Hitting the ceiling: When “Top of Scope” meets governance reality
“Nurses working to top of scope” – it is a phrase frequently invoked by nursing executives to describe the future of the profession — one associated with empowerment, innovation, and improved care delivery. Yet for many Nurse Practitioners (NPs) working in public health settings, “top of scope” functions less as an enacted organisational commitment than […]
Western Australia launches first RN prescribing course
Western Australia has taken a landmark step in strengthening its healthcare workforce, launching the state’s first Registered Nurse (RN) prescribing course on International Nurses’ Day. Edith Cowan University (ECU) will deliver the fully online, one‑year program, designed to equip experienced registered nurses with the skills and knowledge to prescribe or renew medications in partnership with authorised independent prescribers such as doctors […]
ANMF welcomes major Budget tax reforms to support nurses, midwives and carers
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) says major Budget tax reforms focused on increasing fairness will support the next generation of nurses, midwives and carers, struggling to find secure, affordable housing and meet current costs of living. ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said changes to the tax system, including new restrictions on negative gearing […]
National Palliative Care Week: Complex patients achieving wish to die at home
People with complex health conditions are fulfilling their preference to die at home when they have access to specialist community palliative care, challenging assumptions that hospital care is inevitable. Released for National Palliative Care Week (10–16 May), the new research questions Australia’s hospital‑first approach for people with the most complex palliative care needs. “When hospital is […]
When does your shift really start? The growing expectation of pre-shift tasks in nursing
In our busy healthcare environments, it is crucial that nurses are ready to start work on time. Many of us can sympathise with ‘being ready’ involving making sure we get that third cup of coffee before (or whilst) receiving handover. Whilst nurses need to be ready to start work from their start time, recent case […]
Global conflict’s impact at home
A new Australian Human Rights Commission report reveals the devastating domestic impact of the war in Gaza on Australia’s Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Arab and Israeli communities. The Struggle to Be Seen, the Power in Being Heard is the most comprehensive account of its kind since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s […]
ANMF tells inquiry some shift-working nurses denied extra week of annual leave due to complex criteria
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has told a federal inquiry examining whether the National Employment Standards (NES) are fit for purpose that the current criteria employees must meet to be considered a shift worker is too narrow, meaning many nurses working irregular hours, such as night shifts, are missing out on an extra […]
Federal Budget: What nurses, midwives and care workers need to know
Every year before the Federal Budget, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) sends a Pre-Budget Submission to the Australian Government. It may sound like a policy process happening far away in Canberra, but it plays an important role in shaping the funding and policies that affect your job, your patients and the health system […]
Birthing on Country model delivers better birth outcomes
New research shows better outcomes with Birthing on Country compared to mainstream maternity services for First Nations families. First Nations women had significantly more normal vaginal births, were more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding upon hospital discharge and had greater engagement with culturally safe wellbeing programs. The study, led by Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights and Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing […]
Top time-management tips for new grads
Effective time management for new grads involves planning, prioritisation, task clustering, and developing routines that work for you. Here are some key tips to reduce your stress and nail down your time management. Pre-Shift Preparation You may have heard your clinical facilitator say: ‘if you’re on time, you’re late’. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for your shift. […]