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Nurses across St. Vincent and the Grenadines are speaking out about growing dissatisfaction and burnout in the healthcare system, citing unfair labor practices, lack of support, and what many see as systemic neglect from both hospital administration and the government.
At the center of the issue is the mismanagement of what are known as “extra days” — time accumulated by nurses when they work on public holidays, storm days, or when their weekly working hours exceed the standard 36-hour schedule. These extra days are meant to be a form of compensation for going above and beyond. Yet, nurses say they are being punished for taking time off, even when they are sick.
“When a nurse calls out, not only are we marked as absent, but one of our hard-earned extra days is taken away,” says one nurse, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. “We’re being penalized twice — once with an absence, and again by losing time we rightfully earned. How is that fair?”
Overworked and Undervalued
In many communities, nurses report receiving only one day off per week. In some cases, even that single day off is deducted from their accumulated extra days — a practice that raises serious concerns about labor rights and burnout.
“We’re supposed to work 36 hours per week, but many of us are scheduled using our own extra days to make that up,” the nurse continues. “It’s like we’re loaning ourselves back to the system without consent.”
Despite these sacrifices, there’s no formal mechanism that allows nurses to request or schedule their extra days. Many say their time is treated as hospital property, not something they’ve earned through service.
Night Shifts Without Pay
Another major grievance is the ongoing failure to fairly compensate nurses for night duty. Nursing Assistants (NAs) in particular are reportedly being underpaid — or not paid at all — for their night shifts.
“We’ve been raising this issue for years,” says a senior staff nurse. “It’s demoralizing to work through the night, missing time with family, compromising your health, and then not even be paid adequately for it.”
Stuck on Probation
Compounding these frustrations is the failure of hospital administration to provide timely evaluation letters — documents that are essential for nurses to move beyond probationary status. Without them, promotions, salary increases, and even job security are held in limbo.
“It’s as though we’re being deliberately held back,” said another nurse. “You can’t grow or move forward in your career if no one evaluates you.”
Basic Needs Ignored
Many nurses also highlight the lack of simple amenities, such as designated break areas or rest stations during night shifts. With nowhere to sit or rest, nurses are often left to power through 8 to 12-hour shifts with little relief — a dangerous practice in a profession where focus and stamina are crucial.
“You’re expected to care for others without being cared for,” one nurse said. “It’s degrading.”
Double Standards and Silencing
Attempts by nurses to earn extra income through small-scale selling on breaks are also being met with resistance. “We’re told we need permission to sell anything,” one nurse explained, “while outsiders walk onto the wards freely and sell products without issue. Make it make sense.”
Furthermore, several staff members allege blatant favoritism among supervisors, and say there’s no clear or safe channel to report grievances. “When you try to speak out, you’re silenced. They sweep everything under the rug. The sisters protect each other, and the Service Commission calls it an in-house problem.”
Where is the Government?
Perhaps most disheartening is the perceived absence of government interest or intervention. Many nurses say they’ve never seen the Prime Minister or Minister of Health visit their workplace to have a one-on-one discussion with staff.
“Why should we vote for a government that doesn’t care about how we’re being treated?” asked one exhausted nurse. “We are frontline workers. We’ve carried this country through pandemics, disasters, and health crises. And yet, no one is looking out for us.”