Jane Bates

Image of man contemplating, with question marks around him
Nursing Standard

When patient choice becomes a decision-making dilemma

Not everyone is comfortable with a ‘choose your own’ approach to care, says Jane Bates

Three nurses stand together, smiling
Nursing Standard

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

Picture shows upper part of Big Ben at dusk with a statue of a horse and chariot in the foreground. Struggling to adapt to the changing pace of life after retiring from nursing, Jane Bates lists some of the mental triggers that still keep her on edge.
Nursing Standard

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

illustration shows frightened man, woman and bawling child as nurse approaches with a syringe
Nursing Standard

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

illustration shows a road that forks, with sign pointing left showing obese people, sign on right showing people of healthy weight
Nursing Standard

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

road signs pointing to 'old life' and 'new life'
Nursing Standard

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

Nursing Standard

Jane Bates: Preserving dignity in the face of illness

Grooming can help patients hold on to their dignity and avoid being overwhelmed by illness

Nursing Standard

Random acts of kindness do nursing proud

Despite pressure of work the kindness of nurses has diminished not a jot, says Jane Bates

Shocked nurse
Nursing Standard

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

Nursing Standard

Even handmaidens need handovers

No one should be expected to start a new post without a handover, says Jane Bates

illustration of man holding his nose
Nursing Standard

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

Brexit illustration
Nursing Standard

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

Nursing Standard

Tiresome taboo over period pains

It is time to stop being embarrassed about menstruation, says Jane Bates

Nursing Standard

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

fake news newspaper
Nursing Standard

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

mentor with two students
Nursing Standard

Jane Bates: mentors can’t wrap students up in cotton wool

But it is our duty to help them build resilience against nursing’s hard knocks

Young female nurse comforts middle aged man with head in his hands
Nursing Standard

Jane Bates: Staff shortages means we lose chances for compassion

No one had time to comfort a distressed patient. If only a liaison officer had been there

Ill-looking woman lying down while talking on phone
Nursing Standard

Jane Bates: Is it alright to contact a sick colleague?

A modern conundrum brings back memories from Jane Bates' student days

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