‘Scary’ night shifts prompt Cairns nurses to shun night shifts

Nurses in Cairns are on the verge of quitting their jobs due to ongoing safety concerns, feeling forced to choose between personal safety and parking fines.

‘Scary’ night shifts prompt Cairns nurses to shun night shifts. Photo: Lucas Salvatori.

Nurses in Cairns are considering quitting their jobs because they don’t feel safe walking to their cars, with one woman treated in emergency after she was attacked.

With the health care system in Far North Queensland already in crisis, struggling to attract and retain healthcare workers, nurses said they’ve reached breaking point as they renew calls for safe parking options.

Of the 530 nurse respondents in a recent survey by the Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland, a shocking 50 per cent reported no external security measures in place, such as duress alarms.

Kara Thomas, says Queensland hospitals are not doing enough to protect their staff. Photo: Lucas Salvatori.

One nurse at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) revealed night shifts are terrifying after a cleaner ended up in emergency when she was attacked walking to her car on Lake Street on January 16.

The following day, a private hospital nurse was threatened with a hammer before the offender stole her car.

Out of fear of losing their jobs, nurses have asked to remain anonymous, telling the Cairns Post they are unable to speak openly or be named in media reports due to a “gag order” in place by Queensland Health.

“I don’t work evenings anymore, as it’s safer,” the nurse said.

A burnt-out light pole casts more than just shadows—nurses say dimly lit hospital grounds jeopardise safety during night shifts. Picture: Supplied.

Nurses have said poor lighting around the hospital is common, leaving dark, unsafe areas during night shifts. Picture: Supplied.

“Night shift is scary, (it’s) very unsafe, isolated – you could be attacked and no one would see, especially if finishing after usual time.”

NPAQ president Kara Thomas said healthcare workers shouldn’t have to choose between personal safety, a parking fine or a reduction in earnings.

“The current situation is entirely unacceptable and represents a profound failure of duty of care toward the very people who provide care to the Cairns community,” she said.

“These unsafe conditions potentially violate Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act.”

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of workers while at work, as far as reasonably practicable.

Multiple members also told the union they have “considered leaving” or are “avoiding shifts” due to the parking issues.

Ms Thomas said “inaction” could lead to significant financial consequences for Cairns Hospital, between the parking, intimidation and harassment concerns.

“The cost of recruiting and training a replacement nurse is estimated between $60,000- $90,000 per position,” she said.

“The financial impact of inaction far exceeds the cost of implementing safety measure requests we’ve asked for.”

Ms Thomas demonstrates how nurses tie their hair back, keys held in a defensive grip, and phone in hand while walking to her car after a shift. Photo Steve Polhner

Another nurse based in Cairns, with more than 15 years’ experience working in hospitals, said night shifts were commonly feared among colleagues, labelling the shifts a “drama”.

“I often have to use a dinner break to try and move my car closer so I don’t have to walk as far, late at night,” she said.

“Cars (are being) destroyed, people attacked, no parking near hospital, parking tower often full and expensive,” another source said.

Despite evening shifts coming with a 15 per cent pay loading, nurses said the risks outweigh the benefits or earning more money.

The Cairns Post has launched Operation Safe Zone, calling for additional staff parking off-site, including a free shuttle service for workers. Picture: Brendan Radke

“While we could earn more of an evening, it’s just not worth the hassle,” an anonymous nurse said.

The nurse reported on one occasion walking to their car after an evening shift, only to find two people “street fighting” on their vehicle.

“There (was a) street fight … just had to wait till they moved off the car to drive home.”

In addition, nurses reported the shortage of parking around the hospital often results in fines, as they struggle to find well-lit parking spaces near their workplace.

They report some nurses have been hit with upwards of $500 for parking tickets.

“My experience has been the concerns of our members don’t meet a threshold for action,” Ms Thomas said.

Cairns Regional Council Offices - Picture: Brian Cassey

Parking fines in Cairns increased in September 2024, with penalties rising to $96 for unpaid or overstayed parking, $193 for taxi/loading zones, and $241 for bus zones.

Other concerns for nurses identified in the survey were longer term parking areas having recently been removed due to construction, forcing nurses to walk further in “searing heat”.

“With the high-rise (parade) full, many of the street parks are limited to two hours, so we are risking a council fine just to get to work on time,” another anonymous nurse said.

With a lack of public transport options in Cairns, nurses said they don’t have a choice but to drive to work.

“Honestly, what are we supposed to do? It’s just getting worse. When will something be done?” another anonymous source said.

The Cairns Post has launched Operation Safe Zone, calling for additional staff parking off-site, including a free shuttle service for workers.

Originally published as ‘Scary’ night shifts prompt Cairns nurses to shun night shifts