Female shift workers higher risk of poor mental health

Shift workers are at higher risk for poor mental health, particularly symptoms of depression, new research shows. Women were especially affected, with a 70% higher risk of depression among shift workers, compared to women who worked day shifts, according to the study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Researchers reviewed seven longitudinal studies […]

Be kind to yourself

Having aspirations help lead a meaningful life but can cause distress when hopes are left unfulfilled, research shows. An Edith Cowan University (ECU) study found that it’s not failing to make progress toward our ‘ideal-self’, but rather the tendency to focus on lack of progress in a negative way that leads to psychological distress. It’s […]

Study to explore nurses’ heavy drinking culture

Researchers from La Trobe University’s Centre for Alcohol and Policy Research (CAPR) will investigate the heavy alcohol consumption culture among nurses and lawyers in Victoria in a bid to help curb problem drinking. The project, made possible by a $237,000 Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, is hopeful of triggering new campaigns to reduce harmful drinking […]

5 ways to re-energise on a night shift

For many nurses and midwives working night shifts, it can be challenging to keep energy levels up and remain mentally alert. Here are five ways to re-energise and combat night shift fatigue. Stay hydrated It’s hard to focus when you are dehydrated. Water has energising properties and staying hydrated can help you function optimally while […]

Nurses needed for Guided Imagery and Music sessions

A Victorian nurse is looking for nurses to participate in low cost Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) sessions in south east Melbourne. Mental Health Nurse, Ann Maree Billings, is an RN and qualified Integrative Psychotherapist working in mental health and counselling. Ann Maree is offering low cost Guided Imagery and Music sessions to nurses and […]

The Healthy Chef’s top 5 snacks to get you through a shift

Nurses and midwives need to maintain a healthy diet, both for their own physical and psychological health, and to ensure they provide the best care to patients. A healthy diet boosts energy levels, improves concentration and mood, assists clearer thinking and makes it easier to handle stress. Of course, the demanding nature of the professions, […]

Reconnecting to why you became a nurse

What is the reason you became a nurse? Was it to care for people? Help people to achieve a better level of health? With the increasing demands and responsibilities of the job, it can be easy to lose sight of that initial goal. For some nursing was the career path they knew they wanted to […]

Hazards in the workplace

Protecting yourself and your patients against workplace hazards is an essential part of the job for any nurse, midwife or carer. What are some of the physical hazards on the ward and how do you handle them? Leslea Johnson trained to become a registered nurse in the early ‘90s when unsafe manual handling techniques like […]