15 June 2021
The results of the largest 2020 COVID-19 survey of Australian nursing, midwifery and care workers have been published by the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, in collaboration with the ANMF (SA Branch) and all ANMF branches as well as the ANMF Federal Office.
The Centre’s report, COVID-19 and workforce wellbeing: A survey of the Australian nursing, midwifery, and care worker workforce, drew from almost 12,000 survey participants from every state and territory. The survey was open over 12 weeks from August to October 2020 and was widely promoted by the ANMF branches.
Registered nurses made up the largest participant group (71%) followed by enrolled nurses (14.65%), and personal care workers (6.66%).
The report, authored by Registered Nurse Pam Adelson, a Research Fellow in the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, and Dr Micah D J Peters PhD, Director of the ANMF National Policy Research Unit (Federal Office), found that, overall, the survey depicted a resilient and dedicated workforce. Nurses, midwives, and care workers rose to the challenge despite many facing concerns about the impacts of COVID-19 on their health, wellbeing, homelife, and the work environment.
The survey found that:
- 82% of respondents reported often or always having the right types of PPE.
- Most respondents (58%) agreed that they were supported by their workplace regarding any PPE concerns and requirements.
- Almost half (46.74%) of all respondents felt their workload had significantly or moderately increased since the pandemic.
- Fewer than half of respondents in aged care reported that their employer had a plan to deal with COVID-19 in the workplace.
- At least 20% of respondents reported having to manage staff abuse,
access to workplace mental health support, and access to alternative
accommodation.
- At least 30% of respondents rated their workplaces’ ability to deploy
more staff if required and debriefing processes as poor or very poor.
- Over half of the respondents were moderately or extremely concerned
about having adequate staffing levels and the right skills mix in the
workplace.
- 35% of respondents who worked in aged were moderately or extremely concerned about job security.
- Respondents working in nursing homes and hospitals showed the greatest
risk of burnout compared with those working in primary care and other
workplaces.
The report found it was critical that employers continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the nursing, midwifery, and carer workforce by implementing evidence-informed plans, open communication and engagement with staff, policies, and procedures for major health crises, including the provision of appropriate PPE.
More information about the report can be found here.