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The Sun
10 hours ago
- 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.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Westfield to celebrate National Nurses Week with glowing red lights throughout the city
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In honor of National Nurses Week, the city of Westfield will be glowing red as part of a nationwide initiative recognizing nurses in the community. Springfield Works launches pilot program to help those who exceed public assistance benefits From May 6 to May 12, Westfield buildings will be lit up with red lights each night to celebrate the kindness and generosity of nurses in western Massachusetts. Over 100 buildings and landmarks across the country plan to participate in the #NursesLightUpTheSky initiative, led by the American Nurses Association. 'Nurses are essential to the health of our families and communities, and this week, we honor the impact they make across every corner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the nation,' said Carmela Daniello, DNP, MS/MBA, RN, Executive Director of the American Nurses Association Massachusetts. 'Lighting up our skyline is just one way we're shining a spotlight on the incredible work nurses do every single day.' The following locations in Westfield will be lit up throughout the week: Baystate Noble Hospital (May 6-12) The City of Westfield Department of Public Health (May 6-12) Western Massachusetts Hospital (May 6-12) Westfield State University School of Nursing (May 6) For a full list of participating landmarks in the United States, visit Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
National Nurses Week 2025: Deals and Freebies for Healthcare Workers
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. National Nurses Week 2025 is being marked by a range of companies and organizations offering food discounts, product giveaways and special perks to recognize nurses' critical work. This year's celebration runs from May 6 through May 12, and several businesses in the United States are offering nationwide and regional promotions to say thank you. Most deals require a valid nurse ID or badge during redemption. When Is National Nurses Week? National Nurses Week runs each year from May 6 to May 12, ending on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing. Per the American Nurses Association (ANA), 2025's theme is "Nurses Make the Difference," highlighting the profession's impact across health care settings. Why Is National Nurses Week Celebrated? The week is a nationwide tribute to the millions of nurses in the U.S. who provide frontline care, often in high-stress and high-stakes environments. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are nearly 4.7 million registered nurses in the U.S. The week serves as an opportunity to increase public awareness about nurses' roles in community health, patient advocacy and health education, according to the American Nurses Association. Stock photo of four nurses smiling and chatting at work in a hospital. Stock photo of four nurses smiling and chatting at work in a hospital. Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages Food Deals and Freebies this Week for Nurses A wide array of restaurants and food chains offer nurses special perks during the week. Some deals are part of a joint offer during Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from May 5 to May 9. Some of the top deals include: Chipotle : The chain is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week simultaneously. Teachers and health care workers can sign up through May 12 to win a free burrito from Chipotle. According to the sweepstakes rules, 100,000 teachers and 100,000 health care workers will be randomly selected to receive an e-gift card. Verification is required. : The chain is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week selected to receive an e-gift card. Verification is required. Tim Hortons: From May 6 to 12, nurses who are Tims Rewards members can take advantage of two donut-centric deals at participating U.S. locations, including: Buy one donut, get one free, or buy a dozen donuts, get six free. These offers are available exclusively to rewards members who activate the deal through the Tim Hortons app or website before purchasing. Potbelly : N urses who show ID between May 5 and May 11, in-store only, can claim a free cookie or regular fountain drink with any entrée purchase . : N . Scooter's Coffee: The coffee chain with over 850 locations is offering all healthcare workers a free medium drink on Tuesday, May 6. The offer is only valid with a healthcare ID at participating locations. The coffee chain with over 850 locations is offering all healthcare workers a free medium drink on Tuesday, May 6. The offer is only valid with a healthcare ID at participating locations. MOD Pizza : From May 5 to 9, nurses can get a BOGO MOD-size pizza or salad. This deal is valid in-store with a work ID. : From May 5 to 9, nurses can get a BOGO MOD-size pizza or salad. This deal is valid in-store with a work ID. Outback Steakhouse: Though not exclusive to this week, Outback offers 10 percent off one check to all military veterans and servicemembers, police, firefighters, first responders, nurses, doctors and medical staff as part of its "Heroes Discount." A valid ID is required. National Nurses Week Sweepstakes: How to register In addition to the food perks, the American Nurses Association is hosting a national Nurses Week 2025 Sweepstakes. Registered nurses in the U.S. can enter to win a $4,500 travel package. To enter, participants must complete the sweepstakes form on the ANA website. No purchase is necessary, and the sweepstakes is open until May 12.
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Nurses can get a free drink from Scooter's Coffee. Here's when and what to know
National Nurses can get a free drink from Scooter's Coffee. Here's when and what to know Healthcare workers can get a free drink, including coffee, at their local Scooter's Coffee for one day only. Photo by Scooter's Coffee Scooter's Coffee is saying 'thank you' to healthcare workers with a free drink. On Tuesday, May 6, nurses and healthcare professionals can get a free medium drink of their choice by showing a valid healthcare ID at participating Scooter's locations nationwide, according to the drive-thru coffee shop. The freebie comes with a Healthcare Heroes sticker, available while supplies last. No purchase is necessary, and mobile orders are excluded. National Nurses Week runs May 6-12 and recognizes the 'invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide,' according to the American Nurses Association. 'Whether you're a nurse, a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates the critical role nurses play in our lives and society, National Nurses Week is the perfect time to share your gratitude and celebrate nurses,' the organization said. Healthcare workers will have their pick of Scooter's drink options including espresso and caffeinated drinks, cold brew coffees and fruit smoothies, according to the coffee chain. Additional information wasn't immediately available. Find your nearest Scooter's Coffee here. Tanasia Kenney Sun Herald Go to X Email this person Tanasia is a National Real-Time reporter based in Atlanta. She covers news out of Georgia, Mississippi and the Southeast with a focus on food, retail and consumer reporting. She's an alumna of Kennesaw State University and joined McClatchy in 2020.
