5 ways Nurses and Midwives can improve their communication in PPE

A nurse wearing a mask and a face shield is looking out of a window.

More than ever, patients are relying on healthcare workers to support them in these challenging times. It is important to realise that there is fear of the unknown within the community, which is made increasingly worse by PPE, as it can be confronting to some. By adapting the way you communicate, you can make a world of difference to the patient experience. Ambiguity and confusion can be minimised and the patient is more likely to take better care of themselves upon discharge as they understand the plan for their care. Here are five ways you can improve your communication when donned in PPE.

1. Introductions

Introduce yourself clearly, ensure your name is visible and even point to it when you are verbalising. Though your name badge can be helpful, in some settings, consider its effectiveness if covered in a gown. You may need to physically write your name on your gown or face shield for easy recognition. If your patient has a whiteboard in their room/cubicle, document your name, those of your colleagues and also the plan for their care once known.

During this introductory phase, try to embed a human element into the interaction. Talking about life outside the hospital/facility such as children, pets and funny stories can break down barriers early, allowing therapeutic relationships to form.

2. Be conscious of your speaking habits

Though it’s likely you are managing competing priorities, try not to appear rushed. Being fully present and focused during each encounter helps make the patient feel valued. Deliberately slow the pace at which you are speaking and keep the message short. Focus on your breathing (in and out through your nose) and allow time for pauses in order for them to process what has been said.

After relaying an important message, validate that they understand what has been said. Consider phrases such as, “X I know that was a lot of information. In your own words can you tell me what you think is going to happen next” If there is a misunderstanding, try and word yourself in a different way.

3. How you speak matters

Consider your tone of voice. Are you being gentle, kind and honest? Some patients, particularly the elderly population, may have pre-existing health conditions that make it challenging to hear and understand verbal cues. Consider using signs, interpreters and the support of family through digital means to help clarify. Try and avoid slang or over exaggerating as this may be misinterpreted.

Though you may feel frustrated at times, having your designated breaks, preferably in a well-ventilated space can ensure you are addressing your own mental health and minimise reactive behaviours.

4. Your body language

Stand facing your patient and make eye contact. Use your hands to speak and consider creating hand gestures together to help both the staff and patient understand simple requests. These could include;

A clenched fist to signify pain
A circle formed with their thumb and index finger to signify they are okay
Blinking excessively to demonstrate they need to use the bathroom

5. Can’t show your feelings? Say them

As a registered nurse or midwife, it can be hard to show empathy under PPE. Telling your patient, you understand and acknowledging their concerns or worries can have a significant impact. Another common stressor for patients is the prolonged use of wearing their own masks. Acknowledge the discomfort and encourage them to remove it when safe to do so (negative pressure environment). Remind them to change their mask every four hours (unless wet) and supply them with a new one, plus any skincare products like moisturisers, to limit the risk of pain and acquiring pressure injuries. This simple act of kindness can build relationships and minimise adverse events.

Good communication can’t take away the pain parents and families feel, but it can reduce trauma, both in the short and long term. If you require any extra support, help is available. Contact the team at First Choice Care on 1300 307 241. We are available 24 hours a day and are ready for your call.

We recommend that you follow all government advice to stay up to date the most current information.

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Coming to the end of your first year as a nurse? Here’s why you should be an Agency Nurse next!

By Matthew Power • June 24, 2025

Having 12 months of experience working as a nurse unlocks a lot of doors! You’ve got some experience under your belt and a greater idea of what you want out of your career as a nurse. By this point, you’ve experienced parts of the job that you love, and some things you don’t love as much, which will help shape your pathway forward. One door that has now been unlocked for you is Agency Nursing. We think it’s the best next step for most nurses, whether you’re looking for more flexible work, or want to earn a bit extra while maintaining your existing job or study commitments. To help you see why, we’ve put together this list on the pros and cons of agency nursing. What do you want to achieve next? The first thing to consider when determining your next step is what exactly you are looking to achieve. Do you want more flexibility, to travel the country while working, to work and study, to earn a bit more money, or do you want to follow a specific specialisation? Your priorities can help you determine whether Agency Nursing is the right step to take in your career. Put together a list of what you value, want to achieve, and want to prioritise. If any of our pros below connect with you, then Agency Nursing may just be right for you. Upskilling and specialisations If you’re ready to try something new, then you may look at upskilling. Undertaking further study will allow you to work in new specialisations that align with your passions. There are so many options when it comes to specialising in nursing, like emergency, theatre nursing, clinical, aged care, midwifery, and more. If you choose to do further study, you can work around it by picking up shifts for a Nursing Agency (more on that below)! Agency nursing Agency Nursing is one of the best pathways for working in nursing on your terms. Whether you want greater flexibility, to supplement your income from your primary job, or to travel while working. It isn’t perfect, of course, so we’ve put together the pros and cons of agency nursing to help you determine whether it fits your needs. Pros of agency nursing Flexibility Agency Nursing provides unmatched flexibility. Your work schedule is entirely in your control. You can work as much as you like, picking shifts that suit the needs of your life. This is perfect for nurses who are engaging in further study, have another job and want to pick up more work, have family commitments, or just want more flexibility in general. Pay As Agency Nurses are employed as casual workers, they earn a higher hourly rate than full-time nurses. In some cases, a hard-to-fill shift or role may receive a slightly higher hourly rate. But this higher casual rate means that on average, you can work as much as a full-time nurse while earning more. You may also receive higher rates as you progress in your career. Just like working directly for a healthcare facility, Agency Nurses may be offered a higher rate depending on the role and experience. Travel If you’re looking to explore Australia while working, then Agency Nursing is your perfect match. You pick up shifts in different cities that you visit, working while you explore. But the real gem comes in when you pick up Rural & Remote work. These temporary contracts will have you exploring and working in gorgeous rural locations all across Australia. Variety Variety is the spice of life, and Agency Nursing is perfect for getting your fix. You’ll work in a wide variety of healthcare facilities, with new people, and in new environments. It’s perfect for nurses looking to explore both public and private healthcare facilities in their city. Networking Working with a large variety of people across different facilities does wonders for expanding your network. You'll be working alongside a variety of different healthcare professionals, making connections, and learning from each other. A wide network is a great asset when you want to grow your career. Cons of agency nursing Shift availability While Nursing Agencies have enough shifts to keep you working each week, you may not always get shifts at your preferred healthcare facility. The shifts available are based on the needs of each individual healthcare facility. Meaning one week your preferred facility may have a lot of shifts available, and the next week not as many. Fortunately, you will still find shifts in other facilities that you may enjoy working in. Annual Leave/Sick Leave If you want to go on a holiday or need to take a rest for a few days, you will be sacrificing income over that time. Agency Nurses don’t have access to Annual Leave or Sick Leave as they are classified as casual workers. However, to make up for it, you do get paid significantly more for each shift, which often more than makes up for the lack of Annual Leave. As an Agency Nurse you will also be able to easily take time off whenever you want, whether you’re sick or need a break, you control when you work. Shift cancellation Shift cancellations do happen from time to time. Facilities sometimes decide that they don’t need anyone working on the shift that you have previously booked. In the case of a cancellation, our team will work hard to try to find you a replacement shift that matches your needs. Mentorship Finding an ongoing mentorship relationship with a more experienced nurse is more challenging as an Agency Nurse, but not impossible. As a staff nurse, you may engage in a mentor relationship with your nursing manager or other more experienced nurses you work with every day. But as an Agency Nurse, you will need to seek out those relationships on your own. Agency Nurses do develop strong relationships with the allocations teams, which can help you find resources, and the work you want to advance your career. Conclusion After your first year working as a nurse, you have a lot of exciting pathways in front of you. It’s the perfect time to take a look at what you want to do with your career, and the options that best suit it. If you’re looking for more flexibility, better pay, and the ability to work and travel, then Agency Nursing may be calling you. Find a job or register to work with us!

Nurse of the Month May 2025 - Marjie

By Matthew Power • May 23, 2025

This May, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on our Nurse of the Month, Marjie! Known for her dedication, compassion, and adventurous spirit, Marjie exemplifies what it means to be a nurse with First Choice Care. Her journey into emergency nursing and her love for rural and remote work make her truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s what Marjie had to say about her experience with us: What do you like most about First Choice Care? I like the flexibility of being an agency nurse. I also feel like I exist as a person to First Choice Care, where I have worked for others and only felt like a number. Why did you want to become a Nurse? I became a nurse actually as a platform for paramedicine and then I discovered the Emergency department and haven’t looked back. I love being able to help people. What has been the highlight of working with First Choice Care? I really enjoy working with handlers and I enjoy the flexibility to travel with my work and make a good pay packet. I am not someone who does permanency well, so this is an ideal set up for me. Would you recommend First Choice Care to other nurses and why? I would recommend First Choice Care for their rural and remote team. I have never done ad hoc shifts so I can’t speak for the metro teams, but I can only imagine that they are just as good. I have always been able to speak to a person when I called and the team actually communicate with each other which I love. I find the pay rates to be very competitive and I get the support I need when I need it. Thank you, Marjie, for being such an incredible part of the First Choice Care family. Your passion for emergency nursing and commitment to quality care in rural and remote settings is inspiring. We’re lucky to have you on the team!

Oops, Don’t Do That: Compliance & Credentialing Errors That Slow Down Your Start Date

By Matthew Power • April 1, 2025

So, you’ve nailed your application and interview—congrats! But before you can start picking up shifts as a casual nurse or healthcare worker, there’s one final (and very important) step: completing your compliance and credentialing requirements. Many applicants underestimate the time it takes to get their paperwork in order, and missing even one required document can delay your start date. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, here’s a checklist of the most common compliance mistakes and how to avoid them. Not Providing the Right References Your referees play a crucial role in verifying your experience and suitability for agency nursing. However, many applicants make the mistake of: Providing personal references instead of professional ones Listing references who haven’t supervised them in the last 12 months Forgetting to notify their referees that they’ll be contacted What You Need to Do: Submit 3 referees with their current phone number and email address Ensure referees have directly supervised you in the role you’re applying for within the last 12 months Contact your referees in advance and let them know they’ll receive an email or call from First Choice Care Missing Critical Proof of Experience If you’re applying as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) or Registered Nurse (RN) student, you’ll need to prove your recent clinical experience. A common mistake is not providing the right documents or thinking placements alone will count. What You Need to Submit: 2 x recent ANSAT reports or University Transcript (for EN/RN students only) 2 x recent payslips (from the same role you’re applying for—important for verifying recent experience!) Forgetting to Upload Key Qualifications Many applications stall because nurses and healthcare workers forget to upload their essential qualifications. Make sure you provide: Copy of your relevant certificates (Postgraduate Certificate, Bachelor, Diploma) Current AHPRA Registration (For nurses only—check your renewal date!) Not Completing Background Checks Your police clearance and working permits are non-negotiable for agency roles. A common mistake is not having the correct up to date documents or having the documents ready to go. What You Need to Submit: Certified Copy of a Current National Police Clearance (Dated within the last 6 months & clear of disclosable outcomes. Current Blue Card with Yellow Card Exemption (Required for Disability Support Workers only) Working with Children’s Permit (If applicable to your role) Proof of Work Rights in Australia (Passport, Australian birth certificate, or Confirmation of Enrolment for student visa holders) Not Meeting ID Requirements Not providing the correct identification and clear headshot is a common roadblock in onboarding. You need to provide at least 100 points of ID, such as: Passport (70 points) Australian Driver’s Licence (40 points) Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate (25 points) What You Need: A clear headshot from the shoulders up for your ID badge. Think passport photo, not selfie. Not Submitting Immunisation & Health Clearance Records You’ll need documentation proving immunity to: Hepatitis B (Serology results with titre level OR record of 3 completed vaccinations) COVID-19 (Evidence of vaccinations required) Hepatitis A (If required for your role) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (Serology results OR record of 2 completed vaccinations) Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DTP) (Vaccination within the last 10 years) Varicella (Chickenpox) (Serology results OR record of 2 completed vaccinations) Fluvax (Yearly dose—mandatory for Aged Care, Community, and Disability roles, highly regarded for Acute nurses) Tuberculosis Clearance (BCG, Mantoux results <5 OR negative, QuantiFERON result required if applicable) Relevant certificates required: First Aid Certification (Must be completed within the last 3 years) Don’t Let Paperwork Hold You Back! Completing compliance might seem overwhelming, but getting it right the first time will speed up your onboarding and help you start working faster. Triple-check that all required documents are submitted in full Contact your referees in advance to avoid delays Make sure your police check, AHPRA registration, and immunisations are up to date Respond promptly to emails requesting additional documents Tip: Keep a digital folder with all your credentials handy, so you can upload them quickly when applying for roles. Conclusion Completing your compliance and credentialing requirements correctly is an important step in getting started with First Choice Care quickly. Review your compliance and credentialing documentation and match it to this list to ensure you're getting it right the first time. Then you'll be ready to start picking up shifts and enjoying the flexibility that agency nursing offers. Ready to join First Choice Care, Australia’s most supportive nursing agency? Check out our current roles or register your interest here .