Chronic health conditions
Like many Australians, some nurses, midwives and students live and work with chronic health conditions.
In 2022, 8 in 10 Australians (81.4%) had at least one long-term health condition, and nearly half (49.9%) had at least one chronic condition. The most common conditions being mental health (26.1%), back problems (15.7%), and arthritis (14.5%) (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022).
Perhaps you are able to manage your condition with an occasional flair-up that can impact your quality of life. Or maybe your chronic health issue is an illness that has a major impact on your ability to work and engage fully in life. No matter how you experience your chronic health condition, we understand it may negatively impact you.
Talking can help
Chronic health conditions, whether physical, psychological, or both, can affect how you feel, function and cope at work and in daily life. When you're managing ongoing symptoms, appointments and uncertainty, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
We understand the pressures of the professions. Talking to us may provide relief, perspective and practical support. Our service offers a safe, confidential space to reflect on how your condition is impacting you, personally and professionally.
Get specialised support
We are not experts on every chronic health condition, so we suggest you access information from specialist organisations.
Your chronic health condition may be one on this list. If not listed below, feel free to call us for information. Whatever your condition, we are here to listen to your concerns and, if you request it, refer you to another service.
- Diabetes – Diabetes Australia
- Heart disease – Heart Foundation
- Respiratory conditions – Asthma Australia
- Renal disease – Kidney Health Australia
- Multiple Sclerosis – MS Australia
- Dementia – Dementia Australia
- Back pain – Pain Australia
- Musculoskeletal conditions – Pain Australia
- Mental illness – Beyond Blue
- Post-traumatic stress disorder – Phoenix Australia
- Arthritis – Arthritis Australia
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Emerge Australia
Need support?
Worried about your chronic illness and how you can continue as a nurse or midwife? We're here to help.
Chronic diseases: long lasting conditions with persistent effects
Their social and economic consequences can impact on people’s quality of life. Chronic conditions are becoming increasingly common and are a priority for action in the health sector. Many people with chronic conditions do not have a single, predominant condition, but rather they experience multimorbidity– the presence of 2 or more chronic conditions in a person at the same time (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024).
There are so many economic and social benefits to keep people with chronic conditions in the workforce. I am now working for an organisation that understands my illness and provides the flexibility I need to stop and rest at times. I am treated like a professional and that makes me want to give more.Kate - RN
See also
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Chronic health issues and the need for support
Nurse educator Kate tells her story about living with a chronic illness and how good support helped her to complete her training and continue working as a nurse. -
Make healthy eating a team effort
Change the way you eat by bringing your colleagues along with you. Support each other to choose better nutrition.
References
- National Health Survey: Health Conditions Prevalence, by Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022.
- Chronic disease, by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2024.
- Topics
- Chronic illness