Question Author
I don't think my answer registered... but I have worked for the nhs a long time and become ill twice as a result... for the first time see below
For Ronan with thanks
I used to be a nurse you know
I trained for three long years
To find that when I qualified
The jobs had disappeared
This situation seemed absurd
To any one who sees
The problems getting staff for jobs
But then we had a freeze
I used to be a nurse you know
On Itu no less
I was just a nurse you know
Who didn’t wear a dress
I used to work a normal week
But when staff phoned in ill
We all would do the extra shifts
That someone had to fill
Then of course the nights were long
But they improved my pay
So sometimes to survive I found
I hardly saw the day
I used to be a nurse you know
I did courses as one should
Fulfilled my obligations
They told me I was good
I struggled on for quite a time
The harm I would not see
Until one day I had to stop
Before the job stopped me
I used to be a nurse you know
But couldn’t make it back
So had to take a different job
When things were not so black
The different job is lower paid
I now have debts to pay
My life will never be the same
But all that I can say
My registration’s due this year
I doubt if I’ll renew
I feel there would be little point
If it’s something I can’t do
So nursing numbers fall by one
Burnt out, exhausted Sick
And nurses carry on the same
Beat with the same old stick
I used to be a nurse you know
Within our national health
But unlike a friend I did get out
Before I killed myself