COVID-19 Update

Last updated 17 February 2022

This COVID-19 information and these resources have been compiled to provide you with accessible information to provide you with knowledge and support.

State information

The information on this page is not exhaustive, if you know about COVID-19 related information, resources or support services that may be of interest to nurses, midwives and students please let us know: mark@nmsupport.org.au

There are many stories of nurses and midwives going above and beyond to continue to provide care. We acknowledge your sacrifices, commitment and skill and THANK YOU.

Nurse & Midwife Support is available to support you 24/7 anonymous, confidential and free 1800 667 877.

Each Australian state or Territory has specific information related to COVID-19.

Check the state or territory relevant to you for specific information to support you:

Nurses and midwives are always at the frontline when times get tough. While we are educated to manage challenging situations, we are not immune from an unhealthy stress response that may drain our reserves and put us at risk of burnout or compassion fatigue.

To find ourselves in the midst of a crisis can feel overwhelming and potentially even insurmountable. We are here to help you deal with these challenges. We update this information as the impact of COVID-19 changes and we would encourage you to access us during this time for a range of support options.

Nurse & Midwife Support is available 24/7 nationwide to nurses, midwives, students and anyone concerned about the welfare of a nurse or a midwife. Call us on 1800 667 877 or email us. The service is anonymous, confidential and free.

If you would like to find out a bit more about our service watch our video below.

What does Nurse & Midwife Support do? from NMSupportAU on Vimeo.

Take care of YOU and be kind to your mind

This has been a difficult couple of years, so it’s important to take some time to reflect on the challenges we have faced, as a profession, city, country, and world.

COVID-19 has served up many challenges. Nurses and midwives are at the frontline of this pandemic providing 24/7 care — always there, available and present to care for those affected by the disease. The coronavirus marathon (it’s definitely not a sprint) has meant that many nurses and midwives have continued to make sacrifices. Some have been separated from families or other loved ones for periods of time. Many have been infected with COVID-19 through their work, some experience ongoing health issues and we grieve for the healthcare workers and others who have lost their lives to COVID-19. We are still unaware of the potential long-term health impact. Nurses have and are experiencing grief and bereavement because of the death of residents in aged care facilities. Many residents have been in their care for years. If this is you, reach out for support sooner rather than later. These experiences will stay with you.

We would like to acknowledge, honour and salute all of you for being the incredible nurses and midwives you are. We encourage you to take some time for YOU, pause, reflect, pat yourself on the back for a job well done and reach out if while reflecting you recognise you need support. After all, you are only human.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of COVID-19, reflecting on your experience and emotions may support you to remain on solid ground. And Nurse & Midwife Support is available to support you 24/7, 1800 667 877.

Support is what we do. We have a range of resources designed to support you and devoted an entire newsletter to it:

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/resources/newsletter/winter-2021

Now perhaps more than ever: your health matters.

We hope these uplifting songs by the inspirational Royal Melbourne Hospital scrubs choir make you smile.

https://rmh-scrub-choir.raisely.com/

Look after yourself and each other.
YOUR HEALTH MATTERS.

Mark Aitken RN
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Nurse & Midwife Support

Resources

On this site

Dealing with stress during crisis with Sam Eddy

In this special podcast Mark Aitken discusses the prospect of COVID-19 with Mental Health First Aid expert Sam Eddy. They talk about the importance of acknowledging emotional and physical responses to stress when crisis occurs and how to implement strategies in response.

Self-care for nurses and midwives

Self-care isn’t selfish! What techniques can nurses and midwives build into their days to help them cope with the stress of their profession?

External Resources

On other sites

Call the National Coronavirus Line on 1800 020 080 for information and advice

This is the official Australian Government COVID-19 information.

Australian Government Department of Health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert, current situation and case numbers.

Australian Government Department of Health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert

The World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic. Find out how we are monitoring and responding to the outbreak, how you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia, and what to do if you have symptoms. We also report the latest official medical advice and case numbers.

ABC Coronacast (podcast)

Coronacast is a podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. The ABC breaks down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic.

Beyond Blue: Supporting you through the coronavirus pandemic

This website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining Beyond Blue's email community.

ANMF South Australia: Feeling anxious? Help is out there

Your self-care has never been more important:

“What we recommend at the moment is if nurses and midwives have a self-care plan - we encourage them to develop a self-care plan - is that now more than ever is the time to connect with that and indeed activate it.”

Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance

Learn mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing and work/study performance in this online course.

COVID Trauma Response Working Group Rapid Guidance

Guidance for planners of the psychological response to stress experienced by hospital staff associated with COVID: Early Interventions.

Black Dog Institute

The importance of self-care planning during Coronavirus.

Head to Health

The connections you make through relationships, places, and social activities can build a safety net for your physical and mental health. Healthy connections with family, friends, partners and co-workers, and having a pet, are known to lower levels of anxiety and depression, and raise self-esteem.

Rural Health Pro

Connecting people and organisations who care about keeping rural communities healthy.

ABC Life

How can we flip the moments of frustration we may feel towards each other into empathy and kindness? These 5 ways show you how.

FACE COVID – How to Respond Effectively to the Corona Crisis

In this brief animation, Dr Russ Harris, author of the international best-seller The Happiness Trap, illustrates how to use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to deal with the Corona crisis and the fear, anxiety and worry that goes with it.

Uncertainty by Elle Brown

Feeling uncertain? You are not alone, managing that feeling will be key to helping you look after yourself and your patients.

A view from two worlds, on what helps us to deal with this grief

In coping with our changed reality, what can we learn from the worlds of palliative care and organisational change? by Lea McInerey

Strategies for transitioning back into the workplace after coronavirus

As restrictions ease, many aspects of life are returning to normal and work is no exception, with many businesses contemplating the re-opening of offices and other workplaces.

These tips will help you manage your mental health as you transition back into the physical workplace.

Adapting to telehealth: what Nathan learned

Nathan* had been seeing his clinical psychologist on a weekly basis to help him manage his anxiety.

When COVID-19 restrictions came into place and the idea of telehealth was first raised, he felt unsettled and decided to delay therapy indefinitely.

But within two weeks, the 43-year-old found himself “really struggling” without his normal support.

Nathan talks about what he did next, and what he has learnt about managing his mental health as a result of COVID-19.

Raw Stories from the COVID-19 Frontline

An Ausmed and The Nurse Break collaboration brings you this scrolling feed of stories from those on the frontline of the health service!

Australian College of Nursing COVID-19 resources

The Australian College of Nursing have collated a list of educational resources* to keep nurses informed, safe and prepared to respond to the unfolding COVID-19 outbreak.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission)

The Commission provides a range of resources and advice for Australian health services, healthcare professionals and consumers on how to reduce the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure and infection.

CRANA Covid 19 Resources

CRANA provides a range of resources including resources, links and materials on how to take care of yourself during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This Way UP

Access free online tools and learn practical ways to protect your mental health.

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COVID-19 Update