Hundreds of nurses voiced their support for the launch of the Nursing in Practice ‘Respect’ campaign during the NiP event in Newcastle last week (3 May).

With queues snaking around the exhibition hall to sign up to our e-petition, it was clear nurses heeded our call to celebrate their work and stand up against the recent negative press and government pressures.

Upon signing the e-petition Lisa Kempster, 39, Sister for Immediate Care Team in Sunderland, agreed there has been a loss of respect for nurses.

“Nurses used to get a lot more respect from patients years ago, but the perception of nursing has changed,” she said.

“This is down to a greater awareness of patients’ rights and choice and the loss of uniforms which separate the carers from the cleaners.”

Another supporter of the ‘Respect’ campaign, Jayne Marie Budge, 54, a community staff nurse, recalled one “horrendous” experience with a hostile patient.  

“On the odd occasion I have felt ignored and been made to feel stupid by colleagues, but the lack of respect occurs more frequently among patients,” she said.

“The worst one was a young man who was paralysed from the neck down and was verbally abusive, making me feel very threatened and intimidated.

“That was really horrendous. Although he was the same way with everyone, it felt personal.”*

Less than a week after going live, the Nursing in Practice ‘Respect’ campaign has achieved over 175 signatures.

A massive thanks goes out to all NiP Newcastle delegates for taking the time to sign the e-petition, but we need your support to go further.

Spread the word to all your colleagues in primary care and the community.

Goad your GP, persuade your practice manager, nag your nurse and move your midwife to sign up and help us reach our 100,000 goal.

SIGN OUR E-PETITION FOR THE NURSING IN PRACTICE RESPECT CAMPAIGN