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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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 .

Nurse of the Month March 2025 - Aisling

By Matthew Power • March 20, 2025

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Oops, Don’t Do That: Common Mistakes in Your Nursing Agency Application

By Matthew Power • March 5, 2025

Are you ready to start working as a casual nurse with a leading nursing agency like First Choice Care? That's a great choice! Agency nursing offers unmatched flexibility, variety, and control over your shifts. But, when applying many nurses unknowingly make small mistakes that can cost them an interview. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the most common (and easily avoidable!) mistakes nurses make when applying for casual work. Typos & Incorrect Contact Details Imagine this: You’ve submitted your application, your experience looks great, but when the recruiter tries calling you calling... the phone number doesn’t work. Or worse, your email address is missing a letter, and you miss that interview invite. Fortunately, these are easy to fix. Common mistakes: Incorrect phone number or email address Not checking voicemails or unknown numbers Emails from the agency going to your spam folder Double-check your contact details before hitting submit. A small typo in your phone number or email can mean missing out on an interview. Make sure your voicemail is set up too and remember to check them. Not Meeting the Minimum Clinical Experience Requirement Unlike graduate programs or permanent hospital roles, casual nursing jobs require applicants to have a minimum amount of clinical experience. This is to ensure that agency nurses can step into different healthcare settings with minimal supervision. Common misconceptions: Thinking that newly graduated nurses can apply without any post-grad experience Assuming that clinical placements during university count toward the required hours Forgetting to clearly list your experience on your CV First Choice Care typically requires nurses to have a minimum of 12 months of recent clinical experience in their specialty (this can vary based on role and location). Before applying, check that you meet the minimum experience requirement listed in the job ad, this experience is clearly stated in your CV and you're able to provide evidence of this experience. If you’re unsure, reach out to the First Choice Care recruitment team! Sending a CV That’s Too Long (or Too Short) Your CV should highlight your nursing experience, skills, and qualifications clearly and concisely—but many applicants go wrong here: Too much detail: Listing every duty from every job you’ve ever had can overwhelm recruiters. Too little detail: A bare-bones CV that just lists job titles without responsibilities or specialties may not stand out. Ideal CV length: 1-2 pages, with clear sections on qualifications, clinical experience, and key skills. Bonus Tip: Tailor your CV for agency work by including: Years of experience in each role (e.g., “XXX hours in an acute ward”) Range of settings you’ve worked in (e.g., hospitals, aged care, community) Specialised skills (e.g., ICU, paediatrics, wound care) Using a Generic or Outdated Cover Letter Cover letters are not always required but if you do choose to send a cover letter keep it brief and personalised. Mention why you’re interested in agency nursing, your flexibility, and what you bring to the team, this is especially important if you are new to working as an agency nurse. If you have specific preferences, such as type of facility or shifts, the cover letter is a great place to include that information. Conclusion Getting your application right is the first step to starting your journey as an agency nurse. With these tips, your application is sure to stand out and get you through the recruitment process quickly. Ready to join First Choice Care, Australia’s most supportive nursing agency? Check out our current roles or register your interest here.