The future of nursing in New South Wales

If you’re a nurse or midwife in NSW, then you’re in for an exciting future career. While there will be some changes and challenges to overcome, future technologies and focuses will make healthcare an extremely rewarding career path.


It can be hard to predict the future. But we’ve created a picture of what the future of nursing could be from a combination of existing trends and government reports. The healthcare system is one of NSW’s most important systems, so a lot of thought has been put into how it will be shaped in the future.  

So, let’s dive into the things you can expect for the future of nursing in NSW.


Expected challenges for the healthcare system.

The future has a lot of new challenges and changes ahead that will test NSW’s healthcare system. To keep up, the healthcare system will need to adapt and change to the stresses it faces. By 2061 there’ll be around 11.5 million people living in NSW, life expectancy is expected to be at 91.7 for women and 89.4 for men. This will have a massive impact on the healthcare system.


Demand is expected to increase at rates beyond population growth, especially in mental health, diabetes, and communicable diseases. At least 750,000 people will have more than one chronic disease by 2032, increasing the complexity of care they need. The demand for telehealth will rise, having been accelerated by the COVID pandemic, and two-thirds of the disease burden in NSW will be managed outside the hospital system.  


One of the biggest shifts will be in the demographics of NSW. Today only 16% of the NSW population is over 65. By 2031, it’s expected that this number will climb by 700,000 to 22% of the population. Due to the complex health requirements of this demographic, there’ll be a change in demand which is likely to put more pressure on the system.  


Future technologies will ease some burden.

The quality of patient care is set to get a boost with new technological advancements. New technologies will save lives, improve treatments, and increase efficiencies. We already mentioned telehealth, which is set to change the way patients and healthcare workers interact with each other and manage conditions that don’t require in-person visits. But telehealth will extend further than this. Adding in technology like scheduled medication reminders for patients, apps to manage diabetes, and mobile monitors for pacemakers or sleep apnoea.


Further developments in automation, robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and holographic technologies are all going to revolutionise healthcare practices. They will improve training, increase accuracy, and ease the minds of patients who are undergoing medical procedures.


On top of all of that are the advancements in digital technology such as scheduling and patient management software. The continued development in this space will improve efficiencies, reduce the burden on nurses, and increase accuracy in patient care.

 

Greater focus on preventative care.

Over 38% of the disease burden in NSW is preventable. As the population grows, and healthcare needs become more complex, prevention will help reduce the number of people needing the healthcare system at a given time. A focus on prevention will also boost health outcomes overall, ensuring people in NSW can be as healthy as possible.


This is going to be achieved through an increased focus on promoting positive health behaviours, supporting people managing chronic conditions, and encouraging people to be responsible for their own health. There will be targeted initiatives aimed at identifying patients with early markers for chronic disease and embedding prevention and health promotion in clinical settings.


Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. So, a close relationship between GPs, nurses, mental health workers, allied health professionals, and their patients will be key.


Better support for staff.

Healthcare staff will continue to have the greatest impact on patient experience and outcomes. No technology can replace the care that nurses, mental health workers, midwives, and allied health professionals provide. So, it’s important that staff feel supported and empowered to do the best they can.


To do this, new flexible support structures will be required. Staff will need to have access to health support, training, and flexible schedules to improve their own health and reduce burnout. New technologies will assist in enhancing their capabilities, taking some of the load off. But technology can’t do it all, so maintaining a collaborative and supportive culture will be key to reducing staff burnout.     


Sustainable healthcare.

We are now all aware of our environmental impacts across our society. This extends to industries like healthcare. The healthcare industry contributes significantly to NSW’s carbon footprint. So, the future of healthcare will make sustainability and environmental impact a high priority.


While single-use items may never be eliminated for health purposes, we can do other things to reduce waste. Using digital systems and resource management can go a long way to reducing waste. As well as this, clean energy and the electrification of vehicles will have a massive impact on reducing emissions.


The future nurse will be different from today’s nurse.

The future nurse will be more diverse than ever, with people from different backgrounds, nationalities and genders making up the workforce. Currently, 12% of nurses are men, with this number set to rise in the future.


This diversity will also include specialisations, with more nurses specialising in even more fields than before. Specialist expertise will be greatly desired to help the healthcare system care for the more complex health needs of the future. So, nurses will be encouraged to follow a specialisation that they are passionate about to fulfil the needs of the industry.


As well as this, the future nurse will be far more tech-savvy. More systems will need to be learned and utilised. While advancements in robotics, AI, and smart devices will mean nurses are using more technology than ever before.   


Skills you could look at building.

With all this future change it’s important to stay up to date and adapt. Of course, that is easier said than done, but there are a few things you can start now that will help you out in the long term. Here are some skills you should look at:


  1. Reflect, be self-aware, and incorporate the idea of continuous learning into your practice.
  2. Aim to be curious or motivated. Take every opportunity to learn something new.
  3. Jump into new technologies and be an early adopter. It may be intimidating at first, but it will allow you to stay ahead of upcoming trends.
  4. Collaborate and pass on your learnings to others in your team. Effective nursing relies on open and transparent teamwork.
  5. Develop and lead projects, while keeping an ear out on national and international health trends. 


Conclusion

There’s a lot to expect for the future of nursing in NSW. As the state continues to grow, and our population continues to age, our healthcare needs become more complex. Added to this are changes in technologies and the need to be more sustainable will change the way we do things in the industry. At the same time, these technologies and a greater understanding of mental health are forcing the industry to adapt and improve conditions for nurses.  


Keep your ear out and stay hungry for new knowledge so you can adapt to the exciting future ahead. To prepare for the future of nursing you need flexibility. With flexibility, you can schedule your shifts in a way that improves your well-being and gives you the chance to study. Gain this by registering with NNA today. 

Nurse of the Month: November - Aoife

By Matthew Power • November 25, 2024
This November, we are thrilled to celebrate Aoife as NNA’s Nurse of the Month! A valued member of the Network Nursing Agency team since 2017, Aoife has embraced the flexibility and variety NNA offers, allowing her to broaden her clinical skills across diverse settings. From medical and surgical wards to mental health units and even as a student nurse facilitator, Aoife has made a significant impact wherever she works. “I love the ability to pick my own shifts, which gives me a great work-life balance and the chance to travel. The NNA team is friendly, welcoming, and always supportive of their employees,” Aoife shared. Her passion for nursing stems from a deep desire to help others and make a positive difference in the lives of patients and students alike. “Nursing is a fantastic career with so many opportunities,” she adds. Thank you, Aoife, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence. We are so proud to have you on our team!

Nurse of the Month October 2024 - Niamh

By Shazamme System User • October 17, 2024
We are thrilled to announce Niamh as our Nurse of the Month for October! Her dedication, passion, and love for nursing have made a remarkable impact during her time with Network Nursing Agency. When asked what she enjoys most about working with NNA, Niamh highlighted the flexibility and variety. "I love the opportunity to work in various specialties and broaden my knowledge and skills," she shares. One of the most rewarding experiences for Niamh has been working across different specialties and supporting patients on their unique journeys. Her passion for nursing shines through, as she finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people's lives.  Thank you, Niamh, for your incredible commitment and care!

How to stay comfy on your feet: a nurse guide to footwear.

By Matthew Power • August 21, 2024
Nursing means you’re on your feet a lot. So, you must wear the right shoes to ensure your feet stay comfortable and support you on long shifts. To help keep your feet happy across your shift, we’ve got some tips and tricks to finding the right shoes and relieving foot pain. Keep on reading, your feet will thank you for it! The issues that can arise from incorrect footwear. When you’re standing up all day for work, it puts undue stress on your feet, legs, knees and hips. To keep you standing upright through your entire shift, many muscles throughout your body are constantly engaged, while your feet hold the full weight of your body. There’s no downtime for your muscles, while your body is working to keep your blood moving up and away from your feet. Prolonged standing for work is associated with several potentially serious health outcomes. These include lower back pain, leg pain, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy-related issues. 7 features of great footwear. 1. The right sizing It’s important to have the right width, depth and length of shoe to match your feet. Incorrect sizing can lead to callouses, corns, compressed nerves, and structural changes to your feet. 2. Stable heel counter The heel of your shoes should be firm when you press it. If it collapses it is too unstable. 3. Flexible at the forefoot Your shoe should be able to bend slightly across the ball of your feet to match your natural gait. 4. Stable midfoot The shoe should not be able to bend completely in half at the midfoot. 5. Laces or Velcro Ensure your shoe has either laces or velcro to minimise slipping and moving in the shoe. 6. Heel raise A small heel rise is preferred. But keep it lower than 2.5cm. 7. Arch support Medial arch support is essential to supporting your feet. Swap out the insole that your shoes come with for new ones that best support your feet. Sneakers vs work shoes. Different types of shoes have different purposes and are constructed uniquely for that purpose. Sneakers are specifically designed for linear movement, so walking in a straight line. They are constructed from EVA or foam, and flatten overtime, making them perfect for exercise or short-term usage. Work shoes are built for durability and longevity. They will have a more rigid heel to aid with balance. The sole will be made out of PU or rubber to provide better natural shock absorption. Tips for relieving foot pain. Foot pain can be quite common for nurses and midwives. Long shifts on your feet can tire them out or cause damage. There are a few things that you can do to relive foot pain. These include: · Stretch and roll your feet when you can on shift to get the blood flowing back into your feet. · Use compression socks to promote blood flow and oxygen, reducing pain and swelling. · Change your shoes every 9-12 months. · See a podiatrist if there are lingering problems. Conclusion. Foot pain is a serious issue for nurses and midwives. With many hours spent on your feet, often with only small changes to rest, it can be easy to cause damage to your feet. Your shoes are vital to keeping your feet healthy and ensuring they can last the full shift. But your shoes aren’t the only aspect. Continue to exercise your feet and monitor them for signs of foot pain. If there are lingering problems, seek help, and see a podiatrist. For more tips like these check out our blog.

Here’s what a travel nurse is

By Matthew Power • May 23, 2024
Ever heard of travel nursing? It’s a great career path for nurses seeking variety, new experiences, and ways to improve their skills and knowledge. You’ll meet new people, explore new cities, towns, and facilities, all while enjoying the many perks of travel nursing. So, you’ve heard about travel nursing but aren’t sure exactly what it is, let alone whether it is right for you. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together this guide on travel nursing to help you understand what the role entails, where you’d be working, the benefits, and even the cons. That way you can determine whether it is the career path for you. Let’s dive in. What is a travel nurse? Put simply, a travel nurse is a nurse who travels to different healthcare facilities to work shifts under a short-term contract. Typically travel nurses will fulfill a contract in one facility, then move to a different facility on a new contract. Sometimes travel nurses will also fulfill ad-hoc shifts between contracts depending on the arrangements they have with their nursing agency. Where do travel nurses work? There are a wide variety of healthcare facilities across the country that utilise travel nurses as a part of their team. As a travel nurse, you’ll find contracts in regional towns across Australia, remote locations, and casual shifts in our major cities. Most travel nurses will move around to different regional towns on different contracts, then will pick up shifts in the nearby capital city between contracts. When they want to head back home for a bit, they can then pick up casual shifts in a variety of facilities in their home city. Once travel nurses are ready to head out again, they’ll find their next contract and head out. This is possible through a nursing agency. The best agencies will have a variety of metro, and rural and remote shifts to help you work where you want to. What types of roles do travel nurses fulfill? Travel nurses have a wide variety of opportunities across many different nursing specialisations. You’ll find jobs in general nursing, midwifery, aged care, acute nursing, emergency nursing, mental health, and so much more. Regional towns across Australia are crying out for specialised nurses to help improve the health outcomes of their patients. As a travel nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to try out different specialisations in a variety of settings, gain experience, learn from others, and advance your career. It makes it the perfect pathway for advancing in your specialisation while making a big difference to the lives of others. What benefits are there? There are many great benefits to travel nursing beyond career advancements. Many contracts will offer financial benefits to make them more enticing, while also making it easier to travel. Incentives can include travel allowances, free accommodation, meal allowances, extra pay, and even lump sums. Aside from financial benefits you also get the opportunity to travel and explore Australia. If this is something that you’ve dreamed of doing, then this may be your opportunity. You’ll be able to earn money while also exploring some of Australia’s most beautiful locations. As a travel nurse you can immerse yourself in each location for a few weeks before moving on to the next. What are some things to consider? Of course, with all these benefits there are some trade-offs. The biggest con is less stability than a permanent placement. You’ll be relying on contracts in different locations. So, if you want to settle in one spot, then travel nursing is not for you. This also makes it more challenging to complete any in-person courses for a longer period. Fortunately, there are a lot of online courses that you can take to continue your upskilling journey. Is travel nursing right for you? If you’ve got the travel bug and want to explore Australia while working, then you’ll love travel nursing. It’s the ultimate career path for anyone seeking flexibility and exploration. Plus, you get some great financial benefits. If this sounds like the right path for you, then get in touch with us!

Nurse of the Month May 2024 - Katie

By Matthew Power • May 15, 2024
Congratulations to our Nurse of the Month for May – Katie! Katie has been loving working in the nursery, making a real difference to her patients and their families. You’ve been doing an incredible job Katie, and we just want to show you how much it’s appreciated! Read all about Katie’s time with NNA at the interview below. What do you enjoy the most about working with Network Nursing Agency? NNA allows me the flexibility to pick and choose my shifts allowing me to work the job I love but also being able to have a life outside of work. The support from the office is also amazing when life throws a curve ball and makes those hard times easier. Tell us about a rewarding experience you’ve had whilst working with Network Nursing Agency. Having looked after the same patient for a few weeks in the nursery I had the privilege of being there for their discharge day. The joy on the parent’s face of getting to take their baby home is something I will never forget. What makes you passionate about nursing? I love interacting with people so nursing allows me to talk to people from all different walks of life. Nursing also allows me to make a difference whether it be cracking a joke to make a patient smile after they have a bad day or playing games with the kids while treating them to show them hospitals aren’t that scary of a place.

Nurse of the Month April 2024 - Reza

By Matthew Power • April 23, 2024
Congratulations to our Nurse of the Month for April 2024 – Reza! You’re a highly valuable member of the NNA team and we’re excited to present you with this award. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You can read all about Reza’s time with NNA at the interview below. I love the wide range of experiences, collaborations and support that working with Network Nursing Agency provides. It allows me to be part of a team that not only collaborates and shares ideas, knowledge, and skills, but also supports and offers advice, and encouragement when needed. I had a lot of rewarding experiences while working with Network Nursing Agency ranging from having flexible job opportunities to feeling valued and appreciated to be part of such an amazing team. What I am passionate about nursing is the dynamic and challenging nature of nursing, the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, and the sense of fulfilment that comes from making a difference in the lives of others.

6 Agency nursing myths busted

By Matthew Power • April 4, 2024
Nursing is an incredible job filled with so many rewarding opportunities. When it comes to choosing the best career path it can be tricky to know which is best for you. We may be biased, but for most nurses, we believe agency nursing is the best! But, many nurses miss out on the wonderful opportunities available because of some agency nursing myths. So we’re here to bust those myths and show you why agency nursing is awesome. Check out the top 6 agency nursing myths, busted below. 1. Agency nurses don’t get as many benefits Fact: While the benefits employers offer permanent nurses are different, agency nurses get a tonne of incredible benefits. From bonuses for completing certain numbers of shifts, higher pay, flexibility around shift times, refer a friend bonuses, giveaways, bonus holiday time, and so much more. The incentives you get from agencies are never-ending and extremely varied. What you get will change from agency to agency, so have a look at what they offer when you sign up. 2. Agency nursing is only a temporary option Fact: Many years ago, agency nursing was considered a stepping stone to a permanent position, but as nurses seek more flexibility and control over their work, agency nursing has become a popular career choice. It allows nurses to build their careers around their life, making juggling family, study, and hobbies easier than ever. Plus, with Agency Nursing often offering much higher pay, it’s the no-brainer career move for most nurses. 3. I won’t get as much say in where I work Fact: A common misconception is that the agency chooses where you work. But this is not true. It’s the opposite. Agency nurses have full control over the locations they work. Simply select the shifts that are available in the facilities you want to work when you want to work. Of course, not every location in your city may be available to every agency nurse, but you still get to choose where you work. 4. I won’t be supported Fact: Agency nurses often receive more support than permanent nurses. As an agency nurse, you’ll have a team of people backing you up, helping you find jobs, managing shifts, and working with you to help you accomplish your career goals. Whenever you’ve got questions or queries, you’ll know that there is support on hand to help you out. 5. I will be treated differently to permanent staff when on shift Fact: The healthcare sector has become increasingly diversified with nurses coming from a variety of areas. On each shift you’ll work alongside the facilities nurses, part-time nurses, nurses from your agency, and nurses from other agencies. As there is so much demand for nurses the us vs them culture which used to prevail has largely faded away, with nurses from all backgrounds working together to get the best outcomes for their patients. 6. There isn’t enough work for me to take up Fact: With so much demand for nurses in Australia, you’ll find a tonne of opportunities each month. Both our metro and R&R spaces are brimming with opportunities for nurses in Sydney and across the country. A slow month will still have a a lot of shifts for our nurses, so you can keep your income rolling. It’s why agency nursing has become even more popular as a full-time role. Conclusion There are a lot of outdated myths about agency nursing. But as the industry has changed, and nurses are craving greater flexibility, agency nursing has risen to these calls and provided the best solution. If you want to get more flexibility and earn more for each shift, then feel free to get in touch with us. You can get started as soon as possible by registering here .

Nurse of the Month March 2024 – Sophie

By Matthew Power • March 6, 2024
congratulations to our nurse of the month for March 2024 - Sophie! She's been working hard for her patients and deserves this recognition. You can read all about her time with NNA in the interview below: I love the variety of experiences and opportunities that working with Network Nursing Agency provides. It allows me to work in different healthcare settings and with various patient populations, which keeps things interesting and challenging. The flexibility and diverse learning experiences make each day unique and fulfilling. One of the most rewarding experiences I've had while working with Network Nursing Agency was being able to provide care and support to patients in need, especially during patients challenging times of need and vulnerability . It was fulfilling to make a positive impact and help those in need. The gratitude and appreciation from patients and their families made those moments truly special. I'm passionate about nursing because it allows me to make a difference in people's lives and provide care and support when they need it most. The opportunity to help others and contribute to their well-being is truly fulfilling and rewarding.

How to make the most of your Working Holiday Visa as a nurse

By Matthew Power • March 6, 2024
Australia is one of the best countries in the world to visit on a working holiday. There’s so much to see and do, so many people to meet, and incredible experiences to be had. If you’re joining us as a nurse, midwife, or other healthcare worker on your working holiday visa, then we’ve got some great tips to help you make the most of your time here. We’ve got some awesome benefits that are designed to help you explore Australia and experience all the incredible things available on this continent. So, let’s kick it off with our top 6 tips for making the most of your working holiday visa as an NNA nurse! 1. Take time off work to travel While it can be tempting to work a lot to take advantage of all the incredible career opportunities available, you do need balance. Make sure you’re booking time between shifts to explore the city and go on day trips. One thing you can do is to plan out larger amounts of time off, especially when you first arrive. You could have a schedule like: Month 1-2: Travel Months 3-5: Work Month 6: Travel Months 7-12: Work and live in your favourite city. This way you’ll have plenty of time to travel and explore the country. You can find the spot that you love while also having time to enjoy the career opportunities available. 2. Move between cities and states Being a part of NNA gives you access to a nationwide network of nursing agencies. This means you can travel and work across the country! The best thing you can do on a working holiday visa is explore all of our incredible cities and regional towns. You’ll love experiencing the unique cultures of each of our cities and regional towns. You can find your favourite to spend the most time in and enjoy all the day trip opportunities available. It’s the best way to explore the country and make the most of your WHV. 3. Prepare for all seasons (including snow) Yep, that’s right, in some parts of Australia it snows. It’s not all hot weather down under, you can experience all four seasons. So, it’s important to pack for them. While most of the year is warm or mild across the country, you’ll find winters can get cold. Plus, if you want to visit Australia’s excellent ski slopes, which are only a couple of hours from Sydney, then you’ll want to bring your snow gear. The best thing you can do is bring along shorts and t-shirts for summer, jeans and a coat for winter, and then some lighter jackets for between the seasons. It will depend on where you will be of course, with northern states experiencing a much warmer winter than those further south. 4. Prepare to drive to get to day trips Australia is a big country. While our cities, and many regional towns, tend to have decent public transport systems, there are many day trips that you’ll need a car to reach. So, if you don’t plan on driving or having a car make sure you plan around this. Otherwise, there are many other options for you. Whether you want to rent a car, try out a car share service, or purchase a car, you’ll have a lot of options. Just make sure you get a local driver’s license as you’ll often need one to register a car that you purchase. If you want to try a car-share service, options like Go-Get are great for day trips, are quite common in Sydney, and are affordable. 5. Use travel packages to find unique adventures To get an experience you can’t get on your own, try out some travel packages. They will bundle multiple experiences together so you can go on unique adventures across Australia. Travel Playground offers a wide range of experiences perfect for those on a working holiday visa. You’ll find short experiences across New South Wales, or multi-day journeys along the east coast of Australia which take you to some of the coolest places in the country. You can check them out here. 6. Use our Travel Planet referral code If you like what you see on Travel Playground then we’ve got a special gift for NNA nurses! As a member of NNA, you get access to some incredible discounts on their packages and experiences. Have a chat with the NNA team and we’ll give you our referral code. It’ll allow you to save some money so you can do more on your working holiday! Conclusion A working holiday visa in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so it’s important to make the most of it! Having a schedule and work arrangements that allow you to explore the country, and a referral that allows you to save a bit of money means you can take advantage of every moment. Check out Travel Playground for all the exciting travel packages available and, if you haven’t already, sign up to NNA for an epic discount.

Nurse of the month February 2024 - Katelyn

By Shazamme System User • February 19, 2024
Congratulations Katelyn on winning February's nurse of the month! We're really proud of the hard work and dedication you've put into caring for your patients. This award was a long time coming and we're happy to celebrate your achievements with you! You can read all about Katelyn's time with NNA in the interview below. What do you enjoy about working with NNA? I’ve worked with NNA for 3 years and I enjoy the flexibility agency work provides, I love being able to pick shifts up as I need and schedule them around my day-to-day life. The team at NNA are great and wonderful to work with. What's a rewarding experience you've had with NNA? My career provides ongoing rewarding experiences and I thoroughly enjoy being an emergency nurse. I particularly enjoy working in the emergency department with various patients, providing them care at a very uncertain time for them, and educating/helping them understand what is occurring. What keeps you passionate about nursing? I’m passionate about holistic nursing care, ensuring the individuals' concerns feel heard, in the business of the emergency department. I also love educating colleagues and patients, helping to understand procedures/diagnoses/etc.
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