How disposable PPE is being recycled to make stronger concrete

A new generation of nurses, midwives and carers have never practiced without wearing disposable PPE since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, research at RMIT is paving the way to reduce PPE waste, including gowns, face masks and rubber gloves, from landfill or incineration by using it to improve the strength and durability of […]

Landmark industrial relations reforms become law

The Albanese Government’s landmark industrial relations Bill, which paves the way for improved multi-employer bargaining and will help improve working conditions, lift wages, and close the gender pay gap, has passed Parliament. “By modernising the bargaining system we will see more workplace agreements, delivering better productivity and flexibility for employers and better pay and conditions […]

NSW nurses and midwives hold fourth strike in fight for ratios and fair pay

NSW public sector nurses and midwives have gone on strike for the fourth time this year in their fight for safe staffing, improved working conditions and fair pay that recognises their contribution to the health system. Thousands of NSWNMA members from across the state are taking part in the 24-hour strike, which began this morning […]

Cultural safety in Australian nursing and midwifery

Developed in the 1980s by Maori nurse and anthropologist Irihapeti Ramsden in New Zealand Aotearoa, Cultural Safety has gradually become a key component in nurses’ and midwives’ education in Australian healthcare. Cultural Safety is a reflective process where you analyse your own cultural biases and attitudes. From this position, you are open when engaging with […]

Federal government welcomes 15% pay increase for aged care workers

The federal government has described the Fair Work Commission’s ruling to award aged care workers a 15% pay increase as a “really strong first step” in the push to value the work of staff across the sector. On Friday afternoon, the FWC handed down its much-anticipated decision as part of the landmark case, granting an […]

Q&A: Second-year nursing student

Nursing student Cristina Velez, currently in her second-year at University of Wollongong, shares her experience. What drew you to nursing? I never thought I wanted to, or could be, a nurse, but during my studies in high school, I developed a passion for health and understanding the human body. Talking to my mum, who herself […]

These boots are made for walking: Looking beyond the risk factors for lower limb amputations in patients with diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing health concern that causes considerable morbidity and mortality.1,2 Lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are amongst the most serious and costly complication of T2DM.1,2 Diabetic foot complications, including peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy and structural foot deformities, account for most LEAs.1,3 A multidisciplinary approach aimed at early detection and management […]

Translating positive first-year student nurses’ pressure injury prevention attitudes into knowledge and action

Findings from this study provide opportunities to invigorate the undergraduate wound management curriculum by focussing on assessment, aetiology, mechanical or shear prevention, risk management, and wound care management. During 2016-2018, on completion of their wound care learning, first-year nursing students were invited to complete a previously validated questionnaire about their knowledge and attitudes about pressure […]