Healthcare workers are often hailed as heroes, and their dedication is often truly commendable. But let’s remember, their work shouldn’t have to be heroic.
Health care workers are heroes. Whether they are cheered at hockey games, pot banging at 7:00, or postered on signs. The term “hero” is often used to describe the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to care for others. It is a label meant to honour and appreciate hard work and recognize the difficulties of working in a demanding profession.
There is a dark side to labelling those who work as heroes though, and it may not be the intended compliment we believe it is.
While the actions of healthcare workers can be heroic, these actions are often due to working under unsafe conditions or with inadequate resources. Additionally, the hero narrative can lead to increased anxiety and burnout among healthcare workers, as they feel compelled to live up to this idealized image. Instead of addressing the root problems, it can mask the need for systemic changes and proper support. This label can create unrealistic expectations, pressuring them to over-work. It may also shift focus away from systemic issues, such as the need for better support and proper equipment.
Healthcare professionals, whether they are doctors, nurses, therapists, or support staff, perform their duties with dedication and compassion. However, it is crucial to remember that for many, this is their job. They have trained, studied, and worked hard to be where they are, just like any other professional in any other field. They face the same challenges, stresses, and demands that come with any job, albeit in a high-stakes environment.
What can we do?
While being called a hero might feel good in the moment, it can also be a form of exploitation. It can be used to gloss over the real issues that healthcare workers face, such as long hours, inadequate pay and resources. By focusing on the hero narrative, there is a risk of ignoring the practical needs and rights of these workers. They deserve fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and a supportive work environment, not just praise.
Healthcare workers are invaluable, not because they are heroes, but because they are skilled professionals doing a difficult job. They deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation, not just through words, but through actions that make their work lives better. Let’s move beyond the hero narrative and focus on real, tangible support for those who care for us.
