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Malaysian Reserve
01-07-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Statement from the American Nurses Association on Passing of H.R.1 in the Senate
Patients, Nurses, Hospitals and Our Health System Count on Medicaid SILVER SPRING, Md., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Congress considers proposals that would significantly reduce federal support for Medicaid, the American Nurses Association is urging lawmakers to reflect not only on the policy implications but also on the real-world consequences for patients, providers, and communities across the country. 'Today, the Senate passed HR1, which, if it becomes law, will have devastating consequences for patients, nurses, and healthcare overall, particularly for those in rural and medically underserved areas. Patients and nurses deserve better,' said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the ANA. 'Medicaid is not just a budget line item—it is the backbone of care for millions of Americans, including seniors in nursing homes, children with complex medical needs, and working families in rural and underserved areas. It is also a critical pillar of the nursing workforce. Cuts to Medicaid would result in hospital and clinic closures, especially in rural areas, and would force nurses to shoulder even heavier workloads, leading to burnout, attrition, and ultimately, worse patient outcomes.' These are not abstract warnings. Nurses across the country are already reporting the strain: higher patient ratios, reduced resources, and the moral injury of being unable to provide the care their patients deserve. Medicaid accounts for 19% of hospital revenues nationwide. Reductions in funding will ripple through the entire health care system, threatening both access and quality of care. Elected members of Congress should consider the political lessons of the past. In 2018, more than 20 Republican House members who voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act lost their seats. While many factors contributed to those outcomes, the public's concern over health care access—particularly Medicaid—was a decisive issue in many districts. This is an important reminder that voters care deeply about health care, and they are paying attention. Constituents, especially nurses in the communities and their patients, are relying on our elected officials to do the right thing and to protect Medicaid. About the American Nurses Association As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession's leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience. MEDIA CONTACT: newsroom@
Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Making nurses work 45 hours not the solution
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 Text Size: Rather than imposing longer hours, Malaysia should invest in sustainable workforce solutions that respect nurses' welfare and dignity. NURSES are the backbone of healthcare worldwide and Malaysia is no exception. They serve on the frontlines in hospitals, clinics and community care settings, often working long hours to ensure patients receive timely and compassionate care. Their importance was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic when Malaysian nurses risked their health to care for thousands of patients. Despite their indispensable role, the government is considering increasing nurses' weekly work hours to 45. This policy aims to address workforce shortages and meet rising healthcare demands but has met with widespread concern. While the intent is commendable, increasing work hours without increasing support risks harming nurses' welfare, patient safety and healthcare quality. Globally, healthcare systems that prioritise strong protections for nurses typically maintain workweeks between 36 and 40 hours – striking a crucial balance between service demands and staff well-being. The United Kingdom: Nurses work around 37.5 hours weekly, with regulations limiting overtime and mandating rest breaks to prevent fatigue. The Royal College of Nursing advocates for safe working hours to uphold care quality. Australia: Nurses typically work 38 hours per week, with industrial awards ensuring fair shifts and rest. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation warns that long shifts can compromise patients' safety as well as nurses. Singapore: Nurses generally have a 40-hour work week, with carefully managed shifts designed to minimise fatigue. The United States: Despite the prevalence of 12-hour shifts, total weekly hours generally remain between 36 and 40. The American Nurses Association highlights that exceeding these hours increases errors and dissatisfaction. In comparison, Malaysia's proposed 45-hour work week exceeds these standards, raising valid concerns. Advertisement Real cost and implications Burnout among nurses has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as an occupational phenomenon linked to chronic workplace stress. It manifests as emotional exhaustion, cynicism and reduced personal accomplishment. For nurses, this translates to diminished empathy, increased absenteeism and lower quality of care. Research confirms that extended shifts and work weeks correlate with higher burnout. A study across 12 countries found that nurses working over 12-hour shifts reported significantly higher burnout levels and poorer care quality. Another study showed nurses working more than 40 hours per week faced increased risks of depression and anxiety. Prolonged work hours can also endanger nurses physically. Fatigue impairs cognitive function, increasing the chance of errors and accidents. Nurses working longer shifts experience higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries and needle-stick incidents. Additionally, it causes chronic sleep deprivation, a frequent outcome associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity and a weakened immune system. Multifaceted problem Malaysia is grappling with a severe nursing shortage, with over 12,000 vacancies in public healthcare reported by the Health Ministry. This shortage forces existing nurses to work longer hours and manage heavier patient loads. Simply increasing work hours without hiring more staff only shifts the burden onto nurses, accelerating burnout and turnover. Research shows poor working conditions and excessive workloads are key reasons nurses quit. Turnover is costly, including recruitment and training expenses. It also disrupts patient care continuity and weakens institutional knowledge. Patients' safety at risk Patient safety is closely tied to nurses' working hours and staffing levels. Nurses working beyond 12-hour shifts are twice as likely to make errors. Each additional hour over 40 per week increases the risk of adverse events. Fatigue impairs decision-making, vigilance and reaction times critical to safe care. Low nurse-to-patient ratios increase mortality, complications and hospital stay lengths. Increasing work hours without improving staffing ratios dilutes nurses' ability to provide quality care. Over 90% of nurses in Malaysia are women, many of whom juggle demanding professional roles with unpaid caregiving at home. This 'double burden' is only intensified by extended work hours. This imbalance increases stress and work-family conflict, especially among younger nurses and mothers, contributing to higher attrition rates. Longer work hours also reduce time for continuing professional development (CPD), which is highly required for all nurses. CPD is essential for maintaining clinical skills and improving patient outcomes. Without adequate time for learning, nurses face professional stagnation, which risks the quality of healthcare delivery. Ethical and legal considerations Malaysia upholds international labour standards that emphasise fair working conditions, reasonable work hours and the protection of workers' rights. Implementing a 45-hour work week for nurses could contradict these principles, potentially breaching ethical obligations and legal commitments. Such a policy not only risks compromising nurses' well-being but also undermines their professional dignity, equity and the broader values of social justice in the healthcare workforce. Alternatives solutions To improve healthcare sustainably, Malaysia should: Maintain a 40-hour work week in line with international norms. Enhance recruitment and retention by improving pay, benefits and working conditions. Adopt flexible shift scheduling to reduce fatigue and burnout. Provide comprehensive mental health support and burnout prevention programmes. Ensure nurses have protected time for CPD and career development. Nurses are the lifeblood of Malaysia's healthcare system. Extending their work week to 45 hours will threaten their health, patient safety and the overall quality of care. Rather than imposing longer hours, Malaysia should invest in sustainable workforce solutions that respect nurses' welfare and dignity. Only by doing so can we build a resilient healthcare system capable of delivering safe, compassionate care to all Malaysians. Zainudin Rozali is dean at the Faculty of Nursing, IJN University College The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Statement from the American Nurses Association on the Department of Health and Human Services' Restructuring of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices
ANA Urges Inclusion of Nurses and Healthcare Experts on ACIP to Restore Public Trust in Vaccines and Reinforce Evidence-Based Policy SILVER SPRING, Md., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Nurses Association (ANA) is concerned by the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recent action to restructure the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). While the intent may be to restore integrity and public trust in vaccine science, this sweeping action risks achieving the opposite. ANA acknowledges that the previous Administration took unprecedented action that prevented this Administration from selecting ACIP representatives through the normal application and nomination process. While we understand the impetus to establish leadership in the process, we are concerned that the complete removal of all ACIP members could further erode public confidence in both the process and vaccines themselves. Restoring trust in vaccines is critical to safeguard public health, ensuring all children reach adulthood, and enabling all Americans to live healthy, productive lives. Vaccines are foundational to public health. They protect individuals, families, and communities from preventable disease, and they remain a cornerstone of our national and global response to emerging health threats. The public must trust not only the science behind vaccines, but the processes by which decisions are made about their use. That trust is built through transparency, consistency, and representation of frontline perspectives. ANA urges HHS to ensure the nursing perspective is meaningfully represented as new ACIP members are selected. Nurses play a vital role in immunization efforts: they educate patients, advocate for accessible vaccination practices, and uphold immunization recommendations. Nurses are often the first line of defense against vaccine-preventable diseases and bring essential, evidence-based insight to any conversation on public health. As the most trusted profession in the United States, nurses understand their ethical obligation to advance evidence-based approaches and to provide the best available information for patients and the public. Their expertise, clinical experience, and leadership in both community and acute care settings make them indispensable voices in national vaccine policy discussions. ANA stands ready to support HHS in identifying qualified nurses to serve on ACIP and contribute to restoring public trust in immunization practices. ANA remains committed to engaging in this important dialogue and supporting efforts that center public health, science, and evidence-based practice. We look forward to continuing collaboration with HHS to ensure nurses—and the patients they serve—are represented in critical public health decisions. About the American Nurses Association As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession's leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience. MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Nurses Enterprise
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dire cost of longer hours for nurses
NURSES are the backbone of healthcare worldwide and Malaysia is no exception. They serve on the frontlines in hospitals, clinics and community care settings, often working long hours to ensure patients receive timely and compassionate care. Their importance was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic when Malaysian nurses risked their health to care for thousands of patients. Despite their indispensable role, the government is considering increasing nurses' weekly work hours to 45 hours. This policy aims to address workforce shortages and meet rising healthcare demands but has met with widespread concern. While the intent is commendable, increasing work hours without increasing support risks harming nurses' welfare, patient safety and healthcare quality. Nurses' work hours in other countries Globally, healthcare systems that prioritise strong protections for nurses typically maintain workweeks between 36 and 40 hours – striking a crucial balance between service demands and staff well-being. 0 The United Kingdom: Nurses work around 37.5 hours weekly, with regulations limiting overtime and mandating rest breaks to prevent fatigue. The Royal College of Nursing advocates for safe working hours to uphold care quality. 0 Australia: Nurses typically work 38 hours per week, with industrial awards ensuring fair shifts and rest. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation warns that long shifts can compromise patients' safety as well as nurses. 0 Singapore: Nurses generally have a 40-hour work week, with carefully managed shifts designed to minimise fatigue. 0 The United States: Despite the prevalence of 12-hour shifts, total weekly hours generally remain between 36 and 40. The American Nurses Association highlights that exceeding these hours increases errors and dissatisfaction. In comparison, Malaysia's proposed 45-hour work week exceeds these standards, raising valid concerns. Real cost and implications Burnout among nurses has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as an occupational phenomenon linked to chronic workplace stress. It manifests as emotional exhaustion, cynicism and reduced personal accomplishment. For nurses, this translates to diminished empathy, increased absenteeism and lower quality of care. Research confirms that extended shifts and work weeks correlate with higher burnout. A study across 12 countries found that nurses working over 12-hour shifts reported significantly higher burnout levels and poorer care quality. Another study showed nurses working more than 40 hours per week faced increased risks of depression and anxiety. Prolonged work hours can also endanger nurses physically. Fatigue impairs cognitive function, increasing the chance of errors and accidents. Nurses working longer shifts experience higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries and needle-stick incidents. Additionally, it causes chronic sleep deprivation, a frequent outcome associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity and a weakened immune system. Multifaceted problem Malaysia is grappling with a severe nursing shortage, with over 12,000 vacancies in public healthcare reported by the Health Ministry. This shortage forces existing nurses to work longer hours and manage heavier patient loads. Simply increasing work hours without hiring more staff only shifts the burden onto nurses, accelerating burnout and turnover. Research shows poor working conditions and excessive workloads are key reasons nurses quit. Turnover is costly, including recruitment and training expenses. It also disrupts patient care continuity and weakens institutional knowledge. Patients' safety at risk Patient safety is closely tied to nurses' working hours and staffing levels. Nurses working beyond 12-hour shifts are twice as likely to make errors. Each additional hour over 40 per week increases the risk of adverse events. Fatigue impairs decision-making, vigilance and reaction times critical to safe care. Low nurse-to-patient ratios increase mortality, complications and hospital stay lengths. Increasing work hours without improving staffing ratios dilutes nurses' ability to provide quality care. Professional development Over 90% of nurses in Malaysia are women, many of whom juggle demanding professional roles with unpaid caregiving at home. This 'double burden' is only intensified by extended work hours. This imbalance increases stress and work-family conflict, especially among younger nurses and mothers, contributing to higher attrition rates. Longer work hours also reduce time for continuing professional development (CPD), which is highly required for all nurses. CPD is essential for maintaining clinical skills and improving patient outcomes. Without adequate time for learning, nurses face professional stagnation, which risks the quality of healthcare delivery. Ethical and legal considerations Malaysia upholds international labour standards that emphasise fair working conditions, reasonable work hours and the protection of workers' rights. Implementing a 45-hour work week for nurses could contradict these principles, potentially breaching ethical obligations and legal commitments. Such a policy not only risks compromising nurses' well-being but also undermines their professional dignity, equity and the broader values of social justice in the healthcare workforce. Alternatives solutions To improve healthcare sustainably, Malaysia should: 0 Maintain a 40-hour work week in line with international norms. 0 Enhance recruitment and retention by improving pay, benefits and working conditions. 0 Adopt flexible shift scheduling to reduce fatigue and burnout. 0 Provide comprehensive mental health support and burnout prevention programmes. 0 Ensure nurses have protected time for CPD and career development. Supporting healthcare quality Nurses are the lifeblood of Malaysia's healthcare system. Extending their work week to 45 hours will threaten their health, patient safety and the overall quality of care. Rather than imposing longer hours, Malaysia should invest in sustainable workforce solutions that respect nurses' welfare and dignity. Only by doing so can we build a resilient healthcare system capable of delivering safe, compassionate care to all Malaysians.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
People Are Speechless as Nurses Week Gift Goes Viral: 'Rather Be Ignored'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A gift an employee received to commemorate Nurses Week has left the internet reeling. The Redditor, u/psychRN1975, took to the platform to share the token of appreciation they were given: a small plastic bag containing matches, a life saver, a Starburst, a paperclip, rubber bands, and a tootsie toll. "Nurses week .... I'd rather just be ignored ty," she wrote in the subreddit "mildly infuriating," where the post quickly went viral, amassing over 86,000 upvotes. The gift came with a note attempting to give meaning to each item: " light your fire when you are burnt out, Life remind you of the times you have been one, the burst of energy you will need, hold it all together, Rubber Remind you that flexibility is key. Tootsie help you roll with the punches." While well-intentioned, many online saw the gesture as tone-deaf and redundant—a symbolic gesture that felt more like a formality than true appreciation. What Is Nurses Week? Nurses Week, recognized annually from May 6 through May 12, is a time to honor the critical contributions of nurses across the country. The celebration focuses on recognizing nurses' tireless efforts and the impact they have on patients and communities, according to the American Nurses Association. Expert Insight Katie Bull, MSN, EdD, RN, and founder of The Bullish Nurse, told Newsweek the issue goes deeper than a questionable gift. "These lack-luster gifts are not about bad gift-giving, it's what they represent. I hear from thousands of nurses and the frustration is centered on hospitals enjoying the optics of nurse appreciation while ignoring the realities of unsafe staffing, workplace violence prevention, stagnant pay, and lack of real resources to address burnout and nurse mental health needs," she said. "Appreciation without action feels less like gratitude and more like a growing disconnect between the lived experiences of bedside nurses and hospitals' portrayal of nurses as heroes." A stock image of a fed up nurse outside of a hospital. A stock image of a fed up nurse outside of a hospital. dragana991/iStock / Getty Images Plus Reddit Reacts The post sparked a chorus of discontent from healthcare workers and supporters alike. "Damn. Were they too cheap to spring for doughnuts?" asked one user. "Honestly a great point. I would (personally) feel more appreciated by donuts than a soulless baggie trying to pretend meaningful," another wrote. "I once got a scratch-off from management for working hard on Black Friday. I was told it would either say 'good job' or '$20 gift card' and thought that was a joke and it would just be a gift card. It said good job," shared another commenter. "This year one of the techs bought the donuts for the nurses. Healthcare was treated better before COVID. Then they called us 'heroes.' Guess that was just justification for them to treat us worse," one user reflected. And the issue isn't exclusive to nursing. "Oh hey, we got the EXACT same thing for teachers week," another chimed in. Newsweek reached out to u/psychRN1975 for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case. Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
