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NURSING AT SHAARE ZEDEK

Adrian lng is a registered Nurse and Regional Officer for the Royal College of Nursing. He has a clinic nurse background in oncology and palliative care and has worked more recently with employment issues within nursing. He is currently undertaking a research sabbatical on Nursing within the Middle East.

With a great deal of nervous anticipation I began my sabbatical 'break' to research the world of nursing in Israel and to visit a selection of hospitals and nursing homes, with a hope that I may begin to understand what it feels like to be a nurse in Israel in 2007. One of my key visits was to be Shaare Zedek where I would meet with the Chief Nurse and members of the nursing team. Many of the challenges facing nursing in Israel are those we experience in the UK. Falling numbers of students, the public profile of the profession and general dissatisfaction with pay were all too familiar, but I discovered an enthusiasm for nursing and professional development that was refreshing. There are generally no educational grants for nursing students in Israel so most students have to take other jobs to pay for their training, this brings with it a real determination to succeed.

After the frantic rush of Tel Aviv, Shaare Zedek was an oasis of calm and order! I had visited the Hospital last year and had been given an insight into the legendary philosophy of care that is delivered there. The 'Hospital with a Heart' has gained this great reputation as a result of the human interaction between staff and patients, where each individual is respected and valued. The nursing workforce deserves much credit for this approach. On this visit I came to discover what it was like to work at Shaare Zedek and to practise as a Registered Nurse. I understood the commitment the Hospital had to the holistic care of the patients, now I was to learn about the same commitment to the staff.

Caring and skill are combined at Shaare Zedek, where an impressive 83% of the nursing workforce is registered and a high number have either a bachelor's or master's degree. Most nurses are working towards higher qualifications and increased specialism, but all find time to listen to the patient's concerns and to explain treatment plans with reassurance. The nursing philosophy is to place the patient in the centre of decision-making. I was very impressed with Shaare Zedek's commitment to the development of its staff.

A great many of Shaare Zedek's nurses are married women with families who have chosen to work there precisely because they are able to maintain a balance between their professional working lives, their families and observant religious practice. Nursing shifts have been specifically designed around the need of many to work part time, and to allow nurses to observe Shabbat and other festivals if they so choose. Nurses from other faith traditions are also able to combine their professional lives with the practice of their religion. Nurses who are satisfied with their jobs tend to stay, which reduces the costs of hiring new staff.

The whole hospital reflects this dynamic as Shabbat approaches and a quiet reflective atmosphere descends. Every assistance is given to support nurses as they combine professional practice with religious observance. Here in the UK the NHS has introduced guidance designed to 'Improve Working Lives'. In Shaare Zedek I experienced this in action!

On my journey back to Tel Aviv I travelled with two student nurses who were about to qualify, both were intending to apply for jobs at Shaare Zedek, I asked them why? "So that I can really practice what I believe in as a Nurse "they both replied, what better recommendation than that I thought!

For more information about nursing in Israel or in Shaare Zedek please email adrian.ing@rcn.org.uk