The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on all Australians and notably on the health and aged care professions, changing the way we work and interact with one another.

To gain a better understanding of the effects the Australian outbreak of COVID-19 has had on the nursing, midwifery, and personal care workforce the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, in all states and territories, has partnered with the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre to launch a national COVID-19 Workforce Survey.

“Prior to COVID-19 similar research has shown that health professionals already work under significant workforce pressures, with one study demonstrating that more than half of participants had high levels of stress,” said Director of the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre Professor Marion Eckert, who is leading the research team.

ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said that the pandemic has added further strain on a workforce already at risk of burnout, by impacting on job demands and resources.

“The pandemic has had wide-reaching effects on health care workers beyond those workers directly managing, testing and treating COVID-19 cases,” Ms Dabars said.

“Containment measures will remain in place for an indeterminate period which means nurses, midwives and personal care workers will continue to face challenging working conditions,” Professor Eckert said.

As Australia continues to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this survey is an opportunity for nurses, midwives and personal care workers to provide feedback on the implications for their professional practice and occupational well-being.

“The results from the survey will arm us with a heightened level of preparedness to ensure the health system has the appropriate support and resources for the emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of the workforce during a pandemic,” Professor Eckert said.

The ANMF (SA Branch) is urging nurses, midwives and personal care workers to take part and share this survey with their colleagues.

“Every voice is vital in helping us to advocate for improvements that lead to better wellbeing, job satisfaction and quality of care,” Ms Dabars said.

People can take part in the survey by visiting https://is.gd/covidandwork