An unknown number of members of the NEIGRIHMS Nurses Association (NNA) today expressed concern over a press release issued in the name of the association two days ago over the pressing issue of nurses recruitment in the central government teaching hospital.
On Tuesday, an NNA release signed by its president and forwarded to the press by its media in-charge expressed concern at the temporary pause in recruitment at NEIGRIHMS and said that male nurses hired during the last cycle should not be blamed for the current issues. “Our nursing fraternity comprises individuals from across the country, all of whom have joined the institute through a fair and transparent recruitment process.”
NEIGRIHMS has been facing months of turmoil after pressure groups expressed adamant opposition to recruitment practices. The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) wants an 80:20 female to male nurse ratio, more local staff, job recruitment examinations to be held within the state, etc.
In a letter today, NNA members stated that the press release of two days ago contained content and decisions that were made “without the knowledge, consultation, or consensus of the general body. No General Body Meeting was convened, nor were the views of the wider membership solicited prior to its publication.”
It went on to say that Tuesday’s release “does not represent the collective position of the nursing community at NEIGRIHMS. It is deeply concerning that major decisions – including those regarding recruitment and public statements – were made without consultation or approval from the general membership. We believe that all such decisions must arise from open dialogue and collective consensus.”
The NNA on Tuesday claimed that protests by pressure groups had disrupted patient care at the hospital. However, today’s rebuttal stated that the demonstrations, “led by nursing officer aspirants” and the outside groups “were carried out responsibly and without disruption to patient care.” These initiatives are not politically motivated but are rooted in the pursuit of fairness, inclusiveness and high standards in nursing care, the letter added.
It also stated that there is a need for “gender-sensitive staffing” in patient care as an imbalance in recent recruitment has led to practical challenges, particularly in ICUs, female medicine, paediatrics and related units. “This imbalance has impacted both patients’ comfort and staff coordination,” the nurses claimed.
Furthermore, several senior female nurses are set to retire in the near future, so “proactive steps must be taken now to ensure that culturally appropriate, safe, and respectful care is maintained.”
The NNA had announced on Tuesday that its nurses will not be participating in International Nurses Week observances but today’s letter expressed disappointment with this decision, which, again, the letter said had been taken without prior consultation.
