Nursing dream now a nightmare

NURSING was my dream since I was a child and I thought it was my calling.

But now I feel demotivated owing to injustice that is being done to me by my employer, the KZN Health Department.

I was employed as Nursing Auxiliary 11 years ago and have been working in this position since then, with no opportunity for training to improve my position.

I have been applying for study leave for the past nine years and eventually the leave was granted this year to further my studies.

I was over the moon when my supervisor told me.

I was going to further my studies on 1 June at the eShowe Sub Campus for nursing.

Now my dream has vanished because the KZN Health Department has stopped us from commencing our training, this to accommodate lay counsellors as they are phasing out lay counselling in the department.

Even my little sister confirmed that she is going to start her training in June this year.

She was employed two years ago at the Benedictine Hospital as a lay counsellor.

They were given a list with things they can study for like radiographer, pharmacist, nursing etc…. but now they are all forced to do nursing.

They don’t like nursing, but they have no choice. Now tell me how are they going to be productive, be dedicated and able to go the extra mile if they are forced to do nursing that they don’t like?

Where is the justice if they first develop employees who were employed after us? As far as I know, we development should be on a first come, first served basis.

Why is the department manipulating the system now?

We all need self development and a better future. I am what am by chance, not by a choice.

I am calling on my employer to stop favouritism and useless trade unions to act against this injustice.