Systemic racism rife in healthcare, NSWNMA report uncovers

Nearly two-thirds of nurses, midwives and care workers from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background surveyed had been direct victims of racism, a new report by the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has exposed. Of these, 9% had experienced racism within the past day, 17% in the […]
South Australia edges closer to mandated nurse and midwife ratios

The South Australian state government will this week introduce landmark legislation to mandate nurse-to-patient and midwife-to-patient ratios across public hospitals, delivering on its pre-election commitment. The proposed new laws, strongly lobbied for by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF SA Branch), are modelled on Victoria’s pioneering ratios legislation, which prioritise patient care, safety, and […]
New guidelines for nurses performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures

Registered nurses will now need at least one-year of practice under their belt before performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Common painkillers linked to antibiotic resistance

Common over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are fuelling antibiotic resistance, according to new research from the University of South Australia. What’s more, when used together, they are amplifying one of the world’s biggest health threats. Assessing the interaction of non-antibiotic medications, the broad-spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) – a common […]
‘This is dangerous’: QNMU sounds alarm over BlueCare plan to axe 60% of enrolled nurses

The QNMU has slammed a move by the state’s largest aged care provider to slash 60% of its enrolled nursing workforce.
‘We support each other’: A nurse’s journey working in war-torn Ukraine

My husband and I were deployed to Ukraine to work in an Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) with International Relief Agency, Samaritan’s Purse (SP), following the full-scale invasion by Russia the previous February, 24 May 2022. The journey from Poland was eerie as our bus of aid workers was the only vehicle on the motorway headed for […]
Nurse practitioners working in urgent care invited to take part in Curtin University study

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) working in urgent care are invited to participate in a Curtin University study exploring NP roles in Australian Urgent Care Centres (UCCs). The research aims to identify how organisational and systemic factors enable or constrain NPs’ ability to work at full scope in urgent care settings. Despite strong evidence supporting NP-led models, […]
Applications now open: $21.5 million in scholarships to help aged care nurses and workers advance careers

The federal government is investing $21.5 million in more than 1,000 scholarships to help aged care workers and nurses further their education and training, as part of efforts to strengthen the workforce’s capacity to deliver high-quality care that meets the complex needs of older Australians. Aged Care Minister Sam Rae launched the Aged Care Nursing […]
‘The accidental school nurse’: More skilled nurses needed to help students, finds study

While no formal education pathways to become a school nurse in Australia exist, nurses are stumbling into the career path via a number of ways, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) suggests. “The accidental school nurse; that’s almost a way to describe this career path,” says lead author, Dr Anita Moyes. “A lot of […]
Speaking up on climate: How nurses and midwives can drive change

Last month, I had the opportunity to present at the Tasmanian Delegates Conference on climate action in nursing. These conferences play a vital role in shaping our collective movements. They bring together nurses from across the state to share ideas, raise concerns, and shape the direction of collective advocacy. They are a chance to step […]
