sophie answers common questions about the RCN Nursing Strike, explaining what it's all about and why she will be standing on the picket line.
Introduction
Hi, guys. I'm here today to talk to you about the NHS strike. Now, these are words that we don't normally hear in the same sentence because for decades, we've been told that we're not allowed to strike. I've received a lot of questions from you guys about the strike.
Now, back in 1979, we were campaigning for a higher pay and although things have moved on since 1979, we have received the odd 1 or 2% pay rise, like we did following COVID. It is still not enough for what we go through and what we face every single day.
Why Are Nurses Striking?
Now, a lot of our Nurses have had to seek out well-being services and experience post-traumatic stress disorder following the pandemic and COVID for what we have gone through and what we have seen, and this is just not reflected in our pay whatsoever.
Now, 300,000 of you have voted to strike, which is amazing. I also believe that, if we do receive a higher pay, then we'll be able to retain Nurses more easily.
We’ll be able to get a bigger uptake in our nursing students and be able to keep them if our pay is reflective of the work that we have to do and what we experience and go through.
We spend a lot more time with our colleagues and looking after patients than we actually do looking after our own families and it would be really great if we were recognised for that.
We spend a lot more time with our colleagues and looking after patients than we actually do looking after our own families and it would be really great if we were recognised for that.
About this contributor
Substance Misuse Practitioner
Hi I’m Sophie. I currently work as a Substance Misuse Practitioner in a prison, as well as practising as a Prescribing Nurse. I want to encourage Nurses, Student Nurses, and those thinking of going into Nursing, who may be struggling and give you the confidence you need to flourish.
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