Three New Nurses Walk Off Job Citing Poor Conditions

The Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association (TTNNA) has voiced serious concerns following the resignation of three newly qualified nurses from the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. TTNNA head Idi Stuart confirmed the departures, attributing them to untenable working conditions that place junior nurses at significant risk. These new professionals, fresh out of training and newly licensed, were reportedly assigned to work beyond the internationally recommended patient-to-nurse ratio of 1:6, and critically, were expected to manage wards without the necessary supervision.

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Obviously, if you now pass out as a student nurse, you now get your licence to practise and the employer is placing you in these positions, where you could be at risk for losing your licence if you give an incorrect medication, because it takes about two years for a nurse to really feel comfortable in their practice.

Stuart emphasized that good practice dictates that newly qualified nurses should be under the direct supervision of experienced colleagues for at least their first six months. This mentorship is crucial for their development and to mitigate potential errors, which are common as they gain confidence and experience. The association had previously asked nurses to accept the higher patient ratio temporarily, but the lack of supervision and the expectation for these junior nurses to work alone, particularly on shifts where they were promised additional support, has proven too much.

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Good practice, Stuart noted, is that the new nurses ought to be un­der the supervision of another nurse.

The nurses were initially assured of morning shifts only, gradual adjustment periods, and working alongside more experienced staff. The TTNNA president stated that these promises have not been kept, leading the nurses to leave rather than jeopardize their licenses. This situation underscores a systemic issue within the health authority regarding the proper integration and support of new nursing staff, potentially impacting patient care and the retention of valuable healthcare professionals.

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They should only be on day shift; they should never be left alone. It’s almost like a student—for particularly the first six months, you are supposed to moni­tor them.