The NMHPV; A presentation for Champions

The NMHPV & Why it evolved The profession’s response to support nurses, midwives and students experiencing sensitive health issues related to their mental health &/or substance use Research identified major barriers to help-seeking; Fear (identification, stigma, loss of registration and employment) Shame Isolation & Loneliness

The NMHPV & Why it evolved Established through committed; individuals, former Nurses Board of Victoria, ANMF and Government Nurse designed, nurse led & nurse provided The NMHP addresses the barriers to help-seeking ensuring it’s ‘free, independent & confidential’

Factors affecting our health & wellbeing Risk factors associated with Substance Use: • Work and study stress • Workplace trauma • Social circumstances • Family history • Poor awareness of the impact of alcohol & drug use • Fear of the ramifications

Factors affecting our health & wellbeing Risk factors associated with Mental Health concerns: • High personal / community expectations • Staffing levels / patient acuity • Vicarious trauma • Feeling of inability to influence in the workplace • Limited opportunities for debriefing & peer supervision

Impact of exposure to the risk factors Substance use; alcohol then opiates. A ‘self-management’ response to trauma Mental health issues; anxiety, depression, psychological distress, burnout. Absenteeism, broken relationships, depleted confidence and self-esteem Impacts; individual, colleagues, the department, the organisation, the nursing / midwifery professions Also; their family, friends and communities; potentially the public

NMHPV promotes early detection and early intervention Impact of exposure to the risk factors July 1, 2010; Introduction of the National Law Health Impairment (HI) & the practitioner. HI is defined as: ‘Physical or mental impairment, disability, condition or disorder (including substance abuse or dependence), that detrimentally affects or is likely to detrimentally affect a registered health practitioner’s capacity to safely practise the profession or a student’s capacity to undertake clinical training’ NMHPV promotes early detection and early intervention

NMHPV Mental Health Case Examples The cases which follow on the next 2 slides are some actual examples to provide an understanding of the variety of concerns our colleagues present with to the NMHPV. The NMHPV is only too happy to discuss the circumstances, management and outcomes of these cases.

NMHPV Mental Health Case Examples How our colleagues presented following: Unrelenting, stressful work environment Unresolved workplace assault / conflict / trauma / violence Orchestrated exclusion & bullying An anonymous complaint & stand down Exclusion from meetings & decision-making A needle stick injury A foetal death

NMHPV Substance Case Examples How our colleagues presented following: Nurse drinking before & during work Midwife using cannabis between shifts Nurse diverting DD from the patient Midwife using prescription drugs on shift

The NMHPV Model of Care The following slide shows the care process from entry to exit. The NMHPV would be pleased to discuss the circumstances, management and outcomes of these cases.

NMHPV Model Referred by AHPRA Self-referral NMHP Assessment Individual Monitoring Pathway Effectiveness Workplace Re-entry Support Regular Review of Treatment Ongoing Support Relapse Management as required Liaison with Employer Referrals, treatment, liaison Referred by AHPRA Employer Assisted Referrals Individual Care Plan NMHPV Model

Mental Health Continuum Model The model on the following slide can be a good practical support for understanding some of the behaviours &/or presenting issues commonly associated with mental health & mental impairment

Group Exercise At your table, reflect on the ‘Mental Health Continuum’; Identify and discuss ‘real’ examples of your own experience of working alongside colleagues with health concerns; NB: The concern is with ‘others’, not you today. What was happening? What did you do? What worked? What didn’t work? What was the outcome? (This is an optional exercise)

Group Exercise Group feedback: What was happening? What did you do? What worked? What didn’t work? What was the outcome? What did you learn? Where can the NMHP assist?

Starting the Conversation The RUOK? website, on the following slide, is a good place to find simple and easy guides for engaging a colleague who you might be concerned for. You can always call the NMHPV for guidance and support

How can you support a colleague? www.ruok.org.au

NMHPV (the key points) What you can expect from the NMHPV... Free, confidential, independent support (a safe entry point into the service system) Ease of access (central number OR email) Timely response (generally same day) with appointments offered within days Trusted referral pathways Proven benefits & positive outcomes

Do you need anything? Brochures, cards and other NMHPV materials, along with requests for support with presentations & site visits can be arranged by contacting the NMHPV; Email: admin@nmhp.org.au Website: www.nmhp.org.au Phone: (03) 9415 7551

Monday - Friday 8.30am till 5pm; Access also available in; Contact the NMHPV Tenancy @ St Vincent’s Hospital, 8th floor Aikenhead Wing, 27 Victoria Parade Fitzroy Monday - Friday 8.30am till 5pm; Phone: 03 9415 7551; Anonymous enquiries welcome; Facebook: Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Access also available in; Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong & Traralgon