1. The NMHPV; A presentation for Champions

2. 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

3. 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’

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

15. 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)

16. 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?

17. 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

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

19. 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 )
Timely response (generally same day) with appointments
offered within days
Trusted referral pathways
Proven benefits & positive outcomes

20. 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;
Website:
Phone: (03)

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