October 9, 2026

Life

When workplace behaviour crosses the line

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Feeling undermined, anxious or unsafe at work should never be dismissed as part of the job – and support is available.

Nursing and midwifery can be demanding professions, but feeling anxious, undermined or unsafe at work should not be accepted as “just part of the job”. Workplace bullying and lateral violence can affect confidence, wellbeing, relationships and, importantly, patient safety.

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, workplace bullying occurs when a person or group repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards a worker or group of workers, creating a risk to health and safety. Reasonable management action, such as respectful feedback about clinical practice or performance, is not bullying. The context, manner and frequency of behaviour matter.

Bullying isn’t always dramatic. It can look like micromanagement, being left out of information or decisions, unreasonable workloads or favouritism – behaviours that are easy to dismiss individually but corrosive over time. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing meets the definition, that uncertainty is common; talking it through with a trusted colleague or a support service.

Left unaddressed, bullying doesn’t only affect the person targeted. It lowers morale across a team, drives higher sick leave and turnover, and can compromise patient care.

If you are experiencing behaviour that concerns you, there are steps you can take:

Keep a record

Document what happens, including dates, times, what was said or done, who was present and the impact it had on you or your work. Keeping factual records can help you understand patterns and provide useful information if you decide to raise concerns.

Know your workplace processes

Familiarise yourself with your organisation’s policies and procedures for addressing bullying, harassment and inappropriate workplace behaviour. Consider speaking with a trusted manager, HR representative or union representative.

Don’t face it alone

Workplace bullying can take a significant toll on wellbeing. Talking with someone outside the situation can help you consider your options and regain perspective.

You can also support colleagues by checking in, listening without judgement and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Small acts of support can help create workplaces where everyone feels respected and safe.

Contact a specialist support service

Reaching out early can be a protective step – you don’t have to wait until you’re not coping. One conversation can change a lot.

NMHPA 1800 001 060
www.nursemidwifehpa.org.au

NMS 1800 667 877
www.nmsupport.org.au

This Mental Health Month, check in with yourself

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For nurses and midwives, asking patients, residents, and colleagues how they’re really doing is part of the job, every single day. 

This Mental Health Month, it’s worth asking ourselves the same question. Nurses and midwives aren’t immune to mental health challenges – the pace, responsibility and unpredictability of the work can wear on anyone. The same instincts that make us good at caring for others can also make us slow to notice when we need help ourselves. 

You’re not alone in this 

Mental health isn’t just the absence of a diagnosis. It’s about how we think, feel and cope day to day – how we manage stress, stay connected and get through what’s in front of us. One in five Australians will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year, and almost half of us will experience a mental illness at some point in our lives. Many people never seek support, and in caring professions those barriers can be even higher – we’re just not used to being on the receiving end of care. 

Where are you on the continuum? 

Mental health moves. At one end we’re flourishing – feeling positive, connected and able to manage what comes our way. At the other, we can feel drained, disconnected or unable to cope. Most of us move back and forth along this continuum depending on what’s happening in our lives and work. Noticing where you currently sit is the first, and often hardest, step – especially when you’re used to being the one who checks on everyone else. 

Build joy into the everyday 

Protecting your mental health isn’t only about managing what’s hard. Small, deliberate moments of joy – time with people you love, a hobby, a walk, a laugh – genuinely buffer against stress and build emotional resilience. It’s easy to let these slip when work is demanding, but they’re not indulgent extras. They’re part of how we stay well enough to keep doing work that matters. 

If you’re struggling more than that 

Some of us are coping with low mood, dark thoughts, or just not feeling like ourselves for a while. That’s more common among nurses and midwives than many realise, and it isn’t a sign of weakness. 

Please reach out if this is you. 

Talking to someone doesn’t put your career at risk – staying silent only adds to the weight. You are not unprofessional for needing help. 

Not sure where you stand? 

This Mental Health Month, try our self-health check to see how you’re really doing. 

Feeling drained more often than not, or struggling to switch off? These might be signs worth paying attention to, and reaching out can be the first step to doing something about them. 

Need to talk to someone? 

NMHPA: 1800 001 060
www.nursemidwifehpa.org.au 

If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support, call Nurse and Midwife Support on 1800 667 877, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. 

Common super myths busted

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Superannuation can be confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. The team at HESTA has put together some common super myths – and the facts – to help make your retirement planning clearer. 

Myth: It’s better to spread super across different funds 

Fact: Your super is like a savings account: the more that’s in it, the more it can potentially earn through compounding investment returns, i.e. interest earned on interest. 

When you have multiple accounts, you also pay multiple sets of fees and costs, so it’s important to consider keeping all your super together in one place. You can also spread your risk and diversify your investments within the one fund. 

Before you combine your super into one account, be aware that your benefits with other funds, like insurance cover, may stop if you close that account. 

Myth: I have to change super funds when I change jobs 

Fact: You can take your existing super account with you whenever you start a new job. Your fund is ‘stapled’ to you, which means it will follow you from job to job. If you’re already with a fund you trust, you can let your employer know you’d like to stay with them using the ATO super choice form when you first start.  

If you don’t give your employer a choice of fund form, they must contact the ATO to check if you have an existing fund. If you have one, they must pay your super into that fund. If you don’t have an existing fund and you haven’t given them a choice of fund form, they’ll create a new account for you with their default fund.  

Ultimately, the choice of super fund is up to you.

Myth: I can’t access my super until I’m 67 

Fact: You can access your super when you reach preservation age (60) and meet a condition of release. This means you must either be permanently retired from the workforce, have stopped an employment arrangement or set up a Transition To Retirement (TTR) strategy while you’re still working, after turning 60. You can also access your super once you reach age 65, even if you’re still working.  

Super can sometimes be released early due to financial hardship or on compassionate grounds.

Myth: My employer makes contributions to my super, so I don’t have to 

Fact: Under the super guarantee, your employer contributes a minimum of 12% of your salary to your super. These contributions alone might not be enough to give you the retirement you want, especially as life expectancy increases. You can make your own contributions to super on top of what your employer pays and within the annual contribution limits, if you can afford it.

Myth: I don’t need to think about my super until I’m older

Fact: Retirement might seem like a long way off, but the sooner you start paying attention to your super, the more time there is for your balance to grow. Thanks to the power of compound interest, even small actions now can make a big difference to your retirement.  

Learn more here.

Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL No. 235249, the Trustee of HESTA ABN 64 971 749 321.  

This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. For more information, free call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au/pds for a copy of a Product Disclosure Statement which should be considered when making a decision about HESTA products and consider any relevant risks (hesta.com.au/understandingrisk). The target market determination for HESTA products can be found at hesta.com.au/tmd.  

Support for Graduate Nurses & Midwives

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Starting your career as a graduate nurse or midwife is an incredibly exciting time. 

However, the transition from being a student to practicing as a clinician often brings unexpected challenges such as feeling out of place, having to quickly adjust to heavy workloads, and balancing shiftwork work-life balance. It’s completely normal to experience graduate transition shock or feel overwhelmed as you navigate the gap between your academic expectations and the reality of daily clinical practice. 

As a new graduate, all of this can take a toll on your wellbeing. Whether you’re dealing with clinical stress, imposter syndrome, or looking for ways to prevent early-career burnout, you don’t have to figure it out alone. 

Nurse and Midwife Support provide anonymous and confidential support to all graduate nurses and midwives, designed to help you thrive in your first year and beyond. Visit the website to learn more about Nurse & Midwife Support or give them a call on 1800 667 877.They also offer a Graduate Mentorship Program. 

Nurse & Midwife Support Graduate Mentorship Program 

Nurse & Midwife Support offers a national Graduate Mentorship Program which connects new graduate nurses and midwives with experienced mentors. The program supports the transition from study to professional practice through structured, wellbeing-focused mentoring relationships. 

Who can participate?  

  • New graduate nurses and midwives  
  • Nursing and midwifery students approaching completion of their program  
  • Experienced nurses and midwives who wish to serve as mentors  

Why participate in the mentorship program? 

Supportive and collaborative relationships improve the nursing and midwifery field for everybody. This program has been designed to: 

  • Strengthen workforce sustainability by investing in the retention and development of early-career nurses and midwives. 
  • Provide tailored support and strategies for new graduates as they navigate diverse clinical and non-clinical roles. 
  • Encourage life-long learning through nurturing reflective practice and ongoing professional growth. 
  • Build resilience and autonomy to empower graduates to confidently embed their scope of practice within professional standards. 

What can you expect from the Mentorship Program? 

While Nurse & Midwife Support provides supporting resources and guidance, the program is designed to be flexible, meaning that every mentorship will look a little different based on the needs and preferences of the participants. Mentors & mentees can decide together: 

  • How often to meet (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) 
  • How they want to meet (online, in person or hybrid) 
  • What meetings entail (goal setting, career planning, case reviews) 

Registration is open to graduates, students approaching completion, and experienced nurses and midwives interested in becoming mentors.  

Find out more and register: nmsupport.org.au/students-and-graduates/mentorship-program  

Nurse & Midwife Support provides free, 24/7, anonymous and confidential support to all graduate nurses and midwives.

They are a phone call or a click away – nmsupport.org.au or 1800 667 877.  

6 affordable self-care tips for busy nurses and midwives

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As nurses and midwives, caring for others comes naturally. But amid supporting patients and their families, it’s easy to forget that your own wellbeing matters too. Add the pressures of the rising cost of living and the challenge of making every dollar stretch, and self-care often becomes an afterthought. 

While the work is deeply rewarding and meaningful, it can also be mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. Financial stress can make it even harder to prioritise the rest and recovery you need. 

The good news is that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Simple, budget-friendly ways to rest and recharge at home can be just as effective in helping you maintain your wellbeing and continue showing up for both your patients and yourself. 

Tip #1 – Yoga or Pilates sessions on YouTube 

Gone are the days when you need an expensive membership to access quality workouts. Nowadays, YouTube is packed with free yoga and Pilates classes led by experienced instructors, with options for every fitness level and schedule. Set your alarm, light a candle, and enjoy a calming workout in the comfort of your own home without spending a cent. 

Tip #2 – Get lost in a good book 

On your day off, set aside a few hours to curl up on the couch and cover a few chapters of the book you’ve been putting off reading. Reading can be a great way to unwind and give your mind the chance to escape into another world.  

Tip #3 – Treat yourself to a face mask 

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive! Quality face masks can now be found for just a few dollars at many beauty stores. Consider stocking up on a few when they’re on sale and setting aside time each week for a little pampering. Your skin will feel refreshed, and it can become a simple rejuvenation routine for you to focus on yourself.  

Tip #4 – Try to have your morning coffee and tea in silence 

For many of us, mornings are filled with noise and distractions. Even though this may seem impossible, try to carve out just 10 minutes at the start of your day to enjoy your cuppa, whether that means sitting out on the porch or balcony or kitchen table. Simply take in the moment – you will start the day much more grounded and refreshed. 

Tip #5 – Take a walk in nature 

NSW is packed with amazing walks and trails, from coastal tracks and scenic hinterland routes to parks and landmarks right in the heart of our cities. It’s easy to forget just how beneficial a bit of fresh air and time in nature can be. Even a quick 15-20 minute walk between meetings or appointments can help clear your mind, boost your mood, and leave you feeling more energised for the rest of the day. 

Tip #6 – Practice meditation 

Meditation is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to rest and recharge. YouTube, again, offers many amazing, guided meditation videos, and you can also download free meditation apps on your phone to help you get started. Try to incorporate it in the morning as you wake up, especially on your day off, allowing you to begin the day with a clear mind. 

Feeling like you need some more support for your wellbeing? 

Check out Nurse & Midwife Support for free resources and a hotline available 24/7. 

Visit Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia for free support from your nurse and midwife peers. 

Tips to stay safe online

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Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and educators are increasingly being targeted through convincing emails, text messages and phone calls. That’s why Health Professionals Bank continues to strengthen its security measures while encouraging members to take simple steps to protect themselves online. 

What we do to protect you 

  • The bank combines advanced technology with practical security tools to help safeguard your accounts and personal information.  
  • Around-the-clock fraud and scam monitoring uses machine learning to detect unusual account activity and identify potential threats before they become major problems. 
  •  Biometric identity verification, secure login processes and automatic session time-outs provide additional layers of protection when you’re banking online. 

Members also have greater control over their accounts through the Health Professionals Bank app. You can temporarily lock or unlock your card, manage how it’s used for online purchases, ATM withdrawals and digital wallets, and receive alerts to help you keep track of account activity. For added security, the bank uses SMS verification to confirm important actions such as adding a new payee or updating personal details, helping to prevent unauthorised access. 

Health Professionals Bank’s Security Promise also provides reassurance. If you’re the victim of fraud or identity theft and you’ve taken reasonable care to protect your banking information and complied with the bank’s terms and conditions, you may be eligible for reimbursement for unauthorised transactions. 

What you can do to avoid scams

While the bank invests heavily in protecting members, staying safe online is a shared responsibility.  

Members are encouraged to: 

  • use strong, unique passwords 
  • never share PINs or one-time verification codes 
  • be cautious of unexpected emails, text messages or phone calls claiming to be from a bank or other trusted organisation.  

Remember, Health Professionals Bank will never ask you to help catch a scammer of to move your funds to a ‘secure’ account elsewhere for safe keeping. We will never ask you to disclose your password or security codes. It’s also worth checking your accounts regularly, reporting lost or stolen cards immediately, and notifying the bank if you notice suspicious transactions. If you’re travelling overseas, letting the bank know in advance can also help avoid unnecessary interruptions to your banking. 

Cybercriminals are constantly adapting their tactics, but by combining good online habits with the security features offered by Health Professionals Bank, you can significantly reduce your risk of fraud and scams. 

Membership eligibility applies to join the Bank. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

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