Rural and remote communities

Nurses and midwives who work in rural or remote locations can often work in excess of full-time hours, perform multiple roles for which they may be trained but are not necessarily experienced, and may be on-call 24 hours a day, for many weeks at a time.

They often work alone or in two-nurse posts, and are responsible for a large number of patients. They are more likely than their metropolitan colleagues to experience multiple traumatic events, with little time to recover from one before another occurs. They may live and work in the same building, and this housing may be inadequate. To access support, clinically or professionally, they usually have to travel great distances.

CRANAplus Bush Support Services

This is a free and confidential telephone counselling service for rural and remote area health professionals and their families. 

CRANAplus recognise the challenges of working remotely and offer unique and helpful resources that draw on a vast network and specialised knowledge. CRANAplus sees Bush Support Services as vital in retaining a healthy and resilient workforce in the remote sector and makes health worker support a priority.

Their national qualified team of psychologists are experienced and have expertise in the remote sector. They know first-hand, the best resources for those with unique support needs. Their highly skilled team includes two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists who provide a variety of tailored psychological services. The service is free and confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

Calls from mobile phones to the Bush Support Services 1800 805 391 Toll Free Number can be returned at the caller’s request. Through Bush Support Services, CRANAplus is able to provide 24/7 personalised care for remote health workers and their families and friends. For more information visit CRANAplus Bush Support Services.

Why not use our service finder to find out about some of the other national services available for people working and living in rural and remote communities.

Our service provides free and confidential support 24/7, to nurses, midwives and students Australia wide. If you would like to speak to someone call 1800 667 877, or you can request support via email.

If you would like to know a bit more about the service before getting in contact — take a look through accessing support.