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 […]
Solidarity and activism: The vital role of nurses and midwives in the union
Nurses and midwives, the backbone of healthcare, provide essential patient-centred care across the health system, yet experience diverse challenges. Active involvement in the ANMF’s state and territory branches empowers them as advocates for change. This includes improving wages, safety, patient care, and influencing healthcare policy, benefiting both health professionals and people. Retired Victorian registered nurses […]
Leadership and Management: Not one and the same
Leadership can often be mistaken with management and the two do overlap. But while leadership and management in nursing and midwifery share some similarities, they are two distinct roles. “The biggest difference is that while we have leadership skills inherent in all of us, management is more of a learnt process”, says RN and Academic […]
Gender pay gap data reveals substantial pay disparity
Unions have welcomed publication of the gender pay gap for nearly 5,000 Australian private sector employers for the first time but urge more needs to be done to close the disparity. “Publicising the gender pay gap is a tool that works – it shines a light on entrenched practices and structural inequalities that see women […]
Supporting nurses to work to their scope of practice
In October 2023, the federal government launched Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – scope of practice review. The independent review will examine the barriers and incentives faced by health practitioners working to their scope of practice (SoP) in primary healthcare (PHC). The review aims to deliver better health outcomes for people as well […]
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 […]
Healthcare sustainability Champion
Registered Nurse Kaitlyn Cooke, realised the environmental toll of disposable PPE after using 50 sets during a single shift caring for a COVID-infected baby. “I thought, this is actually really bad for the world. There’s got to be a better way we can do this,” said Kaitlyn who was based in Tasmania at the time. […]
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 […]
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 […]