‘Burnt out’ nurses feeling undervalued after allowance rejected

Tasmanian nurses are “incredibly disappointed” the state government has rejected their call for a special Covid-19 allowance.

Tasmanian nurses are “incredibly disappointed” the state government has rejected their call for a special Covid-19 allowance.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian branch secretary Emily Shepherd said with borders reopening nurses were under significant pressure and had extra work taking precautions and wearing full PPE.

“Our members are already burnt out and we risk losing more staff because they feel undervalued and isolated and some will leave because they don’t want to put themselves and their loved ones at risk,” Ms Shepherd said.

“Nurses and midwives are the ones bearing the brunt and work long and arduous shifts in full PPE, which must be taken off just to have a drink of water and of course to take a break, if possible.

Emily Shepherd, ANMF branch secretary. Picture: Mireille Merlet

“The Premier says will must all learn to live with Covid, but the impact on nurses is incredibly challenging because they are now working alongside positive cases and are therefore limiting their social interactions at family gatherings and events due to fear of infecting loved ones, especially those who have vulnerable family and friends.

“While all Tasmanians are encouraged to socially distance to protect themselves, our members tell us they are there face-to-face with positive Covid-19 cases when swabbing at testing sites, caring for them in case management facilities and in hospitals.”

The ANMF on Friday wrote to Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff asking for a Covid allowance for all public sector nurses and midwives similar to that paid in Victoria and South Australia.

The allowances sought ranged from $30 to $120 depending on where nurses were working and the length of their shifts.

Minister Health, Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Mr Rockliff said Tasmanian nurses and midwives were paid in accordance with their award provisions.

“Along with our other health employees, nurses and midwives are extremely valued,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Their contribution, day in and day out, particularly as our health system has risen to meet the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic is recognised and sincerely appreciated.

“It is important to remember that our hospital system is currently only treating one patient with Covid-19, and that hospitalisation was not related to Covid-19 symptoms.

“Across Tasmania, COVID-19 has presented challenges for all manner of workplaces and workers.

Mr Rockliff said the ANMF was briefed regularly on Covid-19 preparation and situation, as part of weekly stakeholder meetings, and he would continue to discuss issues with them as required.