Progressing Gender Equity in 2024
As of 2023, Australia’s national gender pay gap stands at 13.3%, translating to women earning $253.50 less per week than their male counterparts. Projections suggest it will take another 26 years to close this gap. Supporting ANMF’s predominately female membership, the union has strongly lobbied over many years for changes to support equality and close […]
Increasing equity in access to healthcare
Ensuring equitable access to healthcare means that every Australian, irrespective of their socio-economic status, geographical location, or other factors, has the capacity to access essential health services when and where they need them. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is actively involved in a range of strategically aligned initiatives to achieve this goal, such […]
Smoking rates fall as vaping triples, new data reveals
While less than 10% of Australians are smoking daily, the use of e-cigarettes tripled between 2019 and 2022–2023, survey results from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) have revealed. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 examines information on more than 21,000 people in Australia aged 14 and over and their use of, and attitudes toward, […]
Transforming nursing assessment in acute hospitals
Optimising ward nursing physical assessment to detect early changes and trends in patient condition can enhance hospital safety, new research shows. The approach re-focuses nursing assessment from routinised patient observations of vital signs to purposeful and ongoing physical assessment. “Although hospital rapid response systems for rescuing deteriorating patients provide a safety net, detection of clinical […]
Developing and evaluating a clinical supervision training program for mental health nurses
The continued support for nurses through education and training is fundamental to the success and growth of the profession. This is particularly relevant within mental health nursing, where staff often face complex and emotionally challenging circumstances. The past decades have seen a growth in interest and understanding of workplace support within mental health settings through […]
Nursing, midwifery, and care worker workforce reform
Nursing and midwifery workforce reform in Australia is essential for adapting to changing healthcare needs, improving patient outcomes, addressing health disparities, and ensuring that the right number of skilled professionals are empowered and enabled to provide timely and high-quality care. It demands strategic planning, improved education, and policy changes to help build a sustainable workforce […]
National Digital Health Strategy set to empower Australians
Governments have ticked off a 5-year plan aiming to empower Australians to manage and improve their personal health and wellbeing through advances in digital technology. Launched today, Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy 2023 – 2028 and accompanying Strategy Delivery Roadmap present a path towards an inclusive, sustainable and healthier future for all Australians. The digital health strategy is striving […]
Aged care reform
Following years of neglect, significant aged care reforms in 2023 marked a turning point in the nation’s commitment to ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality care for our elderly Australians. The Albanese Government implemented sweeping reforms across the sector, highlighted by pivotal legislation mandating the presence of a registered nurse 24/7 in every nursing […]
NSW nurses and midwives secure historic ratios
After more than a decade of campaigning by NSWNMA, minimum shift by shift nurse-to-patient ratios will be implemented in specific clinical areas across public hospitals.
Not getting enough sleep? You’re not alone
If you’re struggling to get regular shuteye you’re not alone, with a new study showing that getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night is out of reach for almost a third of adults. The global study, published in Sleep Health, found 31% of adults had average sleep durations falling outside the recommended range. […]