RCN Survey: Jersey nurses feel "massively undervalued"
Published: 04 April 2012
RCN survey reveals a third of Jersey nurses are considering leaving the island due to low pay and high stress
Nurses feel ‘massively undervalued’, while States of Jersey announce pay freeze
Nurses in Jersey feel ‘massively undervalued’ and many are considering leaving the island, a survey by the RCN South East has revealed.
Of 141 Jersey nurses surveyed, nearly two thirds are thinking of quitting their current jobs, with over half of those considering leaving the island to work elsewhere.
Nurses made comments such as:
- “There’s a constant struggle to make ends meet.”
- “Pay does not equate to the standard of living I could afford in the UK [mainland].”
- “Being undervalued, overworked, not appreciated by the States. Fed up with false promises of changes for the better”.
- “Patients’ quality of care is compromised. Patients and relatives are expecting a high quality of care that nurses are not able to provide due to staff shortages and increasing workload.”
This survey was carried out before the current announcement from the States of Jersey that all public sector staff will have their pay frozen for the next two years.
Kenny McNeil, Chairman of the RCN Jersey Branch, said: “We decided to survey staff on the island after members raised concerns with us regarding pay, morale and general working conditions for nurses in Jersey.
“We are very worried by the findings, particularly in relation to the number of nurses considering leaving the island altogether.
“We understand these are difficult times for everyone but the announcement of a pay freeze for the next two years was a bitter blow to nurses. We have seen the Jersey cost of living soar, while nurses’ pay has remained static and service demands increase.
“Something has to be done, we have been telling the States Employment Board for the last 4 years of the problems faced by nurses with little improvement. A sticking plaster won’t solve the problems. They need to act now.”