I empathize with and admire a Sept. 2 letter writer on her eye-opening letter on one of the issues plaguing our health care system here on Maui.
It's sad to hear that the nurses who are front and center are lacking both the adequate compensation for the nature of their work, which places them at higher risk for both physical and legal consequences, and the security of a contract that would ensure that somebody is looking out for their welfare and that they could do their duty without fear and retribution.
It's further disheartening that this problem leads to the rapid turnaround of nurses. There are probably other local nurses out there who share her passion and would have the same dedication as her and would want to work here, but inadequate compensation, among other limitations, forces them to pursue their career elsewhere.
It would be more comforting to know that funds are being used to take care of people who are actually taking care of people rather than on rooms that remain unoccupied.
Aster Dean Tagorda
Kahului
