Out of crisis comes recognition for Queensland’s nurses

Over the past 12 months, not only have nurses had to work tirelessly amid the constant, invisible threat of COVID-19, they have also become one of the most relied upon professions, along with other essential service workers such as teachers, emergency services and police.

Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union secretary Beth Mohle said the pandemic had exposed the roles that were critical during a crisis.

“We have come to realise how reliant we are on health care work, the importance of health care work and how a good health system can provide social cohesion and contribute to a strong and productive society,” Ms Mohle said. “The pandemic has really highlighted that.”

Within the profession, nurses and midwives could be feeling overwhelmed or burnt out as a result of the pandemic, and support is what they need most.

A risky time for nurses

“Day in, day out nurses put the needs of others ahead of themselves and at the moment everyone is feeling exhausted and running on empty. It is a risky time for nurses,” Ms Mohle said.

“The pandemic has demonstrated that we are at a social and economic turning point and we need to get the support for our health system right.”

Ms Mohle said more investment in Australia’s health care system with a focus on mental health, aged care health and community health would not only support nurses and keep them strong and engaged, it would also underpin Australia’s continued economic recovery.

Great ability to adapt

She said the past 12 months had also highlighted the nursing profession’s ability to adapt and innovate.

“Nurses and midwives demonstrated that they can adapt and do what is needed, because they had to,” she said.

“The way nurses adapted and delivered care differently in ways like running virtual clinics, fever clinics, or reaching out to the community through community outreach programs - it has been just phenomenal.”

Ms Mohle said she hoped nurses continued to be empowered through the health system.

“We can use these lessons as an opportunity to reframe the role of nurses and midwives so they can continue to offer better continuity of care and deliver care where it is needed most in the community,” she said.

Time for nurses to focus on themselves

Another way that nurses and midwives can be supported is through their own self-care.

When it comes time for their annual nursing registration renewal, Ms Mohle recommends nurses use a “healthy, wealthy and wise” approach.

“I suggest all nurses use this as an opportunity not only to focus on their professional development, but also to get all of their own health checks done and track their finances,” she said.

Looking into their superannuation and reviewing how it is tracking is a good start, she said.

'Your circumstances change every year. Everyone should check in to make sure they are adequately insured,” she said.

Annual reviews are a useful way to support your own financial wellbeing, your career progression, your health and ultimately your retirement.

1. Before you consolidate your super, you should check with your other super funds if there are any fees or tax implications, or loss of insurance or other benefits.
2. ASIC, MoneySmart, Find lost super, accessed 21 January 2021 at moneysmart.gov.au
3. Subject to eligibility.

The views and opinions of the author and those making comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the QSuper Board. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of any of the information supplied and you should seek advice for your circumstances.