A Letter To All Nurses

A calling…it’s a term that is used so often but perhaps we need those little reminders of just how much your contribution to health care means. 

A nurse is giving an elderly woman in a wheelchair a cup of coffee.

I got my calling when I was 16 years old. I did my job shadow in a Children's Ward, having also been a child who had been taken care of by nurses, who held my hands, who kept me brave. Now at the age of 16, all those nurses sat at the forefront of my mind as I prepared to see the world from the other side, to experience what they commit to each day – they had been my heroes and now I was allowed a glimpse into what made them the heroes that stand, often to the side, quietly whilst others stood at the forefront. 


Today, and every day I hope that you take this moment to celebrate not only your role, but the fact that being a Nurse is something that is a calling that comes from within, for many reasons. It is need within to make a difference, to care with love with respect and to do everything in your power to bring health, wellness and change to the world. 


We see you. 


I’d like to take a moment to share what I saw as a child, as a student, and as a qualified nurse in all the fellow nurses I not only worked alongside, but also as a patient. 


On the day you first put on your crisp new uniform, stood in front of the mirror, gave yourself a nervous and excited pep talk, and walked into that hospital ready to give your all to every patient, doctor, and colleagues.


I saw you getting ready for your shift- for some multitasking and getting the family seen too and ready for their day. I saw you put aside the stress that yesterday had held, the tiredness you may have felt, the worries of your own that you had – the focus, determination, and belief every single day to walk in ready to give your all to humanity. 


I saw the little smile on the patients face at the sound of your voice as you came on your shift, thankful for all the days you had been by their side. I saw you welcome a new patient who had never been in hospital or who was overwhelmed with their diagnosis and reassure them. I saw you take their details and vitals, the way you led them to the bed, made sure they were warm and told them they were in the best hands, whilst gently holding their hands and reminding them to breathe, as you put the call button in their hand so they knew they simply had to press a button and someone would be there. 


I saw you memorising names, filling out forms, going over the reports from the shift before – I felt the joy you felt that your patient was well enough to return home, and I saw the sadness you are taught to gently put to the side on hearing that a patient had passed - and the pause you took to remember that you held their hand the day or hours before and the gratitude that you had been a part of their journey. I saw you have a flash of the time you spent looking after them, quietly going through all that you had done to remind yourself that you had given the best of your care, even though we all know little doubts crawl in. I know and saw that you gave your all. 


I saw you determined, as you gently guided a new little life into the world – your hands the first to guide them in, your eyes scanning every inch of this newborn, making sure they were safe, wrapping them up and gently handing over this new little miracle to the people who would guide them for the rest of their lives, whilst exclaiming ‘Well done Mom and Dad!’ as their joy filled the room. I watched as you soaked in their awe and happiness. I saw you go about all the necessary checks, focusing entirely on them, despite the incredible part you had just played into bringing a little human into the world – your self-acknowledgment sitting quietly as your focus lay in the joy of watching new parents look into their babies’ eyes for the first time. 


At the same time, I saw you watch a critically ill patient wheeled into the emergency room in a state few people will ever witness. Whether they were aware or unconscious, I saw you stand next to them, tell them where they were, who you were and that you were right there beside them. I saw you running from trolley to trolley, setting up lines, working alongside the team on critical items, and I saw the few seconds you took to squeeze their hand letting them know you were there. I saw you work tirelessly through a code even though everyone had known it was near impossible for survival - and the flash that went through your mind of your own loved ones knowing you would fight for this patient just as hard as you would for them. When time was called, I watched you kick into action to remove all the equipment, gently cleaning them up and do your best to restore their dignity as a human and let their family see them in as peaceful a state as possible, to protect them as much as you could, as they would see them for the last time. I watched as you allowed the loved ones their time, and when they were overwhelmed, the way you were there and ready to put a hand on a shoulder or stand firmly to hold them up when their grief overwhelmed them. 


I saw you take a breath, not resting, ready to go back to check on your other patients and then prepare for the new cases that would roll in. 


I saw you gently washing a patient, emptying bed pans, cleaning, and changing bedding and gowns, never for a moment allowing them to feel a loss of dignity. I saw you sitting writing reports, squeezing in a quick lunch, taking a moment to call a friend, or loved one to check in on them during your short break and return to your duties with the same dedication you had walked in with at the start of your shift, no matter how challenged or exhausted you felt. 


At the end of your shift, I watched you meticulously go through details, handovers, doing last rounds to say, ‘See you tomorrow, best you behave!’ with a cheeky grin as you let the next shift get started, as tired as you were, still making sure every single patient was acknowledged before you walked out those doors. 


I saw your commute home, placing pieces of the day together – shifting out of your nursing outfit and putting on your hat on to be the mother, father, daughter, son, or friend that your loved ones needed at the end of their day. 


And after all that in one single day in your role as a Nurse, I saw you wake up the next morning, don your uniform, look in the mirror and maintain that firm resolve to serve humans to the best of your ability, irrespective of what the previous day had brought! 


I saw you; we saw you! 



Today on International Nurses Day, our team salutes you, celebrates you and thanks you. It might be one day of the year for recognition, but from us to you: 


We celebrate and Thank-You for your dedication every single day. 

The Growing Demand for Care Workers in Australia

March 30, 2026
Why the country’s fastest-growing sector is facing a critical workforce shortage Australia is facing an unprecedented challenge in care — a data-driven crisis that is rapidly reshaping the healthcare landscape. As demand for aged care and disability support accelerates, the supply of qualified care workers is struggling to keep pace. The result? A “perfect storm” where providers are under pressure, workers are stretched thin, and the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. The Care Crisis: A Sector Under Pressure The care and support sector is now Australia’s largest employing industry , accounting for over 16% of the national workforce . Yet despite its size, demand continues to surge at a pace the system is not fully prepared for. Aged care and disability support roles are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations over the next decade , driven by both demographic and policy changes. Simply put: more Australians need care than ever before — and that number is only rising. A Demographic Shift Driving Demand At the heart of this demand is a significant and accelerating demographic shift. Australia’s population aged 65 and over is expected to increase by more than 2 million (67.8%) between 2024 and 2044 The number of Australians aged 85+ — those with the highest care needs — will grow by 67% between 2024 and 2035 The number of people requiring care is projected to rise from 1.5 million today to 2.5 million by 2050 This ageing population is not just growing — it is living longer, often with more complex health needs that require consistent, skilled support. At the same time, the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to increase demand for qualified disability support workers, further intensifying pressure on the system. The Workforce Shortage Crunch While demand accelerates, workforce supply is falling behind. Australia could face a shortfall of 400,000 aged care workers by 2050 The NDIS sector alone requires an additional 128,000 workers by mid-2025 Staff turnover remains high, with attrition rates between 17% and 25% in disability support roles This shortage is not just about numbers — it’s about sustainability. High turnover, burnout, and ongoing recruitment challenges are making it increasingly difficult for providers to maintain consistent, high-quality care. Why Agencies Like Health Staff Australia Are Essential In this high-pressure environment, healthcare providers are realising they cannot solve workforce challenges alone.  This is where specialist staffing agencies like Health Staff Australia (HSA) play a critical role.

Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Role as a Support Worker

March 2, 2026
Starting your first role as a support worker is an exciting step in your healthcare career. At Health Staff Australia, we understand that stepping into a new environment — whether in aged care, disability support or community services — can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. The key to success lies in preparation, professionalism and the right mindset. Before your first shift, it’s important to ensure all compliance requirements are completed and up to date. This typically includes your National Police Check, Working With Children Check (if required), NDIS Worker Screening Check where applicable, current First Aid and CPR certification, relevant qualifications, immunisation records, proof of ID and your right to work documentation. Having your paperwork organised not only prevents delays but also demonstrates reliability and readiness from day one. Understanding your role is equally important. Take time to carefully review your employment contract, position description and any client care plans provided. Familiarise yourself with workplace policies, reporting structures and documentation procedures. If you are unsure about any aspect of your responsibilities, clarify this with your consultant or supervisor before your first shift. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what is expected of you. Practical preparation can significantly reduce first-day nerves. Confirm your shift time and location, plan your travel route in advance and allow extra time for unforeseen delays. Lay out your uniform the night before and pack essentials such as photo identification, a notebook, pen and water bottle. Presenting yourself professionally and arriving early sets a strong first impression with both colleagues and clients.  Refreshing key skills ahead of your assignment can also make a difference. Reviewing manual handling techniques, infection control practices, documentation standards and effective communication approaches will help you feel competent and capable. Even experienced support workers benefit from revisiting best-practice guidelines before entering a new workplace.
February is often called the month of love — a time to reflect on connection, kindness and care for

Supporting Independence: Encouraging Daily Living Skills with Care, Compassion and Love

February 2, 2026
Independence Looks Different for Everyone Living independently is something many people take for granted. For individuals living with disability, mobility challenges or learning difficulties, independence may look very different — and that’s okay. Some clients live in their own homes with regular support visits, while others live in supported or community accommodation. No matter the setting, independence isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about having choice, control and the right level of support to live a fulfilling life. Daily living skills can include: Preparing meals Managing medication Personal care and hygiene Using public transport Attending appointments Engaging in social and community activities With the right support, these everyday tasks become opportunities for growth, confidence and connection. Why Supporting Independence Matters When individuals feel empowered to make decisions and participate in daily life, their wellbeing improves significantly. Independence helps reduce anxiety, strengthens self-esteem and encourages community participation. Without consistent and thoughtful support, individuals may experience increased stress, vulnerability or social withdrawal. In some cases, a lack of appropriate guidance can place people at risk of exploitation or unsafe situations.  That’s why providing reliable, person-centred support is so important — especially in home care environments.