Jane Bates
Jane Bates: Beware the Christmas Eve cocktails
From cracked ribs to a sore back, the Yuletide festivities are not without hazard for Jane Bates
Jane Bates: Is the right to see a GP such an outdated idea?
All patients deserve a face-to-face medicines review with their GP. Not only is this in the best interests of the patient, it helps prevent the huge costs to the NHS associated with wasted medications, says Jane Bates
Jane Bates: Madness of NHS plan to ask patients their gender preference
A directive from NHS England asking health professionals to record the sexual orientation of all patients and service users aged 16 and over is impractical and intrusive, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Flexible working just a dream until NHS is adequately staffed
While the concept of flexible, family-friendly working is very welcome, it is just a pipe dream until the significant shortage of NHS nurses is addressed, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Frail and elderly or fit for work?
The baby boomer generation is expected to work until approaching age 70 but they are considered frail and elderly when something goes wrong. You can’t have it both ways, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Constipation is nothing to be embarrassed about
Dispatched to the pharmacy for medication to ease a friend’s bowel problems, Jane Bates wonders why buying personal items causes such discomfort, even for nurses.
Jane Bates: Does the public really want a 24-hour NHS?
With 8am surgery seen as too early a start, and evening appointments deemed too late, round-the-clock care for non-emergencies may not be that popular.
Jane Bates: When illness cuts into people’s hectic agendas, life must still go on
Constantly rearranging a medical appointment due to work and family commitments is causing embarrassment for Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: When the humble safety pin held nursing together
The once ubiquitous safety pin is now never seen on ward, a victim of Health and Safety. Yet they harmed no one and helped many, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Nursing attrition and the erosion of team spirit
With little time for clinical supervision, team meetings or teaching opportunities, problems start to fester and the sense that people don’t matter becomes the norm, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Risk being annoying – a bit of banter lifts the mood
Even if your comedy routine isn’t always appreciated, humour is still a great way of helping patients to relax, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Agonising over putting patients before family
Maintaining a work-life balance in the face of serious staff shortages is proving tricky for Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Reflections on how to have your cake and eat it too
As Nursing Standard celebrates its 30th Birthday, Jane Bates reflects on her years as a columnist and why – if given the choice between doing two things you love – you should do both.
Jane Bates: The fear and fun of nurse training in the 1970s
From ‘public liability’ to running a ward in three years, Jane Bates has fond memories of her nerve-wracking yet rewarding student days
Jane Bates: Why don’t people use the phone any more?
Finding time to send an email while coping with a ward full of demanding patients is a step too far for Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: Please don’t make me ask ‘How did I do?’
The awkward process of gaining feedback for revalidation is proving something of a headache for Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: false glitter of golden hellos
Golden hellos may look attractive on the surface but a good old-fashioned pay rise is a much better way to recruit and retain nurses, says Jane Bates.
Jane Bates: No wonder we all hate hospitals
Coming back to the place where a loved one passed away can be hard for patients, and it is not always easy for staff either, says Jane Bates.