OBSERVATIONS THE MAGAZINE FOR CANBERRA’S NURSES, MIDWIVES AND AINs
CAREERS IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY anmfact.org
March 2022
IN THIS ISSUE
Leadership From the Secretary
4
From the President
5
Organising Update Why do we need to organise?
6
Industrial Unions Matter
8
Nursing Becoming a Registered Nurse: Different Journeys, Same Drive
10
Midwifery Your first 1,000 days of being a Midwife are just as important as the 1,000 days after birth
12
Q&A Enrolled Nurse Lisa Bourke: Advocating, learning, and caring
14
Working in Aged Care Support provides endless possibilities
16
Employment Your Employment Framework
18
Cover ANMF ACT Member Claudia Corradini Above (from left) ANMF ACT Members Liz Hearn & Tita Widy Left (front row, from left) ANMF ACT Members Jennie Pippen, Ricci Llenos, Grace Sesele, Carol Sandland, Claudia Corradini, Amy Jones, (back row, from left) Carlyn Fidow, Kamal Singh, Janine Davidson, Liz Hearn, Tomasina Purcell
Observations March 2022
3
LEADERSHIP
FROM THE SECRETARY
We are starting to see encouraging
Nurse/Midwife-to-Patient Ratios is a
signs with high vaccination rates for
critical first step in making workplaces
adults and children and hope this will
safer for patients and members.
enable us to get through the latest
Work is already underway to roll-out
COVID challenge and hospitalisation
mandated minimum ratios in other
rates will soon begin to stabilise and
areas of the public sector that were not
then fall.
included under the first phase roll-out.
There is still a lot we don’t know about the virus, particularly in relation to
We all know the past two years of the pandemic have been incredibly difficult for Nurses, Midwives and Assistants in Nursing (AINs).
Finally, at this time of the year, we want
cautious words of encouragement
to acknowledge and welcome all the
from epidemiologists about being ‘over
new Nurse and Midwife graduates
the worst’ of the pandemic. Naturally,
who are beginning their transition into
we’re all hoping that this optimism
the workplace as they embark on their
comes to fruition.
chosen careers. We know it can be
Our members have been at the front line of the pandemic response and have time and time again, given everything that has been asked of them. However, we know that fatigue amongst health care workers has set in and many experts are expressing concerns about the long-term psychological impact on
turning into years, we have been ever
the health care workforce.
hopeful that we had reached the peak
We also know, from members’
but this hasn’t been the case.
this win after such a long campaign.
any new variants, but there are some
During this time, and with months
and seen the worst of the pandemic,
Our members can rightly feel proud of
feedback, that this is true of our own workforce in the ACT. The ANMF ACT
an exciting, but daunting, time and we encourage our members to support each and every new Nurse and Midwife as they navigate the complexities and challenges of the health and aged care systems. These new recruits are the future of our professions and we must invest in making their transition a successful one. Don’t forget to encourage your new colleagues to join the ANMF ACT — we’re here to support them too.
We all felt the relief that came with a,
Branch has already commenced work
With a focus on early careers, we hope
much sooner than we expected,
on understanding the full impact the
you enjoy this edition of Observations,
vaccine breakthrough however,
pandemic has had on our members
where some of our members have
unfortunately that was short lived
and we will continue to pursue safe
shared their own journeys, pathways,
as the Omicron variant emerged and
workplaces for Nurses, Midwives and
and experiences joining the industry.
swept through our communities,
AINs.
colleagues, friends and family
Our members, across the public,
members leading to increased cases, hospitalisations, and tragically, deaths.
private and aged care sectors, have also told us that they won’t accept a return to unacceptable workloads once the worst of the pandemic has passed. Our public sector members’ recent win in achieving Mandated Minimum
4
Observations Spring 2021
Matthew Daniel ANMF ACT Secretary
FROM THE PRESIDENT Athalene Rosborough has worked in the healthcare industry since 1981. Her journey, from first joining the union movement 41 years ago, to becoming a Branch Councillor in 2006, and her belief in the union and the vital role unions have in supporting and protecting Nurses and Midwives and Assistants in Nursing, led her to becoming the ANMF ACT Branch President in 2010.
Tell us about your journey to become first a Branch Councillor and then Branch President? In 2006, a former Branch Councillor suggested I may be interested in joining the Branch Council. At the time, I had no knowledge about what the role was about. My election to Branch Council opened my eyes to a whole different side of the union movement, as well as seeing the many activities the
With this edition of Observations focusing on early career
union participates in that influences professional, industrial,
journeys, pathways, and challenges, we sat down with
and organisational support for Nurses and Midwives,
Athalene and asked about her experiences with joining the
I also developed an understanding about governance,
sector, and the importance the role of the union has played
fairness and justice. My role on the Branch Council, along
in her career so far.
with other Branch Councillors, was to provide governance
Why did you join the ANMF? I was encouraged to join the ANMF over 40 years ago as a student nurse by my work colleagues. I was told the union would help me if I had any trouble with my pay. The union did support me with this, but I only began to fully understand, as a student nurse, the ongoing commitment the union showed
for the ANMF ACT Branch staff and support the many activities that members benefit from. I was successfully elected to Branch President in 2010. Being able to connect to other state and territory ANMF union representatives at this higher level is both exciting and interesting. What do you like most about nursing?
to nurses once I started to attend meetings and participate in
I think it’s the variety. I have worked in general medical
branch activities.
wards, mental health, midwifery, community care and
What specific activities have you enjoyed being involved with through the union? I have attended many workplace meetings throughout my membership but my first exciting experience as an independent union representative, after many years as a member, was to be part of the selection committee on the first round of the Level 2 Personal Classification process for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives in the ACT. My role was to ensure that a fair process was followed for the large number of staff who applied in this first round for career advancement. My next biggest interaction as a representative for the union was participating in the working
aged care. I like that nursing offers a huge variety of work experience and that one day is never the same as the next. Throughout my career, I have undertaken further education and challenges to improve my day-to-day practice. Right now, I would encourage any member who has an interest in supporting union activities on either an industrial, professional, or organisational level to talk to a Workplace Delegate or the ANMF ACT staff about what opportunities there may be to participate in specific union activities that help support union members and strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce. What does 2022 hold for you?
group for the establishment of Nursing and Midwifery Work
During 2022, I will continue to work in aged care and
Level Standards. Over several years, I have also participated
support the activities of the ANMF, hoping that we reach
in many Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) meetings,
a time when we can live with COVID, stay well and have
monthly Branch Council meetings, Royal Commission
a life as normal as possible. As I work in aged care,
hearings, and have also assisted with some individual
I would also like to see 2022 provideing some major
member activities.
changes in aged care staffing, resources and funding to improve the quality of care for all older Australians. Observations March 2022
5
ORGANISING UPDATE
WHY DO WE NEED TO ORGANISE? Organising in the Workplace
What is organising?
Starting out in the nursing and midwifery professions is
The organising model is a transformational way of unlocking
an exciting time. Many of our members have been lifelong
and utilising the power of members and setting up structures
ANMF members who joined at the beginning of their careers.
to build union power where union leaders can lead, and
When thinking about joining a union, one might automatically think of benefits such as professional indemnity insurance, industrial and professional representation, fighting for pay, entitlements and conditions. These are all important benefits which unions do provide, and today’s existing rights are a result of what unions have fought for over decades. But how do unions operate and practice to get results for members? Individual member assistance is key to providing services to members. This type of service is tailored to address members’ needs where an issue is limited, including advice on pay and leave entitlements, and workplace conditions and rights. Unions also assist members in getting positive outcomes and improvements in workplace conditions through organising. Organising is where deep long-lasting change occurs due to members collectively driving change. Organising collectively is also used to address significant and serious matters that impact on multiple members in a workplace.
members can identify and take collective action on issues. Some key elements to this include: • You need a Workplace Delegate (WPD). Why? WPDs are nominated by members in the workplace and play a vital role in representing members. They are the critical link between the Branch and members, and members and the employer. They are your union leaders, who work closely with the ANMF ACT Organising Team. • You need a Workplace Organising Committee (WOC). This is a leadership group that is made up of activist members who work with the WPD to provide support to the WPD and members. They often provide practical support and make things happen like organising meetings, communicating key information to members and going with the WPD to meetings with employers. • You need members. MEMBERS ARE THE UNION. There is only power in organising if there are members who are willing to be active and collectivise on issues. Members are at the centre of our work and drive change. With the assistance of WPDs and ANMF ACT Organisers, members formulate strategy to resolve workplace issues. Evidence demonstrates that members who have a WPD and WOC in their workplace are more likely to achieve better workplaces. Members share their wins with colleagues which demonstrates to potential members the importance of being an ANMF ACT member.
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Observations March 2022
Workplace Delegates and Branch Councillors with the Organising Team, at the ANMF ACT 2021 Biennial Conference
What do the ANMF ACT Branch Organising Team do? The ANMF ACT Organising Team are experts in the craft of
The Organising Team have assisted WPDs and their
union organising. They are solely dedicated to WPDs and
members across many workplaces in the ACT. This work has
their members, and assist in unlocking the organising power
helped to create safer and fairer workplaces for members,
of members. Organisers work with WPDs by providing role
their patients, and the community.
support, developing their leadership skills and capability to build union power in the workplace.
Contact the Branch on 02 6282 9455 to find out more about how you can start organising
Organisers help WPDs to undertake exercises such as
for positive change in your workplace.
mapping of union membership to understand how many members are in the workplace and where recruitment needs to occur, formulating strategy on how issues can be fixed and providing practical support to WPDs.
Unions exercise collective power through developing strong networks of members and Delegates in the workplace, supported by strong supportive networks between Organisers and (Workplace) Delegates. – David Peetz, Griffin University Academic
The Organising Team, Sam Oram, Thom Mason, and Sam Frost, at the ANMF ACT 2021 Biennial Conference
Observations March 2022
7
INDUSTRIAL
UNIONS MATTER
We all remember the very first few days, or even weeks of starting a new job. As the feelings of anticipation and nervousness creep in, all you can focus on is ensuring you’re doing the absolute best that you can in your new role.
The Australian Nursing Federation formed in 1924, providing a national body uniting the state and territory nursing organisations. Today, the support and protection unions offer make them essential for Nurses
For our Nurses and Midwives, those
We represent you and fight for
first few days are usually filled with
safer workplaces and better work
a lot of excitement as well as many
conditions, so you can strictly
Unions not only play an imperative
unknowns. Uncertainty about the
focus on doing the job you love.
role in pay negotiations but they are
long hours, the potential shortage of staff that would lead to greater responsibilities and more patients to care for, and unknowns about their rights at work. ANMF ACT Branch Secretary, Matthew Daniel says that from the very first day, unions can help
Unions have been around in Australia ever since the first act of convict resistance back in 1804, and by the time of Australia’s Federation in 1901, the union movement was established as a vital part of national life.
you know and understand your rights.
and Midwives.
an invaluable source of support in employment and disciplinary issues. You might not believe you need union representation but you never know when you may find yourself needing support. In times of need, being a Branch member can provide you with information about employee rights, support during a complaint process or help if you raise a concern or have other issues at work. Matthew Daniel continued: “If something happens and you’re not a Branch member, we can’t help you. If you are, you’re part of a supportive framework that can assist and provide you with guidance on the issues you’re experiencing.” In the last 200 years, Australian unions have achieved key milestones ensuring better working conditions for employees across the country. From annual leave, minimum wage, wage increases, paid public holidays, personal carer’s leave, maternity and paternity leave, there’s a tremendous amount we can be thankful to unions for.
ANMF ACT members at the 2018 Change the Rules Rally
8
Observations March 2022
ANMF ACT members at the 2021 Biennial Conference
Beyond the benefits, resources, and representation, being a Branch member connects you to other Nurses, Midwives, and AINs, ensuring you are working in a supportive and warm environment.
When it comes to ANMF ACT,
In fact, it’s our number one priority.
The Branch also offers benefits
the union has been fundamental
We began the year by having the
including professional indemnity
in advocating and empowering
Public Sector Enterprise Agreement
insurance, and journey insurance,
members in their workplaces. Over
approved and that is huge but it’s just
making your day-to-day life easier
the past two years, the Branch has
the beginning. We have a lot more work
and safer.
done a considerable amount of work
to do to ensure our Nurses, Midwives,
to support members during the
and Assistants in Nursing can work in a
pandemic. This includes advocating
safe and supportive environment.”
for greater levels of personal safety for Nurses and Midwives experiencing abusive and intimidating behaviours from some members of the public, advocating for appropriate levels of personal protective equipment (PPE), successfully lobbying for respirator fit testing and continuously calling for timely and practical COVID-19 workforce plans.
In addition to receiving professional and industrial advice, together with industrial representation, ANMF ACT offers a range of useful resources. As a Branch member, you have many learning and development opportunities including an extensive range of free and low cost online learning courses to go towards your
Matthew Daniel concluded: “The Branch is here to support you in all aspects; legally, physically, emotionally, and mentally. We not only represent you and fight for your rights but being part of ANMF ACT means you are part of a community where you can express how you feel to people who you genuinely understand and want to help. That’s why it’s so important. It’s the community you become part of.”
continuing professional development
Matthew Daniel continued: “We are
(CPD) hours, and unique leadership
constantly working and fighting for
opportunities through our Workplace
safer workplaces for our members.
Delegates and Branch Councillors.
Observations March 2022
9
NURSING
BECOMING A REGISTERED NURSE DIFFERENT JOURNEYS, SAME DRIVE Choosing a career in nursing enriches your life and the lives of others every single day. The role offers diverse opportunities and challenges; it can take you around
just thought wow, I really want to do this because everyone was so great. I wanted to do something that revolved around people, I wanted to care for them and follow their journeys.” Although Alysha was set on becoming
through caring for them, being there
a nurse, the time she had to take
in some of their most vulnerable
off school due to her injury led to
moments, and nursing patients back to
disappointing marks in her final exams.
health, it can teach you endless things
Before she knew it, she felt her dream
about yourself and others. In fact,
career passing her by, with no options
being a nurse brings you so much more
or ideas on how to pursue her passion.
than you may have imagined.
It wasn’t until she spoke to a friend
to becoming Registered Nurses were very different, but along the same lines,
about her situation that she discovered she could choose a different path that would still allow her to pursue her goal.
both were passionate, determined and
“I had a meeting at Canberra Institute
motivated to join the nursing sector
of Technology (CIT) and was accepted.
and care for patients.
I studied full time there to do my
As we approached the end of our schooling years, we can all remember the apprehension of choosing what to do next and worrying whether we were making the right decision. Registered Nurse, Alysha says that she always
enrolled nursing course. I loved it and knew it was what I wanted to do. Then I worked as an enrolled nurse and got into university to become a Registered Nurse. I then went on to get my Nursing degree.”
knew she wanted to be in the medical
“My pathway was a bit unusual because
sector and be around people. After
I didn’t get straight into university after
tossing around the idea of becoming
school but I’m really happy with how
a paramedic, spending time at the
it’s worked out because I was able
hospital during an injury drove her to
to learn a lot while I was studying.”
choose a career in nursing.
Observations March 2022
I came across was unpleasant and I
the world, connect you to people
For Alysha and Clancy, their journeys
10
“I spent two weeks in hospital, no one
While some of us may follow the same career for the rest of our lives, for others finding their true vocation will grow out of their passions, or they may need help to discover a new one and the drive to move on and change. For Registered Nurse, Clancy, that’s exactly what happened. “I was a chef for eight years and it got to the point where I just knew I didn‘t want to cook anymore. I wanted to do something to help people who actually needed help, whether it saved their life or just improved their quality of life.” “I was always interested in the health and medical sector. My mum worked in aged care so I was exposed to it from an early age. I was adamant that I wanted to work within the health sector, I just needed time to think and ask myself ‘is this really what I want to do’ before jumping in.” After looking into nursing and discovering the many different opportunities, career progressions and specialisations available, Clancy enrolled to do his Certificate III and IV in Aged Care. Later, he enrolled at university to gain his degree that led
ANMF ACT members (from left) Claudia Corradini, Amy Jones, Kamal Singh, Ricci LIenos, Janine Davidson, Tomasina Purcell & Carol Sandland
With many responsibilities in what can
For Clancy, it was about choosing
be a high-stress environment, the path
a path that would protect him and
you choose, once you step foot in your
make him comfortable in his role:
first nursing role, is just as important
“My Workplace Delegate was telling
as the path that got you there in the
me about hypothetical situations and
first place.
how it was important to be a union
For Alysha, joining the ANMF ACT Branch as a student, and then as a registered practitioner, allowed her to gain access to a supportive network of people. “There’s so much you’re not able to do
him to become a Registered Nurse.
as an individual and sometimes you
However, the journey doesn’t stop when
are working to help support you in the
you get your certificate or degree, it only just begins. When you choose to become a Registered Nurse, you work in one of the most sought-after healthcare positions in Australia, providing compassionate care for those who need it most – your patients.
just need people that can help and that background. They’re going to be there for you in the tough times, and the good times. You might as well just go out and be part of something knowing that if anything happens, you can be confident that someone has your back, is there to support you and is always in
member because I would never have to go through anything on my own should anything happen. I joined halfway through my graduate program; I know how important it is for my job.” As Clancy and Alysha continue following their own journeys as Registered Nurses, more awareness and discussions need to be had about the opportunities that come with the job and within the sector. With the need for more nurses steadily increasing, being open about the good, the bad and the ugly that comes with the job will assist and encourage others to join the nursing and midwifery professions.
your corner.”
Observations March 2022
11
MIDWIFERY
YOUR FIRST 1,000 DAYS OF BEING A MIDWIFE ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE 1,000 DAYS AFTER BIRTH Midwife and ANMF ACT Branch Councillor, Jessie Price, recalls her first few days of being a midwife as being exciting and full of pride. “I was so stoked to be there and to be doing the job. I remember signing my first registration papers one night for a patient, and you have to write that you are a Registered Midwife. I was so thrilled and proud.” Whilst in the middle of a very successful career in journalism, reporting on the humanitarian crisis happening at the Thailand-Burma
Shortly after, Jessie moved back to
“A big part of what drew me to
Australia to complete her Bachelor in
midwifery was the sacredness of being
Midwifery before moving to Canberra
part of women’s business together
to complete her Graduate year. Since
with other women. It’s a really special,
her journalism days, Jessie has
profound real time; there’s nothing
become a Registered Midwife, assisted
more real than the murkiness of
the birth of dozens of babies, and an
giving birth and how special it is.”
ANMF ACT Workplace Delegate and is now an ANMF ACT Branch Councillor.
Jessie loved her job from the very beginning, but her first days of being
The journey hasn’t always been easy,
a Midwife definitely came with
and the job definitely comes with
anticipations: “I think you come out of
its challenges but Jessie says that
your degree and you’ve just learnt so
becoming a Midwife was, and always
much and you feel like you’ve passed
will be, about helping other women
your exams and you’ve done all this
and making a difference in the world.
placement. And then you come to your graduate year and it is the steepest learning curve. You feel like you’re
border, Jessie worked alongside Korean refugee women, documenting a range of different projects. It’s during that time, she discovered the ‘Where There is No Doctor’ book and became fascinated by health and more specifically, by women’s health.
Jessie Price at the 2021 Biennial Conference
12
Observations March 2022
learning a whole new thing all over
“Then we have the union behind us
again. It’s about learning how the
which is amazing. To have them
system works within a hospital, you’re
fighting for us on the important
learning the culture in the maternity
issues, so that we can do our job
unit and having each other’s back, it’s
the way we want to do it and so we
just all those little things that you don’t
can focus on doing the best that we
learn from a textbook.”
can, focusing on patient care.”
Celebrating eight years in the job this
Today, Jessie works in the birth
month, Jessie reflects on the early
centre in Calvary Public Hospital,
stages of her career with pride and
in the continuity caseload model of
appreciation: “I finished my graduate
care, looking after women from about
she understands what is happening.
year and then moved to permanent
sixteen weeks from their booking visit,
The most important thing is the
nights for three and a half years. That
all the way through their pregnancy,
woman’s integrity.”
was such an amazing experience
until ten days after birth: “You have
because it’s long shifts, there’s fewer
this really beautiful relationship
staff around and it’s autonomous.
together where, as a midwife, you have
You’re working closely with one another
this broader understanding of the
as a team, you’ve got each other’s back,
patterns of what’s normal in childbirth
it’s just really lovely.”
and pregnancy, and then the woman
As for every job, but especially one that can be emotionally and physically draining, having support is essential. For Jessie, it has been one of the many factors contributing to her successful career so far: “It’s absolutely essential to have support. Midwives provide
obviously knows herself really well. Through developing that relationship, you’re really working together, while respecting what she thinks of that relationship in terms of her knowledge and desires of what she wants out of her birth experience.”
beautiful support to one another, we
“The most important aspect of my
talk about things, brainstorm, tell each
role is for the woman to feel that she
other stories and get issues off our
is making the decisions, that she is
chest, work out what happened and
in charge of what she does, and that
what we could do differently. We reflect
things don’t happen to her without her
together on our practice and we’re
control. Even when things don’t go to
always learning.”
plan, the woman should still feel like
ANMF ACT member and Branch Councillor, Jessie Price
Reflecting on her first 1000 days as a Midwife, the last eight years, and looking towards the future, Jessie says that looking after yourself is the best advice she has received and would give to anyone about to embark on a similar journey: “Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. Spend time with your family and do all the things that nourish you. Our job is really special and it matters. Birth matters and our own care matters. So look after yourself beautifully so you can give beautiful care.”
she is making the decisions and that
Observations March 2022
13
Q&A
ENROLLED NURSE LISA BOURKE ADVOCATING, LEARNING, AND CARING Lisa Bourke has been a Nurse for five years working at Calvary Hospital. Since joining the industry, Lisa has become a branch member and most recently a Workplace Delegate, continuing to do what she loves while advocating for the rights of colleagues and patients. We spoke to Lisa about her career so far, the impacts joining ANMF ACT has had on her, and her hopes for the future.
What does your career pathway look like so far?
What does it mean to you to be a nurse?
I studied at Canberra Institute of
My passion for being a Nurse is
Technology (CIT) in Canberra for 18
patient advocacy; making sure that
months and then after that became an
they understand the diagnosis, the
Enrolled Nurse. Since then, I’ve been
treatment options, and the follow
working at Calvary Public Hospital
up care, because sometimes in a
Bruce where I’ve been for five years.
heightened and stressful environment
Did you always know you wanted to become a nurse? No. Before becoming a Nurse, I had my own business in private investigation. ANMF ACT member and Workplace Delegate, Lisa Bourke
However, my father became unwell so I had to stop working for myself to care for him. During that time, we were often at the local hospital, in rural Australia, and there were three beds
information. For me it’s really important that people are provided with adequate information for them to make informed decisions about what they want to do, and their pathway forward.
What does a day in your life look like? A lot of running around! Feeling hot
a matter of sort of becoming an expert
and sweaty, especially when you’re
in my dad’s condition. The nursing staff
working in the red zone because that’s
would ask me to get all the things that
head-to-toe PPE. We’re just really busy.
they needed while they set my dad up.
We try and move as fast as we can and
It was at that time the conversation
prompt doctors as often as we can to
naturally flowed to ‘why aren’t you a
get results known and people sorted.
Nurse?’ The staff told me that I was
It’s a lot of problem solving, advocating,
able to do all these things for my dad
and updating patients on why things
so I thought why not. I felt that if I could
take so long, educating them about the
do it for someone I love, I can do these
system and the processes.
how I got into nursing.
Observations March 2022
state, you’re not really absorbing all the
that one Nurse had to manage so it was
sorts of things for strangers and that’s
14
and when they are in an emotional
What has your journey with unions been like? I’m not really a traditional union
Lisa Bourke with ANMF ACT members, Joschka Strahan, and Jake Parker
member, as unionism is not strong in my family history. I had a very jaded view of the union from a very young age. However, I first joined because I wanted to make sure I had my own professional indemnity insurance that wasn’t tied up with my workplace. Since then though, it’s been a very eyeopening experience and I know that the unions are invaluable in the workplace. I don’t think that can be understated and I don’t think the majority of people are aware of the amount of work the unions have done historically to get us
The amount of trust that your colleagues give you to work on their behalf drives you to make sure you’re giving everything to that role, to ensure you’re trying to achieve the best outcomes for them, because they work
How important is it to you to ensure better working conditions for future generations?
exercising and that you’re taking the
safety and the amount of work that
Nurses, and that’s both in age and
continues to happen to have those
experience. It’s vitally important that
conditions maintained.
they’re aware of their rights and their
joining the union, fairness and equity, social justice were all big drivers of mine and so obviously that influences my practice and my conduct in the workplace, but there’s only so much you can do as an individual. Being a Workplace Delegate, I have the privilege to assist individual members with workplace issues, and also represent the collective and work on issues.
And every few months, put it back on and make sure it still fits. That way,
Hugely. Especially with our younger
I’m a bit of an agitator, and even before
Find your favourite outfit and put it on.
hard and sacrifice a lot.
to where we are, with conditions and
What does it mean to you to be a Workplace Delegate?
What advice would you give to someone about to become a Nurse?
responsibilities, not only to keep patients safe, but more importantly, to keep themselves safe. The safety factor of our working conditions is everybody’s responsibility; everybody needs to voice their concerns. It’s
you’ll know that you’re eating well, time to appreciate yourself.
What are your hopes for the next generation of Nurses? That they are kinder to each other. That they spend the time educating students, mentoring new starters and junior staff because the effort you put into them means that you’ve got colleagues that you can depend on to do a good job.
And for your career?
important to have a conduit where
To make a positive impact and have
they can raise their concerns and let
a positive influence on those around
somebody else champion for them.
me, whether that’s my colleagues, the patients, or their families. I don’t want my name to be remembered but I want my patients to leave with the feeling that they were cared for and that they had a good experience in the hospital. It’s difficult to provide for every single patient but that’s the goal.
Observations March 2022
15
WORKING IN AGED CARE
SUPPORT PROVIDES ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES It takes a very special kind of person to work in the healthcare industry. For our aged care workers, it’s about having empathy, stamina, and resilience to care for the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of elderly people.
Assistant in Nursing, and ANMF ACT Workplace Delegate, Nischal Pokharel, first entered the sector in 2016, not expecting that it would lead him to pursue a long-term career. After migrating to Australia from Nepal, Nischal was initially studying IT in Sydney and also worked part-time, cleaning in an aged care facility to support himself through university. That role led him to discover what his future could look like and the career he could have. “When I started working, I didn’t have a plan in my mind to work in the healthcare sector. However, I then started working with older people and with this experience, I realised that was a really rewarding and prospective career and that you can really contribute to society.” “I realised okay, this is the career that I have the ability to do, to do something special.” Whilst Nischal was completing his Certificate III and preparing to enter the sector as an Assistant in Nursing, his expectations of the role were influenced by many of his friends having been through the same journey as him. “I had a bit of an understanding of what to expect. A few of my relatives and friends worked in the sector so I saw their journeys and they motivated me to follow in the same footsteps.”
In 2016, 15% of Australians were aged 65 and over, by 2056, that number is expected to grow to 22% of the population[1]. As Australia’s ageing population continues to grow, the need to care for our older Australians continues to increase. Roles in the aged care sector have continuously expanded over the years, providing further opportunities and pathways for people aspiring to make a difference in the sector. 1
ANMF ACT member and Workplace Delegate, Nischal Pokharel
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Observations March 2022
Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Older Australians Report 30 November 2021
What Nischal wasn’t aware of was the opportunities, the various pathways, and career progressions that this role would provide him. “The thing I didn’t know is that there are a lot of opportunities available. If you want them, there’s a lot you can do but it’s your choice.” Making the most of opportunities is exactly what Nischal has done. On his first day as an Assistant in Nursing, Nischal joined ANMF ACT to make sure that he would be aware of his rights and have support in case he would ever need it. “It’s really important and beneficial to become a union member because there is a lot to know and a lot you don’t know. The union can help you. You can claim the money on your tax return and at the end of the financial year, not
It has been over a year since the Royal Commission handed down its final report but the crisis in aged care continues. In August 2021, the ANMF Federal Office wrote to all political parties seeking their commitment on the key issues urgently needed for aged care reform, as recommended by the Royal Commission. The key four actions to fix aged care include always having at least one Registered Nurse on site, greater transparency around funding tied to care, minimum mandated care hours and the right skills mix, and improved wages and conditions.
only do you get money back but you are reminded that
The ANMF Federal Aged Care Campaign is
you have a team behind you looking out for your rights
crucial in fixing aged care, it’s not too much to
and giving you fantastic support. It’s really important.”
ask to help nurses and carers provide the care our
Today, Nischal is proud to be a Workplace Delegate,
elderly deserve.
representing his colleagues, fighting for their rights, and
Find out more about the ANMF Federal Aged Care
providing them with support whenever they might need it.
Campaign at itsnottoomuch.com.
Support that he believes is essential when working in a job that can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining at times. “It’s not an easy job. You need to be properly trained; you need to have the qualifications. You need to know how to work in a team and with people. Whatever you do can directly and indirectly impact people.” “It’s really important to have support from your workplace, supervisors or management when you are working because you are giving eight hours of your life, every single day. So if
With the right support from your family, your workplace, and the union, possibilities to make real change are near limitless. Nischal is hoping to go to university to study a Masters of Social Work and continue progressing in his career in the healthcare sector.
you don’t have the support, your working life will be extremely
“For the next 20 years, I’m not going any other way. I want to
hard. It’s also really important to have support from your
stay in the health industry. I want to give something back to
family as well because when you have a very difficult day
the community, my knowledge, whatever I have, where I can
‘at the office’, you don’t want to take that burden back home.
change and where I have made real change in people’s lives.
So you need to have the balance from both sides.”
That really makes me proud and happy.”
Observations March 2022
17
EMPLOYMENT
YOUR EMPLOYMENT FRAMEWORK
Even though you might not really turn your mind to it, when you agree to commence employment with your employer, you enter into a legal relationship with them. This relationship governs your rights and responsibilities, but also requires your employer to do certain things as well. What governs your employee/employer relationship? Your employment relationship is governed by the contract of employment you sign and/or agree to
What is an Award and an Enterprise Agreement? Every Nursing and Midwifery employment relationship in the ACT is subject to the National Employment Standards as set out in the Fair Work Act (see Part 2-2). These Standards set out minimum entitlements such as annual leave, personal leave and requesting flexible work arrangements. These Standards must always be met by your employer. In addition, an Award or an Enterprise Agreement adds to (or strengthens) these Standards and includes additional matters and entitlements such as your rate of pay, roster patterns, shift penalties and other types of
between the employer and employee. This contract
leave.
may be a detailed and extensive written contract or may
The key difference between an Award and an Enterprise
simply comprise of your letter of offer (and the terms set out in the letter) and your acceptance of this letter (which then creates the legal relationship). This legal relationship creates several well-established legal obligations, such as the employee agrees to undertaking lawful and reasonable duties, and that the employer agrees to pay the employee for undertaking these duties. However, this relationship is also heavily regulated by legislation, in particular Commonwealth legislation such as the Fair Work Act 2009, and by other instruments and regulations, such as ACT legislation (e.g. Work Health and Safety Act 2011) and any Enterprise Agreement or Industrial Award which applies.
Agreement is that the conditions and entitlements in an Award are set by the National Employment/Industrial Relation tribunal, the Fair Work Commission, whereas an Enterprise Agreement is a negotiated agreement between your employer and the employees (generally through the Union). Further, an Award will apply in the absence of an Enterprise Agreement (where an Enterprise Agreement will apply instead of the Award where one is in place, noting that not all workplaces will have an Enterprise Agreement). It should also be noted that the terms of an Agreement (or an Award) must also be followed by your employer and are enforceable under the Fair Work Act. Where an employer does not meet the terms of the Enterprise Agreement, the employer may face legal action and penalties.
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Observations March 2022
What Award or Agreement applies to my employment relationship to me? In the absence of an Enterprise Agreement, nursing and midwifery employment relationships in the ACT are subject to the Nurses’ Award 2020 (MA000034), which
If you are unsure which Agreement (or if the Award) applies in your circumstances, please contact your ANMF ACT Workplace Delegate, or the ANMF ACT Branch Office.
sets out conditions and entitlements unique to the nursing and midwifery professions.
an Enterprise Agreement.
What do you do if you believe your employer is not acting in line with your Enterprise Agreement or the Fair Work Act?
For example, all Nurses and Midwives who work in the
Where you believe that the terms of your Agreement
ACT Public Service (including those working at Calvary
are not being met, the ANMF ACTwould encourage you
Public Hospital Bruce) are working under the ACT Public
to raise the issue with a trusted manager or supervisor
Sector Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement
and have an open and respectful conversation regarding
(2020-2022).
the issue.
If you do not work in the ACT Public Service, you are still
However, if you are unsure of the application of
likely to be working under an Enterprise Agreement. For
a particular term or entitlement that is set out in
example, if you work in an ACT Private Hospital (such as
your Agreement or have a question regarding other
National Capital Private Hospital or Calvary John James
regulations and instruments (such as the Work Health
Hospital) or an ACT Aged Care facility (such as Goodwin
and Safety Act), the ANMF ACT would advise that you
House Ainslie or Uniting Mirinjani Weston), you are more
contact your ANMF ACT Workplace Delegate or the
likely than not to have an Enterprise Agreement in place.
ANMF ACT Branch Office to seek further information,
However, more than 95% of Nurses and Midwives working in the ACT are covered by
guidance, and advice.
Observations March 2022
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Observations March 2022
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Observations March 2022
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Observations March 2022
