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.
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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
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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