FEATURE

Taking Care of You

2020 – the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. When the year started, it was looked at as a chance to celebrate the vital role nurses and midwives play in health services and communities around the world. Then COVID-19 hit, and whilst Australia has fared better than most countries the work of nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers was brought to the fore of the public mind in a way like never before. By October 1500 nurses had died after contracting Covid-19, and this figure in itself is likely to be a large underestimation as this was only from 44 of 195 countries.

Words like ‘courageous’ and ‘hero’ have been bandied about by the media and professional bodies right across the world, but for so many of us, being on the frontline and exposing ourselves to risk is part of what we do. Our expertise and compassion may be more on display and be gaining public recognition, but many of our members have voiced how important it is that it is more broadly understood that the job we do can be heart wrenching, frightening, complicated, exhausting and rewarding – beyond just the time of a pandemic.

To all of you: It is ok to be feeling tired. It is ok to be finding it difficult to catch your breath. It is ok to shed a tear. It is ok to prioritise you. It is not ok to leave these feelings to accumulate without support and put your job above yourself forever. There has been sacrifice and there have been incredible achievements as you have all provided quality care and simultaneously advocated for something better. 2020 has been difficult, no matter where you are. As the year starts to wind down, if you haven’t already, please made sure you are taking time to care for you.

Whether you use the meditation services offered for free during Covid-19 at Headspace here https://www.headspace.com/covid-19, or get in touch with Nurse & Midwife Support here https://www.nmsupport.org.au/ or 1800 667 877 to talk through how you feel, or afford yourself the time to do something just for you, please, take care of you.

Updates correct as at 26 November 2020.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, however if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

Member Support Team

Nurse and Midwife Support If you are seeking confidential support and advice, members have access to 24/7 phone support from Nurse and Midwife Support.

Nurse and Midwife Support

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