Looking after you: Being well at work (Health & Safety 2011]

As governments work to reduce the burden of chronic disease in Australia, nurses and midwives are increasingly being called upon to participate in health promotion. However, factors particular to our profession, including resourcing issues and the demands of shift work, can mean that the very individuals tasked with maintaining the health of our communities are those that find it the most challenging to maintain their own health status.

As a nurse or midwife you are well aware of the demanding nature of your profession. You also know that in order to perform to your best ability in both your private and work life you need to maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing.

This yearbook provides a range of information on the benefits of investing in workplace health promotion programs, guidance on how to implement such programs and assistance for nurses and midwives on how to manage issues such as stress, fatigue and poor eating habits in the workplace. It also provides evidence and tools to support your claims to management for the implementation of a health and wellbeing program in your workplace.

Chapter 1 provides evidence in support of investing in workplace health promotion activities, while chapters 2 and 3 provide further evidence and guidelines about specific approaches to establishing such programs within your organisation. Chapters 4 and 5 examine two issues that are part and parcel of being a nurse or midwife – the effects of shift work and the challenge of eating well. Chapters 6 and 7 provide specific guidance for nurses and midwives on how to deal with stress and fatigue.

We hope this collection of resources will assist you to maintain your own health and wellbeing as you go about the vital task of caring for others.