Nurses between Pros and Antis
Despite the fact that the community stances on some issues have changed, its’ thought about nursing profession has not changed, yet. Fathers still reject the idea that their daughters work as nurses, and the young men reject to getting married to them.
Student R.S. Al-Ghamdy said, “I dreamed of wearing the white coat while young. After graduating from the high school, I applied to continue my studies in nursing field. Yet, I failed to pass the capability test. I took it a challenge, and joined the private College of Science aspiring to join the College of Nursing, and I did it.
During the first semester, I tried to persuade my father to let me continue my studies. After strenuous efforts, he, finally, agreed. My mother also agreed but told nobody about my studies out of fearing of being a notorious family. I persuaded her that I do bear the full responsibility.”
Student A. Al-Shamary said, “My father totally rejected the idea of having me a nurse. My mother, who supported me, persuaded him. My male relatives rejected the idea, whereas the females supported me.”
Talking about the hindrances she met, she said, “English language is the gross impediment. We study all courses in English which we are not in good command of. The second impediment is community stance on nurses. Men reject getting married to nurses.”
Explaining why nursing profession is rejected, Student R. S. Al-Ghamdy said, “People worry over getting women intermingled with men and nurses work for long hours and, sometimes work night shifts. People worry that women might not wear the right hijab (Islamic dress). These reasons make the society have this negative look at nurses.”
Defending the nursing profession she said, ”Nurses were at the era of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The first nurse in Islam was Rufaidha bint Saad Al-Aslamiah. She was the first to make a battlefield hospital in holy battle of The Trench. She pitched up a tent to hospitalize the causalities amongst Muslims.”
We call upon people to change the negative stance on nurses and nursing profession. Nurses are productive workers, and the society cannot do with them.