The Supreme Chamber of Nurses and Midwives has sharply criticized the "Zdrowitka" sculpture unveiled at the University Hospital in Zielona Gora. At issue is the image of a nurse in a short skirt and heeled shoes, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and has nothing to do with the reality of working in the profession. This is the umpteenth time that the NIPiP has reacted to manifestations of sexualization of the image of nurses.
Controversial sculpture in Zielona Gora. Nurses outraged by "Zdrowitka"
Published Oct. 9, 2025 08:29
NIPiP
As stressed, the Chamber "received with surprise the information about the unveiling of the sculpture depicting the so-called Zdrowitka."
"We understand that the intention of the authors of the project may have been to honor the work and commitment of nurses and midwives, but the form in which this commemoration was made raises serious ethical and image questions," - was written in response to the photo of the sculpture.
Although the sculpture locally alludes to the popular "Bacchus route," this cannot justify depicting the profession in an objectifying manner.
"The image of nurses and midwives in short skirts, exposed breasts and heeled shoes perpetuates harmful, sexist stereotypes about our professions. It does not reflect the professionalism, competence and dedication that nurses and midwives demonstrate every day in their work on behalf of patients and health care," it stressed.
The NIPP recalled that the nursing and midwifery professions are public trust professions.
"We expect that all forms of their commemoration will be based on respect, dignity and the truth about the role of nurses and midwives in the health care system," the statement indicated.
This is not the first time that the Supreme Chamber of Nurses and Midwives has reacted to attempts to portray nurses in a way that it believes violates the dignity of the profession. A few months ago, the nursing community sharply commented on the publication of Edyta Herbuś, who posted stylized photos on social media in an outfit resembling a nurse's uniform.
The voices of the outraged reached the dancer, who addressed the criticism and proposed concerted action.
- Dear nurses and gentlemen nurses. I did not expect such a reaction to my photos, as I was not aware of the magnitude of this problem. But I hear you and I sympathize with the fact that you encounter unpleasant situations in your work, which is so important and necessary for everyone. Maybe it's worth raising the issue and doing a live show, for example, let me know what you think about it and who is best to talk to about it."
