The Forum described the situation as “professionally insulting” and “a serious violation of workplace standards, ethical healthcare practice, and respect for the Nursing profession.”
The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned the alleged exploitation and degrading treatment of Nurses at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, following the commencement of the JOHESU strike.
In a press statement on Friday, the Forum said it was “deeply disturbing” that instead of addressing workforce gaps through proper administrative measures, the hospital management had “resorted to forcing nurses to perform duties that fall completely outside their professional training and job descriptions.”
The group stressed that “nurses are highly trained healthcare professionals, not maids, cleaners, porters, or errand staff.”
According to ENF, reports reaching the Forum indicate that nurses are being compelled “to run errands, carry food trays, clear patients’ plates, and perform other domestic or support tasks that are not part of Nursing responsibilities.”
The Forum described the situation as “professionally insulting” and “a serious violation of workplace standards, ethical healthcare practice, and respect for the Nursing profession.”
ENF further warned that diverting Nurses into domestic duties endangers patients, noting that “Nurses play a critical role in patient care, safety, and recovery,” and that such diversion “puts patients at risk, lowers care quality, and creates unnecessary emotional and physical strain on already overburdened staff.”
The group also accused hospital management of owing Nurses uniform allowances and other benefits for more than four years while still imposing additional non-nursing tasks through “pressure and intimidation.”
“This shows a troubling lack of regard for staff welfare, morale, and professional dignity,” the statement added.
The Forum therefore demanded “immediate cessation of forced non-nursing duties,” insisting that “Nurses must no longer be compelled to perform tasks meant for orderlies, cleaners, kitchen staff, or other support workers.”
It also called for “respect for professional job roles,” “payment of outstanding allowances and benefits,” and an “end to intimidation and coercion,” stressing that Nurses “must not be threatened, harassed, or victimized for refusing to perform duties outside their professional scope.”
Additionally, ENF urged hospital management to engage with Nursing representatives, stating that management “should meet with recognized Nursing bodies to address welfare concerns and restore a safe, respectful working environment.”
The statement, signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide for the Elegant Nurses Forum, said the group “stands firmly with all affected Nurses and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” while urging the hospital management to “act responsibly, uphold professional standards, and protect both staff dignity and patient safety.”
“Healthcare systems function best when every professional is respected and allowed to perform the role they are trained for. Anything less is unacceptable,” the Forum stated.