Issue 20 10/10/11 fortnightly
Mental Health Special Feature Examining the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program, by Bridget Willett Draft eHealth records legislation unveiled Crocs warning for nurses Aged Care nurses ageing
Mental Health Services
Recruiting NOW!
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APPLY NOW Victoria | Melbourne Theatre scrub/scout nurses with neuro focus required. Excellent opportunities for career advancement. Call Janie on 03 9009 6444 Queensland | Brisbane Cardiac scrub/scout, cath lab & CCU nurses wanted. Diverse team, multiple locations to choose from. Call Alex on 07 3118 8154 New South Wales | North Coast Registered oncology nurses needed. Dynamic team, great location. Call Lisa on 02 9024 3224 South Australia | Adelaide Care manager required for an aged care facility. Supportive environment. Call Jackie on 08 7421 4407 Western Australia | Perth Midwives required for prestigious healthcare facility. Vibrant team, top location. Call Melissa on 08 6465 8616
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Issue 20 10 October 2011 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in Issue 20, 2011. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or if you would like to receive our publication, please email us at careers@ncah.com.au
Advertiser List AHN Recruitment Alliance Health Services Australian Medical Services CQ Nurse
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Delmont Private Hospital
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WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS BACK? HOW ABOUT 5 WEEKS ANNUAL LEAVE?
Do you have the ability to manage, lead, problem solve and provide advanced clinical patient care? Do you have expertise in general adult psychiatry? If you are a highly skilled and motivated Registered Nurse Division 1 with high levels of energy and excellent leadership qualities, then this job is for you! Delmont Private Hospital is an accredited 60 bed private psychiatric hospital with extensive Inpatient, Day program, Outreach and Consulting Suite services.
We have a full time (Monday – Friday) Nurse Unit Manager position available to join our managerial and clinical teams, leading and managing one of our acute psychiatric units, specializing in Aged Psychiatry. Relevant experience essential. As the Nurse maintain and stakeholders. management component.
Unit Manager you will be required to develop, enhance relationships with our patients and This role provides leadership, direction and to the Unit as well as a direct clinical care
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A vision for excellence and providing quality care and service to people with complex mental health issues, together with superior communication and organisation skills and the ability to prioritise work in a dynamic environment will see you succeed in this role. In return you will be offered attractive remuneration, professional working conditions, and supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team within a leading provider of mental health services. Award as per ANF. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skill. Applications Close: Monday October 31st 2011 Telephone queries and written applications to: Peter Randell, Director of Nursing 9805 7333 / prandell@delmonthospital.com.au PO Box 193, Glen Iris, Vic, 3146 To obtain a Position Description: rbaird@delmonthospital.com.au
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Choose a degree that’s cut out for you
Social Work is all about people, social dimensions and communities. Social Work at UNE is innovative and flexible and prepares students for working with individuals, families and groups who experience marginalisation, isolation or discrimination. UNE offers two Social Work degrees: • Bachelor of Social Work - a four-year degree for those without a university degree. Accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers. • Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)*- for those who have previously completed a three year university degree and wish to retrain as a social worker. You can study our social work programs either on campus or by distance education, full time or part time. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a career change, Social Work is a degree that’s cut out for individuals. Applications for study in 2012 now open. Visit une.edu.au/ncah or call 1800 818 865 * Only available for commencement in Trimester 1, 2012.
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Your next logical step Become a physician
RN to MBBS Earn your MBBS at Oceania University of Medicine ~ Samoa
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Many of your duties are the same as a doctor, so why not gain the rewards Gain more knowledge, more autonomy and more recognition No need to uproot family and move from friends and support systems Continue working during first two years
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OCEANIA UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE N O W I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY A C C R E D I T E D Visit www.RNtoMBBS.org or call in NZ 0800 99 01 01 or in AUS 1300 665 343
Agency Nursing
Opportunities Full time and part time work available
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We are continually getting bookings for RN’s, midwives, OT, ICU, Anaesthetics, Paediatrics and Recovery. Excellent rates of pay. CNS rates available* Please call Cathy on 0422 389 833 cathy@ausmedserv.com.au
AMS
Australian Medical Services Pty Ltd
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C R E D E N T I A L E D M E N TA L H E A LT H N U R S E S ·
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We are seeking highly motivated, experienced and independent credentialed mental health nurses to join our community based independent practice. The successful applicant will resonate strongly with the attitudes and philosophy of Improving Outcomes; in particular, that there is a high priority given to the respect of autonomy, dignity, and individual creativity of the people we serve. The nurse will develop his/her own individual practice within the supportive framework of Improving Outcomes. Our approach resonates with and reflects the emerging ‘recovery’ paradigm; which we articulate as, ‘a journey of increased self awareness and self realisation’, that facilitates the achievement of the identified goals and aspirations of each person. Credentialed nurses with our practice have their own ABN number and are ‘Associate Practitioners’ under the auspices of Improving Outcomes. For more information, visit our website: http://www.improvingoutcomes.net/ Or call John Walker on 03 9863 6942
New code of ethics for pharmacists A revised code of ethics for pharmacists will be unveiled amid mounting controversy surrounding a new deal for pharmacists to promote Blackmores products to consumers. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia will launch a new code of ethics, designed to underpin the professional role of pharmacists as health-care clinicians, at the Pharmacy Australia Congress being held in Melbourne from October 6-9. “This code reinforces the principle that pharmacists should ensure that medicines and products they recommend are evidencebased and will have positive health outcomes for consumers,” PSA national president Grant Kardachi said. The guidelines come after the Pharmacy Guild
of Australia, which represents 94 percent of Australia’s 5200 pharmacies, secured a deal to promote Blackmores dietary supplements with prescription medicines. From October 1, the guild has agreed to begin recommending a range of Blackmores products to patients when they pick up prescriptions for antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, cholesterol drugs and proton pump inhibitors. Mr Kardachi said when recommending complementary or other medicines to consumers, pharmacists need to work closely with the consumer’s GP to ensure their advice meets the needs of the patient’s care plan. To read the full www.ncah.com.au
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Massive cuts to Tasmania’s elective surgery Tasmania’s state government has slashed funding to elective surgery and announced 150 health department jobs will be axed in a bid to save $21.6 million. Nurses have reacted angrily to the announcement amid fears of bed closures and concerns patients’ lives will be jeopardised. Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne said the cuts will meet the remaining $30 million of the $100 million savings task set in the state budget but she vowed the move would not directly impact on patient care.
We are clearly very concerned about what the implications are for the RHH as the greatest cuts will be made here. – Neroli Ellis Ms O’Byrne said Northern Area Health Service will reduce elective surgery volumes and save $8.5 million, Southern Area Health Service will reduce volumes to save $10.7 million and North West Area Health Service will save $2.4 million. Under the budget cuts, the Royal Hobart Hospital will be $45 million worse off in its elective surgery budget until 2013-14. Other spending cuts announced include reconfiguring the Launceston General Hospital’s ward 4D and consolidating its oncology services to save $2.2 million, rostering changes at the hospital’s ICU to save $1.035 million, and reallocation of beds across the North West Area Health Service resulting in an estimated saving of $1.015 million. www.ncah.com.au
Australian Nursing Federation Tasmanian branch secretary Neroli Ellis said the government was yet to unveil the real implications of the budget cuts. “The reality of this announcement is that one surgical ward will close at Burnie, reducing the bed capacity by 24 beds and up to two wards and two theatre suites will close at the LGH with more closures inevitable at the RHH,” she said. “We are clearly very concerned about what the implications are for the RHH as the greatest cuts will be made here. “This can only result in bed closures in addition to closure of the operating suites and a pressure situation to admit emergency admissions.” For more news and resource articles plus thousands of jobs and courses for nurses and allied health professionals, visit www.ncah.com.au
Mental Health Services
Recruiting NOW
The Bloomfield Campus, Orange NSW continues as the place to be for mental health professionals. Wi t h a s i g n i f i c a n t i n v e s t m e n t o f o v e r a q u a r t e r o f a billion dollars, the new campus combines both the general hospital and mental health facilities all on one site. The new specialist mental health component of t h e c a m p u s m a k e s i t o n e o f t h e l a rg e s t m e n t a l h e a l t h inpatient facilities in regional Australia offering health professionals exciting opportunities to work in a variety of mental health specialities including: •
C h i l d a n d A d o l e s c e n t
•
A dult Acute, Intensive Care and High Dependency
•
O l d e r P e o p l e s A c u t e a n d N o n A c u t e
•
Forensic and
•
Rehabilitation.
Choose a lifestyle to suit your individual needs and enjoy that much desired work life balance. From the metropolitan benefits of living in Orange to a even more relaxed way of life in one of the unique villages just a stones throw away J o i n U s . . . C i t y L i f e , V i l l a g e L i f e , L o v e Yo u r L i f e R e c r u i t i n g N o w f o r a v a r i e t y o f n u r s i n g a n d a l l i e d h e a l t h p o s i t i o n s . F o r m o r e information visit our website...
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Mental Health Nursing Opportunities Are you a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse interested in a career in Mental Health Nursing? To find out more contact us today If you would like to enquire about opportunities or a site visit and tour of clinical settings please contact Winnie Leung Phone: 9887 5989 Email: wleung@nsccahs. health.nsw.gov.au
Central Coast Local Health District
Mental Health Services located at Central Coast Local Health District currently have a range of Mental Health Nursing opportunities for both Registered and Enrolled Nurses across a number of Clinical Services and Teams which include locations at: • Wyong Hospital • Gosford Hospital Central Coast Local Health District offers flexible work options, salary packaging, education support and self development opportunities. A 12 month New Graduate Program is offered for both Registered and Enrolled Nurses. Full Time, Part Time & Casual positions are available. • Looking for a better work/life balance? • Looking for a career change and want to try an exciting clinical specialty? Then NOW is the time. We look forward to welcoming you to a friendly and supportive team!
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Mental Health Nursing Opportunities Are you a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse interested in a career in Mental Health Nursing? To find out more contact us today If you would like to enquire about opportunities or a site visit and tour of clinical settings please contact Winnie Leung Phone: 9887 5989 Email: wleung@nsccahs. health.nsw.gov.au
Northern Sydney Local Health District
Mental Health Services located at Northern Sydney Local Health District currently have a range of Mental Health Nursing opportunities for both Registered and Enrolled Nurses across a number of Clinical Services and Teams which include locations at: • Manly Hospital • Royal North Shore Hospital • Hornsby Hospital • Macquarie Hospital. Northern Sydney Local Health District offers flexible work options, salary packaging, education support and self development opportunities. A 12 month New Graduate Program is offered for both Registered and Enrolled Nurses. Full Time, Part Time & Casual positions are available. • Looking for a better work/life balance? • Looking for a career change and want to try an exciting clinical specialty? Then NOW is the time. We look forward to welcoming you to a friendly and supportive Team!
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Choose your own adventure with Queensland Health The opportunities are endless for skilled mental health professionals in Queensland’s idyllic rural and regional communities.
Queensland Health Submit your CV and Expression of Interest online today at: www.health.qld.gov.au/mh
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MH310511
“With so many opportunities available in rural Queensland, I decided to take advantage of the incentives on offer in remote Longreach. I now consider myself a local and enjoy exploring Queensland’s outstanding Central West region providing CYMHS outreach mental health services along the way.” Jonni Schoone, Clinical Mental Health Nurse, Longreach
Interested in being part of the future of Forensic Mental Health in NSW? Opportunities for Endorsed Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses with recent Mental Health experience Operated by Justice Health, The Forensic Hospital is an integral part of the Forensic Mental Health Network. Located at Malabar and officially opened in February 2009, this purpose-built 135-bed facility provides high-quality specialised care to male, female and adolescent forensic patients in a high-security therapeutic environment. Justice Health offers flexible work options, salary packaging, education support and selfdevelopment opportunities for mental health professionals. If you have recent mental health experience as an EEN or RN and would like more detail about the opportunities that exist within The Forensic Hospital, please contact a member of our recruitment team. Enquiries: The Recruitment Team 1300 734 842. Website: www.jobsatjusticehealth.com.au Applications: Justice Health Recruitment – The Forensic Hospital, PO Box 150, Matraville NSW 2036 or email careers@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au
We look forward to welcoming you to The Team!
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Submit your interest now for positions commencing early 2012
Mental Health
Mental Health RNs, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists with relevant Mental Health experience. Initial 3 months employment based in either the Melbourne or Sydney office before commencing work from home. Our team of Mental Health Professionals offer comprehensive telephone triage assessments, crisis management and ongoing support 24/7. You will work in a supportive environment and be exposed to a wide range of cases.
Work from the comfort of your own home (Full time or Part time) and take your nursing career to a new level with a desk based position alongside a team of like minded professionals. Enjoy the benefits of no commuting time or cost, joining a virtual team and become part of one of the biggest health solutions networks across Australia and New Zealand. Alternatively we also have positions in our metropolitan offices Australia wide.
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Chronic Disease Management
RNs with 3 years recent clinical experience, Disease Management experience is highly regarded. Night shifts are not required for this role. Forming part of our expert Chronic Disease Management team, you’ll provide a crucial resource to patients with CHF, COPD, CAD and diabetes. In this role you’ll be given the time and means to build strong relationships with patients, educate them on their disease and teach them the skills for proactive management.
Nurse Triage
RNs with 3 years recent generalist clinical experience. Flexible shift times for a better work life balance. As part of our telephone based triage team; you’re a crucial resource for those who need it most - even in the most remote locations. Be the first line of support - conduct telephone triage assessments giving advice and referral information as relevant to each caller’s needs. We work on a fixed roster system which gives you the benefit of being able to make plans and commit to them around your work.
If you have sound computer skills, an excellent phone manner and are interested in a new challenge, one of our positions may be perfect for you! For more information or to express your interest in upcoming positions commencing in 2012 please see our website www.medibankhealth.com.au/careers. Alternatively call our Careers Team today to speak to one of our friendly consultants on 1300 365 156.
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Mental health nurses in the community by Bridget Willett Examining the success of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program. The issue of mental health in rural areas has been in the spotlight for the past few decades, with the impact of natural disasters, climate change and isolation all contributing to the need for more support in rural communities. Recently, media coverage has focused on issues for mental health sufferers, the number of suicides annually, and potential gaps in mental health services. In response to this, there has been a steady improvement in government funding and in provision of community mental health services, which was supported in the last Federal Budget. Within this environment, it is timely to examine the success of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP), an initiative funded since 2008 by the Federal Government and administered by Medicare. It promotes collaboration between mental health nurses and psychiatrists and general practitioners in both metropolitan and rural community settings. The initial aim of the program was to focus on the needs of those people in the community experiencing severe mental health issues. Eligible community-based general practices, private psychiatry services and other appropriate organisations, such as Aboriginal medical services, who appoint mental health nurses to coordinate treatment and care for people with serious mental illness and complex needs, can register with Medicare and apply for funding in the form of non-MBS incentive payments for the engagement of those mental health nurses www.ncah.com.au
Medicare requires that eligible organisations would provide ‘a minimum caseload of twenty patients with a severe and persistent mental health disorder per week, averaged over three months’. Factoring in patient turnover, a full-time mental health nurse is expected to manage thirty-five patients over the course of a year, with most requiring ongoing care. The plan of the MHNIP is to provide a flexible and accessible service that is designed to meet clients’ needs, and focuses on wellbeing and recovery. It provides doctors with clinical support, enabling them to spend more time with clients, and relevant services and programs can be used to support clients and their carers. There are several ways that mental health nurses can work under the program (ranging from becoming an employee to working under self-funded arrangements) within a number of practice and funding models. Julie, from Central West Gippsland in rural Victoria, joined the program as an employee when she applied for a position with a nearby division of general practice, advertised in the local paper. She had been working in public mental health for the past sixteen years and was unhappy in the job due to poor funding, not enough staff, and management that wasn’t supportive. She enthused that ‘It’s the best decision I’ve made.’ As part of the program, Julie is required to complete a Medicare form daily, with patient details and whether the contact was face to face or not. She says, ‘It only takes a couple of minutes. All Medicare wants to know is that we have contact with at least two patients in each morning and afternoon session, and that those patients have a GP mental health plan.’ continued overleaf
Draft eHealth records legislation unveiled Health practitioners will face hefty penalties of up to $66,000 for inappropriate use of the Federal Government’s proposed eHealth records, set to become available in July next year. Health and Ageing Minister Nicola Roxon has released the draft eHealth records legislation, known as the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system, for public comment. The draft legislation features harsh fines for a record being inappropriately accessed and if more than one record is accessed without authorisation, the penalty multiplies by the number of records. The system will also be monitored to detect suspicious or inappropriate behaviour, ensuring records are only accessed on a needs basis.
“Electronic health records have the potential to save lives, time and money and make the health system more efficient,” Ms Roxon said. Ms Roxon said patients will have control over who accesses their information, and will know who has accessed their records and at what time. “Patients can upgrade their privacy settings to suit their needs, for example, giving their GP access to their entire records but more limited access to their dentist,” she said. “Doctors, or other health professionals, will be the only people allowed to create medical notes on the file. Patients can add their own notes about their general health but cannot make medical notes.” For the full article visit NCAH.com.au careers@ncah.com.au
The funding for Julie’s position is for at least another two years and her employer seems optimistic that it will continue. Julie is aware that, ‘Certainly the needs are there, it will leave a huge gap if withdrawn. The demand is gradually increasing and the practice will be looking at taking on new staff to cover this in the near future.’
fortunate to have the opportunity to work with clients with a mental illness in a way I believe they should be treated’. She now has seven nurses working with her and is signed up with twenty practices, including general practices, private psychiatrists and community health centres, that she provides with administrative and clinical services.
In metropolitan South Morang in Melbourne, as a result of some unfortunate working experiences, Rosemary, a mental health nurse, decided to go it alone. After initially feeling overwhelmed, she learnt the complexities of Medicare, how to engage general practitioners, went to the tax office and got information about setting up a business. In 2008, she registering the business name, Primary Mental Health Consultancy.
The MHNIP has added other benefits since it started. It has been able to keep many people out of hospital and guide them back into productive lives, with benefits extending into the broader community.
Since opening that business, she says, ‘It has taken on a life of its own and I am extremely www.ncah.com.au
If you are interested in knowing more, the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses can provide further information, including a toolkit available on its website, which is a good idea to read through for mental health nurses looking to establish an MHNIP practice.
Mental Health Clinicians Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Nurses • Great rural locations in Northern inland NSW • Job Flexibility – a range of work options • Ongoing professional development and education opportunities Life Solutions North West would like to invite you to join our dedicated team of health professionals committed to providing quality allied and mental health services to GP referred patients. As a rural primary health care practice we offer a broad range of mental health and allied health interventions providing diversity and stimulation in a clinical setting. Clinicians have the opportunity to work in a supported environment providing services to smaller rural communities within the local region. Our team works with clients across age groups including the perinatal period providing focussed psychological interventions with the philosophy aimed towards building the client’s self determination and resilience. Professional development is a strong feature within Life Solutions North West, offering opportunities for staff to enhance their clinical skills through ongoing education, research and supervision. Workforce flexibility is promoted within our organisation offering at present part-time and fulltime positions to suit your lifestyle requirements in the Tamworth District. For eligible applicants there is also the opportunity to combine your own private practice with support through contracted hours within Life Solutions North West. Applications are invited from Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Mental Health Nurses wishing to improve their career in the mental health field. Previous experience in education and supervision of multi disciplinary staff would be an advantage. Remuneration will be in accordance with level of experience and qualifications. Criteria for Mental Health Clinician is available on application from Anne Galloway, Clinical Team Leader on (02) 6766 2822, agalloway@nwsdgp.org.au PO Box 1916 Tamworth NSW 2340 Applications close: 30th October 2011.
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What job do you want? Thinking about a new job opportunity? Perhaps a change of scenery or a step-up to a leadership role? Post your target job details and your resume on the NCAH.com.au website. You can enter your: • Target job title. • Your desired salary. • The locations in which you’re interested in working. • Your field of specialisation. • How soon you’re interested in taking on a new job. Recruiters will use the NCAH website to find & then contact you. Your first step is to visit NCAH.com.au and click the ‘Upload Your CV Now!’ button on the home page.
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UK breast care nurse now calls Australia home Karen Miles knows she is making a difference in the rural Queensland city of Ipswich. The former United Kingdom nurse moved from her home on the outskirts of London five years ago and is now working as a McGrath breast care nurse with Breast Screen Queensland Ipswich Service. “In this role we are privileged to really get to know some amazing ladies and their partners,” she said. “I was asked by The McGrath Foundation to do an interview for the Today program and one of my younger ladies agreed to be interviewed with me.
“We are proud Australian citizens now - just with a funny accent!” Now living and working in Queensland’s oldest provincial city, with a population of 155,000 people, Karen said the biggest challenge was access to services despite the city’s 300-bed public hospital offering breast surgery and oncology facilities. “We now have all the facilities for breast cancer care apart from radiotherapy,” she said. “If ladies are having chemo in the city they face a long time travelling home when they may be feeling unwell or nauseous. “We are now actively encouraging women to have their surgery or treatment closer to home at Ipswich hospital rather than travelling into Brisbane.”
“She was asked how I helped her and she said ‘the doctors took care of my breast cancer and Karen took care of me’, and that four years down the line she still has my number on speed dial. “What a fantastic job I have.” Karen worked in general medicine, neurosurgery, general surgery and breast/ gynaecological surgery before being appointed as a clinical nurse specialist for breast cancer in a close multi-disciplinary team in the south east district of the United Kingdom. Karen said her family’s decision to move to Australia was “challenging” but was also the best decision they had ever made. “I had lived in the same area all of my life and to move to the other side of the world was frightening but exciting,” she said. careers@ncah.com.au
New Zealand aged care nurses battle for pay parity New Zealand nurses are upping the ante in their fight for fair pay for aged care workers ahead of this year’s general election.
rate for an aged care health care assistant is $14.50 an hour while a public hospital health care assistant receives $18.46 an hour.
Unions and aged care workers have delivered the government more than 11,000 signed charters demanding quality care for older New Zealanders.
The charter states: “That’s not fair! And it is even more unfair that the government pays the wages of both employees.
The New Zealand Nurses Union, which represents more than 46,000 nurses and health workers, has joined the Service and Food Workers Union in calling for minimum staffing levels, fair pay, nationally consistent training and the transparent use of public funding. The call comes amid forecasts that the number of people over the age of 65 in the country will double by 2050. The NZNO charter states the average hourly
“We do not accept that caring for the elderly should be done on the cheap. In other sectors we have successfully campaigned that people doing similar work get paid similar wages. Aged care needs the same consideration and opportunity.” NZNO member Janine Kidd said the New Zealand public supported the union’s campaign to achieve quality care for older New Zealanders. To read the full www.ncah.com.au
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“FACT, NOT FICTION” The Nursing Careers Allied Health Magazine has an audited print and digital distribution of 24,823. The distribution is audited by the Circulations Audit Board of Australia. This makes the NCAH Magazine clearly the most widely distributed national nursing and allied health publication in Australia.
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Paramedic students experience natural disasters A group of Charles Sturt University paramedic s t u d e n t s participating in work placements in the United States have told how they experienced first-hand the impact of an earthquake and a hurricane. The third and fourth year paramedic students were in New York City, on their way to the EMS headquarters control centre in late August, when a rare earthquake struck the city. “Practical course-related work experience for university students is common today to prepare them for real-world professional roles after graduation,” CSU Professor Brian Maguire said. “While we were driving, admiring the NYC skyline, an earthquake hit the north-east United States. “We arrived at EMS headquarters to find that all the office buildings had been evacuated, as had high-rise buildings across the city, and the roads were filling with vehicles as people fled their location or raced to loved ones.” The students visited the 911 emergency call centre, where they listened to live emergency calls and also observed the EMS dispatch area.
During their trip, the group also visited the Long Island College Hospital, were assigned to stations across Brooklyn and Manhattan for ambulance observation tours, met one of the first police responders to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Centre and toured a NYC fire department station on the upper west side of Manhattan. When Hurricane Irene swept up the eastern seaboard of the United States, the students were evacuated to the neighbouring state of Connecticut. Hurricane Irene affected 65 million people, resulted in at least 55 fatalities and caused about $2.6 billion dollars in damage. CSU paramedic student Stevie Duddy said the entire experience had been invaluable. Ms Duddy, who hopes to become an intensive care nurse or work as a nurse or midwife with the Royal Flying Doctors Service, said the trip made her realise that professional pathways were unlimited with a clinical or medical background. “We met so many people who were once nurses, then became paramedics and are now doctors or medical researchers,” she said. “It makes me excited about my future and the extent of work I will be able to do.”
careers@ncah.com.au
We have some fantastic Nursing opportunities in Palliative Care at Greenwich Hospital HammondCare is an independent Christian charity specialising in dementia care, palliative care, rehabilitation, specialist mental health for older people and other health and aged services. The organisation provides these services through sub-acute hospitals, residential care and innovative community services in NSW. Nursing Unit Manager • Registered Nurse • 25 bed inpatient ward • Demonstrated skills in leadership & management We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) who will provide leadership with support from a Clinical Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Inpatient Palliative Care Unit at Greenwich Hospital. The Palliative and Supportive Care Service includes the inpatient unit, a day hospital, outpatient clinics and after-hours telephone advice. This service is for those diagnosed with a life threatening illness when relief from symptoms or pain management may be required. Reporting to the Nurse Manager Palliative Care/DDON, the NUM is responsible for all nursing, clinical coordination and management of the Palliative Care Inpatient Unit at Greenwich, including staff and roster management. The Palliative Care team strives to ensure that each patient and family is cared for with dignity in an encouraging, compassionate and home-like environment. More about you You will be a Registered Nurse with experience in managing a Palliative Care ward. You will be passionate about caring for people in need and have strong leadership and managerial skills, demonstrated through your experience in effectively managing a team. The selected individual will have a strong commitment to working within HammondCare’s Mission and Mission in Action. Applications close: COB, Friday, 14 October 2011 Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 1, Palliative Care Services (Full or Part-Time) • Registered Nurse with relevant qualifications and/or work experience • Demonstrated skills in leadership • Based at Greenwich Hospital An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic Clinical Nurse Consultant to work in our friendly, multidisciplinary team in a well resourced sub-acute service. We require a Clinical Nurse Consultant to provide clinical leadership in conjunction with the Nurse Unit Manager and Clinical Nurse Educator of a 25 bed specialist palliative care unit. The successful applicant will work within HammondCare’s Mission and Mission in Action, have highly developed clinical leadership ability and skills and be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on providing quality palliative care for patients and families. While based in the inpatient unit, collaboration with the broader palliative care service team is required in support of community and day hospital services. Applications close: Friday, 21 October 2011 EENs Wanted! • Permanent Full-time and part-time positions available Looking for a new role with challenge and responsibility? We have fabulous permanent opportunities for people who are passionate about caring. We are looking for enthusiastic Endorsed Enrolled Nurses to join our Palliative Care teams at Greenwich and Neringah Hospitals. The Palliative Care Unit at Greenwich Hospital has a total of 25 beds and there are 19 beds at Neringah. We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic EENs who will provide excellent care to the patients we care for. Our Palliative Care teams strive to ensure that each patient and family is cared for with dignity in an encouraging, compassionate and home-like environment. Applications close: Friday, 14 October 2011 Interested and like to know more? For more information on any of the roles, including the selection criteria and details on how to apply, please visit our website www.hammond.com.au/careers All short-listed applicants will be asked to consent to a national criminal record check.
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Some of our latest vacancies include: ➤ Clinical Nurse Specialist (Perioperative) Swan Hill, Victoria ➤ Registered Nurse (Perioperative) Swan Hill, Victoria ➤ NUM (maternity) Wangaratta, Victoria ➤ RN (Oncology) Shepparton, Victoria ➤ Dental technician Shepparton, Victoria
AHN recruitment has been established to offer something new for those seeking career challenges in the allied health, nursing and clinical support areas.
If you are looking to make a fresh start to your career or would like to register your interest in future job opportunities go to
www.ahnr.com.au
W: www.ahnr.com.au E: ahnr@ahnr.com.au T: 1300 981 509 careers@ncah.com.au
Aged Care Nurses Ageing Australia’s aged care workforce is increasingly ageing with almost 60 percent of its workers aged 45 and over and almost 30 percent aged 55 and over, according to new statistics. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show the residential aged care workforce is getting older at a greater rate than any other industry group in the community sector – with 58 percent of aged care workers aged 45 and above compared to 38 percent of workers in other industries. It also found the proportion of workers aged 55 years and over more than doubled in the past decade from 11 to 27 percent. The Australian Social Trends September 2011 report states: “Between 2000-01 and 2010-11, there was substantial ageing of workers in the residential care services industry. “During this same period, there was a substantial decline in the proportion of workers aged 25-34 and 35-44.” The report also found 44 percent of workers in residential care services worked as personal carers and assistants in 2010-11, while nurses were the second largest occupation group at 17 percent of workers. The remaining workers held a wide range of support roles, the report said. The new figures come after the Australian Nursing Federation, in its Aged Care Can’t Wait Report, called for an extra 20,000 nurses for the under-resourced sector, beginning with a $500 million Federal Government funding injection to close the wages gap. “The nursing workforce is ageing,” the ANF report stated. “The mean average of the registered nurse in a residential aged care facility is about 50 years of age, about five years older than in hospital care. www.ncah.com.au
“As the nursing workforce reaches retirement age, challenges of recruitment and retention are becoming more acute.” The Productivity Commission’s Caring for Older Australians inquiry report, released on August 8, estimated about 980,000 aged care workers would be needed by 2050. There was an estimated 262,000 people working in the aged care sector in late 2007, of these 175,000 provided services in residential aged care facilities and 87,000 provided aged care services in community settings. The PC report found compared to the broader health and community services industry, residential and community aged care employees were more likely to be female, work fewer hours and be older.
Join the Alliance Health Nursing Team
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REGISTERED NURSE
LOBETHAL & MURRAY BRIDGE T&R is internationally recognised as a leader in its field with an impeccable record of success. It is renowned for “total reliability” amongst its staff, the community and its business partners globally. The company has invested heavily in its people over many years and similarly reinvests in keeping its facilities efficient and competitive within the global business arena. We are currently seeking a Registered Nurse with a current practising certificate and rehabilitation and return to work coordinator experience; reporting to the Human Resources Manager, you will be responsible for managing a small team of occupational first aiders staffing health centres at Murray Bridge and Lobethal. This will also involve maintaining all administrative records and documentation, coordinating and participating in emergency first aid and coordinating and participating in worker rehabilitation and return to work plans with a thorough understanding of the SA Workers Compensation scheme. The successful candidate will be an experienced nurse who may have worked in an occupational health setting but experience in clinical trauma management will also be highly regarded. Attention to detail, strong Microsoft/excel skills, excellent time management and a strong and professional work ethic are the personal attributes required for this role. Competitive salary packages will be offered to the successful applicants commensurate with skills and experience. To apply, please forward a covering letter together with your resume by email to: recruit@tandr.com.au specifying in the subject line the position title that you apply for.
careers@ncah.com.au
Crocs Warning for Nurses
Crocs shoes are under the spotlight amid safety concerns for nurses wearing them on duty.
A spokesperson for the organisation said staff must wear fully-enclosed shoes with a non-slip sole in all patient care areas.
The renowned easy to clean and comfortable rubber shoes have been banned in Welsh hospitals amid fears they fail to protect against sharp objects.
“It is most important for nurses to wear appropriate closed in shoes to protect them from sharps, trips, slips, fatigue, falling objects and for effective manual handling,” he said.
The ban on Crocs comes after reports of several incidents of sharp objects piercing the soles of the shoes and follows similar bans at hospitals in the United States, Canada, Sweden and Austria due to safety concerns. Australia’s health services and networks all have different uniform policies and an Australian Nursing Federation spokesperson said it was up to employers to set the safety standard in footwear. “The ANF believes that, as per legislation, employers should do a risk assessment to determine risks to feet in determining appropriate footwear for nursing staff,” the spokesperson said St Vincents and Mater Health Sydney prohibits Crocs across all areas of the organisation. www.ncah.com.au
A spokesperson for Melbourne’s Epworth HealthCare said while nurses on its wards do not wear Crocs, some doctors and nurses in its theatres do wear them. The spokeswoman said independent laboratory research, commissioned by the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive, found Crocs present a “high risk” of slipping on wet and hard floor surfaces. Epworth’s Slips, Trips and Falls working party found Crocs were more slippery in the potentially moist environment of procedural areas than more conventional forms of surgical footwear, she said. “We want our employed staff to move to footwear that is more suitable and our efforts will be greatly assisted if our surgeons and anaesthetists can do likewise,” she said.
Coffs Harbour mental health nurses injured Nurses at the Coffs Harbour Mental Health Unit are being “pushed to the edge” with five injured in the past two weeks as a result of severe staff shortages, according to the nurses union. New South Wales Nurses’ Association general secretary Brett Holmes said nurses have been working overtime and double shifts due to a staff shortage equivalent to six full-time nurses in the 30-bed acute mental health unit. Mr Holmes said nurses will start closing six beds as they become vacant, including two high dependency beds and four acute/subacute beds, in a bid to reduce the nurse to patient ratio to an acceptable level. “The fact is the current workloads are excessive and unsafe and until the vacancies are filled bed numbers need to be better aligned with staff numbers,” he said. “There have been five injuries to nurses in the last two weeks. Our nurses have really been pushed to the edge on this one.
“The nurses cannot keep up the current level of overtime and double shifts. They are burning out and many are considering leaving, which would make the vacancy situation worse. “The safest thing to do, for all concerned, is to take this action while recruitment efforts are beefed up.” Mr Holmes said Coffs Harbour nurses are calling for the unit to have eight nurses on the morning and afternoon shifts and four on the night shift, up from its current roster of seven on the morning and afternoon shifts and four on the night shift. Nurses are demanding the current staffing plus a supernumerary nurse unit manager on the morning and evening shifts, he said. Mr Holmes said the current roster was being filled with excessive overtime and the use of the nurse unit manager in a clinical role.
careers@ncah.com.au
More security needed for Blacktown nurses
Blacktown Hospital nurses have had a win in their battle for increased security but more needs to be done, according to the New South Wales Nurses’ Association. Nurses have received 24-hour daily security at the ED and are calling for personal duress alarms and staff training in de-escalation and dealing with violent incidents. The move comes after Blacktown Hospital nurse Edith Castro-Rivera, 48, was stabbed in the arms, back and chest by a 39-year-old male patient while she worked at her computer at about 2am on July 12. It was the second attack on a nurse at the hospital in 10 months. In October last year a nurse working in the psychiatric emergency centre was also assaulted. NSWNA general secretary Brett Holmes said negotiations with hospital management were still continuing. www.ncah.com.au
“Our members had hoped for two security officers to be stationed in the ED. The hospital has agreed to one,” he said. “Clearly the hospital has to take responsibility for its risk assessment but there needs to be a comprehensive response so that there’s proper duress alarms and they are responded to by both security and a duress response team from within the hospital as well.” Mr Holmes said hospital management had conducted a review into the incident but more negotiations were needed. “We will also be looking forward to some more discussion with the WorkCover authority about how they are going to deal with the incident,” he said. Blacktown nurses have also called for the removal of crockery and metal cutlery after Ms Castro-Rivera was stabbed with a butter knife during the attack.
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