Payrise?

*not my picture*

So so excited for my payrise!!

I appreciate that it's not just nurses who deserve a payrise.. An awful lot of front line staff and public sector workers should be recognised for their efforts over the last year, but....

Having worked 13 hour shifts in a full length apron, fitted mask, gloves and a visor for the last 12 months..
Having finished almost every shift with a headache from dehydration, and the imprint of the mask cutting into my face..
Having been moved from my own unit to care for adult covid positive patients..
Having had the mum guilt of coming home from a shift to a 1 year old who just wants a cuddle from mummy and having to ignore her screaming for me whilst I go for a shower..
Having cared for and comforted patients and families at a time where visiting restrictions mean that they need more support than ever as they are either alone in intensive care, or alone at home unable to see their critically ill loved one..
Having seen first hand the effects of the massive loss of life, especially for our adult colleagues..

All this added to the fact that in the 10 years I've been a nurse, we've actually had a real terms pay cut of around 20%..

1% feels a bit like a kick in the teeth.