July 2025
In 2025, the conversation around mental health in healthcare is no longer optional—it’s essential. For nurses across Australia, the emotional toll of the job has never been greater. From long shifts and emotional strain to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout and compassion fatigue are now top concerns for both employers and healthcare workers. While hospitals and healthcare facilities are working to address these challenges, nursing agencies have a unique and urgent responsibility to play a bigger role in providing essential staffing support. Agencies like Australia Wide Nursing must lead the way in prioritising the mental health and well-being of their nursing workforce—not just for economical reasons, but to sustain the industry itself.
According to a 2024 report from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), nearly 70% of nurses have experienced symptoms of burnout in the past 12 months. This includes emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction. For agency nurses—who may work across multiple locations, face irregular schedules, and lack the consistency of peer support structures—the risk is even greater. They often operate in unfamiliar settings with high-pressure demands, making emotional resilience and mental health support critical.
Historically, mental health support has been viewed as the domain of hospitals and permanent employers. But in a workforce where agency nurses make up a growing percentage of the frontlines, this approach is no longer sustainable. Agencies like Australia Wide Nursing must step up, not only to protect their workers, but to ensure long-term workforce retention, performance, and reputation.
Recognising the severity of the issue, Australia Wide Nursing is actively developing initiatives that put mental health and wellbeing front and centre for its staff across Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. 1. Access to Mental Health Resources and Counselling Australia Wide Nursing offers access to confidential counselling services, mental health support lines, and digital tools to help nurses manage stress. Whether it’s burnout, grief, or professional fatigue, staff can seek help confidentially and at no cost. 2. Flexible Scheduling Options Mental health isn’t just about therapy—it’s also about rest and balance. The agency works with nurses to create custom shift plans that allow for rest between assignments, time off for personal needs, and the ability to decline shifts without penalty when they feel overwhelmed. 3. Education on Mental Health and Burnout Prevention Through regular workshops and webinars, nurses are educated on recognising the signs of burnout, managing stress, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. These sessions are designed to empower staff and encourage open conversations around mental health. 4. Peer Support and Community Building Agency nursing can be isolating. That’s why Australia Wide Nursing promotes peer mentoring and community support programs. Nurses can connect with colleagues, share experiences, and receive emotional support from others who understand the demands of the job. 5. Culture of Check-Ins Team leaders and placement managers are trained to proactively check in with nursing staff—not just about logistics, but about their wellbeing. If a nurse seems fatigued or emotionally drained, the agency takes immediate steps to adjust workloads or offer support.
For Nurses: Improved mental health means better job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and increased longevity in the profession. Nurses feel seen, supported, and valued—not just for their skills, but as human beings. For Healthcare Facilities: A mentally healthy nursing workforce means better patient outcomes, fewer errors, and a more stable care environment. Facilities working with agencies that invest in staff wellbeing benefit from reliable, motivated professionals. For the Industry: When agencies lead the charge on mental health, it helps reduce stigma across the broader healthcare system. It also contributes to a stronger, more sustainable nursing workforce—something Australia desperately needs as demand continues to rise.
Mental health support is no longer a 'nice to have'—it’s a core pillar of responsible healthcare staffing. As more nurses turn to agency work for flexibility and variety, the agencies themselves must take on greater accountability for supporting their staff holistically. Australia Wide Nursing is proud to be part of the solution—offering more than just placements, but real care and long-term commitment to the people who care for others. Because at the end of the day, if we don’t support our nurses, we risk losing the very foundation of our healthcare system.
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