Every language has an array of confusing phrases that are part of everyday speech and we must be mindful of this when talking to patients and colleagues, says Jane Bates

Jane Bates struggles with patients’ demands to keep the hospital cool during a heatwave

Hugs between patients and staff can be a welcome part of the job, says Jane Bates

Locating the serial number to report a broken machine is impossible unless you contort

Pregnancy is not an illness, but it can be an exhausting time for NHS staff, says Jane Bates

What will we do without former icon of the profession, the hospital corner, asks Jane Bates

Nurses are right to feel short changed by claims that earnings are up, says Jane Bates

Temper tantrums seem liberating, but self-control is a better choice, says Jane Bates

A sea change in practice is needed to reduce the amount of waste in the NHS, says Jane Bates

We demand more than the 70-year-old NHS can deliver

Despite the best efforts of government and healthcare staff, sometimes the message doesn’t get through

Jane Bates deals with a debilitating condition

Buy your own medicine if available over the counter to ease the burden on the NHS, says Jane Bates

Hospital managers must take responsibility when understaffing affects care, says Jane Bates

The glass ceiling doesn't seem to affect our male colleagues

The old days were all very well but chilblains are best consigned to history, says Jane Bates

A report that claims knitting could have health benefits making it worthy of being prescribed on the NHS sets Jane Bates on a flight of fancy

Duchess of Cambridge's endorsement of Nursing Now campaign is not enough to keep us sweet