Working in the healthcare sector is often perceived as a noble and fulfilling profession, dedicated to the well-being of others. However, my recent stint as a nursing officer at KIIMS Bhubaneswar has shattered this idealistic image, revealing a grim reality marked by a complete lack of work-life balance and a distressing nursing staff experience.
From the outset, it became apparent that the nursing officers at KIIMS were subjected to an overwhelmingly demanding workload. The management seemed oblivious to the principles of reasonable working hours and adequate rest, as we found ourselves routinely overburdened with responsibilities that left no room for personal time or recovery. Long shifts stretched beyond the limits of reason, and overtime became the norm rather than the exception.
The so-called commitment to patient care was, in reality, a thinly veiled excuse for the administration’s blatant disregard for the well-being of its nursing staff. Exhausted and burnt out, we found ourselves compromising the quality of patient care due to the sheer fatigue induced by continuous, unrelenting work hours.
The lack of support from the nursing officer staff was equally disconcerting. Rather than fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, KIIMS Bhubaneswar seemed to thrive on a culture of blame and finger-pointing. Teamwork was a distant dream as staff members were pitted against each other, contributing to a toxic work atmosphere that further exacerbated the challenges of an already demanding job.
The administration’s failure to acknowledge the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of its nursing officers reflected a complete disregard for the mental and physical health of the workforce.