“People who aren’t healthcare workers don’t understand what we’ve been through.” – a nurse
Nurses, a midwife and a personal care worker have shared their experiences about working within the COVID-19 pandemic in new posters and videos aimed at encouraging others to develop a self-care plan and seek support with the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria.
“25 of the staff and almost all of the residents contracted COVID. It’s been very hard, very stressful.” – a personal care worker
ANMF (Vic Branch) has partnered with the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) in the ‘I’m only human’ campaign.
The video message to nurses, midwives and personal care workers 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 our physical and mental health.
Seeking out support and developing a care plan with the NMHPV before you hit crisis point is a practical approach to living and working within a health 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
The NMHPV is available to nurses, midwives, nursing and midwifery students, and personal care workers working in residential aged care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service offers free, independent and confidential support and counselling. The NMHPV is staffed mainly by mental health nurses, and midwives with additional qualifications in counselling.
Take the NMHPV’s self-care questionnaire and email NMHPV at admin@nmhp.org.au or phone the service on 9415 7551. The NMHPV can support you with any issue big or small, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship issues, or drinking too much. Without judgement, the NMHPV will listen and help you to create a care plan.
NMHPV posters aimed at nurses, midwives and personal care workers are being sent to ANMF Job Reps and HSRs, and to aged care facilities throughout Victoria.
