Social, health, and wellbeing challenges facing older nurses and midwives
The global nursing and midwifery workforce is undergoing a profound demographic shift, with an increasing proportion approaching retirement age.1 This trend is pronounced in high-income countries like Australia, where an ageing population is simultaneously increasing demand for healthcare.2 In Australia, 38% of nurses and midwives are over the age of 45 years.3 Older nurses and […]
Are we paying attention to Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity has received growing attention in recent years, and yet its presentation in the nursing and midwifery workforce has received limited attention. Given our professional pride in caring, connection, and empathy, there may be some denial that neurodivergence even exists in nursing, but this reflects the broader cultural misunderstanding of its many and varied experiences. […]
Navigating generational diversity and intergenerational friction in nursing and healthcare
Australia’s nursing workforce has never been more generationally diverse. From Baby Boomers born between 1946-1964 nearing retirement to Generation Z (Gen Z) nurses (born between 1997-2012) entering clinical roles, we are seeing shifts not just in experience and skill mix – but in values, communication styles, and expectations of leadership. This is more than a […]
Supporting women through life’s moments
From career breaks to new beginnings, HESTA is here to help keep your super on track through each chapter. Women’s careers don’t always follow a traditional path. Families can grow, priorities can shift, and paid work can be reduced or put on pause. But that doesn’t mean your financial future should suffer. Start by truly […]
The New Aged Care Act (2025): Reform or reality for nurses?
The Aged Care Act 2024, commenced on 1 November 2025. It has ushered in the most significant overhaul of aged care law in a generation. Grounded in rights, dignity and accountability, it replaces a 25-year-old framework with one built around transparency and fairness for older Australians. For nurses, the largest health professional group in aged […]
The campaign for a national Human Rights Act
Did you know that Australia has no national human rights framework? Australia has been a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights since 1948, but this has never been adopted into Australian law. There are state and territory-based human rights charters in Queensland, Victoria and the ACT, with legislation introduced in NSW in October […]
Make health your 2026 habit
As 2025 ends, you may find yourself reviewing your year. Are there things you might have done differently? Have you developed habits that don’t serve you well? If you’d like to set new intentions for 2026 and replace old habits, the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (NMHPA) can help. If you’re not familiar with NMHPA, […]
University of Tasmania empowers nurses with Australia’s most flexible postgraduate nursing program
The University of Tasmania has officially launched its redesigned Advanced Nursing postgraduate program, a bold step forward in preparing nurses for leadership, expanded clinical roles, and interdisciplinary collaboration across Australia’s healthcare system. With more than 20 specialisations, including the newly added Palliative Care, the program offers unmatched flexibility and depth. Each specialisation is taught by expert […]
A new voice for nursing
The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) has welcomed a new nursing representative to its Editorial Advisory Committee, stepping into the role previously held by long-serving member Dr Helen Calabretto – a move that reflects AMH’s continuing support for the evolving needs of nurses. For nearly 30 years, the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) has been an important […]
How to improve your financial wellbeing
Due to high interest rates and the impacts of inflation, many of us are feeling the pinch right now, so here are some tips to help you feel more in control of your money, even in difficult economic times. But first: what exactly is financial wellbeing? According to Beyond Blue, financial wellbeing is about having […]