‘Pelvic floor health in the nursing and midwifery workforce’
This research investigates the pelvic floor health of our nurses and midwives and draws attention to a taboo topic that needs to be addressed for women in the workforce.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
I completed study at UTS with the Bachelor of Midwifery at the end of 2008 and progressed to completing a First Class Honours project in 2010. Midwifery was my second degree (first degree physiotherapy) and I found a lot of great academic and peer support at UTS. My experience helped me to understand how important it is to have that kind of support when completing research. I also had a positive experience when completing my Honours research with supervisor Professor Caroline Homer. She assisted me to follow my passion in a very practical way, and helped me to develop the skills required to embark on a PhD.
What change might your research project bring about?
Pelvic floor and ‘incontinence’ can be awkward topics for people to face, yet the impact of these conditions on quality of life, social interactions and life choices such as participation in the workforce demands that we not ignore this topic any longer. My research is showing that the work environments of nurses and midwives may contribute to the experience of symptoms and choices about their role. If this is the case, we need to make changes in workplace. This may mean making toilets more accessible, (increasing the number) and reducing workloads so our nurses and midwives can look after their basic daily needs: being able to drink adequate fluid and get to the toilet. This seems like ‘pie in the sky’ thinking in the current financial climate for health and the reality of day-to-day work in a busy hospital, but at the end of the day I’m coming to the conclusion that this is not just a public health issue, it’s an issue of dignity and human rights.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
Initially, female nurses and midwives will benefit. Eventually, all women in the workforce in Australia and worldwide in similar workplace environments will benefit from my research as awareness around this public health issue expands across other industries.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
My candidature is part of a larger project ‘Fit for the Future’ investigating the health and welfare of the NSW nursing and midwifery workforce. I responded to an advertisement for a full-time scholarship position. I already knew one of the supervisors from my Honours study, so it made the decision to apply for the scholarship easy. My supervisors have been fantastic - we have developed a great working relationship through determination and commitment on both sides.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
Knock on the door, even if you’re not sure exactly what your passion is. Being able to pursue the current state of knowledge in your chosen field and identify gaps where we need to make change is an amazing journey.