COVID-19 Update

This has been a difficult year, 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.

In the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife as 2020 draws to a close we pause and reflect on the contribution of nurses and midwives. We honour, acknowledge and salute you, our colleagues, 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 2020, 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.

Now perhaps more than ever: your health matters.

We hope this uplifting song by the inspirational Royal Melbourne Hospital scrubs choir make you smile.

'We Wish You' by The Royal Melbourne Hospital Scrubs Choir

Look after yourself and each other YOUR HEALTH MATTERS.

Mark Aitken RN
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Nurse & Midwife Support

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:

• NSW Government
• Government of South Australia - SA Health
• Tasmanian Government
• Western Australian Government
• Queensland Government
• Northern Territory Government
• Australian Capital Territory Government
• Victorian State Government - Department of Health and Human Services

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.

Many of us are still reeling from the impact of this summer’s devastating bushfires and their aftermath. To find ourselves in the midst of another crisis can feel overwhelming and potentially even insurmountable. We are here to help you deal with these challenges.

We will be updating information here as the situation emerges and we would encourage you to visit us during this time for a whole 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.