ON THE
RECORD AUGUST 2015
Delegates Conference 2015 Never Alone: join Rosie Batty’s campaign against family violence page 4
Nurse tells delegates of appalling conditions at Nauru page 7
www.anmfvic.asn.au
540 Elizabeth Street Melbourne Vic 3000
page 6-7 Graduate midwife Melanie Hill goes to South Sudan page 8
Know your entitlements
Inside this edition
2 Know your entitlements 3 Secretary’s report News
4 Join the mission to stand by victims of
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) within the public sector Alison O’Gorman, Information Officer Am I eligible to apply for a clinical nurse specialist position?
5 Members win staff increase at Simpkin
To be eligible to apply you must: 1. be a registered nurse (RN) permanently employed on a full-time or part-time basis within the public sector
In focus
2. hold post basic qualifications (specific to the speciality/clinical area) and have 12 months experience working in the clinical area of your specified post basic qualification
family violence • Paid parental leave – the fight continues House • Red Cross Blood Service members’ new agreement • Stop Alpine Health nursing hours cuts
6 23rd Annual Delegates Conference 7 Nurses and midwives resolve to
campaign for asylum seekers • Reps of 2015
8 Member profile: Melanie Hill 9 Shiftwork and fatigue: what you can do • Learn how to prevent bullying
10 HSR courses • Job Rep training 11 Special Interest Groups • MCH
scholarship to honour Carol Friday • National conference attendees
12 Education Centre courses
3. be responsible for clinical nursing duties or have a minimum of four years post registration experience, including three years experience in the relevant specialist field; and 4. meet the clinical nurse specialist criteria (which are detailed below). Different provisions apply in mental health. What are the clinical nurse specialist criteria? To apply for a clinical nurse specialist position, you must demonstrate one criterion in each of the following areas: 1. Clinical skill • Higher level of skill demonstrated in clinical decision making – in particular, in problem identification and solution, and analysis and interpretation of clinical data • Maintenance and improvement of clinical standards. 2. Professional behaviour • Be a positive role model • Act as a mentor or preceptor to less experienced nurses, including graduate nurses
ANMF (Vic Branch) 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Vic 3000 Phone
9275 9333
Fax
9275 9344
Info Line
9275 9300 (metro)
1800 133 353 (regional)
Membership
9275 9313
Library
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ANMF Education Centre 9275 9363 Website: anmfvic.asn.au Facebook: facebook.com.au/respectourwork Twitter: @ANMFvicbranch Email: records@anmfvic.asn.au
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• Support and contribute to quality improvement and research projects within the area of practice and ward/ unit/department • Act as a resource person to others in relation to clinical practice. 3. Professional development • Membership of relevant professional body, and ability to demonstrate and document: i. learning from a journal article, or attendance at a conference or seminar, or reflection on seminar or conference papers; or ii. participation in effective learning activities relevant to your learning needs; or
iii. membership of a sub-grouping of the professional association relevant to your area of practice, for example a special interest group. See page 11 for a list of special interest groups. • Contribution to the education of other professionals – for example, being willing to provide at least one in-service education program each year • Undertaking own planned professional development and competence through various forms of continuing education – for example, conferences, study days, formal study, reading. How do I apply for a clinical nurse specialist position? Each public sector employer must advertise once every six months. You then apply in writing to the nurse unit manager. Interviews, if required, will be conducted by the nurse unit manager, associate nurse unit manager or educator and one other person. Some health agencies (for example, where service delivery is similar across the facility) may have an ‘umbrella’ committee for the purpose of interviews. If successful you will be notified in writing within seven days. The pay office will be informed of your new classification at the same time, and you should be paid at your new classification from the next pay period. You will also be notified within seven days if you are unsuccessful and given an explanation for the decision. Your employer must have an appeal process. If you wish to appeal the decision, you must lodge an appeal within two weeks of receiving notification you were unsuccessful. Appeals are directed to the director of nursing or nominee. An independent panel will be convened, consisting of a director of nursing or nominee, nurse unit manager, clinical nurse specialist or other nominee. Those involved in the original decision should not be on the panel. The appeal committee will review the decision within four weeks. You may at this stage seek advice and assistance from the ANMF (Vic Branch). Enterprise agreements in non-public and mental health workplaces may have additional or similar criteria and processes. If you cannot locate a copy of your enterprise agreement at your workplace call the ANMF Information Line for advice – 9275 9333.
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Secretary’s report
Your ANMF Lisa Fitzpatrick, State Secretary
Paul Gilbert,
Assistant Secretary
Increasing detention centre secrecy a low act Lisa Fitzpatrick
The 23rd Annual Delegates Conference on 25-26 June saw 681 delegates including Job Reps and, for the first time, Health & Safety Reps coming together to look to the future of nursing in Victoria and hear from some truly great speakers. It was wonderful to see the ANMF (Vic Branch)’s democracy in action and many important motions were passed, including a commendation for Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Professor Gillian Triggs and her team, for exposing the appalling treatment of asylum seekers in detention. This followed one of the most stirring presentations of the conference, registered nurse and midwife Marianne Evers’ passionate speech about her time working in the Nauru detention centre. Ms Evers, who has more than 40 years nursing experience, told of the horrors to which refugees are subjected when sent to the South Pacific island centre, including men, women and children living in unsanitary, overcrowded, rat-infested tents.
Pip Carew,
Assistant Secretary
Ms Evers spoke about asylum seekers – even small children – being referred to by their boat numbers rather than by name and the throwaway treatment of the mentally ill. Read more about Ms Evers’ speech on page 7. In the days following Ms Evers’ speech, the Abbott Government’s new secrecy provisions under the Border Force Act came into effect, prohibiting nurses and other workers in detention centres on places like Nauru, Manus and Christmas islands from speaking publically about what they witness there. This is the antithesis of the professional and ethical duty of care of nurses, midwives, doctors and other ‘entrusted persons’ and the ANMF is demanding that the government amend the Act to ensure healthcare workers are not criminalised for speaking out against inhumane conditions. I urge you to petition for the Border Force Act secrecy provisions to be overturned by writing to your federal MP. Minister affirms commitment to nurses
On the Record is the official publication of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). OTR is published monthly.
Front cover:The 23rd Annual Delegates Conference
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy reconfirmed at the conference the Victorian Government’s commitments to nursing and midwifery, particularly the legislation of nurse/midwife: patient ratios. Ms Hennessy also announced a new occupational violence taskforce to address violence in Victoria’s public hospital system. The ANMF (Vic Branch) has accepted a role
on the taskforce, which will be chaired by Claire Amies, Chief Executive of WorkSafe. WorkSafe has shown an invigorated commitment to health and safety in Victoria’s health system and we are relishing working with them on a number of matters, including occupational violence and aggression incidents at Bendigo’s Simpkin House. This matter has been resolved and we thank our members who advocated for safer conditions in their workplace for patients and staff. See page 5. Paid parental leave changes We are opposing the Federal Government’s Bill which will slash eligibility for the government’s paid parental leave scheme. Currently before a Senate committee, the Bill will mean that primary caregivers – usually mothers – who receive paid parental leave from an employer totalling more than $11,820, will not receive any government payment. If the Bill becomes law, almost 50 per cent of new mums will lose access to government paid parental leave from July 2016. Prime Minister Tony Abbott came to power in 2013 having promised 26 weeks government funded parental leave payment at full pay. His government has overturned this promise not once, but twice. For nurses and midwives, the combined employer/government paid parental leave allowed members to spread their parental leave payment across 12 months, providing about $480 per week for most new parents. Those no longer eligible for a government payment would be left with as little as $270 per week for their young family. The proposed changes are an attack on working women which will have a profound impact on decisions to start or extend families, as well as breastfeeding and bonding time between mothers and babies. Read more on page 4. I’d also like to remind members to register for the 2015 Australian Nurses and Midwives Conference, to be held on 10-11 September. This conference features over 50 speakers examining contemporary professional and clinical issues in nursing, midwifery, mental health and aged care. Visit anmfvic.asn.au to register. Thank you Finally, a big thanks to members who responded to our communications survey. More than 3,850 members completed the survey. We will convey the results in the September edition of On the Record.
Photo: Les O’Rourke
www.anmfvic.asn.au
August 2015
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News Join the mission to stand by victims of family violence: Rosie Batty Australian of the Year Rosie Batty urged nurses and midwives to join a movement to support women and children affected by family violence and pressure for action over the issue. Ms Batty has been campaigning about family violence since her son Luke was killed by his father, Ms Batty’s ex-partner, in February 2014. Ms Batty told 681 Job Reps and HSRs at the Delegates Conference that one in three women had been victims of violence and one in four children experience family violence. ‘Right now what is extremely disturbing and completely unacceptable is that (in Australia) we are having two women a week murdered by a current or former partner,’ she said. Ms Batty said that nurses would be aware of the physical injuries caused by family violence but also the psychological damage. She called upon nurses and midwives to join the Never Alone campaign against family violence: neveralone.com.au The Never Alone campaign aims to press for policy, budget and cultural changes to reduce the incidence of family violence. It aims to empower family violence victims, give children a voice and support perpetrators to make behavioural change. ‘I’m on a mission to raise awareness of family violence so it is forced into the daylight where it deserves to be,’ Ms Batty said. ‘As women we are entitled to walk where we want, when we want, how we want and leave a relationship when we want.’
It was important to be educated about the dynamics of family violence so people do not blame the victim for not leaving an abusive relationship. ‘When we ask “Why doesn’t she just leave?” do we realise that she is at greatest risk at that point?’ Ms Batty asked. ‘When we find ourselves falling into victim blaming, let’s just stop and say “You know what? We haven’t discussed the perpetrator’s behavior and ask why he would use intimidation, physical violence, financial violence, against someone he professes to love”.’ Ms Batty has supported the ACTU’s push for 10 days paid family violence leave for permanent staff and 10 days unpaid leave for casuals, saying that she had to attend court at least 10 times in the year leading up to her son’s death. ‘Already more than 1.6 million employees now have access to paid domestic violence leave in union-negotiated workplace agreements but I believe it should be a workplace right available to all workers,’ Ms Batty said.
Rosie Batty addresses delegates ‘I believe that paid domestic violence leave can make a difference that will prevent many people from losing their jobs, entering into spirals of poverty, losing their homes and, ultimately, losing their ability and confidence to work and become independent again.’ If you or your patients/clients need family violence information or support, the 1800RESPECT helpline is available 24/7. You can call 1800 737 732 or use the online counselling service to contact a counsellor. For more information go to 1800RESPECT.org.au
Paid parental leave – the fight continues ANMF (Vic Branch) and members continue to fight against the Abbott Government’s proposed cuts to paid parental leave. The Bill aimed at reducing the Federal Government’s support to families with newborns was referred to a Senate committee in June. ANMF (Vic Branch) has been encouraging members to make submissions to the committee prior to the 31 July closing date and to respond to the ANMF federal office’s member survey on paid parental leave. We thank all members who took action to stop the cuts. The Senate committee is due to report back to Parliament on 15 September. An independent Productivity Commission report released prior to the introduction of the government’s paid parental leave scheme in 2010 described ‘compelling evidence that six months exclusive parental care gives improved child developmental outcomes’ and said an early return to work increased mothers’ risk of anxiety and depression. The report said it takes at least 12 weeks 4
August 2015
and up to six months for a mother to recover from pregnancy and birth. Despite the strong research evidence that extended leave from work supports mothers in caring for and bonding with their babies, and supports children’s development, the government wants to cut back on paid parental leave for those who receive it from their employers. At present, mothers of newborns have been able to access 18 weeks paid parental leave at the minimum wage – a total of $11,820. Victorian nurses working in the public or private acute sectors are entitled under their enterprise agreements to 10 weeks paid parental leave at their weekly base rate. A Grade 2 Year 10 nurse would receive $13,692 from her employer, plus $11,820 – a total of $25,512. Under the government’s proposal, employees would be entitled to a maximum of $11,820, regardless of whether it comes from the government, the employer or both. Employees receiving less than $11,820 from their employer would be entitled to a ‘top-
up’ from the government. Prior to the introduction of the government’s paid parental leave scheme, the Productivity Commission found that new mums were taking an average 34 weeks unpaid maternity leave, with about a third of mothers returning to work before their babies were six months old. Tony Abbott went to the 2013 election with the ‘rolled gold’ maternity leave policy of 26 weeks leave paid at a woman’s replacement wages. Incredibly, the government chose Mother’s Day this year to announce its rollback of the election promise, as it abandoned the 26-week scheme and proposed excluding tens of thousands of mothers from the existing 18-week minimum wage scheme. The current scheme is one of the lowest-paid parental leave entitlements in the developed world – most other countries’ schemes have 26 weeks at a higher rate. If the government’s Bill passes the Senate, the cuts to the paid parental leave scheme would take effect from July 2016. www.anmfvic.asn.au
Red Cross Blood Service members’ new agreement Red Cross Blood Service members have voted to accept a new enterprise agreement. The ANMF (Vic Branch) and the Health Services Union (HSU) met with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service several times to negotiate the agreement. Negotiations ensured the service: • Withdrew claims that would have created further divisions between current and future employees, such as reduced annual and personal leave, and elimination of accident make-up pay. • Agreed to four additional weeks of paid parental leave, access to personal leave to deal with the consequences of domestic violence and an improved on-call allowance for Donate Life. • Agreed to the retention of key clauses which ANMF (Vic Branch) regarded as critical components of any enterprise agreement, especially the grandfathering of senior enrolled nurses and venesection allowances. (‘Grandfathering’ means that older allowances from previous agreements will still stand.) Also retained are registered nurse qualification allowances and the skill mix clause, which ensures no more than 25 per cent of the workforce can be made up of donor services nursing assistants so that staff will continue to have adequate support and supervision by registered and enrolled nurses. • Agreed to keep the disciplinary clause and the ability for staff to go to the Fair Work Commission for arbitration. The service put the proposed agreement to a ballot of employees ending on Friday 17 July. The retention of these key clauses and conditions, in addition to some improvements, and a three per cent per annum wage increase (backdated from 1 June 2015), meant that ANMF (Vic Branch) did not oppose the service putting the draft agreement to a ballot.
Simpkin House staff celebrate with ANMF (Vic Branch) Assistant Secretary Paul Gilbert and Premier Daniel Andrews
Members win staff increase at Simpkin House Members have accepted an offer from Bendigo Health for an extra two nursing shifts per day at Simpkin House as a safety measure to deal with a high number of occupational violence and aggression incidents. Additional ongoing shifts in the morning and afternoon have been added, seven days a week. ANMF (Vic Branch) members were concerned about a high number of occupational violence and aggression incidents at the 40-bed psychogeriatric facility, particularly because they impacted on the safety of staff and their ability to provide high quality care. ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said members were very aware that if their safety was compromised so too was the safety of residents. ‘Our members are happy that they have been able to work with Bendigo Health, WorkSafe,
‘We have no doubt that the improvements to staffing will be of benefit not only to the safety of staff and residents at Simpkin House, but also ensure that quality of care to these vulnerable members of the community is also enhanced. ‘We also look forward to continuing with the occupational violence and aggression working party. ‘We would like to thank our members, the residents of Simpkin House and their families for the support they have shown while these negotiations took place. ‘We believe that the funding of the extra staff members will have a highly positive impact on Simpkin House patients and staff.’
Stop Alpine Health nursing hours cuts ANMF (Vic Branch) has been negotiating with Alpine Health about its proposal to cut the equivalent of 17 full-time nursing positions from its three hospitals at Mt Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford. ANMF (Vic Branch) has had a series of meetings with Alpine Health members and the service over the proposed cuts, with the service agreeing in June to maintain the status quo while it considered ANMF’s position. At the time of writing, the status quo remained in place. ANMF (Vic Branch) urged Alpine Health to meet with the local federal MP Cathy McGowan and the Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley to lobby for more federal funding rather than cut 656 clinical nursing hours from the hospitals.
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley and the Department of Health and Human Services to see this matter resolved,’ Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Nurses feel they are being used as pawns in a funding battle with the Federal Government. Registered and enrolled nurses at Alpine Health staff the emergency department, acute inpatient care, aged care, surgery, and crucial community health and day procedure services. The removal of such a large number of nursing positions would have a major impact on the Alpine region community, which relies on the services provided for a wide range of emergency and community health care. The region also hosts tens of thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the ski fields and natural attractions – these visitors also heavily rely on Alpine Health’s nurses.
August 2015
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In focus - 23rd Annual Delegates Conference ‘Gird your loins’ against federal health cuts
introduced to the Victorian Parliament late in 2015. ‘Legislation, once we pass it – and we will pass it – will bring nurse to patient ratios in as law. No longer will or should nurses have to negotiate nurse patient ratios as part of their enterprise agreement,’ Ms Hennessy said, to loud applause from ANMF members. ‘No longer will they have to trade away pay and conditions to improve patient safety.’ Ms Hennessy also announced to the 681 Job Reps and Health and Safety Representatives at the Delegates Conference that a new occupational violence taskforce would be established, headed by WorkSafe CEO Clare Amies. The ANMF would be represented on the taskforce, alongside the Australian Medical Association, health services, the Victorian Managed Insurance Agency, and the Health and Community Services Union.
Minister Hennessy addresses the delegates conference Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy told the ANMF (Vic Branch) Delegates Conference that nurses and midwives should ‘gird your loins’ and stand up for the Victorian health system against the Federal Government’s planned $17.7 billion health funding cuts. Ms Hennessy said the ‘re-election of Tony Abbott’ represented the greatest challenge to the Victorian health system and ‘we must continue to make a very proud, passionate case’ to oppose the $17.7 billion cuts over ten years forecast by the Federal Government. ‘Can you imagine the impact of those cuts, not just in terms of jobs but access to service, quality of service, the innovation that will
fall through the holes in our health system that will emerge if we enable Tony Abbott to make those very brutal cuts?’ ‘We need to keep telling the stories of our health service, stand up for fair and reasonable industrial relations and advocate for penalty rates,’ Ms Hennessy said. The Minister assured ANMF (Vic Branch) delegates that the Victorian Government would deliver on its pre-election promises to introduce landmark nurse/midwife: patient ratio legislation, take action on occupational violence and improve job opportunities for nursing graduates. At the time of writing, legislation for nurse/ midwife: patient ratios was expected to be
‘It is my very strong view that no-one should be the subject of occupational violence in their workplaces, no-one should have to compromise their sense of obligation and care to their patients with their own personal safety,’ Ms Hennessy said. She said the government would also look to the recommendations of the Auditor-General from the investigation into occupational violence in public hospitals for opportunities to improve safety for nurses and midwives and had set aside $20 million in the 2015–16 Budget to improve security infrastructure and make other safety improvements. Ms Hennessy began her address by expressing her ‘deep thanks and appreciation for all the work you do in the Victorian health system.’
Prepare for the bargaining year ahead: Branch Secretary ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick has told Job Reps and Health and Safety Representatives to keep their ANMF-branded red scrub tops handy in the lead up to the negotiation of new enterprise agreements. With the public sector and mental health enterprise agreements due to expire in March 2016 and many more agreements expiring over the coming year, Ms Fitzpatrick used the Delegates Conference as an opportunity to brief the 681 attendees on the bargaining road ahead. ‘The Branch will be negotiating 84 enterprise agreements over the next 12 months,’ Ms Fitzpatrick said. ‘Those 84 enterprise agreements will cover 744 workplaces and the impact of those enterprise agreement outcomes will affect over 51,000 of our members, so for us this coming year, making sure the enterprise agreements are right and the outcomes are great is a very critical issue for all of the
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ANMF Victorian Branch staff.’ Ms Fitzpatrick said the enterprise agreements being negotiated would cover nurses working in the public sector, mental health, the Royal District Nursing Service, nearly all private acute facilities, local government, private aged care, schools, bush nursing centres, AHPRA and institutes such as Alzheimer’s Victoria. Ms Fitzpatrick said ANMF (Vic Branch) was also working with the Victorian Government to ensure that pre-election commitments, such as the promise to legislate nurse/ midwife: patient ratios, were implemented. With the election of a new Victorian Labor Government, ANMF (Vic Branch) has a place at the table in consultations with the government on: • ratios legislation • opportunities for graduate nurses and midwives • the maternal and child health review
• occupational violence and aggression, and bullying • the local government rate cap • the Travis Review of bed management in public hospitals • environmental sustainability in health • the need for legislative amendments requiring privately practising midwives to be registered • the 2015–16 mental health budget. Ms Fitzpatrick said the ratios legislation would be the first legislation of its kind in Australia, and indeed, the Southern Hemisphere. ‘The introduction and the passing of that legislation (will be) a tribute to the commitment and tenacity of ANMF members across the state, to our ANMF staff and to all of us who have worked so hard not just for one EBA or two or three or four but for 15 solid years.’
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Nurses and midwives resolve to campaign for asylum seekers ANMF (Vic Branch) members resolved to campaign for the compassionate treatment of asylum seekers after a distressing presentation by a registered nurse and midwife about ‘disgusting’ conditions at Nauru detention centre and the poor mental state of asylum seekers held there. Midwife Marianne Evers told the ANMF (Vic Branch) Delegates Conference that on her first night at Nauru she treated a psychotic asylum seeker who was crawling in the dirt begging her to let him die. Ms Evers arrived in Nauru at the end of 2012 and resigned ‘in total disgust’ because she felt that by continuing to work there she was party to torture. Ms Evers described the detention centre as fitting the definition of a concentration camp. She said: • Asylum seekers, including children, were addressed by their boat number, not their names. • Asylum seekers were sleeping in open tents on stretcher beds or boards, surrounded by security guards, with no privacy whatsoever. • Asylum seekers were being bitten by rats and mice. One man, ‘in floods of tears’ had awoken to a sharp pain in his foot to find that a rat had bitten into his nail bed • Gastro-enteritis and other illnesses were rife as a result of insanitary conditions and lack of water. • Suicide attempts, self-harm including sewing together of lips and hunger strikes had become increasingly common. • Ms Evers took an asylum seeker to hospital after he had been on a hunger strike for six weeks to discover that there were no intravenous fluids available. ‘Why in a country which boasts prosperity and peace are asylum seekers demonised for seeking safety and freedom?’ Ms Evers asked the audience of nurses and midwives.
‘Why does Australia have policies that result in degrading human treatment amounting to torture without the general public even batting an eyelid?’ Ms Evers described successive Australian governments’ rhetoric about the asylum seekers being ‘illegals’ and ‘queue jumpers’ as dishonest, saying that it was not illegal to pursue asylum and to arrive by boat without papers. ‘The idea that desperate people will conduct themselves as if waiting for a bus is not only ludicrous, it reveals a complete lack of empathy and understanding of why refugees flee in the first place,’ Ms Evers said. Australia – a large country of prosperity and peace – received a miniscule number of applications for asylum compared with smaller European countries. Over a period of 37 years Australia had received 69,445 applications for asylum, only slightly higher than the 67,400 that Germany had received in the first six months of 2014. Ms Evers said the indefinite nature of asylum seekers’ incarceration on Nauru, together with the appalling conditions, was leaving people in a dangerous state without hope. ‘I simply cannot get these men, with their sad eyes, trying to commit suicide, being assaulted, and suffering from the worst human rights abuses…out of my mind,’ Ms Evers said. Ms Evers’ courage in speaking out was applauded by Fabienne Baldan, Principal Adviser, Major Projects and Inquiries, Australian Human Rights Commission, who presented at the conference on the ‘Forgotten children’ inquiry into children in immigration detention. The report of the inquiry, which was headed by Human Rights Commissioner Gillian Triggs, was released last year. It was the largest study of children in detention, Ms
Registered nurse Marianne Evers Baldan said, collating the experiences of 638 children. ‘The level of dehumanising of children (in immigration detention centres), even of babies, is extraordinary,’ Ms Baldan said. ‘What we found was that, by the end of our inquiry, 726 children had been detained for more than a year and two months. I don’t know what kind of crime you have to commit in Australia to get that kind of sentence but it’s usually something fairly serious.’ The inquiry found that children in immigration detention centres had significantly higher rates of mental health disorders than Australian children. The ANMF (Vic Branch) delegates resolved to commend the work of Professor Triggs and her team in exposing the appalling treatment by successive federal governments of those seeking asylum and develop a campaign strategy to lobby for parties to take humane asylum seeker policies to the next federal election.
Congratulations, Reps of 2015 ANMF (Vic Branch) congratulates the winners of the 2015 Representative of the Year Awards. The 2015 Hannah Sellers Job Rep of the Year is Madeleine Harradence, a registered nurse in the emergency department of St Vincent’s Hospital. Ms Harradence was selected due to her tireless community crusading on behalf of Victorian nurses and midwives, including her ability to passionately and intelligently discuss nursing issues on talkback radio. She was nominated by her emergency department colleagues for being an individual who inspires others to reach higher levels of professional excellence. The 2015 Health and Safety Representative of www.anmfvic.asn.au
the Year is Sean Mathews, a registered nurse with Eastern Health’s Hospital in the Home. Mr Mathews was selected in recognition of his unceasing hard work to get better outcomes for his workplace, his encyclopedic knowledge of health and safety legislation and his achievement in moving cytotoxic waste out of his colleagues’ offices. The award winners were announced at the Delegates Conference. The winners received their prizes from ANMF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas. The Branch congratulates both winners, and thanks everyone who nominated nursing and midwifery leaders across Victoria in 2015.
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Member profile
Melanie Hill (right) with nurses at His House of Hope Hospital, Subra (left) and Juliette
Where delivering babies is a matter of life or death Helping a mother deliver twins while a doctor looked on was ‘an amazing experience’ that young graduate midwife Melanie Hill will always treasure. Ms Hill was volunteering as a registered nurse and midwife at His House of Hope Hospital in South Sudan when she was called upon to help deliver the twins. ‘It was about midnight and the doctor who was on call was there as well but he was like “You’ll be right, you can do it”. He supervised to make sure nothing went wrong,’ Ms Hill said. Having graduated from midwifery only last year and as a registered nurse in 2013, Ms Hill, 24, is well aware that she would not have had the same level of involvement in an Australian hospital. ‘At my hospital in Australia there’s always about 20 people in the room,’ she said. ‘(This time) it was just me in this massive room with the doctor and the mum. We just did it by ourselves. It was awesome.’ Ms Hill’s experiences in sub-Saharan Africa gave the young registered nurse and midwife a new appreciation for the access to health services enjoyed by those living in first-world countries like Australia. In South Sudan, a young country which ceded from Sudan in 2011 after 22 years of guerilla warfare, access to healthcare facilities and trained healthcare professionals is a matter of life or death. The sub-Saharan region which includes South 8
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Sudan is one of the riskiest places in the world to give birth, with the highest global rates of neo-natal, under-five and maternal mortality.1 Neo-natal mortality rates are 35 deaths per 1000 births, while 121 under-fives die per 1000 births. The maternal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa is 500 deaths per 100,000 live births. Since independence, South Sudanese have still not been able to live in peace. When the president of South Sudan fell out with the deputy president in December 2013, conflict broke out again in the fledgling state, with thousands killed and more than 800,000 South Sudanese fleeing their homes.2 Like 80 per cent of health facilities in South Sudan, His House of Hope is run by a nongovernment organisation. A 40-bed hospital and clinic for women and children, its medical focus aligns with the two millennium development goals: reduce maternal mortality and reduce child mortality. ‘It’s a 40-bed hospital but because of the demand for service there are patients on mattresses on the floor between the beds. We’d have 50-60 patients most nights,’ Ms Hill said. Ms Hill, who was supported to travel to Africa with a grant from the ANMF/HESTA Nursing Volunteer Fund, also travelled to Uganda for two and half weeks volunteering with Wise Choices for Life, which aims to reduce maternal mortality in East Africa. In Uganda,
16 mothers die during childbirth every day. This midwife-led organisation trains trainers to educate Ugandan women and encourage objective thinking and decision making around conception, pregnancy, labour and birth. ‘Uganda is doing really well (in comparison to South Sudan) and has quite a lot of infrastructure. Even then, the hospital I visited in Uganda was very poorly-resourced. In South Sudan because the hospital was established and run by Westerners it was quite well-resourced,’ Ms Hill said. Ms Hill was inspired to volunteer in Africa after hearing a presentation by an Australian doctor about working in South Sudan. ‘He shared story after story of the people that he had met and treated, how they became his friends and not just his patients,’ Ms Hill said. ‘He told of the great need but incredible heart of the people he worked among.’ Now having had the experience of being a nurse and midwife in a country where her training is so desperately needed, Ms Hill is eager to return. ‘I would love to live at His House of Hope for a year,’ she said. ‘Maternal and child health in South Sudan – priorities for the post-2015 agenda’, Ngatho Mugo, Anthony B. Zwi, Jessica R. Botfield, Caitlyn Steiner, Sage Journals, 20 April 2015
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BBC News South Sudan profile, www.bbc.com
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Shiftwork and fatigue: what you can do What can nurses and midwives who do shiftwork do to minimise the impact of working against the body’s natural circadian rhythm? Find out at the next ‘Working hours, Shifts and Fatigue’ Conference on 27 August at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. The conference will feature Professor Sally Ferguson, Deputy Director of the Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, (pictured) who will speak about the impact of shiftwork and how these impacts can be alleviated. For the past 10 years, Professor Ferguson has been involved in research investigating circadian biology and the relationship between our natural rhythms, sleep, wakefulness and work. She is an expert in the area of fatigue risk management. Significant challenges come with working during what our bodies perceive to be night. Reduced alertness, impaired performance, increased accident risk, negative impacts on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health and psychological well-being are all examples of the consequences of fighting our bodies’ circadian rhythms which respond to light. People are injured or ill at all times of the day and night, and babies are not born conveniently within business hours, so nurses and midwives have no choice but to work at times when our bodies tell us we should be asleep.
Professor Sally Ferguson The Working Hours, Shifts and Fatigue Conference will also feature a speaker discussing a current sleep study at two major teaching hospitals, including the Austin Hospital, assessing individual vulnerability to shiftwork and investigating systems and tools to improve alertness and performance. The study involves medical and nursing shift workers in Melbourne and Adelaide, with researchers assessing evidence-based interventions such as scheduling, smart lighting, and individualised sleep health management.
The conference features a range of speakers, plus an extended panel discussion on ‘Safe rostering practice: what are the key considerations and questions?’ to be chaired by an expert panel. Attending the conference will attract six hours of the CPD hours required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board for reregistration. Register for the conference by 21 August at the ANMF (Vic Branch) website: anmfvic.asn.au
Learn how to prevent bullying Bullying is one of the biggest health and safety issues in the nursing profession. Victims of bullying need to take action early to stop the bullying and prevent the problem escalating. ANMF (Vic Branch) has produced a workplace bullying guide, available to members at our website anmfvic.asn.au The guide helps members to understand: • what does and does not constitute workplace bullying • the legal obligations of employers to prevent and manage the risks of workplace bullying • employee obligations, and • what you can do if you experience bullying or it is not being properly managed at your workplace
Chris Hicks, CWH Mediation and Workplace Relations www.anmfvic.asn.au
We also offer the Prevention of Workplace Bullying Conference, which brings together industry experts who can provide a range of perspectives on preventing and managing this pervasive issue.
The conference, on Wednesday 14 October at ANMF House, will feature Dr Carlo Caponecchia, Senior Lecturer, University of NSW, on ‘How should a bullying complaint best be presented.’ Dr Caponecchia’s comprehensive presentation deals with the criteria for bullying, how to assist nurses and midwives who want to report bullying, and how to go about making a report. Other speakers include Chris Hicks from CWH Mediation and Workplace Relations on an employer’s obligations around bullying and the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria’s CEO Glenn Taylor on how the program can provide confidential case management and counselling to nurses and midwives who are bullying victims as well as those reported for bullying. To view the whole program and register, search for Prevention of Bullying Conference in the Events section of our website anmfvic.asn.au
August 2015
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Job Rep training schedule In 2015, ANMF (Vic Branch) is offering new and revised training programs for Job Reps.
The registration form will guide you to the correct program for your workplace.
Workplace organising and campaigning
Metro:
Workplace organising and campaigning is a workplace-specific two-day program, and will provide Job Reps with planning tools, strategies and activities to educate and engage colleagues. Working directly with your ANMF industrial organiser, together with Job Reps from your workplace, you will learn practical skills and be supported to: • learn how to engage members in union activities • build relationships across the workplace • establish sustainable structures and communication networks
12-13 August, Melbourne (organiser Lisa Stingel) 6-7 October, Dandenong (organisers Nicole Smith and Lynne West) 24-25 November, Melbourne (organiser Anthony Stafford) 1-2 December, Melbourne (organiser Judith Milne) Regional: to be held in each location, for Reps in these regional areas 26-27 August, Echuca (organiser Christine Steiner)
• develop and practise recruitment conversations and strategies.
23-24 September, Wangaratta (organiser Alison Kairns)
Entry to each program is according to your primary workplace, e.g. Melbourne Health or Eastern Health. All workplaces (per organiser area) will be assigned a program date between February 2015 and April 2016.
11-12 November, Ballarat (organiser Allan Townsend)
New module now online!
Full members of ANMF (Vic Branch) receive $400 in annual credit for use at our online CPD Portal. This month’s featured CPD module is ‘VTE Prophylaxis’. This module provides four hours of CPD required for registration and costs $80 of full members’ annual $400 credit, or $80. Visit the CPD Portal at anmfvic.asn.au for this module and other online learning.
Redeem your online credit
A new online module on venous thromboemolism (VTE) prophylaxis, developed by Covidien, has recently been launched. In this module you will learn strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality that results from venous thromboembolism (VTE), referencing the latest research and best practice. It includes identification, risk factors, assessment, and prophylaxis methods.
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Please visit anmfvic.asn.au for the latest schedule
Your union, your role – an introduction for Job Reps Your Union, your role – an introduction for Job Reps is a one-day program for new Job Reps from any workplace. Metropolitan Reps, and Latrobe and Geelong Reps, can choose any metropolitan date for this program. Regional Reps need to select dates for their specific region. In this program new Job Reps will learn ANMF (Vic Branch) key objectives, structure and resources, plus guidance on skills and strategies to support you in your role. Visit our website anmfvic.asn.au for further information about the programs and to enrol online, or phone the Job Rep training team on 9275 9333 for further information or for assistance with online registration. Melbourne: For metro-based Reps, held at ANMF Victorian Branch, 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne: 15 September, 13 October Regional: for Reps in the regional organiser catchment area, held at a venue in these locations: Warrnambool: 20 August, Echuca: 25 August Wangaratta: 22 September Ballarat: 10 November
OHS courses Nurses, midwives and personal care workers working in health and other industries are exposed to many hazards including manual handling, violence and aggression, bullying and harassment, stress, shiftwork, hazardous substances and infection diseases. The HSRs are the highly dedicated representatives who work to maintain a safe and professional workplace. Become an HSR or upgrade your HSR skills at one of our courses listed below.
Five-day Initial HSR OHS Course (VWA approved) This course relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, and is designed to equip elected HSRs and Deputy HSRs with an understanding of the OHS regulatory framework. It is also designed to provide participants with the skills required to implement effective hazard control strategies in the workplace. Course 3: 5, 6, & 7 August, 20 & 21 August Course 4: 11, 12 & 13 November & 3 & 4 December Time: 9am – 5pm each day Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melb Cost: $750 (payable by employer). Register online: anmfvic.asn.au/hsr-training
One-day HSR OHS Refresher Course (VWA approved) This one-day refresher course relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, and is designed to refresh HSRs’ knowledge and understanding of the OHS regulatory framework. It is also designed to provide participants with the skills required to implement effective hazard control strategies in the workplace.
Metropolitan courses: Course 4: 8 October Time: 9am – 5pm Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melb Cost: $250 (payable by employer). Register online anmfvic.asn.au/hsr-training
Conferences Working Hours, Shifts and Fatigue: 27 August ANMF Nurses & Midwives Conference MCEC, South Wharf: 10 & 11 September Prevention of Workplace Bullying: 14 October
www.anmfvic.asn.au
MCH scholarship to honour Carol Friday A nursing scholarship is being established in the name of Carol Friday, the dedicated Victorian maternal and child health nurse and long-term ANMF member who was killed along with her son Greig aboard the Germanwings flight which crashed on 24 March.
National conference attendees The following representatives of ANMF (Vic Branch) will be attending the 2015 Biennial National Conference in Adelaide in October. Elizabeth Barton
Peninsula Palliative Care
Mark Benson
Barwon Health
Paul Gilbert
Assistant Secretary – ANMF (Vic Branch)
Tracey Clark
Dandenong Special Care Nursery
Dave Corstorphan
Barwon Health – Inpatient Rehab Centre
Ross Donaldson
St Vincent’s
Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, announced the Victorian Government-funded scholarship at the 2015 Victorian Maternal and Child Health Conference.
Rhonda Dullard
Echuca Regional Health
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Branch Secretary
Elisabeth Hall
Southbank Medical Clinic
Ms Friday was highly regarded for her work to improve conditions and practices for all Victorian maternal and child health nurses. Her colleagues remember her deep commitment to supporting the community’s most vulnerable. Ms Friday worked at the Royal Women’s Hospital and the City of Casey and was a member of the ANMF for at least 26 years.
Megan Hayes
Mercy Hospital for Women
Fiona Herman
Angliss Hospital
Jacqueline Kriz
Barwon Health – Aged Psychiatry
Rita Moreno-Diaz
Royal Children’s Hospital
Tara Nipe
Alfred Hospital
Tim O’Brien
Warrnambool Base Hospital
Kim Pentreath
Bendigo Health
Hollie Purton
Goulburn Valley Health/Parkville ACT Tatura
Andy Robinson
Western Health
Gerald Scanlon
Bendigo Health/Bendigo CHS
Heather Selkrig
John Fawkner Private Hospital
Lori-anne Sharp
RDNS Homeless Persons Program
Therese Smyth
Central Gippsland Health Service - Sale
Julie-Anne Stevens
Banyule City Council
Rachel Weaver
Peninsula Health
Danielle White
DEET Mildura
Racheal Whyte
Monash Kingston
The annual MCH Nursing Excellence Scholarship will allow a highperforming Victorian nurse to undertake a Masters in Nursing Science at La Trobe University. Applications for the 2016 Carol Friday Scholarship for MCH Nursing Excellence will open in September. In honour of Carol Friday’s longstanding ANMF membership and dedication to nursing and midwifery, and the community work of her son, Greig, ANMF (Vic Branch) donated $1500 to charities nominated by her family: the Wilderness Society, Berry Street and the Victorian AIDS Council.
Special Interest Groups Visit www.anmfvic.asn.au/interestgroups for Immunisation Nurses SIG all upcoming ANMF (Victorian Branch) Special Inq: Vikkie Coghlan vikk1c36@bigpond.com.au Interest Group news, events and meetings. ANMF House is located at 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Medical Imaging Nurses Assoc Advance Care Planning SIG Inq:
Kathryn Whiteside Kathryn.Whiteside@austin.org.au
ANZANAC (HIV Nursing SIG) Topic: When: Venue: Inq:
Members meeting Tuesday 11 August 6.30-8pm The Retreat Hotel, Abbotsford Milena Pinamonti, anzanac.vic@gmail.com or 0466 280 445
Day Surgery SIG
Topic: Executive meeting When: Wednesday 19 August, 6pm Venue: GoToMeeting Inq: Chris Guidotti chris_guidotti@y7mail.com
Diabetes Nurse Educators SIG Topic: When: Venue: Inq:
AGM and workshop Saturday 1 August Carson Conference Centre Catherine Wallace-Wilkinson positivehealth@bigpond.com 0411 557 631
Injured Nurses’ Support Group Topic: When: Venue: Inq:
Members meeting Tuesday 18 August, 11am-12.30pm Level 3 boardroom, ANMF house Annie Rutter 1300 760 602
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Inq:
Deborah Shears deborah.shears@i-med.com.au
Mental Health Nurses SIG Inq:
Carole de Greenlaw records@anmfvic.asn.au
Nurses for Continence Topic: When: Venue Inq:
Committee meeting 6 August. 6-9pm Carson Conference Centre Christine Sumper nfcv.sec@gmail.com
Orthopaedic Nurses’ Assoc Topic: When: Venue: Inq:
Professional development day Friday 14 August, 8am-6pm Carson Conference Centre Meinir Griffiths 9342 8417 Rita Moreno 9345 5303
Palliative Care SIG Topic: When: Venue: Inq:
Members’ meeting Monday 17 August, 6.30-8.30pm Carson Conference Centre Lyndsay Cassidy Lyndsay.CASSIDY@svhm.org.au
Preadmission Nurses Group Topic: When: Venue:
Conference Saturday 29 August, 8.30am-4.30pm Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House
Inq:
Kate Hussey kate.hussey@healthscope.com.au
Safe Patient Handling Inq:
Stephen Morley smorley@bendigohealth.org.au
Vic Assoc Maternal & Child Health Nurses Topic: When: Venue: Inq:
Executive meeting Wednesday 12 August, 6-9.30pm TBA Helen Watson 0419 103 795 vamchn.group@gmail.com
Victorian School Nurses Venue: Inq:
Carson Conference Centre Gina Harrex 0401 717 352
Vic Assoc of Research Nurses Inq:
Lesley Poulton lesley.poulton@monash.edu
Vic Midwifery Homecare SIG Topic: When:
Members’ Meeting Wednesday 19 August, 10.30am-12.30 pm Venue: Carson Conference Centre ANMF House Inq: Ingrid Ridler IRidler@mercy.com.au
Vic Perioperative Nurses’ Group Venue: Inq:
Pullman Albert Park enquiries@vpng.org.au or 1300 721 169
Vic Urological Nurses Society Inq:
Ros Lawrence rostommy1@optusnet.com.au
August 2015
11
Education calendar Certificate IV in Training and Assessment The ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre is pleased to offer the TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, an accredited course resulting in a nationally recognised qualification. This new and improved course has undergone an extensive review and is ready to be delivered at ANMF House over 15 days, beginning on 4 September. The training includes four days of intensive presentation and assessment to ensure that, after completion, you are experienced and work ready. The TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course is the benchmark qualification for trainers and assessors and will help you to develop skills needed to deliver training and assess competence in your industry areas. This course includes the ‘Language, Literacy and Numeracy’ unit recently added to this qualification. Participant commitment This course requires a significant commitment from participants to meet the requirements of study workload and assessment requirements. The course comprises pre-course tasks (sent to participants upon enrolment), 15 days of classroom study (theory, practice and assessment) and post-course work (assignments that are to be submitted within 12 weeks of the conclusion of classes). For full details see page 14
Survey on Education Centre CPD The ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre would like to know what you, our valued members, think about the CPD we offer. The Education Centre offers a range of face-to-face professional development as well as nationally recognised, accredited courses, such as the new Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, First Aid and CPR. The Branch is reviewing and updating the professional development program offered to members at our facilities at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. We are keen to have a better understanding of members’ needs and your views about the ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre as a whole. Please take five minutes to fill in our survey at
August RN EN
anmfvic.asn.au/education-centre-survey
Managing difficult people
This workshop introduces Jane Robotham, CPD: 6 hours, course code: 850 Course key an experienced nurse, Nursing Wellness 5 August 2015 Educator, Personal Growth Facilitator and ALL Course available to all nurses, 9.30am-4.30pm Wellness Coach. Having worked in many areas midwives, PCAs and AINs Presenter Brendan Scully of nursing Jane has an understanding of the RN Course available to registered nurses pressures and challenges nurses and carers Whereever you work you may encounter face. challenging patients and family. This seminar EN Course available to enrolled nurses offers you skills and techniques to help diffuse Member $110, Non-member $180, Job Rep M Course available to midwives these often tense situations. Brendan Scully or ANF SIG member $100 has extensive experience that he brings to his program, making it an engaging learning RN EN ACFI for registered and M experience. Early recognition of clinical Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
How to stay calm and confident at work
ALL
CPD: 4 hours, course code: 906 6 August 2015 12.30-4.30pm Presenter Jane Robotham It’s time to make your working life as a nurse or midwife more comfortable, less pressured and enjoyable again! This dynamic and highly relevant workshop provides simple tools to develop a sense of confidence, self-trust and clarity in your daily work. Minimise anxiety and worry by learning quick and practical techniques that are easy, enjoyable and highly effective. 12
August 2015
enrolled nurses
CPD: 6 hours, course code: 852 10 August 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Margaret Lang This seminar explores all ACFI business rules, a comprehensive breakdown of the 12 ACFI questions and a practical review of compiling and completing an ACFI appraisal pack. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
“Jane was very passionate about the subject, but also very down to earth. Being a nurse she totally understood where we were coming from and the issues we face at work.”
deterioration in pregnant and postpartum women CPD: 3 hours, course code: 851 11 August 2015 9.00am-12.00pm Presenter Dr Wendy Pollock Early recognition of clinical deterioration is increasingly recognised as a vital element of any health care – so much so, that it is ‘required’ as outlined in Standard nine in the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. This session will discuss what clinical deterioration means for maternity patients and outline what makes recognition of clinical deterioration more challenging in the maternity population.
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Importantly, the response to clinical deterioration in a variety of clinical settings will be discussed. Member $110, Non-member $180, Job Rep or ANF SIG member $100
EN RN
Delirium and depression in the older person CPD: 6 hours, course code: 853 12 August 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Dr. Rosalie Hudson When delirium and/or depression are suspected in an older person, the symptoms are often compounded by dementia. Understanding and developing skilled observation, assessment and clinical decisionmaking in this growing area of expertise is important for all nurses. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or ANMF SIG member $170
EN RN
Assessment skills in the acute setting CPD: 6 hours, course code: 855 13 August 2015, 9.30am- 4.30pm Presenter Kate Potter Effective patient assessment is a critical skill for all nurses working in the acute setting. This one-day seminar is aimed at those registered and enrolled nurses who would like to refresh or update their knowledge and skills in patient assessment and includes an overview of strategies to recognise and manage the deteriorating patient. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
ALL
Be informed about Hepatitis B
CPD: 3 Hours, course code: 885 Tuesday 18 August 2015 9.30am-12.30pm Presenter Gabrielle Bennett, Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator This new seminar aims to increase, update and support health professionals’ understanding of hepatitis B testing, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring and nurses’ understanding of health literacy and cultural responsiveness when working with people living with hepatitis B. Without access to care, up to 25 per cent of people living with hepatitis B will develop advanced liver disease and/or liver cancer. Almost half of the people living with hepatitis B have not been diagnosed. Learn more about how our health services can improve and increase access to hepatitis B care. Member $110, Non-member $180, Job Rep or ANMF SIG member $100 www.anmfvic.asn.au
RN M
IV cannulation for registered nurses and midwives CPD: 6 hours, course code: 856 20 August 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Kate Potter This seminar will focus on the process and procedure for inserting peripheral IV in the adult patient. It includes an overview of relevant anatomy, selection of insertion sites and cannula, insertion techniques, infection control, common problems and corrective action. Identification of appropriate equipment, specific cannulation techniques and participant practice will be conducted utilising manikin simulation. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
RN EN
Depression and anxiety – recognising the symptoms CPD: 6 hours, course code: 857 28 August 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Helen Reeves This workshop will cover core knowledge and skills for staff employed within health services. The focus will include the exploration of depression and anxiety, including aetiology and intervention. Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge, transferable to the workplace. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
September ECG – Recording and interpretation
RN
CPD: 6 hours, course code: 859 4 September 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Kate Potter This workshop will include a thorough examination of recording and interpreting ECGs and is suitable for registered nurses. The day includes an overview of cardiac anatomy and physiology, ECG recording and trace interpretation and defining common arrhythmias – cause, presentation and management. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
RN EN
Venepuncture, conducting a 12 lead ECG & contemporary pathology collection CPD: 6 hours, course code: 859 10 September 2015
9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Kate Potter This workshop delivers a comprehensive one-day program relating to venepuncture techniques and conducting a 12-lead electrocardiogram. A wide range of practical training aids for blood collection is provided, and the program allows participants to undertake practice of the relevant techniques under guided supervision in a simulated clinical environment. It is a must for nurses who are required to perform phlebotomy and undertake 12-lead ECG recording as part of their role. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
Adult ALS Certification: 2-day program
RN
CPD: 16 Hours, course code: 882 9 and 16 September 2015 8.30am-4.30pm Presenter ACCCN accredited trainers ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre is thrilled to work in partnership with the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses to deliver the ACCCN accredited ALS course. This course is most suitable for those with little or no experience/knowledge of ALS or those wanting a comprehensive update. Prior reading is expected. This two-day Adult Advanced Life Support program is for healthcare professionals who are required to provide Adult Basic and Advanced Life Support in a clinical setting. The program incorporates theoretical lectures, clinical skill stations and scenarios. A total of 16 CPD hours are assigned to this program (based on 12 hours program contact and 4 hours self-directed learning). ANMF/ACCCN member $360, Non-member $460
Hepatitis B for midwives and MCHNs
M
CPD: 3 Hours, course code: 886 Friday 11 September 2015 9.30am-12.30pm Presenter Gabrielle Bennett, Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator This new half day seminar presents the facts about Hepatitis B for midwives and MCHNs including epidemiology, pregnancy and hepatitis, signs and symptoms, testing, the latest on management and treatment, Infection control and occupational exposure and stigma and discrimination. The seminar includes a positive speaker presentation and the importance of health literacy. Member $110, Non-member $180, Job Rep or ANMF SIG member $100
August 2015
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Education centre RTO courses Nursing for ecological sustainability: a practical hands on seminar
ALL
CPD: 3 Hours, course code: 949 17 September 2015 9.30am-12.30pm Presenter Ian McBurney, Live Ecological ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre is excited to announce an intensive with Ian McBurney from Live Ecological. Many members will have had the pleasure of hearing Ian speak at the ANMF (Vic Branch) Health and Environmental Sustainability conference. An entertaining and thought provoking speaker with a stellar reputation, Ian will challenge and inspire you to look at health and sustainability in a different way. Why does sustainability matter for nursing and health? How can we reduce water, waste and energy at work? What difference can one nurse make? How can we enable change in those around us? Bring your questions, your ideas, your stories of successes and failures, your frustrations and your hopes. Get ready to enhance your journey from passionate person to sustainability change maker. Member $130, Non-member $200
Practical and quick stress relief techniques
ALL
CPD: 4 hours, course code: 907 24 September 2015 12.30 -4.30pm Presenter Jane Robotham Nurses and midwives are expected to fit in huge workloads and tasks often under pressure as unexpected outcomes occur frequently. The cost of such demands at times leaves us overloaded and exhausted. This dynamic workshop explores the nature of stress associated with working in these roles. Dissolve daily stress and fatigue and improve wellbeing by learning simple and practical techniques that are easy, enjoyable and highly effective. Member $110, Non-member $180, Job Rep or ANF SIG member $100
The importance of documenting nursing care within the aged care environment (Code: 860)
ALL
CPD: 6 hours, course code: 860 21 September 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Margaret Lang
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August 2015
Understanding the significance of accurate documentation in aged care is critical, particularly with regards to client care, funding and legal issues. The seminar will include a discussion on the ACFI and Aged Care Accreditation Standards and the principles of an effective handover. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
RN EN
The art of communicating successfully in the contemporary nursing environment CPD: 6 hours, course code: 1042 30 September 2015 9.30am- 4.30pm Presenter Jenny Poulter Effective communication with patients and colleagues is central to nursing and midwifery practice. This workshop is designed to support nurses to communicate in a clear and sensitive way in a multidisciplinary, multicultural and often tense environment where clients, patients and colleagues alike have diverse and varying needs. Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
Managing the deteriorating patient
RN
CPD: 6 hours, course code: 861 30 September 2015 9.30am-4.30pm Presenter Bruce Killey This new one-day workshop takes a comprehensive exploration and review of the important aspects of managing patients who deteriorate whilst in acute care. The workshop focuses on advanced skill development for those working in the general ward setting. Who is at risk? What signs and symptoms should “worry” you? How to immediately manage such situations and how to get help in a timely and effective manner? Member $180, Non-member $215, Job Rep or SIG member $170
and assessors in the VET sector. The course is designed for people who are currently working in a training or assessment role, or where part of their job requires training and assessment. Comprising 10 units delivered over 15 days, this course focuses on the skills required to deliver training and assess competence in the participants’ own industry areas. This course includes the Language, Literacy and Numeracy unit recently added to this qualification. Dates: Course 4, course code: 1330 3, 10, 17, 24 September; 1, 2, 15, 22, 23 October; 5, 13, 20, 26, 27 November & 4 December Classes run from 9am-5pm Cost $2100 which covers tuition fees, assessments and learning resources and which is paid in three instalments throughout the course. Payment plan: Deposit $900 – on enrolment Instalment one: $600 – week six Instalment two: $600 – week 12 This is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by the ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre RTOID 22609
ALL
HLTAID001 Provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation CPD: 3 hours, course code: 997 15 October 2015 9.00am-12 pm Presenter Joan Pickford Renewing CPR qualifications is an essential part of professional development for many nurses and midwives. ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre offers members nationally recognized training delivered by experienced nurse trainers. These courses fill fast so enrol as early as possible. Fee: $110 RTO ID: 22609
ALL
ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre nationally recognised training ALL
TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment The TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course focuses on the skills required to deliver training and assess competence in the participants’ own industry areas. It is the benchmark qualification (along with subject matter expertise) for trainers
HLTAID003 Provide First Aid
CPD: 12 hours, course code: 1044 1 and 8 October 2015 9.00am-4.30pm Presenter Jenny Poulter Renewing first aid qualifications is an essential part of professional development for many nurses and midwives. ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre offers members nationally recognised training delivered by experienced nurse trainers. These courses fill fast so enrol as early as possible. Fee: $360 RTOID: 22609
www.anmfvic.asn.au
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Course registration form
Register online at anmfvic.asn/education or complete this form and return to the ANMF education centre.
Venue The ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre, ANMF (Vic Branch) Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID: 22609), nursing laboratory and library are located near the Melbourne CBD at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
Upcoming course program Visit anmfvic.asn.au/education for information about these and upcoming courses.
Continuing professional development (CPD) All nurses and midwives are required to undertake 20 hours of continuing professional development each year as part of the requirements to re-register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. For information visit nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au
Costs Significant discounts on many Education Centre courses (excluding government-funded courses) are available to ANMF members, Job Reps and ANMF Special Interest Group members. Courses may be tax deductible. Ask your tax consultant for advice.
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Credit card number Expiry Amount: $ Cardholder name Cardholder signature Please forward fully completed registration form and payment: ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre Box 12600 A’Beckett Street Post Office Melbourne Vic 8006 OR scan and email to education@anmfvic.asn.au Once payment is received a receipt will be posted to you. Please make cheques payable to ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre. Disclaimer
ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre (ABN No 1716 9548 707) will endeavour to ensure that the speakers and content for this seminar proceed as advertised. However, unexpected circumstances may necessitate the utilisation of a replacement speaker(s). ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre disclaims any liability for any errors/omissions in terms of information provided at this educational event.
Refunds and cancellations
The decision to proceed with or reschedule a seminar is based on the number of participants registered, however if ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre cancels a session you will receive a full refund. If you cancel your registration the following will apply: a) Over seven days notification, full refund (less 10 per cent administrative fee) b) Less than seven days notification no refund will apply
Australian
maternity
end of life care
organ donation Nurses & emergancy nursing Midwives leadership nurses
bullying
violence prevention Conference patient handling WWI
10 & 11 September
mental heal
agedremote carearea nurs up to 15 hours CPD union aid Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
ANMF member prices from $410 More information and registration at anmfvic.asn.au/anmc don’t miss Providing nursing care during the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone
The Safe Ward concept adopted in the United Kingdom
Tracy Zordan, Registered Nurse
Mr Geo Brennan, RN, RPN, England, United Kingdom
Principal sponsor
The power of many: Managing health care aid after the Haiti Port-au-Prince earthquake Dr Marie Etienne, International Nursing Consultant for the National Nursing Committee of the American Red Cross.
Bronze sponsors