Letter: Nurses are not shown respect they deserve

Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 | 8:45 a.m.

I agree with Patricia Paige's Jan. 29 letter, "Recruit, train needed nurses." But the Sun should have inserted the word "respect" in that headline.

Having spent much time in hospitals under the care of efficient, hard-working nurses, I think it's a damned disgrace the way medical corporations treat their key employees -- those who have the most hands-on contact with the sick, injured and dying.

In just one instance, look at the ungodly hours they spend working. What auto worker would routinely be required to work a 12-hour day on his feet? What state employee? What Wal-Mart clerk? What ditch-digger?

Nurses do. I had one young little nurse faint while trying to change my bed. But as she struggled to her feet, she begged me not to buzz for help. "I need my job," she said.

Why don't our community leaders champion humane working conditions for nurses as much as they promote impressive new buildings? Then maybe those capable, gentle hands will be there when we buzz, because there will be enough people on staff.

Oh, I guess common respect and consideration are not as glamorous as fancy edifices and shiny new gadgets that jack up our bills. However, it would seem to be a cost-effective measure for a sharp bottom-line guy.

VIOLA R. GARRISON- COTA

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