Critical care nurses shun ‘hero’ and ‘angel’ tags during COVID-19, study finds
From the moment the COVID-19 pandemic emerged across the globe, nurses were thrust into the spotlight and began being described as “frontline heroes” and “angels” in the media and across the community. While well intentioned, the use of the angel/hero narrative didn’t always project the most positive, or accurate, images of nurses and the nursing […]
‘It just crept up on me’: Urgent action needed to curb ‘high-risk’ drinking among Australian nurses
Tailored interventions are urgently needed to address growing alcohol consumption among Australian nurses, with booze levels within the profession now rivalling high-risk industries such as mining and construction, according to a new paper. A national survey of 1,159 nurses, conducted from June to October 2021, found Australian nurses were drinking at higher levels than previously […]
An expert’s guide to help ‘inoculate’ yourself against burnout
How can you help protect yourself against burnout? According to Dr Tom Buckley, an internationally recognised expert on the impact of stress on human health and wellbeing, there are five factors that can help prevent the rising toll of burnout among healthcare workers. Addressing delegates at the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) National Conference […]
‘More than just a nurse’: Out of the hospital and into Remote Area Nursing
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia, registered nurse Wayne Burns joined the response, pivoting into carrying out swabbing and, not long after, vaccinations on the NSW Mid North Coast. As the threat settled, he contemplated his next move and stumbled upon remote area nursing. “I worked with a nurse at a little hospital in NSW […]
How a nurse practitioner shifted to telehealth amid COVID-19
Before COVID-19 hit, Paediatric Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Dowden pondered implementing telehealth at her Perth-based clinic but ultimately considered it too costly and unviable. When the pandemic arrived, the goalposts suddenly changed. Speaking at the 2022 Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) National Conference, Stephanie shared her experience with adopting telehealth and its benefits and challenges. […]
‘Do you know we’re all being sacked?’: Enrolled nurses, family, lift lid on Southern Cross Care restructure
In early November, aged care Enrolled Nurse Jane (not her real name) was working a routine shift when her phone pinged. It was her employer, Southern Cross Care Tasmania, informing her that a staff meeting would be taking place the following morning. Exhausted from her shift, Jane decided to skip the meeting. Around lunchtime, she […]
By their side: Mental health nurses making a difference
“It’s the people and the stories and being allowed into their lives,” says acute community mental health nurse Jocelyn Douglass of the best part of her job. “When people are experiencing mental health issues and we see them they are in an acutely vulnerable position. It’s a privilege and an honour to be able to […]
Nursing student and RUSON gains on-the-job experience
Nursing student and RUSON gains on-the-job experience
Albanese Government must stop Enrolled Nurse sackings in aged care
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is calling on the Albanese Government to urgently act to stop greedy aged care providers from sacking highly-trained Enrolled Nurses (EN) and replacing them with lower-paid personal care workers (PCW) in nursing homes. In Tasmania, Southern Cross Care is making ENs redundant, substituting them with extended care workers. […]
‘Beyond urgent’: HSU pushes on for full 25% pay rise for aged care workers
Three-quarters of aged care workers are considering leaving the sector within the next six months if they do not receive a significant pay increase, according to a new survey. The Health Services Union (HSU) released the data, Aged Care Snapshot: The Brink of Collapse, on the steps of the Fair Work Commission in Sydney this […]