Free
Why the wobble room is a necessary sanity saver
It’s essential nurses have a space to think, cry and be fallible, especially amid a pandemic
26 May 2020
Jane Bates
Free
COVID-19 will leave a legacy of harm that extends far beyond the high death toll
The coronavirus pandemic has many ways to wreak havoc with our health and well-being
28 Apr 2020
Free
Why I’m reluctant to join the coronavirus home guard
The government plan to recruit retired nurses during the COVID-19 crisis has a serious flaw
17 Mar 2020
When patient choice becomes a decision-making dilemma
Not everyone is comfortable with a ‘choose your own’ approach to care, says Jane Bates
21 Feb 2020
As nurses, we need fun – and respect – if we are to survive the stresses of the job
Colleagues of my vintage remember when there was more room for camaraderie, says Jane Bates
23 Jan 2020
I may have retired from nursing, but nursing has not retired from me
Recently-retired Jane Bates reflects on the everyday triggers that keep her on her toes
08 Jan 2020
With childhood immunisation rates falling, it’s time to ramp up the scare tactics
Parents should be spared no detail about the reality of diseases like diphtheria and polio
19 Nov 2019
Put that snack away: childhood obesity and the case for banning food on public transport
The idea of outlawing train picnics sounds extreme, but there’s wisdom in it
23 Oct 2019
Jane Bates: Life is about endings and beginnings and it’s time for me to bid you goodbye
I may be retiring from nursing (and this column) but a nurse will always be who I am
17 May 2019
Jane Bates: Preserving dignity in the face of illness
Grooming can help patients hold on to their dignity and avoid being overwhelmed by illness
09 May 2019
Random acts of kindness do nursing proud
Despite pressure of work the kindness of nurses has diminished not a jot, says Jane Bates
02 May 2019
What is it about nurses that makes us seem fair game for personal remarks?
The things some people say to us are just plain rude, says Jane Bates
25 Apr 2019
Even handmaidens need handovers
No one should be expected to start a new post without a handover, says Jane Bates
18 Apr 2019
Sometimes there’s just no way round raising the delicate matter of personal hygiene
Jane Bates on when duty of care to a preoperative patient has to trump your blushes
11 Apr 2019
Brexit-weariness may be catching, and the prognosis isn’t good
Jane Bates has identified news-related conditions she’d like to add to the medical dictionary
04 Apr 2019
Tiresome taboo over period pains
It is time to stop being embarrassed about menstruation, says Jane Bates
29 Mar 2019
My wish for a life without emotional blackmail
Unfair pressure to do extra work is the bane of a nurse’s life, says Jane Bates
20 Mar 2019
Jane Bates: tales of dangling eyeballs are nothing more than fake news… honest!
It can be hard for nurses to debunk myths that some patients seem to prefer over hard fact
14 Mar 2019