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May 12th • Healthcare & Ethics
International Nurses Day
A day to celebrate the immense contribution of nurses to society. Often called the backbone of healthcare, nurses provide not just medical assistance, but vital emotional labour. Today, we debate the challenges of the nursing profession in a modern world.
Speaking Discussion
- What is the most difficult part of being a nurse? (e.g., long hours, emotional stress, or physical labour).
- Do you think society values nurses as much as it values doctors? Why or why not?
- "Emotional labour" is the work of managing one's own feelings to make others feel better. Should nurses be paid more for this part of their job?
- How has the nursing profession changed since the time of Florence Nightingale?
- Why is there currently a global shortage of nurses? What can be done to fix it?
- If you had to choose a medical career, would you rather be a doctor or a nurse? Explain your reasoning.
Activity 1: The Hospital Board Meeting
The Task: You are on a hospital board with a limited budget. You must decide whether to invest in New Technology or Better Pay/Benefits for the nursing staff.
Debate the long-term impact of each decision. Which one will lead to better patient care? in your debate.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences
Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.
- "The most important quality in a healthcare worker is..."
- "If I were in charge of the healthcare system, the first thing I'd change is..."
- "Nursing is not just a job, it's a..."