(align:"=><=")[''The Portal of Time'']
<div style="text-align: center; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto;">
It's 2025.
It's one month until the very first day of your probationary year as a nurse at Leeds General Infirmary. You find yourself standing in front of a mysterious portal, a gateway where past and present intertwine. Though bewildered and uncertain, you can't help but step through, full of curiosity. What awaits on the other side is something you can hardly imagine.
Before you start, you must choose: Will you explore [[Victorian England in the 1800s]], or will you look into the [[United Kingdom's healthcare today]]?
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/707676/pexels-photo-707676.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-photo-of-clocks-707676/" target="_blank">Andrey Grushnikov</a> from Pexels</p>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You’ve just begun your nursing career, and you’re learning on the job with limited formal education as the training program is still in its infancy <sup>[[2|References]]</sup>. Even worse, your interactions with doctors usually remind you of your place in a rigid, male-dominated medical hierarchy <sup>[[3|References]]</sup>.
One time, their condescension challenges your resolve: you must decide whether to [[stand up to the doctor]] or [[keep quiet and follow orders]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/preview/YW/YW015/YW015564V_A-doctor-and-some-women-attend-to-and-prepare-bandages-for-a-wounded-military-man-lying-in-comfortable-surroundings.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YW015564V/A-doctor-and-some-women-attend-to-and-prepare-bandages-for-a-wounded-military-man-lying-in-comfortable-surroundings" target="_blank">Wellcome Collection</a> from Look and Learn</p>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">
As time goes on, you diligently carry out your tasks, swallowing your concerns and questions to avoid conflict. The Infirmary faces increasing demands as a growing wave of patients arrives and requires intensive and prolonged care. Despite your dedication, illness begins to impair your ability to keep up with the demands of the job.
You decided to [[take a sick leave from work]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/preview/YW/YW014/YW014785V_Mothers-and-nurses-play-with-sick-children-on-New-Years-Day.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YW014785V/Mothers-and-nurses-play-with-sick-children-on-New-Years-Day" target="_blank">Wellcome Collection</a> from Look and Learn</p>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are now Emma, a 25-year-old newly qualified nurse in 2025, beginning your first position at Leeds General Infirmary. You can't contain your excitement. And as you step onto the ward, a thought appears in your mind: //[[Has the world truly moved beyond the gender expectations that shaped nursing here over a century ago?]]//
</div>
<video width="100%" height="auto" controls style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto;">
<source src="https://videos.pexels.com/video-files/5838986/5838986-hd_1920_1080_24fps.mp4" type="video/mp4">
</video>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before you act, you suddenly recall a story shared among the nurses that in the past month, they have discharged two nurses for being insubordinate, such as refusing to go the other wards when they were requested to. Suddenly, an [[imaginary situation]] pops up in your head.
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://cdn16.picryl.com/photo/2020/09/16/anna-oliva-fors-bagerskor-a95f90-1024.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://itoldya420.getarchive.net/media/anna-oliva-fors-bagerskor-a95f90" target="_blank">Digital Museum</a> from ITOLDYA TEST1</p>
</div>You are now Ann, a 20 years old who has just started your probationary year at Leeds Infirmary in 1873. This year marks one of the biggest waves of nurse entries in recent years <sup>[[(a)|Appendix]]</sup>. 70% of the probationers, like you, are between the ages of 20 and 29<sup>[[(b)|Appendix]]</sup>.
Before joining Leeds General Infirmary, you worked as a general servant for Sir Hartley's household, a wealthy upper-class family in Leeds. Servant is a job typical of many young women from working-class backgrounds <sup>[[1|References]]</sup>. Similar to you, about 30% of the nurses <sup>[[(c)|Appendix]]</sup> have changed from domestic occupations, such as housemaids, cooks, and housekeepers. A few of your colleagues were more fortunate, having gained prior experience as governesses, nurses, or matrons, giving them an advantage as they enter the Infirmary.
[[Start your training]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49756705018_6b93f39889_b.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dontaylor50/49756705018" target="_blank">DonTaylor50</a> from Flickr</p>
</div>(align:"=><=")[''Appendix'' ]
These visualisations are derived from data extracted from the Leeds General Infirmary’s Nurse Training Register (1856–1888) and processed using Google Sheets.
Please note: These charts are non-interactive. If you want to interact with the charts to see the exact data points, you can access the interactive version [[here|Appendix(Interactive ver)]].
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Explore the full <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Fd7_rOHpw2GHCFJ_N7wKiYd-im1VHf9-v6o1wA6kRmA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> dataset</a></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/VzMouvv.png"
alt="(b)" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">
[[(a) |Victorian England in the 1800s]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/yJsro33.png"
alt="(b)" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">
[[(b)|Victorian England in the 1800s]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/oOGZb8d.png"
alt="(b)" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">
[[(c)|Victorian England in the 1800s]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rrpB0Eg.png"
alt="(b)" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">
[[(d)|stand up to the doctor]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/GJsoE78.png"
alt="(b)" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">
[[(e)|stand up to the doctor]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/KhtQbAz.png"
alt="(b)" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">
[[(f)|private conversation]]
When you go to work one morning, your supervisor pulls you aside to have a talk.
After a long discussion, she comes to a conclusion that your health issues are too significant to overlook. The next day, you receive a [[notice]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://cdn4.picryl.com/photo/1864/01/01/ann-burtis-civil-war-nurse-at-us-general-hospital-hampton-virginia-ba6a2b-1024.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://picryl.com/media/ann-burtis-civil-war-nurse-at-us-general-hospital-hampton-virginia-ba6a2b"> Library of Congress</a> from timelessmoon</p>
</div>
You’re dismissed from your role for ill health. They leave a note on your record: "Discharged 8/9/1874 because her state of health did not permit of her continuing the work."
Among reasons for leaving in the Infirmary, 11,6% <sup>[[(e)|Appendix]]</sup> of the nurses leave or get discharged because of ill health<sup>[[6|References]]</sup>.
[[Choose Again|take a sick leave from work]]
or
[[Start Over|Start over.]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/preview/YW/YW010/YW010490L_Nursing-photograph-of-a-nurse-in-uniform-by.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YW010490L/Nursing-photograph-of-a-nurse-in-uniform-by"> Wellcome Collection</a> from Look and Learn</p>
</div>
After taking time to unwind and escape from the crushing burden of the Infirmary's tasks, your strength slowly returns. With renewed determination, you prepare to rejoin the Infirmary.
However, during this time, you meet a kind-hearted merchant. He admires your personality and gives you a proposal of marriage. Now, you face a decision: [[Decline the proposal]] or [[accept it]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/preview/YW/YW015/YW015562V_Boer-War-a-full-ward-in-the-military-hospital-at-Wynberg-South-Africa-with-nurses-attending-the-wounded.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YW015562V/Boer-War-a-full-ward-in-the-military-hospital-at-Wynberg-South-Africa-with-nurses-attending-the-wounded" target="_blank">Welcome Collection</a> from Look and Learn</p>
</div>You return to the Infirmary with a mix of sadness and resolve. You feel the weight of the life you left behind, but you're determined to hold onto the path you've chosen. Back in the Infirmary, everything remains unchanged, and the physical and emotional pressures soon take their toll again. Though your contributions are meaningful, your health steadily deteriorates. You start taking regular sick leaves over time. And your superior [[notices your frequent absence]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.rawpixel.com/image_social_square/cHJpdmF0ZS9sci9pbWFnZXMvd2Vic2l0ZS8yMDIzLTAxL3ljYmF0bXMzMTYyNC1pbWFnZS5qcGc.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.rawpixel.com/image/9205154/visit-the-child-nurse">Yale Center for British Art</a> from Rawpixel</p>
</div>Upon returning to work, you cheerfully share the news of your upcoming marriage with your colleagues. However, when your superior hears it, she quietly pulls you aside for a [[private conversation]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/e0aV2My.jpeg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://garystockbridge617.getarchive.net/media/isadora-duncan-1">Library of Congress</a> from garystockbridge617</p>
</div>''References''
''1. Victorian England scenario:''
<sup>[[''1''|Victorian England in the 1800s]]</sup>Higgs, E. 1983. Domestic Servants and Households in Victorian England. //Social History//. ''2''(8), pp. 201–210.(Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4285250
<sup>[[''2''|Start your training]]</sup> <sup>[[''5''|private conversation]]</sup>Royal College of Nursing 2016. //Nursing Through Time// (Online). Royal College of Nursing. (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.rcn.org.uk/Professional-Development/publications/pub-005736.
//Note: Until 1916, nursing was still an unregulated profession. Standard of training and formal education were largely inconsistent and lacking. Anyone could join the workforce to become a nurse. Moreover, the 'marriage bar' prevented women from continuing their employment after marriage as their attention and devotion would be compromised. This restriction only began to be phased out starting in 1944.//
<sup>[[''3''|Start your training]]</sup>Brown, M. 2010. “Like a Devoted Army”: medicine, heroic masculinity, and the military paradigm in Victorian Britain. //Journal of British Studies//. ''49''(3), pp.592–622.(Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1086/652000
<sup>[[''4''|imaginary situation]]</sup>Summers, A. 1988, Angels and citizens: British Women as Military Nurses, 1854-1914. London: Routledge
//Note: Summers' book examines how institutional caregiving was legitimised through women’s presumed inherent abilities such as obedience, chastity, and emotional labour.//
<sup>[[''6''|notice]]</sup> Caulfeild, S. (1876). The Nursing of the London Poor. (Online). (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.victorianvoices.net/ARTICLES/CFM/CFM1878/CFM1878-NursingPoor.pdf
Caulfeild, S. (1876). The Nursing of the London Poor. (Online). (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.victorianvoices.net/ARTICLES/CFM/CFM1878/CFM1878-NursingPoor.pdf
Browne, P. (1879). Nursing as a Profession. (Online). (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.victorianvoices.net/ARTICLES/CFM/CFM1879/CFM1879-Nursing.pdf
Caulfeild, S. (1886). Nurses and Patients. (Online). (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.victorianvoices.net/ARTICLES/GOP/1886/1886-Nurses.pdf
//Note: Nineteenth-century archival materials on nursing mainly framed the profession that epitomised women’s domestic virtues, which required specific physical, emotional, and moral attributes, such as personal sacrifice, physical fitness, emotional strength, and moral purity.//
''2. Modern scenario:''
<sup>[[''1''|Has the world truly moved beyond the gender expectations that shaped nursing here over a century ago?]]</sup>Nursing & Midwifery Council 2024. //Our latest report about nursing and midwifery in the UK: April to September 2024// (Online). Nursing & Midwifery Council. (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/data-reports/2024/september/easy-read-nmc-register-uk-mid-year-update.pdf.
<sup>[[2|Start your shift]]</sup>Mawuena, E.K., Mannion, R., Adu-Aryee, N.A., Adzei, F.A., Amoakwa, E.K. and Twumasi, E. 2024. Professional disrespect between doctors and nurses: implications for voicing concerns about threats to patient safety. //Journal of Health Organization and Management//. ''38''(7), pp.1009–1025. (Accessed 28 April 2025). Available from: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jhom-06-2023-0167/full/html
<sup>[[3|feeling even more discouraged]]</sup>Butler, S. 2025. Understanding burnout in nurses: identification and coping strategies. //British Journal of Nursing//. ''34''(4), pp.220–224. (Accessed 29 April 2025). Available from: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2024.0244
<sup>[[4|go on the honeymoon]]</sup>Royal College of Nursing 2019. //Employment Survey 2019// (Online). (Accessed 29 April 2025). Available from: https://www.rcn.org.uk/Professional-Development/publications/pub-007927.
<sup>[[5|not made in a vacuum]]</sup>Williams, C.L. 1992. The Glass Escalator: Hidden Advantages for men in the “Female” professions. //Social Problems//. ''39''(3), pp.253–267. (Accessed 29 April 2025). Available from: https://doi.org/10.2307/3096961
<sup>[[6|not made in a vacuum]]</sup>Brandford, A. and Brandford-Stevenson, A. 2021. Going up! Nursing //Administration Quarterly//. ''45''(4), pp.295–301.
https://doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000489
<sup>[[7| is this success worth it?]]</sup>NHS Providers 2023. //NHS Staff Survey Results 2023// (Online). NHS Providers. (Accessed 29 April 2025). Available from: https://nhsproviders.org/media/698284/otdb_nhs-staff-survey-results_7-march-2024.pdf.
She explained that you must resign, as marriage is deemed unsuitable for nurses. The Infirmary recruits young, unmarried women so they can devote their full attention to caring for patients. Marriage, she said, would divert a nurse's focus, splitting her dedication between her family and her professional responsibilities <sup>[[5|References]]</sup>.
The statistics in the Infirmary confirms this expectations. A significant 86.5% <sup>[[(f)|Appendix]]</sup> of probationers at the Infirmary start their careers as unmarried women.
You know that many women have left their jobs to marry. Yet, despite this, you can't help but feel a lingering sense of [[sadness]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5226/5638688386_1cabf551dd_c.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div><p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/60861613@N00/5638688386">Ann Longmore-Etheridge</a> from Flickr</p>
</div>At 21 years old, you know this opportunity for marriage is one you cannot let pass. With that in mind, you've made the choice to leave nursing behind and start a new chapter as a devoted wife.
You are not alone in this experience. 6.3% <sup>[[(g)|Appendix]]</sup> of the nurses in the Infirmary eventually leave the profession to marry.
Even though this choice spares your health, you sometimes find yourself wondering what might have been, had you continued to serve as a nurse in a time when society needed women like you.
[[The End.|Epilogue]]
[[Choose again|take a sick leave from work]]
or
[[Start Over|Start over.]]
(align:"=><=")[''Appendix (Interactive ver.)'' ]
[[Go back to the Appendix|Appendix]]
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Explore the full <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Fd7_rOHpw2GHCFJ_N7wKiYd-im1VHf9-v6o1wA6kRmA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> dataset</a></span>
<iframe width="600" height="371" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSikqGbkooV1FmfzAEjBKhYFlFI3XM5x3jH_eVyL6lnh5Jd5Rc1m54EVFlyjVT16TJFDqyz5MCkQRJD/pubchart?oid=1408021785&format=interactive"></iframe>
(a)
[[Go back to scenario|Victorian England in the 1800s]]
<iframe width="600" height="371" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSikqGbkooV1FmfzAEjBKhYFlFI3XM5x3jH_eVyL6lnh5Jd5Rc1m54EVFlyjVT16TJFDqyz5MCkQRJD/pubchart?oid=319356512&format=interactive"></iframe>
(b)
[[Go back to scenario|Victorian England in the 1800s]]
<iframe width="600" height="371" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSikqGbkooV1FmfzAEjBKhYFlFI3XM5x3jH_eVyL6lnh5Jd5Rc1m54EVFlyjVT16TJFDqyz5MCkQRJD/pubchart?oid=1272320385&format=interactive"></iframe>
(c)
[[Go back to scenario|Victorian England in the 1800s]]
<iframe width="600" height="371" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSikqGbkooV1FmfzAEjBKhYFlFI3XM5x3jH_eVyL6lnh5Jd5Rc1m54EVFlyjVT16TJFDqyz5MCkQRJD/pubchart?oid=512105541&format=interactive"></iframe>
(d)
[[Go back to scenario|stand up to the doctor]]
<iframe width="600" height="371" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSikqGbkooV1FmfzAEjBKhYFlFI3XM5x3jH_eVyL6lnh5Jd5Rc1m54EVFlyjVT16TJFDqyz5MCkQRJD/pubchart?oid=1270048261&format=interactive"></iframe>
(e)
[[Go back to scenario|stand up to the doctor]]
<iframe width="600" height="371" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSikqGbkooV1FmfzAEjBKhYFlFI3XM5x3jH_eVyL6lnh5Jd5Rc1m54EVFlyjVT16TJFDqyz5MCkQRJD/pubchart?oid=1890056967&format=interactive"></iframe>
(f)
[[Go back to scenario|private conversation]]
You imagine yourself standing up to the doctor, and the next day, getting dismissed with a note in your record: "Discharged July 1873 for disobedience".
Disobedience<sup>[[4|References]]</sup> is, unfortunately, one of the most common misconducts at the Infirmary, with 18% <sup>[[(d)|Appendix]]</sup> of nurses discharged for misconduct are dismissed for this very reason.
The thought sends a chill down your spine. You shake your head, pushing the scenario aside. This is not a risk you are willing to take. Instead, you resolve to [[keep quiet and follow orders]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://cdn2.picryl.com/photo/1889/12/31/my-story-of-the-war-a-womans-narrative-of-four-years-personal-experience-as-55489c-1024.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div> <p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://picryl.com/media/my-story-of-the-war-a-womans-narrative-of-four-years-personal-experience-as-55489c" target="_blank">Mary Ashton Rice (1820-1905)</a> from Picryl</p>
</div>Scanning the room, you search for other new nurses like yourself. Fortunately, a group of fresh recruits is assembling nearby, mostly women, with just one man among them. This reminds you of something you learned in nursing school: the ratio of female to male nurses registered in NHS is around 8:1<sup>[[1|References]]</sup>. The profession remains overwhelmingly female.
A friendly voice pulls you from your thoughts. An older nurse smiles warmly as she approaches.
"Welcome", the nurse says, handing you a clipboard. "We could always use another pair of hands on the floor".
[[Start your shift]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2144/2434732887_e9cf543dfe_b.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div>
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href=" https://www.flickr.com/photos/goodspeed/2434732887">David Quitoriano</a> from Flickr</p>
</div>You walk onto the ward for the first time. The sounds of monitors and footsteps fill the air. You quickly check the clipboard: Beds 4, 5, and 6 are your responsibility today.
A senior male doctor arrives at the nurses' station. He gives instructions quickly, barely looking at you. You are standing there confused as he leaves. The charge nurse leans over and says: "Just keep your head down. Some doctors still see us as helpers."<sup>[[2|References]]</sup>
Your first excitement is slowly wearing off, mixing with doubt. You know your work is important. But how outspoken should you be?
Feeling uncertain, you decide to step back, [[be helpful and wait to be asked to speak]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://cdn2.picryl.com/photo/2019/05/03/lt-cmdr-anna-schlenker-checks-in-on-patients-at-naval-1bf006-1024.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
</div>
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href=" https://itoldya420.getarchive.net/media/lt-cmdr-anna-schlenker-checks-in-on-patients-at-naval-1bf006" target="_blank">Defense Visual Information Distribution Service</a> from ITOLDYA TEST1</p>
</div>
You quietly familiarising yourself with the ward’s rhythm. You diligently checks your assigned beds. You listen intently to the senior doctor’s updates, making sure to jot down every detail without interfering. When asked to assist, you quickly follows instructions, your movements efficient and unobtrusive.
By mid-day, the charge nurse praises you:“Good work today, Emma. It’s great to have someone who stays focused and gets things done”. Even though the doctor's indifference and condescension bother you at times, you take pride in gaining your team’s trust and understanding the unsaid yet obvious flow of hierarchy on the ward.
Later that day, a patient’s family comes up to you and [[express concern about the care]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/6129242/pexels-photo-6129242.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href=" https://www.pexels.com/vi-vn/anh/gi-ng-vo-danh-phia-trong-chuyen-nghi-p-6129242/">RDNE Stock project</a> from Pexels</p>
</div>After hearing them carefully and indeed realising some abnormalities in the patient's medical charts, you bring up the issue to the doctor.
However, he dismisses the concern as baseless. This leaves you feeling powerless and disheartened. You are conscious of your inexperience compared to the more seasoned doctors and nurses around you. Yet, your concerns are grounded in careful expertise. The doctor's immediate dismissal further diminish your confidence, making it increasingly difficult for you to share your thoughts.
You suppress your instincts and follow the doctor’s orders, hoping he knows best. However, [[an incident]] happens in the next few days.
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://freerangestock.com/sample/162705/nurse-discussing-with-senior-doctor.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href=" https://freerangestock.com/photos/163151/nurse-discussing-with-senior-doctor.html">Direct Media</a> from Freerange</p>
</div>The patient’s condition deteriorates, and chaos follows in the ward. At the staff meeting, the blame falls squarely on you for not insisting on your observations. You feel bitter and powerless as no one acknowledges your earlier attempt to raise concerns.
Are you [[feeling even more discouraged->feeling even more discouraged]] or do you promise yourself to [[insist on standing by your observations next time->insist on standing by your observations next time]]?
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://cliniqueomicron.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/765879.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://cliniqueomicron.ca/en/a-propos-2/">Clinique Omicron</a> from Clinique Omicron</p>
</div>
(set: $choice to "feeling even more discouraged")
(set: $choice to "insist on standing by your observations next time")
You internalise the blame and let it erode your confidence. The weight of the situation lingers heavily in your mind and starts to impact your emotional health<sup>[[3|References]]</sup>.
You contemplate whether you should [[stay and push through this emotional toll]] or [[leaving nursing altogether]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4270365/pexels-photo-4270365.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-resting-on-the-couch-4270365/">Cedric Fauntleroy</a> from Clinique Omicron</p></div>
(set: $choice to "feeling even more discouraged")
As time passes by, you learn to express your insights effectively and cleverly. The doctor has also begun to take your words more seriously after the incident. The progress feels small, yet you're glad that you're now heard and encouraged to build your own confidence.
During this time, your lifelong partner proposes marriage. At first, you hesitate as you're unsure how to balance your demanding job with the commitment of marriage. You have to decide: [[accept the proposal|accept the proposal]], or [[delay and focus on work|stay and push through this emotional toll]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1480284/pexels-photo-1480284.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2"width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-person-holding-ring-1480284/">Daniel Moises Magulado</a> from Pexels</p></div>
(set: $choice to "insist on standing by your observations next time")
After months of dedication in your current role, you are informed of a promotion opportunity on the Infirmary's job board. Hope reignites when you consider the possibility of advancing your career and recognising the effort you've poured into your work. Motivated by this prospect, you push yourself even harder, going to great lengths to make sure your contributions are meaningful and recognised to secure the promotion.
After months of great performance reviews, the [[decision]] is finally put out.
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/5207088/pexels-photo-5207088.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/doctor-writing-on-a-notebook-while-talking-on-the-phone-5207088/">Kaboompics.com</a> from Pexels</p></div>
(set: $marriageDecision to "delay and focus on work")
You realise the toll on your mind and body is no longer unbearable. How many more times must the cycle repeat before it finally breaks you?
Burnout. Blame. Condescension. Disrespect. Favouritism.
The burdens placed on those who try hardest are heavier than they ever should be, especially for women in the profession.
You decide to walk away from an environment that has long taken away at your health and self-confidence.
[[The End.|Epilogue]]
(set: $choice to "leave nursing altogether")
{
(if: $choice is "feeling even more discouraged" or $choice is "insist on standing by your observations next time" or $choice is "leave nursing altogether")[
[[Choose Again|an incident]]
]
(else-if: $marriageDecision is "accept the proposal" or $marriageDecision is "delay and focus on work")[
[[Choose Again|insist on standing by your observations next time]]
]
}
or
[[Start Over|Start over.]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/6097959/pexels-photo-6097959.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-faceless-black-nurse-swiping-pass-card-in-metro-turnstile-6097959/">Laura James</a> from Pexels</p></div>
A male nurse on the team, who often relies on you to cover his shifts and shows less dedication to his work, is awarded the promotion. Everyone congratulates him and your efforts go unnoticed. The charge nurse realises your discomfort and sadness, requesting you to [[have a talk in a quiet place]].
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4021775/pexels-photo-4021775.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-unrecognizable-male-doctor-with-stethoscope-4021775/">Kaboompics.com</a> from Pexels</p></div>
(set: $choice to "feeling even more discouraged")“I can assure you it's not about your skills” she said. “More than anyone, I know you are one of the most thorough and studious nurses on this floor. But these decisions are [[not made in a vacuum]].”
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/31499386/pexels-photo-31499386/free-photo-of-healthcare-professionals-in-hospital-corridor.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/healthcare-professionals-in-hospital-corridor-31499386/">Adarsh Mp </a> from Pexels</p></div>
She goes on to explain what is called "glass escalator"<sup>[[5|References]]</sup>, a systemic advantage that men possess in female-dominated occupations that help elevate their careers. This phenomenon is most common in nursing. <sup>[[6|References]]</sup>.
Over years in the field, she realises a bitter truth that her male peers advance to senior bands far more quickly. When she works tirelessly to earn top positions, after decades of dedication, men seem to reach higher roles at ease. And it's been the same for 30 years now.
You listen, hands tightening around the clipboard. The charge nurse's words cut deeply and [[brings you into a reality]] you have never fully considered before stepping onto the ward.
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://freerangestock.com/sample/141705/doctor-with-healthcare-staff-in-hospital.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://freerangestock.com/photos/142146/doctor-with-healthcare-staff-in-hospital.html">Direct Media</a> from Freerange</p></div>
A year later, your life looks very different.
You stand hand in hand with your partner, happily smiling. You're married now.
It feels like a fresh start. You're reminded that there’s more to your life than just the hospital walls.
Back at work, everyone congratulates you.
"Make sure you enjoy this time!" your charge nurse says.
You’re determined to build a life outside of nursing too. But first, you will [[go on the honeymoon]] that you have delayed for so long because of work.
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1024973/pexels-photo-1024973.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photography-of-man-and-woman-beside-trees-during-sunset-1024973/">Asad Photo Maldives</a> from Pexels</p></div>
(set: $marriageDecision to "accept the proposal")
Not long after going back from your honeymoon. Your manager informs you about a promotion opportunity.
"We have a Band 6 leadership position opening soon. I think you should apply", she said.
The promotion would mean better pay and more recognition. But it would also mean longer hours, more paperwork, more rigid shifts and less time at home.<sup>[[4|References]]</sup>.
You hesitate..."Should I [[apply anyway]] or [[decline for now]]?", you contemplate.
(set: $marriageDecision to "accept the proposal")
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4269202/pexels-photo-4269202.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/nurses-having-a-conversation-4269202/">Cedric Fauntleroy </a> from Pexels</p></div>You apply and get the promotion. You can't help but feeling proud as at one point, you are afraid your male colleague, who has fewer years of experience but louder confidence, will get the position.
You throw yourself into the new position: tons of paperworks, extra shifts, added responsibilities.
At first, you feel proud. You're proving you can do it all. But slowly, the cracks begin to show. You stay at the Infirmary three nights in a row due to staff shortage. You have to cancel important weekend plan to celebrate your husband's birthday because you're exhausted.
You start to wonder: [[ is this success worth it?]]
(set: $marriageDecision to "accept the proposal")
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/5206931/pexels-photo-5206931.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-wearing-eyeglasses-while-holding-laptop-5206931/">Kaboompics.com</a> from Pexels</p></div>
You write a thankyou email to your manager for the offer and explain that you’re choosing to stay at your current level for now.
You stick to flexible shifts, picking up some part-time work on the side when you have some spare time. You and your husband enjoy long weekends away for his birthday and to unwind from work.
For once, your life doesn't revolve around endless hours of work.
[[The End.|Epilogue]]
[[Choose Again|go on the honeymoon]]
or
[[Play Again|Start over.]]
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://freerangestock.com/sample/141728/female-medical-staff-with-tablet-computer.jpg" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://freerangestock.com/photos/142169/female-medical-staff-with-tablet-computer.html">Direct Media</a> from Freerange</p></div>
Things seem to be spiraling down. You start forgetting small things. You dream about alarms and call bells even when you're off-duty.
It’s not just you. The system is breaking everyone. More and more nurses leaving, transferring departments, taking mental health and sick leave.
According to the NHS Staff Survey 2023, 30% of registered nurses and midwives reported feeling "burnt out because of their work" always or often<sup>[[7|References]]</sup>.
One day, when writing notes, you realise you’ve made a serious documentation error and you don’t even remember doing it. You sit there, feeling [[the weight of it all|leaving nursing altogether]].
(set: $marriageDecision to "accept the proposal")
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4270360/pexels-photo-4270360.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-scrub-suit-sitting-on-the-sofa-while-holding-her-head-4270360/">Cedric Fauntleroy</a> from Pexels</p></div>
You wonder how long you’d have to wait for another opportunity to come. Or if it ever would.
You [[come to your own conclusion|leaving nursing altogether]] as you slowly walk back to the bustling Infirmary.
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/13018111/pexels-photo-13018111.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2" width="60%" height="60%">
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/back-view-of-a-woman-walking-in-a-hallway-13018111/">Serena Koi </a> from Pexels</p></div>
''Epilogue''
You step back through the portal, feeling the world around you shift.
The memories of what you saw: the lives of nurses before you, their struggles and pain. The ongoing battles modern nurses face for recognition, respect, and change. All stay with you.
Nursing has always been about strength, care, and standing up even when it’s hard.
As you begin your journey at Leeds General Infirmary, you realise you’re joining a long line of people who chose to make a difference.
The story isn’t over. Now, it’s your turn to keep it going.
[[Start Over|Start over.]]<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto;">
A Nurse's Journey Through Time
</div>
A short, interactive story by <a href="https://nshw5648.leedsnewmedia.net/nurse_homepage.html" target="_blank">Group 4</a>
<span style="font-size: 20px;">//Click the photo to begin//</span>
OR
<span style="font-size: 20px;">//Explore the full <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Fd7_rOHpw2GHCFJ_N7wKiYd-im1VHf9-v6o1wA6kRmA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">dataset</a>//</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[[<img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4386464/pexels-photo-4386464.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=2"
alt="Click to begin the story" style="width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 500px;">|A Nurse's Journey Through Time]]
<p style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/vi-vn/anh/kh-e-m-nh-mau-vang-tr-ng-h-p-kh-n-c-p-chuyen-nghi-p-4386464/" target="_blank">Kaboompics.com</a> from Pexels</p>
</div>
//Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. It is inspired by historical archives and modern-day scenarios. All characters, events, and scenarios have been created for storytelling purposes. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.//