So you think it’s embarrassing being a nurse, do you?
Posted 20 August 2020 - 16:30
Nurses’ anger at NHS recruitment video that some say implies nursing is a second-best career
A nurse recruitment video is being criticised for seeming to suggest the profession is an embarrassing career choice for men.
One prominent nurse leader said the short film is one of the most offensive advertisements for nursing she has ever seen.
In the advert, the male narrator, who is wearing a nurse's name badge, says: ‘We’re not who you think we are. We’re not embarrassed by our work.’
The clip had been seen by more than 36,000 views by noon today.
If your grades have changed, or you're still considering your next steps — why not consider a future in the NHS?
— NHS England and NHS Improvement (@NHSEngland) August 18, 2020
Whether you want to work in a hospital or out in the community — there are so many paths a nursing career can take. Search 'nursing careers' today. #WeAreTheNHS pic.twitter.com/NqQklQETsL
NHS England and NHS Improvement tweeted the 14-second clip along with the message: ‘If your grades have changed, or you’re still considering your next steps – why not consider a future in the NHS?’
‘Offensive and poorly conceived’
Nurses have criticised the video and its accompanying tweet.
This ad is an embarrassment and an utter joke! I’m only ever proud to be a nurse and worked hard to get a degree to do so. Shame to those how made this and I bet no nurses were involved in putting this monstrosity together
— Ali Stoneham (@ali_stonehamNQN) August 19, 2020
NHS England: "Be a nurse, it's for people who failed to get into med school"
— Ed Freshwater #Stuart4President (@edfreshwater) August 19, 2020
Seriously, who writes your comms? Because they're as offensive as they are ignorant.
Nursing student Grant Byrne tweeted: ‘I’m not embarrassed but whoever made this video ought to be.’
Critics include British Association of Critical Care Nurses chair Nicki Credland, who tweeted: ‘Males nurses “not embarrassed about our work” = one of the most offensive and poorly conceived advertisements for nursing I have seen.’
Message reflects stigma some men in nursing feel
However, other nurses have defended the video, arguing it merely reflects the experience of some men in the profession.
As a Male in the role I can tell you that some men do face ridicule and sneering for their choice of career. “Why didn’t you become a Doctor” is often asked of me, so personally I think it’s a good ad
— Stephen (@IsMiseStiofan) August 19, 2020
If you were a 17-18 year old male you would probably have doubts about how you fit in to nursing. It's a confusing time. This advert is speaking to young men that probably didn't know men could be nurses. The actor, script and attitudes are spot on.
— Critical Care Nurse (@ltd_resource) August 19, 2020
- RELATED: The myths that make men shun nursing
The video is part of a campaign to encourage young people who have just received their A-level results to consider nursing as a career.
NHS England and NHS Improvement was asked to comment.
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