Concern over abusive Jamaicans

The Editor, Sir:

I have been a registered nurse for the past two years and four months. I work at a hospital in rural Jamaica. I am writing because I have a major concern, and that is about the attitude of some of my fellow Jamaicans.

I have seen individuals visit the hospital on a daily basis for various reasons, some even at the point of dying. We do everything in our powers to resuscitate and administer treatment, bringing back life and wellness, and yet it is some of these individuals who, as soon as they are well again, do not show any appreciation or gratitude for the good deed that was done to them. Individuals need to understand that sometimes even a simple 'thank you' means a lot.

Sometimes the verbal, emotional and physical abuse that we face is unbearable. Let us think about it, my fellow Jamaicans: if there were no health-care workers, what would be the state of our country's people?

Deplorable conditions

When we stop to view the deplorable conditions in which health-care personnel work at times, it makes you wonder, why bother? Not to mention that we are being underpaid. Yet, we make an effort to provide our skills and services, which does not seem to be appreciated.

I have a passion for nursing and I want to serve here in my own country, not in another. I feel fulfilled as a nurse, knowing that I am able to be somebody's good Samaritan, binding up the wounds and administering care.

You don't know how it feels when a child comes in sick, sometimes to the point of death; or an elderly person, anyone, for that matter, and you nurse them back to health. We don't deserve to be lashed with the tongue and be disrespected. Therefore, give respect where and when it is due. My fellow Jamaicans, let us do better than what we are doing.

I am, etc.,

SOPHIA A. DOUGLAS

Sophiedougie2@yahoo.com

Denbigh P.O., Clarendon