8 reasons why nurses and midwives should embrace social media
Nurses and midwives working across all settings should take advantage of social media by using platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to build relationships, share research and solutions, advance the professions and above all improve patient care, according to two leading academics. “It has the opportunity, ultimately, to improve patient care,” says Associate Professor Deb […]
10 time management tips for nurses and midwives
For the novice nurse or midwife time management may seem an elusive skill. Even those with years of experience and adept at managing their time have bad days. Being realistic about what you can achieve in a shift is a start. Here are 10 top tips to help with time management. Arrive early Even giving […]
New Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse for the Top End
New Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse for the Top End, Ruby Hilario, says she will be able to increase the level of support for the 100 Territorians diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. A joint funding agreement with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and the NT Government has resulted in the new dedicated Prostate […]
Women face $80,000 deficit in retirement savings
While its known that retirement savings differs between men and women, a new study has shown the ‘gender pay gap’ begins from the first days of employment. Detrimentally , women face a deficit of more than $80,000 that they fail to recoup towards the end of their careers. Research Lead, Monash Business School’s Dr Carly […]
The NET Nurse: A unique role
Problem solving, creativity, and being able to see outside the square are key attributes of the RN Kate Wakelin’s role providing support to people with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Ms Wakelin has been the NET Patient Support Nurse with the Unicorn Foundation since October 2015. The Unicorn Foundation, a not-for-profit medical charity, works with people affected […]
The community remote area nurse
“We sometimes laugh that we are coiled springs – waiting to respond,” says Kelly Lynch of her role as a community remote area nurse. Kelly has been in the Cape, far north QLD for seven years. Originally from New Zealand, having raised five children, a marriage break up prompted a life change. “Half of my […]
Avoiding an avoidable adverse outcome
Working with patients who have a high or imminent risk of suicide is complex and challenging clinical work even for the most experienced practitioner. Patient safety is paramount, often requiring patients to be kept under close observation. What this means varies on the circumstances, treatment orders and local policy. A failure to follow these orders […]
Mentoring matters
Mentoring in nursing and midwifery offers meaningful rewards for both parties. The collaborative confidential relationship gives mentors the opportunity to give back to the professions and support career development. On the flipside, mentees gain knowledge, become empowered to build confidence, and develop skills to set and achieve goals. When utilised in nursing and midwifery mentoring […]
The value of clinical supervision in nursing and midwifery
Clinical supervision educator, clinical supervisor and mental health nurse Julie Sharrock credits the reflective collaborative practice of clinical supervision as the reason she has been able to maintain a successful clinical career over almost four decades. “If I had no place to wash off the emotional grind, the emotional challenges and the cognitive and ethical […]
Brexit fallout drives UK hunt for Australian nurses
A visiting UK roadshow recruiting Australian nurses to work abroad within the National Health Service (NHS) marks the latest sign of shifting strategies to fill more than 41,000 vacant nursing posts in the wake of uncertainty triggered by Brexit. Dubbed the “British Nursing Job Fair”, the national recruitment drive spruiks a one-stop shop where “suitably […]