Nurses work shifts that last 12
to 24 hours. They perform numerous unpleasant procedures and even put their own
lives at risk for the sake of their patients.
Many nurses say they are harassed by young men who come in as either patients or
relatives of the patient. They are asked personal questions and are, often
unable to perform their duties due to harassment. Asking a nurse for her phone
number is a regular occurrence in the hospitals of Pakistan. Patients even ask
them if they can photograph them, and sometimes take pictures while the nurse is
not looking.
Under these conditions, many nurses have become resentful towards their line of
work. They have vowed never to let their daughters pursue a similar professional
path. This is especially alarming because doctors state that Pakistan is facing
a severe shortage in terms of nursing staff.
On paper, nursing would seem like a job that would command widespread respect .
However, sadly, this is not the case for nurses in Pakistan.