THE HANDS – In Charge !
Manisha Chakraborty
The trials and triumph of the aspiring nursing students begins with the day they hold the burning candle in their hand and take oath in the name of Florence Nightingale to devote themselves for Nobel serving. The custodians of healing embark upon the path which is both arduous and exhilarating. Even though the mountain peak seems like a gratifying “happy ending” yet the road to it is stuffed with challenges. Encountering daily trials that tests the patience, mettle and questions the self confidence. Problems are faced at every level-the unrelenting and speedy storm of academics becomes a burden for many at the initial stage, where the major obstacle that stands out is language. A major percentage of candidates,coming from the outskirts, struggle to master at English fluency, often buckling beneath the sheer volume of knowledge demanded. Moreover the ceaseless torrent of assignments and its repeated correction are definitely over pressurizing leading to deprivation of sleep. On the other hand, the hospital wards, especially in the medical colleges, where theory meets reality the scope of clinical field practices become limited as students from different courses practice at the same time. Even after getting prioritised at the second for sharpening their skills in conducting deliveries or being a part of the operating team in case of major surgeries, the Trainees have been evidently found conducting normal deliveries at the health centres (PHCs, subcentres) at rural areas successfully and handling patients with ease after being becoming Registered staffs. therefore , the “care givers in making” should be ensured with equal opportunities in strengthening their bases,in order get more “Anjali Khulthes” [ a brave Soul who saved 20 expecting mothers from the terrorist’s bullet on 26/11 at Cama and Albless Hospital, Mumbai. She even conducted the normal delivery during the crisis call singlehandedly, bringing a healthy new born to this world]. Alongside, the avalanche of emotional turmoil, anxiety and depression,silent tearings should be noticed and addressed without judgements because the healers need to be healthy in the first place and it should begin right from their mother institution. Internships are not meant to be a formality but a Fortified pillar of professional grooming. The Current fees doesn’t Suffice the amount of hard work done and for a long time no raise in the sum is witnessed. With the deteriorating health scenarios in West Bengal, the hopes of the candidates are shaken,since the last West Bengal staff Nurse Grade-II recruitment under the Health and Family Welfare Department was conducted in 2022 with a total of 3608 vacancies. Conversely, the private hospitals are flooded with students,passed out from neighbouring states with considerably low wages, limiting scopes for In-State probationers. Unavoidable circumstances due to the recent OBC certificate cancellation case,being looked after by Supreme Court, has added to the problems.From a student’s perspective,it is spotted that nursing students aren’t expected to put out their political views and if Done so , are often asked to suppress them which is in opposition to the constitution. The secondary factors adding to the problems are resource constraints, underdeveloped infrastructure scarcity of pedagouges, Digital Disconnect in Rural areas, disrespectful labels for going out to Night Duties and more. Furthermore, the Policy- ” Right Man, Right Job” is about to become extinct because the Present Governing body of Bengal is into the trend of putting unqualified heads devoid of requisite knowledge in significant thrones which is the very reason of National decline and the state itself. In contrary to which, New Delhi born Kamal Khera , has been appointed as Canada’s Health Minister making her the only India-born member of the cabinet, is a registered nurse and a long time Liberal Politician is getting the respect she deserves, sadly not in her motherland but some other Country!
There upon, the health ecosystem of West Bengal where the Ganges whispers tales of resilience and the cultural tapestry gleams with intellectual fervor, the Nursing Education shouldn’t be ensnared in a Paradox.The issues faced by learners in this department is not much talked about, But difference in field doesn’t reflect on the Soul – which is of a “Student”! Hence, The Student Nurses,in pursuit of their noble calling, shall steadfastly continue to champion their aspirations, undeterred by the trials that lie ahead and Prove to be –
” The heart of the Hospital ” .