Shift work disrupts liver function rhythm
Shift work and irregular eating patterns could affect liver function and disrupt its delicate circadian rhythm. The timing of food intake plays a critical role in maintaining the natural rhythm of the liver to secrete proteins, University of Queensland researchers have found. “We saw that people who ate regular meals maintained healthy liver rhythms but […]
Hospital delirium a red flag for severe health decline
A single episode of delirium in hospitalised older adults is a significant risk factor for other serious health complications including fractures, stroke and sepsis, new research shows. Delirium, often triggered by infection, surgery, pain, dehydration or medication, affects up to one in four older adults during a hospital stay. However, many of its long‑term health […]
Ahpra begins adding sexual misconduct findings to health practitioners’ public records
More than 100 health practitioners, including 21 nurses and midwives, have had findings of sexual misconduct against them recorded on the public register, following reforms by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) aimed at helping patients make more informed decisions about their care. Under landmark changes to the National Law, Ahpra has begun adding […]
Standing beside the ANZACs: Nurses and the hidden costs of war
On Saturday 25 April 2026, Australia will mark the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and commemorate all those who have served in times of war and peace. ANZAC Day invites us to reflect on the immense sacrifices made in service to the nation, often at profound personal cost. In the years following Gallipoli and […]
Mentoring helps novice theatre nurses build confidence and stay in the job
A structured education and mentoring program boosted the confidence and skills of novice perioperative nurses, while also improving workplace culture and staff retention, new Australian research shows. The case study, published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing (AJAN), involved 20 novice nurses undertaking a three-month rotation across 14 perioperative speciality areas with support from […]
Telehealth restriction remains major barrier to voluntary assisted dying (VAD), report finds
Australia’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws are working as intended – easing suffering and giving terminally ill people choice and control over the timing and circumstances of their death – but persistent barriers continue to limit access, a new national report has found. Go Gentle Australia’s 2026 State of VAD report examines how VAD is […]
Former nurse who faked certificates to hide lapsed registration faces hefty fines
A Queensland woman who worked as a nurse without registration has been fined $10,000 and ordered to pay $1,750 in legal costs. The former nurse forged two registration certificates to conceal the fact that she was unregistered while continuing to work at a Bundaberg medical centre. Janette Slater had previously been registered as a nurse, […]
Do Australian children have equal access to school nurses?
A new study has highlighted the need for a national approach to school nursing, with Australian students receive varying levels of support depending on their school and location. Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers mapped the scope of nursing work and models of delivery in Australian primary and secondary schools. In a time where Australian children […]
Specialist lung cancer nurses critical to national screening program success
Australia’s new National Lung Cancer Screening Program risks falling short of its full potential unless urgent investment is made to fix critical gaps in services, including providing universal access to lung cancer specialist nurses, according to a new Curtin University study. The paper warns that while the July 2025 launch of the national screening program […]
ANMF calls for National Employment Standards (NES) reform, including 10 days paid reproductive leave
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is calling for major improvements to the National Employment Standards (NES), including 10 days paid reproductive health leave and an expanded definition of shift workers to ensure more employees working irregular hours are fairly compensated. A federal parliamentary inquiry into the NES, which sets the minimum employment entitlements […]