Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital | “I was always tired”

The intensive care nurse at Pierre-Le Cartier Hospital in Terrepon cried from the heart Saturday night before resigning. In particular, she denounced working conditions during epidemics, which made her sick.

Alice Girard-Boss
Press

At the onset of the infection, Pierre-Le Cartier Hospital was assigned to receive intensive care COVID-19 cases. Lonadier sent us cases all over the area. There were changes, instructions and procedures that changed every day. It’s very difficult, it’s more focused, ”said Amy Coat, a two – year intensive care nurse.

To make up for staff shortages during epidemics, employers were allowed to transfer nurses from one department to another. Amy Gudu’s department received nurses who were not trained in intensive care. So in most situations they could not intervene. “The help the hospital was giving us was very limited,” he said.

Ministerial orders issued during epidemics authorize managers and employers to change the schedule of nurses as needed. So Amy Gowt changed the day, evening and night changes. With forced overtime, she worked 50 to 60 hours a week.

Despite my exhaustion, these hours they forced me.

Amy Gout, intensive care nurse at Pierre-Le Cartier Hospital

The nurse, however, was used to intensive schedules. “I worked full-time for many years. On a voluntary basis, I worked overtime.”

Replace the ship

In early 2021, Amy Gout fell into depression. Work is one of the main reasons. “I was annoyed. At work, I cried. I only ate once a day. I was never hungry. I was always tired,” she recalled.

Decreased morale among co-workers. “The work-family balance was very difficult. Some of his colleagues, who worked three or four days a week, were no longer allowed to do so.” With ministerial orders, we are obliged to work full-time, “M explained.^Me Coutu.

In February 2021, Amy Gout went on sick leave, which lasted seven months. This malfunction allowed him to think. In early August, he decided to leave his position in the public sector and move to the private sector.

One thing is for sure: Ms.^Me Coutu will lose his intensive care unit and his colleagues. “The last day was heartbreaking. I promised not to cry, but I was broken when I read the greeting letters written by my colleagues. She is leaving today with a heavy heart, but a light head.

Solutions and Recognition

M^Me Koothu hopes the government will realize the extent of the problems in the health system. “The boat has been sinking for years,” he said. The government should listen to the nurses and leave. “They are the best place to explain problems and propose solutions.”

He also wants nurses to have excellent working conditions and be recognized for their reasonable value. “We talk a lot about professional and dedicated women, but we want to be recognized for the work we do.”

Finally, he believes Cubs can continue to be proud of a free health care system. “If workers, employers and the government work together, it can improve our health system from bad to worse.”

On Facebook, his post announcing his departure from the public body was shared more than 3,000 times. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dube, also responded to his testimony. “I adore Ms. Coutu for expressing her courage in this way. It is a painful witness. Above all, I thank her for working so hard to treat Cubes,” he said on Twitter.