From the Secretary

The last six months have been some of the most difficult of the COVID-19 pandemic for health workers.

Nurses, Midwives and Assistants in Nursing have been at the forefront of the response since the beginning of the pandemic, continuing to act as the last line of defence against the disease. At the risk of infection, workers in the professions continue to provide essential care to those in our aged care and health systems, including nursing homes, hospitals, walk-in-centres, HITH, and community health centres.

The cumulative effects of the pandemic on Nurses and Midwives have been significant, and we’ve seen that it has had negative impacts on their mental health, family life, and general sense of wellbeing.

With the pandemic presenting so many challenges inside and outside of the professions, and the uncertain state of the world, how do we hold on to our sense of wellbeing? How do we regain a sense of ‘balance’ so we can experience life’s joys and find satisfaction in our personal and working lives?

In times of great stress and uncertainty in my life, I’ve relied on exercise to get me through. Over many years, I’ve found that running long distances while listening to music counteracts the repetitive thoughts that can come with difficult situations. At the start of a run, my mind can be racing with thoughts of life’s challenges, but by the end, I experience a wonderful sense of stillness and clarity of thought. Similarly, I’ve found that focusing on the line at the bottom of the pool lane when swimming laps has an equally meditative effect.

However, I have experienced moments when exercise hasn’t been entirely effective. At these times, I draw on a saying once told to me by a wise friend: “This too shall pass.” Repeating these simple words to myself helps me recognise and acknowledge my discomfort, but also reminds me that different emotions will come and go with time.

The most important wellbeing lesson I’ve learned is that achieving a ‘balance’ isn’t something that just happens; it’s something you have to work at. While exercise is what I’ve found works for me, I understand it may not appeal to everyone. But, through sharing my own experience, I hope to encourage others to seek out what works for them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of looking after our mental health and the need to seek help when we need it. Employers have a responsibility to provide psychologically safe work environments under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, and the ANMF ACT will continue the rollout of programs and initiatives, such as the annual psychosocial wellbeing survey of members, to ensure that risks are identified, and employers are meeting their safety obligations to workers.

When things feel overwhelming, Nurse and Midwife Support is available as a 24/7 national support service for Nurses and Midwives that provides access to confidential advice and referral. The service is an initiative of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and run by Turning Point, independent of the Board and AHPRA. I encourage all members to reach out or visit the site at www.nmsupport.org.au.

The ANMF also has a wide range of resources available, some of which are outlined in this edition of Observations. These resources, as well as the support of various teams, members, and workplace delegates, are available to all members. I encourage members to take advantage of these resources and support networks whenever they feel needed.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Observations, and through it, understand different perspectives on wellbeing and find resources or tips that can help you maintain your own.

Matthew Daniel

ANMF ACT Secretary