'Band 3' NHS

[ClockedOut]

Genuine AIBU. Name changed.

I'm in an NHS post paid at a band 3, I work with band 4s, 5s and 6s.

I've been in the post 18 months and a couple of things are bothering me.

1- being referred to as a band 3. I mean my work title is support worker but many colleagues would say, 'a band 3 could do that' or band 3 this or band 3 that.

AIBU to expect people to just say support worker instead of referring to me as a pay grade?

I was a 'Band 6' many moons ago in the NHS and returned as a 'Band 4' then a 'Band 3'. As a 4/3 I was referred to as my band, but never as a 6. I found it derogatory and dehumanising, but it wasn't just the reference to the band, there was a negative attitude towards 'unqualified' staff, especially from nursing staff that I found unsavoury.

I'm not nurse trained but I don't think some nursing staff, perhaps the ones who have only performed this role, realise how derogatory they can be towards lower bands. I think it's cultural and therefore accepted. It's almost like the band garners respect rather than the person, and often my opinions and ideas were ignored simply because of my banding.

I left the NHS to go back to university. I loved working with my patients and loved my role but being viewed and referred to as a band rather than a person was soul destroying.

I am a band 5. I have heard it a lot. Especially people saying 'what does he know, he is only a band 2/3/4'.
Even heard a nurse tell another band 5 not to mix with lower bands too much!

Band 6 here! I have no issue with it to be honest, that is my band.

Just to add if someone yelled hey band 6 at me I’d be pissed too!

Just realised I’ve found myself on an old thread 🤪

I don't like it but I much prefer it to trained/untrained which you hear all the time. Especially when referring to incredibly senior excellent HCSW who have been in their post for decades.