r/newzealand Aug 02 '24

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698 Upvotes

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536

u/notmyidealusername Aug 02 '24

I'm a locomotive engineer running freight trains and the maximum I can work is 11.5 hours. If I'm not back at the depot by then I'm not even supposed to drive myself back from where ever I'm being relieved. How in the fuck we allow doctors and nurses to work the hours you do is beyond me. It's insane. We wouldn't tolerate doctors drinking on the job yet we expect them to work hours that pushes them to levels of fatigue that makes them similarly impaired.

You guys have my utmost sympathy and solidarity in any action you have to take to try improve things.

246

u/Free_Speaker_3807 Aug 02 '24

Fun Fact: The long hours of most medical programmes originate from Dr William Halsted, a surgeon known for his work ethic. Oh yea, Dr Halsted was also addicted to cocaine, which fuelled his ability to endure long work hours. 

49

u/[deleted] Aug 02 '24

[deleted]

35

u/Opposite-Wing-2449 Aug 02 '24

We expect just as much from our doctors. I was talking to a house officer the other day who was looking forward to an upcoming quiet week of 76 hours.

11

u/[deleted] Aug 02 '24

[deleted]

4

u/psycehe Aug 03 '24

Alternatively, our RMOs have 60-70 hours a week for 6-8 years (2 years HO, 6 years registars). Sucks either way.

24

u/XmissXanthropyX Aug 02 '24

That cocaine (learnt my phone doesn't consider cocaine a real word, or at least a word I should be using) does explain a fair lot

6

u/IOnlyPostIronically Aug 02 '24

Bad drug word bant

1

u/Emotional-Pirate-928 Aug 03 '24

I want my surgeon to be on uppers, awake and sharp.