Many more nurses and midwives have contacted us to report they are feeling unsettled and ‘just not right’. They associate these concerns with COVID-19.
Some of the common examples of what they are feeling are:
| Anxious and uncertain
| Tired and exhausted
| Guilty for not being at work
| Isolated due to social distancing and lockdown
| Worried about going home after work and infecting others
| Concerned that there is not enough support available
These concerns are to be expected at the moment and they can pass in time. However, many nurses and midwives ignore the negative impact of these feelings on their health and wellbeing and try to push through it, to their detriment. We know that early intervention provides better health outcomes.
The good news is, we are here to support you. Please reach out and call us on 9415 7551 between 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday or email: admin@nmhp.org.au
In addition, Nurse & Midwife Support is available 24/7 nationwide on 1800 667 877 or visit www.nmsupport.org.au. It’s anonymous, confidential and free for nurses, midwives and students and anyone concerned about the welfare of a nurse or a midwife.
Nurses and Midwives “You’re Only Human”
Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) has partnered with the ANMF (Vic Branch) in the ‘I’m only human’ campaign.
Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
It’s been a marathon working and living in the COVID-19 pandemic for over two years. Nurses, midwives and students are exhausted and traumatised.
In 2022 five Victorian nurses and midwives: Hailee (midwife), Mel (nurse), Jameson (student/graduate nurse), Catherine (mental health nurse) and Jean (aged care nurse) talk about the impacts of working and living through a pandemic two years running.
You’re only human. Don’t wait to hit crisis point before you seek help.
Contact us on 03 9415 7551 or admin@nmhp.org.au. Alternatively, call Nurse & Midwife Support 24/7
on 1800 667 877 for confidential advice.
In 2020 nurses and a midwives shared their experiences about working within the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s taking even more from us than usual. Not only are we coping with our own lives at home but trying to give 100% at work. It’s a difficult time.” – a midwife
Seeking out support and developing a self-care plan before you hit crisis point is a practical approach to living and working within a health pandemic. It only takes a few minutes to complete our self-care survey and develop your own self-care plan to monitor and focus on your health and wellbeing.
“People who aren’t healthcare workers don’t understand what we’ve been through.” – a nurse
The video message to nurses and midwives is that while you’ve been doing an amazing job working within COVID-19, you’re only human. The stress of working and living within a health pandemic has been ongoing for months – and long-term stress can have serious impacts on your physical and mental health.
COVID-19 Resources
ANMF Vic Branch
Important links, COVID-19 advice and information.
ANMF Vic Branch:
Library Resource Guides
Current links, COVID-19 advice and information.
Black Dog Institute: Coronavirus: Resources
for Anxiety & Stress
Ways to look after your mental health while practicing physical distancing.