Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (NMHPA) is a new government-funded initiative offering free and confidential support and counselling to nurses, midwives, and students.
Nurses and midwives often face immense challenges, repeatedly witnessing people at their lowest moments, enduring vicarious trauma, and carrying the weight of caregiving long after the end of their shifts. Until now, it has been difficult to find adequate support. NMHPA fills this gap by offering a sanctuary where nurses and midwives can receive empathy and targeted support from professionals who truly understand their challenges.
In this article:
- Who provides support?
- Who can seek support?
- Can I seek support for someone else?
- What can I talk about?
- What can I expect from my first session?
- How many sessions will I get?
- How can I get started?
To help you make the most of this vital program, we have summarised everything you need to know.
Who provides support?
The sessions are led by nurses and midwives, each specially trained to provide empathetic and understanding assistance to their peers.
Who can seek support?
The service is available for nurses, midwives as well as nursing and midwifery students.
Can I seek support for someone else?
If you are worried about a friend or colleague, you can make a referral on their behalf to help them get the support they need.
What can I talk about?
NMHPA provides a safe space to address a myriad of sensitive health issues. From navigating chronic conditions to managing workplace stressors like bullying and burnout, no topic is off-limits. NMHPA will support you through every stage of your career and personal life, ensuring no challenge goes unaddressed.
- Chronic health conditions
- Alcohol use
- Gambling
- Drug use and dependence
- Workplace bullying
- Injury and work cover
- Students and early career nurses and midwives
- Mid-career nurses and midwives
- Late career and retirement
- Grief and loss
- Self-harm
- Burnout: chronic work-related stress
- Occupational violence
- Managers – your health and supporting your team
- Unsupportive workplaces
- Making a notification – our professional obligation
- Notifications, regulations and your health
- Maintain your Ahpra registration
- Mental health – pay attention to it and the risks
- Impostor syndrome
- Cultural load
- Racism
What can I expect from my first session?
Upon connecting with NMHPA, you’ll be matched with a dedicated nurse or midwife counsellor for a confidential 1:1 session. Together, you’ll discuss your specific needs, set personalised goals and map out steps toward improving your health and wellbeing. Sessions are dynamic and customised, allowing you to choose the direction and pace of your plan.
How many sessions will I get?
There is no limit to the number of support sessions you can access, ensuring ample time for meaningful progress and support. On average, participants engage in 6-8 sessions.
How can I get started?
NMHPA is accessible Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm. You can get in touch by calling 1800 001 060, emailing info@nursemidwifehpa.org.au or completing the contact form on the NMHPA website.
When dedicating our lives to caring for others, it’s easy to overlook our own needs. Yet, amidst the demands of our profession, your health and wellbeing are paramount. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. There is immense strength in recognising when you need support and taking the courageous step of asking for help. If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to reach out to NMHPA.
For practical advice on prioritising your wellness, check out our articles on Simple self-care tips for nurses and Five tips for staff wellbeing in nursing. Additionally, if you’re looking for connection with like-minded nurses who uplift each other on their health and wellbeing journeys, join our NurseStrong Facebook group for inspiration and camaraderie!
