annual delegates conference · annual delegates conference also in this issue: poisons guideline...

Annual Delegates Conference

also in this issue: Poisons Guideline Update

HESTA/ANF Student Nursing AwardsRep of the Year

20

10

AU

GU

ST

100

962

Please enjoy this special edition of

Infusion, which focuses on our Conference.

Thanks to all Reps who presented,

attended and left us feeling motivated

knowing we can all make a diff erence to

improving healthcare in Tasmania

and Nationally.

NEROLI ELLISBRANCH SECRETARY

The 2010 ANF Annual Delegates Conference was another great success. For me, the success is being part of a group of 100 highly motivated nurses who have volunteered to represent their colleagues as ANF Reps in their respective workplaces; who are passionate about nursing, health care and a broader national and international agenda of social justice and improving the world we live in. Success is watching nurses lead the debate on health and social issues, and developing relevant strategies to address and improve outcomes. Success is also enjoying the great opportunity for networking with like-minded colleagues and having fun together!

Each year ANF Reps are recognised for outstanding contributions during the year by their colleagues. Congratulations to our Fay Hoppitt Rep of the Year for 2010, Sue Robertson, NUM North West Renal Unit. Another outstanding moment at this year’s conference was the inaugural HESTA/ANF Student Member Awards. Congratulations to the winner, Susan Mogga who certainly moved the audience to tears with her beautiful and inspirational story of her move from Africa, and determination to study nursing in Tasmania.

Nursing and midwifery has many short term challenges and the valuable ADC panel discussion on working in partnerships, with Michael Pervan CEO STAHS, Michael Krieg CEO CHCT and Fiona Stoker CNAO, certainly reinforced the need for managers to jointly problem solve and involve ANF Reps in all decision making in an open, transparent process. National Health Reform, National Registration, Public Sector EBA, Public Sector Career Structure review and implementation, Federal Election and Aged Care reform are some key issues ahead over the next six months. All panel members agreed that the health care system cannot cope with these signifi cant challenges without the support of nurses.

Each year ANF Reps raise resolutions which are debated and assist to form the basis of ANF policies. A summary of the key themes debated this year follows:

Aged Care

• Seek that all RNs have a beginning base line status of a Level 2 RN, and the development of a career pathway and structure, inclusive of Commonwealth funding and supported graduate programs

Midwifery

• ANF to consider the professional and educational needs of Direct Entry Midwives and to lobby for a specifi c midwife statement of duties which is to be included in all career structures

Public Sector EBA

• Post graduate qualifi cations to be more widely recognised by DHHS

• Include Caseload Midwifery with an Annualised Salary in the public sector EBA

• Nursing staff be paid the correct penalty for the hours they work on a particular day

• Seek via the EBA negotiations that PD leave should accrue to make the approval process more equitable

• Pay parity for Community Nurses to Allied Health Colleagues

• Sick leave provision to be extended to include certifi cates by other medical providers, and the appropriate inclusion of a statutory declaration as a valid form of evidence

• Seek a change to Daylight Savings clause and that night duty staff should be paid the actual hours worked when day light savings starts and fi nishes

• Negotiate payment for long service leave so that it refl ects the take home pay for nurses

OH&S

• Community nurses to have the option of wearing short sleeve or ¾ length sleeve shirts and appropriate outdoor wear where appropriate. Uniforms to be suitable to the conditions nurses work in

• Support and provision of holistic assistance to nurses undergoing personal crisis

Scope of Practice

• Negotiate fi nancial recognition for formal advanced training undertaken by Enrolled Nurses for the ‘extended Enrolled Nurse scope of practice’ as refl ected in the National Registration framework

Member Communications

• Improve ANF member communications and research the feasibility of introducing facebook, twitter and MSN.

www.anftas.orgInfusion is the offi cial publication of ANF Tas Branch. Letters and articles are welcome. Advertising rates available on request. Publishing deadline is 1st of each month prior to publication.Statements/opinions in infusion refl ect views of the authors, they do not represent offi cial policy of the ANF unless stated. Material featured in infusion is copyright and may be printed only by arrangement with the ANF (Tas Branch).

BRANCH SECRETARYNeroli [email protected]

NURSING INDUSTRIAL OFFICERCaroline [email protected]

LEAD ORGANISERAgnes Stanislaus–Large, [email protected]

ORGANISERSNorthStuart [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] WestAdele [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATION OFFICER Alison [email protected]

INFORMATION [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGERDenise [email protected]

HOBART182 Macquarie Street Hobart, Tasmania, 7000P: 03 6223 6777

1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area)

F: 03 6224 0229

LAUNCESTONCity Mill Business Centre 76 York StreetLaunceston, Tasmania, 7250P: 03 6334 1411

1800 001 241F: 03 6334 3928

DEVONPORT63 Best Street Devonport, Tasmania, 7310P: 1800 001 241 F: 03 6224 0229

ANF BRANCH COUNCIL & EXECUTIVEJulie DriverPresident, RHH WACSJenny ParkerVice President, LGH ICU

Bill DermodyExecutiveColleen FletcherExecutive, Clarence Plains CHCAndrew OstlerExecutive, RHH NSUSue RobertsonExecutive, NW Renal UnitSally BondePalliative Care SouthNoelene BurndredLGH QVMUCaroline CryerRHH NephrologyNick FirthMental Health Services, Wilfred Lopez

A Successful Annual Delegates Conference

Pamela HeskethLGH Spinal UnitLyn JohnsonMCH Ante Natal ClinicJuanita MayneRHH/Hobart PrivateAnn ReesHobart ClinicJaniece RobinsonNWRH DEMPeter SharpHPH MaternityMyf SuttonMidlands MPCKathy TigheRHH NSUJoanne Triffi ttMental Health

n–west

NW Reps - Fiona Hingston, Jan Robinson, Sue Roberston, Lyn Johnson, Jan Ponting, Suzanne Luke and Bronwyn Miles

Alison Claridge presenting at ADC

THE NORTH WEST WAS WELL REPRESENTED AT THE ADC IN HOBART.

There was networking, email and phone numbers exchanged, lots of laughter amongst the common thread of wanting to be involved and the strong sense of unity of wanting the best for our workplaces with workloads, recruitment and retention, education, and the newly arrived National Registration.

There were members from Aged Care, Community, CHAPS, Palliative Care, Mental Health (inpatient and community) and the public hospital system.

Resolutions were developed and followed correct process for inclusion at ADC. This involved writing the Resolution with background information, then speaking to the Resolution at the ADC.

Thank you to Reps Diane Smallbon, Helen Busscher and member Frances O’Brien for aged care Resolutions. A midwifery Resolution to have caseload midwifery with an annualised salary included in the public sector EBA was carried. Thank you to Lyn Johnson and Peter Sharp for this Resolution.

Alison Claridge from Spencer Clinic gave a great presentation on the

North West News

EBA UpdatesAGED CAREQueen Victoria Home: Passed the BOOT on 17/06/10 and will operate from 24/06/10.

Mary’s Grange Inc: The agreement operates from 16 July 2010 and the nominal expiry date is 31 October 2012. Payment of the fi rst wage increase under this agreement will be eff ective from the FFPP 1 July 2009 and any accruing penalty rates, allowances and entitlements will be eff ective from FFPP commencing 1 November 2009.

Salvation Army: Discussion regarding proposed outcomes was held on 2/07/10. Awaiting Head Offi ce response.

Huon Eldercare: Draft agreement document sent to employer on 23/06/10 incorporating FWA, NES and Nurses Award 2010. ANF has suggested that the agreement be extended for two years with corresponding wage increases but

maintain conditions and entitlements as currently. ANF is awaiting a response.

Corumbene: Meeting scheduled for 20/08/10 to progress EBA.

Deloraine Aged Care: Correspondence exchanged regarding commencement for EBA for Nurses and non-nursing staff .

St Anns: New correspondence sent on 22/06/10 to commence negotiationsfor EBA.

Emmerton Park: Employer reviewing draft document with FWA, NES and Nurses Award 2010 inclusions and will be responding this week.

PRIVATE SECTORCalvary Health Care Tasmania Southern: Ballot process commenced with votes being counted on 30/07/10.Northern: LOC endorsement meetings being conducted.

Healthscope: Please see southern report for detailed update.

Hobart Clinic: 3 year agreement; off er of 3% per year; night shift increase to 25%; study leave 1 day per year as per policy; 5 day paid training per year for Workplace Reps.

Healthecare: Healthecare EBA and associated Log of Claims is slowly progressing through the required process, with the last membership meeting on 21/06/10. The timeframe to sign off is envisaged before the end of September.

May Shaw Health Centre: LOC being endorsed by membership.

South Eastern Community Care: Correspondence to commence bargaining was sent to employer on 16/06/10. Dates to be set following expiration of Representational notice period.

EBA updates are current at the time of printing.

implementation of a Duress Alarm System in Spencer Clinic. Alison was also announced as a runner up for “Rep of the Year”. Thank you to Alison for your consistent eff ort in representing and supporting your colleagues in mental health services.

Congratulations to our Rep of the Year, Sue Robertson at the Renal Satellite Unit in Burnie.

Membership has improved with four sites in the NW at almost 100% density. Thank you to all for your membership recruitment eff orts!

3

The Tasmanian nursing m

agazine for AN

F Mem

bers IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

south

Southern Reps at ADC

Royal Hobart Hospital

Patient Alert Bands

With the introduction of PAS into the RHH, the DHHS have ceased using red patient alert bands on patients with drug and food allergies.

This directive has come from the Australian Council of Safety and Quality, and is based on research which states that harm to patients is signifi cantly increased with the placement of alert bands, as the staff become reliant on the bands, and do not read the patients notes. This has caused huge distress amongst the staff across all sectors of the hospital. ANF attended a meeting with CEO Michael Pervan and he agreed to undertake an independent risk assessment. The review will be independent from the Executive and conducted by someone with relevant credentials.

The process will capture all the relevant information around consistency of practice, benefi ts of the red bands, management of alerts generally, and will provide a balanced evaluation of all the options going forward.

Emergency Department

Michael Pervan, CEO, formally advised ANF that for the purpose of the trial of 12 hour shifts in the ED, a paid meal break will be provided subject to the staff member being readily available to be called to duty. The Agreement has been amended to refl ect the agreed changes and on behalf of members ANF has now signed off on the Agreement.

2B (includes MAPU & Stroke Unit)

ANF is supporting members on 2B to address their concerns that the current situation of increasing bed numbers is not tenable. The main issues relate to the geographical layout of the unit, staffi ng levels and skill mix, the need for an afternoon shift fl ow co-ordinator nurse for MAPU, a shift coordinator for night duty, increased ward clerk hours, specialist patients such as paeds and maternity being admitted to the unit with no guidelines in place, and management of renal patients on other units requiring peritoneal dialysis.

Management have agreed to and implemented some of the requests and negotiations are ongoing.

Nephrology South

Increased service demand is the reason for implementing the Twilight Shift. The new shift will be rostered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.

Management has advised that issues of additional hospital aide cover, security and car parking has been addressed. Outstanding concerns raised by members include additional clerical and cleaner hours.

It is important that any problems arising with the introduction of the new shift are documented and included in the evaluation process.

Primary HealthPlanning is in place to resume the statewide Rural Remote Teleconferences. The ANF Organising Team encourages all remote area reps or those that are interested to link into the teleconference.

Community HealthCongratulations to Sandy Carmichael, Kathy Kirby and the team from the Central Highlands Community Health for being recognised in the DHHS Innovations Awards for their project “Momentum - Mobile Phone Telehealth Solution”, which addressed the use of mobile phone technology as a new way of delivering quality health outcomes, especially for those in rural and remote areas. Congratulations to all ANF members who were involved in these awards.

Mental HealthANF met with Coral Muskett, DON Statewide MHS to discuss the future planning for the service. The main issues are sustainability of the current work force and strategies to address this with a focus on education. The lack of funding for a growing service need was also discussed.

Coral will be scheduling meetings across the state for all employees to review and comment on the future plan.

The fi rst meeting of the S&MHS, ICC, Sub-group to review recruitment and retention of nurses in the community was held on Monday 5 July 2010 and at

the time of writing the next is scheduled for 19 July. Minutes from the meetings will be distributed to members.

HealthscopeANF commenced negotiations with Healthscope representatives for the new EBA on Thursday 1 July and Healthscope ANF Reps Peter Sharp (Maternity) and Julie Mascall (Surgical) participated.

ANF lodged the ANF Log of Claimsin March prior to the EBA expiring in April. Unfortunately, ANF received the fi rst feedback from Healthscope on 4 June and it has been disappointing that Healthscope have been unable to begin negotiations any earlier.

ANF is now awaiting a written response from Healthscope to all aspects of the ANF claim, as they were unable to respond at the negotiations.

ANF will continue to negotiate in good faith, despite the employer stating that they will not look at any retrospective payments to staff .

There are two more dates for negotiations scheduled for July.

ANF will continue to provide feedback to members and will hold membership meetings once an off er is on the table to seek your direction.

Southern News

4

The

Tasm

ania

n nu

rsin

g m

agaz

ine

for A

NF

Mem

bers

IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

northNorthern News

Salary Packaging

CHCTWith the Calvary Health Care Tasmania Northern Campuses EBA up for renegotiation a Log of Claims has been developed and is ready for discussion with members at the St Luke’s and St Vincent’s campuses. Members have reported diffi culty in attending membership meetings and alternative arrangements to present the Log of Claims are currently being discussed to ensure that it accurately refl ects the needs of ANF members.

It was fantastic to hear CHCT CEO Michael Krieg participate and speak at the ANF Annual Delegates Conference about his desire to work collaboratively with ANF across all campuses of CHCT. With EBA negotiations soon to commence it is exciting that the CHCT CEO has expressed a desire to negotiate constructively with a positive commitment to work together.

In exciting news Helen Turner, ANF Rep at Calvary Northern Campus was named ANF Runner up Rep of the Year for 2010. Helen has worked tirelessly in her role as ANF Rep. She has supported and encouraged members to be involved in ensuring that workloads are appropriately safe and that CHCT management are informed of the concerns of nurses employed by CHCT.

Helen is a proactive Rep and has safe patient care as her focus.

WorkloadsANF has been working collaboratively with the LGH management team in several areas. QVMU midwives lodged a Stage 1 grievance related to excessive workload issues resulting in a signifi cant increase in overtime. Midwives were spending a great deal of time undertaking non-nursing duties such as cleaning and entering data into the PAS. A NHpPD Stage 2 Specialist Panel was convened which identifi ed increased vacant positions were impacting negatively on overtime, double shifts and annual leave allocation.

ANF argued that the key priority was for the recruitment to all vacant positions and as an interim measure a Hospital Aide has been employed for all night shifts to allow the RMs to perform purely their midwifery roles and a Ward Clerk employed until 2000 hours to assist with the administrative work. It was also agreed to train the night shift Hospital Aides in the use of PAS to further assist the RMs. A QVMU staff online survey is being developed to allow RMs to anonymously comment and hopefully suggest some strategies so that staff morale can be improved and the unit is able to move forward.

QVMU management has assured ANF that the recruitment of midwives to existing vacant positions is a priority and will continue. ANF will continue to monitor the progress of these issues through our Rep network.

The Department of Emergency Medicine at the LGH has again had issues with workloads and although a formal grievance was prepared it has not been lodged following discussion between LGH management and ANF who are committed to implementing strategies to alleviate the issues constantly aff ecting DEM nurses. A commitment to ensuring that an extra RN is rostered for every night shift (total 8) has been well received by DEM nurses.

George Town HospitalANF conducted a recent worksite visit to Georgetown Hospital, where it was noted that a graduate RN was working as part of a supported graduate program. George Town nurses commented on the success of the program, enjoying the experience of working and supporting a new grad and fi nding it very benefi cial to refl ect on their own practice. The graduate is thoroughly enjoying her placement and is gaininga wide knowledge and varied experience through good support.

MORE NURSES TO NOW HAVE ACCESS TO SALARY PACKAGING!

ANF have received advice from the Department of Health and Human Services, that the Australian Tax Offi ce has confi rmed that Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug, Correctional and Forensic nurses have now been approved for Salary Packaging. This ruling does not include any Health and Wellbeing staff .

This includes all staff in service delivery, both community and inpatient and includes clinical and non clinical staff , all staff in Area Management Units, and most of the staff in state offi ce

although there are some exceptions and these are still being worked through.

Unfortunately Child Health and Parenting Services (CHAPS) nurses will not receive salary packaging at this point. The salary packaging ruling relates to those staff who work exclusively at or in connection with a public hospital. The ruling covers that an Allied Health Service is an institution (public hospital) and that the health facilities within Mental Health Services allow staff within those areas to receive

salary packaging. As CHAPS nurses do not work exclusively at or in connection with a public hospital, this ruling does not apply to them.

ANF have been advised that all members of staff should have receiveda letter from the CEO advising of this.

At this stage it is likely that Maxxia (the salary packaging fi rm) will include information with all payslips in the fi rst pay of July. 5


agazine for AN

F Mem

bers IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Poisons Guidelines – UpdateTHE FINAL VERSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS) GUIDELINES FOR THE ‘ADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN SUBSTANCES BY AGED-CARE WORKERS IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE SERVICES’ HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND IS NOW READY TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION. FOLLOWING THE MAKING OF THE PROPOSED POISONS REGULATION 95EA THE GUIDELINES WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY, DHHS FOR APPROVAL.

Under the new regulation aged-care workers (eg personal care assistants, care workers) will be able to administer medications to residents in residential aged care facilities.

The Guidelines will facilitate consistency in the implementation and application of the proposed regulation.

The proposed commencement date for the new regulation is 1 September 2010.

ANF was a key stakeholder in the development of the Guidelines which have ensured:

• The DHHS Guidelines are referred to in Regulation 95EA. The regulation provides that aged care workers in residential aged care services will be required to comply with the Guidelines if they are administering medications to residents.

Approved providers in residential aged care services are required to comply with the Aged Care Act 1997 and Quality of Care Principles 1997.

As part of their communication strategy, DHHS will ensure that the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency and the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) are informed of the responsibilities of approved providers of residential aged care services in relation to the changes to the Poisons Regulations.

• A registered nurse must be onsite and accessible at all times to supervise the administration of medications by aged-care workers. To comply with the Guidelines,

residential aged care facilities are required to have a registered nurse on site when administration of medications has been assigned to aged-care workers. The aged-care worker is required at all times to work under the supervision of a registered nurse.

• The registered nurse onsite can only assign the task of medication administration to an aged-care worker when they have determined that the resident’s health status is stable.

• Every aged-care worker administering medications must have a minimum of Certifi cate III (in aged care or in home and community care or in disability) from the Community Services Training Packages, including specifi c competency units in medication administration. They will also be required to undertake an annual medication competency assessment, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

An ‘employee’ (as defi ned by the Guidelines) includes those workers who are “hired, retained or contracted by the approved provider (whether directly or through an employment or recruitment agency) to provide care or other services under the control of the approved provider”. This means that any aged-care worker, administering medications in residential aged care facilities, regardless of their employment circumstances/status, will be required to meet all training and competency requirements specifi ed in the Guidelines.

• Residential aged care facilities will be required to have regular multidisciplinary (eg medical practitioner, nurse, pharmacist) review of their medication management systems by a medication advisory committee as per the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC) Guidelines.

• The approved provider must ensure that to maintain the continuum of medication management and quality of care for residents that registered and enrolled nurses will be able to clinically assess residents

as required, and administer ordered PRN medication to residents.

In accordance with the Guidelines, all residents must have access to ordered PRN (as required) medication, at all times. This is particularly important, given the increasing numbers of residents with dementia and challenging behaviours, and those requiring palliative care. To enable all residents to receive medications ‘as required’, all residential aged care facilities should have a registered nurse or a medication endorsed enrolled nurse on site, at all times, to administer PRN medications.

As a result of the Enrolled Nurse Scope of Practice Project 2009, the Nursing Board of Tasmania approved changes to the scope of practice for enrolled nurses. Under the changes enrolled nurses are able to initiate PRN medications. This is dependent upon delegation from the registered nurse, organisational employer policies and procedures. It is not within the enrolled nurses’ scope of practice to delegate to aged-care workers. As per the ANMC competency standards enrolled nurses are required at all times to work under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse.

ANF has persistently lobbied to achieve the best possible outcomes for nurses and residents and we urge you all to actively support the ‘Because We Care’ campaign and lobby your Federal Member to ensure the voices of nurses are heard. 6

The

Tasm

ania

n nu

rsin

g m

agaz

ine

for A

NF

Mem

bers

IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

ANF Booth at the RCNA Expo

ANF has you covered

Professional Indemnity Insurance ANF IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE EXTENDED COVER IN PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY (PI) INSURANCE, INCLUDED IN YOUR ANF MEMBERSHIP.

• $10m in any one claim per member and $50m in the aggregate*

• Legal expenses up to $250,000*

Public Liability insurance remains at $10m in any one claim per member and in the aggregate.*

Nursing ExpoANF WAS PROUD TO BE PART OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING AUSTRALIA (RCNA) EXPO AGAIN THIS YEAR.

Thank you to Ros Gorrie, Libby Walker, Bill Dermody and Julie Driver for their assistance on the day. The Expo provided a great opportunity to talk with people who are considering nursing as a career, as well as those who are already part of the nursing team.

Newly Elected RepsMary Grey – Smithton District HospitalDi Smallbon – Mt St VincentAngela Manion – NWRH MerseySue–Anne Midgley – NWRH MerseyKerrie Burtt – NWRH MerseySharon Richards – St Anns Compton DownsSuzanne Fairbrother – NWRH MerseyJanne Gordon – Hobart Community NursingSue Williams – NWRH Mersey

On request, ANF can provide a Confi rmation of Professional Indemnity Insurance. Please contact our Membership Team for assistance.

The full copy of the ANF Members Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Policy can be viewed by appointment at ANF offi ces.

* Conditions apply

Aged Care Nursing Undergraduate Scholarship SchemeAPPLICATIONS HAVE OPENED FOR UP TO 395 UNDERGRADUATE AGED CARE NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS WORTH UP TO $30,000 PER PLACE.

These scholarships are aimed at people who want to become a Registered Nurse in the aged care sector, via full-time or part-time study.

Applications close 10 September 2010.

For more information please visit www.rcna.org.au

7


agazine for AN

F Mem

bers IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Sharon Philpott - LGH Nurse EducationI’ve been to ADC a few years in a row now and I thoroughly enjoy the networking and catching up with everyone. I fi nd that ADC is very focused on keeping us up to date with what we are doing as a group here in Tasmania. I really like the way Neroli and the other Organisers will recap and give us a good legal summary of what is actually going on. I thoroughly enjoy it!

Dee Douglas - LGH 5AAs a new Rep I came to ADC because I was very interested in understanding how professional unions work and the format they use. I’m learning lots about professional issues which I can take back to the workplace and spread the news.

Pam Hesketh - LGH Continence Nurse AdvisorBecause I’m on Branch Council as well as being a Rep, I feel as though ADC puts everything in place in terms of the process systems from a national and state viewpoint, in relation to the nursing profession, an individual, and as a mentor to new delegates and to my fellow colleagues.

Sharon Richards - Compton DownsI don’t think there was a best thing about ADC 2010 - it was all wonderful! This is my fi rst ADC and I have enjoyed getting to know other Reps. It’s great and I will defi nitely be back again next year.

Sue Robertson - NWRH Burnie Campus Renal UnitADC gives you a really good opportunity to be passionate. It’s about sharing your excitement with other enthusiastic people about the issues that nursing is facing. Therefore you feel quite empowered and you feel like you can be a mover and a shaker, and actually make a diff erence to things.

Cindy Brunniche - Department of Psychiatric MedicineI came to ADC 2010 to have a great time, to meet with friends, colleagues and delegates and to fi nd out what’s going on with nursing in Tassie at the moment.

On the heart beat for August Annual Delegates Conference 2010

ANNUAL2010DELEGATES

THE 2010 ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE (ADC) STARTED OFF WITH A BANG - WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF OUR FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER. JULIA GILLARD WAS THE TOPIC OF MANY CONVERSATIONS DURING BREAKS ON DAY ONE.

ANF welcomed our largest attendance at an ADC, and thank you to all Reps who attended our conference, and members who attended the professional sessions on the second day. The conference provided the opportunity for education and discussion about nursing practice today.

Thank you to our presenters, and a special thank you to Reps who shared their experiences with us.

• Eve Macfi e – Calvary, Lenah Valley Campus

• Susie Freeman – LGH, ICU• Alison Claridge – NWRH, Burnie

Campus• Ros Gorrie – Community MHS • Fanou Burslem - Refugee Primary

Health Care Clinic

There has been considerable interest from members recently wanting to become ANF Representatives, and it is encouraging to meet with members who want to make a positive diff erence to their workplace and provide a voice for their colleagues. ANF is keen to foster this enthusiasm and looks forward to working with these dynamic nurses to implement positive changes across many worksites. ANF members are fortunate to have as their advocates a strong network of Representatives working to improve their respective workplaces.

ANF Representatives at ADC demonstrated their commitment to the nursing profession and were passionate, vocal and inspirational. Well done to our Reps - we acknowledge your commitment and hard work.

Thank you again to everyone who attended ADC and helped to make this our biggest and best to date!

CONFERENCE

8

The

Tasm

ania

n nu

rsin

g m

agaz

ine

for A

NF

Mem

bers

IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Julie Driver, Tony Furmage and Neroli Ellis

Reps of the Year at the ADC Dinner: Carrie Page, Libby Walker, Alison Claridge, Sue Robertson, Dee Douglas and Ros Gorrie

NINE REPS WERE NOMINATED FOR THE FAYE HOPPITT REP OF THE YEAR 2010 AWARD, AND THE EXECUTIVE DECIDED THAT THEY WERE ALL OF A HIGH STANDARD, ACKNOWLEDGING THEM ALL AS FINALISTS.

Congratulations to our fi nalists, runners-up and winner of the Faye Hoppitt Rep of the Year 2010 Award.

FINALISTS

Anthony Aylward – Mental Health Services

Dee Douglas – 5A LGH

Carrie Page – Strathdevon

David Pittaway – Esperance MPC (now at RHH)

Libby Walker – RHH Maternity, NICU & PNICU

RUNNERS-UP

Helen Turner – Calvary St Vincents

Ros Gorrie – Gavitt House

Alison Claridge – Spencer Clinic

WINNER

Sue Robertson – NWRH Burnie

Rep of the Year Finalists

ANF WAS PROUD TO PRESENT TONY FURMAGE WITH LIFE MEMBERSHIP AT THE ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE.HE HAS BEEN NURSING SINCE 1975 AND BECAME A MEMBER OF ANF TAS BRANCH IN THE LATE 1970’S. TONY CONTRIBUTED TO TAS BRANCH IN VARIOUS ROLES OF REP AND BRANCH COUNCILLOR FROM 2000.

Although now retired, Tony isn’t sure he is 100% fi nished with nursing and says he will always remain a strong advocate for nursing and ANF.

Congratulations Tony!

2010 Rep of the YearWHEN I WAS AWARDED REP OF THE YEAR FOR 2010, I WAS SURPRISED AND ELATED AT THE SAME TIME. I LEARN SO MUCH FROM BEING A WORKPLACE REP AND THE OPPORTUNITIES THIS ROLE BRINGS, MAKES ME FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE ME GIVING THE ANF AN AWARD!

When I got my Nurse Unit Manager role, I was asked if I would give up my ANF Rep role now. I answered, “No, why would I?” I see being an ANF Rep and a NUM totally complimentary to each other. I have always been interested in nurse’s rights but also interested in the employing workplace’s rights. Fairness is what life is about for me. So that is where my core interest in the ANF is - fairness.

The strength of the ANF lies in nurses looking out for nurses and being united with this approach.

The camaraderie amongst a group of nurses is rarely found in workplaces today. Given we spend such a large proportion of our day at work, it should be a place where we love to come. ANF helps nurses to obtain this, with realistic workload models, whilst still appreciating and respecting wider issues and opinions.

Workplace “repping” can be as simple as disseminating information or running an industrial campaign. So like everything in life, you get out of it what you put into it. The opportunities are there for professional and personal development, so I challenge others to take on the role and see where it takes you.

Skills to gain include but are not limited to negotiating, coaching, communication at an advanced level, organising campaigns and critiquing papers that will shape the future of nursing. This is not to mention the camaraderie of a wider group of nurses from numerous areas. In this respect, you learn so much about other areas of nursing as opposed to getting consumed

by one’s own area which runs the risk of living in a silo. You gain a wider respect and understanding of the whole health system on a basic and political level. This has widened my eyes considerably!!!

I strongly recommend the Workplace Rep role to anyone who may be interested and thank ANF for this award.

Sue Robertson, North West Renal Unit

ANF Life Membership

9


agazine for AN

F Mem

bers IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Gold sponsor Silver sponsor

ANF ANNUAL2010 DELEGATES CONFERENCE

Rep experiences were great - this is what we are all about.

The enthusiasm for our profession is infectious.

ADC is fantastic for meeting other nurses and getting union information that is up to date and relevant.

10

The

Tasm

ania

n nu

rsin

g m

agaz

ine

for A

NF

Mem

bers

A

UG

US

T 2

010

INFU

SIO

N

Thank you all for the organising, the fun, the friendships and commitment to ADC.

This conference was awesome - had a great feel to it this year.

A wonderful opportunity to learn listen and consider the range of issues facing the professionals now and into the future.

The best ADC I have been to - excellent atmosphere.

As my first conference it was full of information to go back to the workplace to share.

11


agazine for AN

F Mem

bers A

UG

US

T 2

010

INFU

SIO

N

Melody Thompson being presented wtih the North West Polytechnic Student Nursing Award for Excellence

D&M with Matthew TysonAS WELL AS BEING A FATHER OF THREE I AM A SECOND YEAR STUDYING A BACHELOR OF NURSING AT THE NEWNHAM CAMPUS OF UTAS. I LIVE IN LINDISFARNE, MEANING A LOT OF TRAVEL BETWEEN LAUNCESTON AND HOBART. I AM ABLE TO LISTEN TO LECTURES ONLINE, BUT FIND I DO MUCH BETTER WHEN I ATTEND IN PERSON. IT’S A BALANCING ACT GETTING THE MIX OF FAMILY AND STUDY JUST RIGHT. IN ADDITION TO MY NURSING STUDIES I AM A FIRST YEAR MENTOR, STUDENT AMBASSADOR AND TAKING PART IN THE VICE CHANCELLORS AWARD. I LIKE TO STAY BUSY AND I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT THE ORGANISER ON MY PHONE.

Acknowledging Our StudentsANF CONGRATULATES THE WINNERS OF THE FOLLOWING AWARDS, SPONSORED BY ANF.

UTAS Bachelor of Nursing Awards

Most Outstanding 1st Year Student - Carmen Amaya

Most Outstanding 2nd Year Student - Emilie McCallum

Most Outstanding Graduand - Scott Kearney

Scott is currently working at the NWRH Burnie, and we wish him the best for his nursing career.

Polytechnic Student Nursing Award for Excellence

Southern Award - Tania Baker

Northern Award - Simone Baker

North West Award - Melody Thompson

Graduate Nurse TransitionARE YOU A FIRST YEAR RN OR MIDWIFE?

Craig Phillips, a Lecturer in Nursing at the University of South Australia, is undertaking a PhD entitled: Pre-registration paid employment and the impact on graduate nurse transition.

This study is concerned with paid employment choices that undergraduate nursing students choose in the fi nal year of studies, and whether a specifi c paid employment type gives rise to a greater or lesser successful transition to the fi rst year of Registered Nurse/Midwifery practice.

These employment types are most commonly within health related settings, or in the hospitality and retail sectors. We are also interested if you did not work in paid employment during the fi nal year of your studies.

To take part please complete the online survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RZ5RH8S

I looked at undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing when I fi rst left school in 1986, but at that time I found the idea of more school abhorrent. I was never a model student and didn’teven stick around to fi nish college. Recently, after doing a lot of research, I decided that the values nurses express mirrored my own and felt that it was a profession I wanted to be involved in. A gap opened up and I decided it was now or never. It was a big commitment but I am thoroughly enjoying it and look forward to a long and eventful career.

What I really love about university is the practical experiences we are off ered. I enjoy learning from other nurses, listening to their experiences and linking that with what has been taught in class. Having the opportunity to interact with patients while on placement is extremely rewarding and defi nitely a highlight of my experience so far.

After completing my studies I hope to obtain a post graduate position as a paramedic in the public sector, and with a solid nursing base I would like to continue my career in a remote rural environment. I am also looking forward to spending more time with my children and getting away for a family holiday!

Matthew Tyson, Nursing Student

Do you know a job seeker who is interested in a career in caring for the aged?*

ANF is off ering qualifi cations in:Certifi cate III in Aged CareCertifi cate III in Home & Community Care

ANF is taking registrations for job seeker information sessions for mid August.

Register now on 6223 6777

* Subject to eligibility. This training program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and Skills Tasmania

12

The

Tasm

ania

n nu

rsin

g m

agaz

ine

for A

NF

Mem

bers

IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Students Matthew Tyson and Susan Mogga, and Alison Dixon (Hesta)

HESTA/ANF Student Member AwardsHESTA AND ANF ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL HESTA/ANF STUDENT MEMBER AWARDS, AND ACKNOWLEDGE ALL STUDENTS WHO TOOK THE TIME TO ENTER AND SHARE WITH US WHY THEY CHOSE NURSING AS A CAREER.

Winners were announced at the Annual Delegates Conference by sponsor Alison Dixon from HESTA. Prizes to assist with academic costs were as follows: 1st $750, 2nd $500 and 3rd $250.

Congratulations to our winners Susan, Clare and Matthew. Matthew and Susan joined us at ADC but unfortunately Clare wasn’t able to attend. Matthew thanked HESTA and ANF, and Susan acknowledged the generosity of all ANF members attending ADC for assisting in her nursing studies.

1st - Susan Mogga - UTAS Hobart

I was inspired to become a nurse ever since I was a little girl in Africa when I was a patient in a missionary hospital. I admired how the nurses were very caring and their beautiful uniforms. In addition, when I was older and escaping my country due to the civil war, I volunteered to help Medicine Sans Frontiers (MSF) nurses treat many villagers who had been severely wounded by rebel soldiers. As a result I realized what a nurse can achieve by caring and saving human kind. Therefore I was determined that I wanted to be a nurse so I could help save lives and make a positive contribution to those less fortunate than myself. Nursing means to me taking on a very responsible and rewarding job of helping sick people regain their health.

To achieve my ambition to become a nurse I am currently in my fi rst year studying nursing at UTAS in Hobart. Before this, I obtained several qualifi cations including Certifi cate IV in Community Services Aged Care. Furthermore, I worked hard to gain some practical experience as an extended care assistant in several aged care nursing homes and as a disability support worker.

However, as a refugee, this course is a real challenge because English is my second language and my low socio-economic status makes it diffi cult for me to aff ord all the necessary stationary.

I believe I will achieve my dream to become a nurse by working hard, in my new adopted country.

2nd - Clare Andersen - Polytechnic Launceston

As a mature-aged student, nursing means continuing the assistive and supportive but responsible role I have performed in my working and private life. My values are caring through competent and empathic nursing to help others achieve an improved quality of life and through education to self-care.

Nursing means the ongoing learning process of working with and caring for patients, their families and staff ; to follow policy and procedures; awareness of diff ering ideas and opinions. Respect and listening - performing a communicative role within the work team environment: a common sense, open and empathic person.

This changing career move is important to my self-worth and feelings of usefulness. Nursing provides for fl exibility, growth and development. To work within the scope of practice and ethics in a professional manner; being part of a multidisciplinary team providing holistic care; practicing and adapting to new methods/ technologies and valuing the nursing-therapeutic relationship: indeed the humanism in nursing at seeing people at their best and worst and advocating for those who cannot themselves.

Achieving my career goals by:

• Disciplining myself to complete and research timely assignments within parameters.

• To communicate with and listen to tutors.• To participate in and present group work. • To appreciate constructive feedback.• To act as a mentor.• To observe, actively participate and learn from

placements.• To use refl ective process as a focussing tool.• To demonstrate by action and manner my wish

to be part of the nursing profession.

3rd - Matthew Tyson - UTAS Launceston

Nursing is so much more than a uniform or a title and while it is a career the rewards are so much greater than a pay check at the end of the week. As a nurse you have the privilege of working with people from all walks of life providing them with the highest standard of care possible. You have the opportunity to interact with people building a therapeutic relationship that they will remember for a life time. They will seldom be at their best; we will bethe support & the advocate that will see them through some of the most intimate, challenging and frightening parts of their lives.

The opportunities that a career in nursing off er are huge, fl exibility in working hours, numerous employment and promotion opportunities and the ability to work with cutting edge equipment and techniques in an eff ort to provide high quality care, sickness prevention and a better life style through health.

I believe that being a nurse says something about the type of person you are, it is implied by the very choice of profession that nurses are compassionate, caring, hard working, ethical and trustworthy critical thinkers able to operate autonomously and responsibly.

My career goal is to provide the very best patient care possible employing evidence based theories in conjunction with critical thinking, refl ection and the ability to assess situations as they arise, particularly in the fi elds of mental health and rural and remote health care.

13


agazine for AN

F Mem

bers IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

COMPUTER TRAININGANF Computer training is specifi cally for the nursing team - facilitated by a nurse. Personalised attention is guaranteed due to small class sizes.

COMPUTER – BASICS(1 session of 2.5 hours)

For total beginners and those with limited computer experience.

Understand what computers can do; commonly used hardware; software and basic programs; types of computers; networks; security; internet and databases. Training will be conducted on new laptops using a Microsoft Windows operating system.

Hobart: Tuesday 17 August, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

COMPUTER – INTERMEDIATE(3 sessions of 2.5 hours)

Further develop general computer skills. Training will be conducted on new laptops using a Microsoft Windows operating system. A basic knowledge of computers is expected and preliminary reading notes will be sent to participants.

Session 1 – Windows Explorer

Hands–on and practical understanding of Windows Explorer; working with the desktop; fi les and directories; copying, moving and deleting fi les; saving and printing.

Hobart: Wednesday 25 August, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Session 2 – Microsoft Word

Learn the special features and shortcuts of Microsoft Word 2007. Understanding the toolbar; a variety of formatting tools; page layout; working with multiple documents and working with tables.

Hobart: Wednesday 22 September, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Session 3 – Internet and Email

Hands–on and practical understanding of navigating the internet; creating favourites and searching using a variety of search engines. Gain an insight into the features of email; including various application programs; organising your mailbox; setting up signatures and working with attachments.

Hobart: Wednesday 29 September, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

VENUE & COST

Presenter: Earl (Marty) Martin – RNHobart: ANF, 182 Macquarie St

1 x 2.5 hour session$35 ANF Members only



For registrations or more information please contact the ANF Offi ce on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or [email protected]

IT WAS GREAT TO SEE SO MANY AGED CARE REPS AT THE ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE THIS YEAR.

A breakout group session was held on day one, with Reps separating out into small sector groups to network and discuss issues that were important to them within their sector.

One area that was highlighted by Aged Care Representatives was the support mechanisms for Representatives and members within the Aged Care Sector.

As a group it was proposed that they would like to see the following:

1. Two Aged Care specifi c meetings a year - one annual conference, and one study day

2. A statewide teleconference bi monthly

3. The development of a statewide email network to enable worksite representatives to discuss issues aff ecting their sector

4. The development of an Aged Care Nursing Award and Care Worker Award

ANF has now commenced implementing these mechanisms to support Aged Care members and Representatives. A teleconference is planned and we are requesting agenda items for the fi rst meeting to be held on Wednesday 18 August.

To ensure that you don’t miss out on this opportunity to be involved please make sure you have provided the ANF Membership Team with up

Aged Care Network

to date contact details. For those who are unfamiliar with the teleconference process, ANF encourages you to contact the Info Line.

Thank you to our Aged Care Representatives who have initiated these activities.

14

The

Tasm

ania

n nu

rsin

g m

agaz

ine

for A

NF

Mem

bers

IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Professional DevelopmentMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Supporting clients with MS – symptom controland management.

Sessions for Nurses and Midwives

HobartWednesday 18 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: MS Society

LauncestonWednesday 4 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: MS Society

DevonportWednesday 1 September, 4:00pm – 6:00pmPresenter: MS Society

Sessions for Care Workers

HobartThursday 19 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: MS Society

LauncestonThursday 5 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: MS Society

DevonportThursday 2 September, 4:00pm – 6:00pmPresenter: MS Society

AGED CARE

Aged care assessment and management.

Sessions for Nurses & Care Workers

Burnie – Falls prevention and management – a multidisciplinary approach.Tuesday 17 August, 4:00pm – 6:00pmPresenter: North West Allied Health Team

PAEDIATRICS

Recognising the deteriorating paediatric patient. The diff erences between caring for sick children and adults.

Sessions for Nurses, Midwives & Care Workers

HobartTuesday 21 September, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Trudi Steedman – RN, Andrea Plummer – RN

RELAXATION & STRESS MANAGEMENT

Balancing life – relaxation and stress management in a crazy world.

Sessions for Nurses, Midwives & Care Workers

HobartThursday 30 September, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Karen Mace – RN

LauncestonThursday 23 September, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Karen Mace – RN

FOOT CARE & MANAGEMENT

Working with the high risk foot – assessment and management.


HobartWednesday 11 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Erica Bell – Podiatrist,

Clare Baker – Foot Care Therapy Assistant


HobartTuesday 10 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Erica Bell – Podiatrist,

Clare Baker – Foot Care Therapy Assistant

THE NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE

Understanding the Nurse Practitioner role – collaboration, autonomy and leadership in health.


HobartThursday 26 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Kerrie Duggan, Hazel Ryan and

Jane Davis – NP

DIABETES

Updates in management and care of the diabetic client.


HobartTuesday 24 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Caroline van Riet – CDE


HobartTuesday 10 August, 6:00pm – 8:00pmPresenter: Caroline van Riet – CDE

Training locations

Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie

Due to increasing attendance numbers at ANF education sessions, venues will be confi rmed closer to the event

Cost – 2 hour sessions

$25 ANF Members$15 ANF Student Members$50 Non Members*$30 Student Non Members*

*If positions available

For registrations or more information please contact the ANF Offi ce on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or [email protected].

Continuing Professional Education Online

www.anftas.org

Just one click and you’re on your way.

$7.70 per topic for ANF members$22.00 per topic for non members

ANF members can record continuing professional education portfolio online, which can be printedfor your records.

15


agazine for AN

F Mem

bers IN

FU

SIO

NA

UG

US

T 2

010

Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Limited ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235 249 regarding HESTA Super Fund ABN 64 971 749 321. Consider our Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about HESTA - call 1800 813 327 or visit our website for a copy.

More people in health & community

services choose HESTA than any other fund

www.hesta.com.au

An IndustrySuperFund

Your super fund can make a lifetime of differenceLow feesNo commissionsRun only to benefit members

. A

WA

R D S F O R E X C E L L E NC

E .

WINNER2009

PL

AT IN

U

M C O M M U N I C A T I O

N A

WA

RD

The ANF Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Online Professional Portfolio is an easy way to record your professional portfolio of CPD hours.Access CPE Online by clicking on the logo pictured on the ANF website www.anftas.orgLogin to the ANF members area and select Tasmania.You can complete online tutorials here as part of your professional portfolio as well as record other education

TO RECORD YOUR CPD ACTIVITIES

1. Under the heading “YOUR CPE RECORD” select “ADD A NEW ENTRY” to record education

2. Enter the relevant information

3. OPTIONS – “RETURN TO MAIN MENU”/ “PRINT”

4. To review either “VIEW” or “PRINT”

5. Update your professional portfolio as often as you wish

YOUR ANF ONLINE PROFESSIONAL

PORTFOLIO

annual delegates conference · annual delegates conference also in this issue: poisons guideline...

Documents