My 7 top tips for new graduate nurses
Victorian graduate nurse Tess Carr-Howard is on the cusp of completing her graduate year at Barwon Health’s University Hospital in Geelong. She spent the first six months working on the Adult Acute Ward before moving to the hospital’s Special Care Nursery, a neonatal unit providing care for babies in the region. The 36-year-old always had […]
Six C’s to effective nurse leadership
Nursing requires competent, confident leadership. No matter where you are in your career, you should be reflecting on your existing leadership skills and identifying areas where you can improve. Here are six C’s to help you with effective nurse leadership: communication; confidence; creating cohesion; courage; conflict resolution; and commitment to excellence. Communication Effective communication skills […]
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 […]