We know aged care nurses and carers are overwhelmed at the moment, thanks to understaffing and poor workloads. You are, however, not powerless. There are things you and your colleagues can do right now to address the problems - and if you all act and speak together, it will be harder for your employer to ignore the problems you are currently facing.

Here are some simple things you and your colleagues can do to address your workload concerns:

• Submit a workload reporting form to your line manager. This keeps a written record of what has occurred and makes it easier for the QNMU to assist members with escalating the issue. For Registered and Enrolled Nurses, the NMBA professional standards require you to identify and escalate issues, such as inadequate staffing or skill mix, particularly where resident safety is affected. 
• Talk to your employer about what they plan to do to prevent staffing problems if there are further COVID-19 waves. For example, ask them what their winter strategy is for dealing with COVID-19 and Influenza at the same time. You can add these issues to the agenda of staff meetings and/or consultative forums. 
• Speak to your colleagues to find out their concerns and encourage them to act together to address them. It’s easier to speak up when you’re supported by your colleagues. Organisers are always here to assist you through any processes necessary to address your issues. 
• Speak to your QNMU representative (workplace representative or Organiser) or contact QNMU Member Connect if you require advice or clarification on anything that you feel is “just not right”. Double checking has never hurt anyone – remember, safety first is always the best approach. 
• If you believe your employer has not acted to ensure there are adequate staffing levels, and you are worried about your own or your residents’ safety, you can report your concerns to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.