Listen Now: 
Download AudioThe NZ Nurses Organisation (NZNO) says nurses are feeling disrespected, undervalued, and that their professional abilities are being questioned.
Last week, a memo circulated around Waikato Hospital, instructing nursing staff to speak only in English in all clinical settings.
Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says there is no clarity regarding what prompted the memo to be sent in the first place.
The Nursing Council has professional standards, and this memo is seen as disrespectful to an overworked workforce.
“These are clinical nurses experienced, proficient in their area to be pulled off because of the color of your skin or because of your ethnic background, is an act of racism. What we’re starting to see now, over the last few days, is a manifestation of what’s been allowed historically to happen. It’s it’s not okay,” says Nuku.
RELATED NEWS
