workforce
Help me if you can
A year after launching, a nursing
helpline looks at what’s been
worrying nurses and midwives.
Mark Aitken interviewed by Dallas Bastian
W
orkplace issues like stress, bullying, and physical
and mental health worries are the key concerns for
nurses, midwives and students who are calling a
dedicated helpline.
Nurse & Midwife Support (NM Support) data from its first year
of operation showed workplace issues as the primary concern for
92 per cent of midwives, 74 per cent of nurses and 63 per cent of
students who phoned the service.
Stress was the most prevalent of these issues, followed by
bullying and harassment.
Students, nurses and midwives also regularly called the
service to seek help with health concerns. Just under a quarter
of students, 18 per cent of nurses and 16 per cent of midwives
sought assistance for their physical health, while 28 per cent of
nurses and 12 per cent of midwives were looking for support for
mental health.
Queensland nurse Paul McNamara said although extremely
rewarding, nursing can be complex and unpredictable, adding he’s
appreciative of the support from the service’s counsellors.
30 agedcareinsite.com.au
“Nurses and midwives are dedicated caregivers, which is
something I am proud of. But I think we need to remember to look
after ourselves as well, and that it’s normal to feel the effects of a
difficult shift,” McNamara said. “It’s great peace of mind knowing
we have support available whenever we need it, and from people
who understand the profession.”
Launched 12 months ago today, NM Support provides
confidential, 24/7 assistance and referral to nurses, midwives and
students of the profession, Australia wide.
Mark Aitken, NM Support stakeholder engagement manager,
said while it’s concerning that Australian nurses and midwives
are experiencing health issues, it’s comforting to know that the
service is being used across the country, including rural and
remote areas.
“I would encourage any nurse or midwife who needs our
help to call us today. Put our support number in your phone
so that it is accessible when you need it,” Aitken said. “Whether
you work in an urban or rural location, you are not alone – help
is available.”
Aged Care Insight spoke with Aitken about the workplace and
health issues nurses are phoning in about and whether there were
any findings from the first year of calls he was surprised to see.
ACI: What are nurses and midwives saying about the
workplace issues they’re facing?
MA: Nurses, midwives and students who call Nurse & Midwife
Support and who I meet as a stakeholder engagement manager
when I go to conferences or give presentations, are telling us that