Double oppression against women in Iran permeates all aspects of their lives, including discrimination in the workplace. In this article, we delve into the challenges faced by Iranian nurses, highlighting issues such as the shortage of nurses, harsh working conditions, forced overtime, and nurse migration.
The Struggle of Iranian Nurses
Shortage of Nurses
Nursing is an honorable profession worldwide, but Iranian female nurses find themselves in dire circumstances. Their salaries fall far below the poverty line, and their working hours often exceed the standard office hours. Despite a growing wave of unemployed nurses, the government has not prioritized hiring new staff. Instead, employed nurses face increased workloads without additional compensation.
Harsh Working Conditions
Nurses bear immense work pressure due to understaffing and excessive demands. Often, a single nurse must care for patients who would typically require several nurses. These conditions take a toll on their physical and mental well-being.
Mohammad Sharifi, the Secretary-General of the House of Nurses, said: “In the past month, three of our nurses have died in their sleep, and the cause of their deaths was Karoshi syndrome and death due to overwork. Today, a nurse working in our hospitals is a tired, demotivated, and worn-out nurse who, if not migrating, is quitting their job and changing their profession.” (The state-run Etemanonline.ir, May 12, 2024)
Forced Overtime Without Pay
Unpaid overtime exacerbates the situation. Iranian nurses work beyond their scheduled hours, yet their efforts go unrewarded. The financial strain pushes many nurses to consider leaving the profession or even the country.
Nurse Migration
In protest of deteriorating working conditions, nurses from various hospitals across Iran have resigned. (The state-run didbaniran.ir, April 30, 2024) For instance:
- Tajrish Martyrs Hospitals in Tehran: A group of nurses resigned due to worsening conditions.
- Taleghani Hospital in Chalus: Nurses protested inadequate wages and job security.
- Amir Alam Hospital in Tehran: Twenty nurses resigned in response to inappropriate working conditions.
- Tajrish Martyrs Hospital (operation and anesthesia room): Forty-three nurses took a stand against unfavorable conditions.
- Abadan Hospital: Thirty nurses left due to low wages and lack of job security.
Alarming Emigration
According to Mohammad Taqi Jahanpour, head of Iran’s Nursing System Organization, 216 nurses left their positions in the first nine months of the year. (The state-run Mehr news agency, February 21, 2024)
The discrepancy between workload and salaries drove them away. Luqman Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council of the Nursing System, emphasized that nurse salaries in government hospitals fall below the poverty line. (The state-run Khooshkhabar.com, February 26, 2024)
Qasem Abutalebi, another council member, expressed concern about nurse emigration. Despite training thousands of new nurses, the country faces a crisis as nearly 3,000 nurses left last year alone. (The state-run Entekhab.ir, March 12, 2024)
Suppression Instead of Solutions
Rather than addressing nurses’ demands, the regime responds with suppression. Nurses involved in protest rallies have faced suspensions, dismissals, and other punitive measures. Even experienced nurses, like one with 27 years of service, have been fired. (The state-run Hammihan daily, March 7, 2024)
In summary, Iranian nurses grapple with a double oppression—gender-based discrimination and challenging work conditions. Urgent reforms are necessary to retain skilled nurses and ensure quality healthcare.
