A nurse from Havana has announced his decision to leave his profession, despite his passion for it, because it is not sustainable as a career. Richard Gutiérrez, who previously worked at the Raúl Gómez García Polyclinic in the 10 de Octubre municipality, as well as the Hospital La Dependiente in Cerro, described those years as the most beautiful of his life. Even though he loves his career, he has decided to pursue a new path.
"I am embarking on this new journey of personal entrepreneurship. (...) Difficult choices, but necessary," he expressed on his Facebook page. He reflected, "You haven't changed. You evolve."
Richard expressed gratitude for the support from his family and friends. "Cuba is a country where you have to leave your profession to get by, a place where you're paid so poorly that your degree might as well be a paper boat, where your professional health coat is worthless..." commented his friend Eros Ariel in another post.
Healthcare Professionals Seek Better Opportunities
A significant number of Cuban healthcare workers, disillusioned and frustrated, are leaving their professions for jobs with better pay or improved conditions. Recently, a young doctor with just three years of experience decided to stop practicing due to the degrading state of public health in the country.
Yoelvis Estanquero Oliva, from Güines, Mayabeque, cited "the degrading situation, lack of resources, and control over patients" as reasons for his drastic decision. In 2023, Diayulise Sori, a 41-year-old nurse, also announced her departure from the field after 19 years to enter an entirely unfamiliar job market.
"I only ask God to grant me wisdom and understanding to perform my new job with the same dedication, love, and sacrifice that I gave to my patients for 19 years! Today I stop practicing, but I will never lose the love and dedication of the nurse within me," she declared on Facebook.