Record BED AUDITS
HEALTHSCOPE
2017 beds missing
EN backpay
page 3
page 5
MARCH 2014
SILENCING ACT
Unlawful rallies page 7
Protecting nurses’ and midwives’ right to protest
Special Interest Groups
Your ANMF
Lisa Fitzpatrick, State Secretary
Visit www.anmfvic.asn.au/interestgroups for all upcoming ANMF (Victorian Branch) Special Interest Group news, events and meetings. Go to the ‘calendar view’ to see what’s on each month. Advance Care Planning SIG
Palliative Care SIG
Inq:
Inq:
Kathryn Whiteside Kathryn. Whiteside@austin.org.au
Community Health Nurses
Preadmission Nurses Group
Inq:
Date: Time: Venue:
Giancarlo Di Stefano 0448 754 945 gds1303@gmail.com
Complementary Therapies Inq:
records@anmfvic.asn.au
Day Surgery SIG Inq:
Chris Guidotti chris_guidotti@y7mail.com
Topic: Inq:
Inq: Inq:
Catherine Wallace-Wilkinson positivehealth@bigpond.com 0411 557 631
Enrolled Nurses SIG Inq:
Carole de Greenlaw records@anmfvic.asn.au
Immunisation Nurses SIG Inq:
Vikkie Coghlan 0400560605 or vikk1c36@bigpond.com.au
Injured Nurses’ Support Group Pip Carew, Assistant Secretary FRONT COVER: Silencing Act - Nurses and midwives joined thousands of protesters rallying against the Napthine Government’s proposed changes to the Summary Offences Act which will give police powers to move on peaceful protestors. Story page 7. PHOTOGRAPH: Les O’Rourke
Date: Time: Venue: Inq:
18 March 11 am ANMF 3rd Floor Boardroom Annie Rutter 1300 760 602
Vic Ass Maternal & Child Health Nurses Inq:
Helen Watson 0419 103 795 vamchn.group@gmail.com
Medical Imaging Nurses Assoc Inq:
Deborah Shears deborah.shears@i-med.com.au
Mental Health Nurses SIG
ANMF (Vic Branch) 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Vic 3000 Phone 9275 9333 Fax 9275 9344 Info Line 9275 9300 (metro) 1800 133 353 (regional) Membership 9275 9313 Library 9275 9391 ANMF Education Centre 9275 9363 Website: anmfvic.asn.au Facebook: facebook.com.au/respectourwork Twitter: @ANMFvicbranch Email: records@anmfvic.asn.au ON THE RECORD is the official publication of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). OTR is published monthly.
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On The Record March 2014
Date: Time: Venue: Topic: Inq:
23 April 6.00–9.00pm Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne General Meeting Carole de Greenlaw records@anmfvic.asn.au
Nurses for Continence Date: Time: Venue: Topic: Inq:
3 April 6 - 9pm Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne General Committee meeting Christine Sumper nfcv.sec@gmail.com
Orthopaedic Nurses’ Assoc Inq:
Meinir Griffiths 9342 8417 Rita Moreno 9345 5303
5 April 8.00am–1.30pm Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Workshop Kate Hussey kate.hussey@healthscope.com.au
Safe Patient Handling
Diabetes Nurse Educators SIG
Paul Gilbert, Assistant Secretary
Lyndsay Cassidy Lyndsay.CASSIDY@svhm.org.au
Stephen Morley smorley@ bendigohealth.org.au
Victorian School Nurses Inq:
Gina Harrex 0401 717 352
Vic Assoc of Research Nurses Inq:
Gabriel Silver gabriel.silver@mh.org.au
Vic Midwifery Homecare SIG Date: Venue: Topic:
28 March Mercy Hospital for Women Seminar ‘Opening the door to domiciliary care’ Cost: $150, includes membership Registration: www.anmfvic.asn.au/sigs/ topics/2313.html Inq: Carolyn Barker carolyn.barker@wh.org.au
Vic Perioperative Nurses’ Group Inq:
www.vpng.org.au or contact enquiries@vpng.org.au
Vic Urological Nurses Society Date: Time: Venue: Topic: Inq:
1 April 6.15pm-7.30pm Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VUNS Executive Meeting Ros Lawrence rostommy1@optusnet.com.au
Receive this journal electronically ANMF (Vic Branch) members can opt out of receiving the print version of On the Record. If you would like to receive the electronic version of OTR only, please contact ANMF (Vic Branch) Membership Department on 92759333 or log in to the ANMF member portal to update your details online at www.tiny.cc/memberhomepage or visit www.anmfvic.asn.au and follow the link in the what’s new box. Members who receive the electronic version of OTR will still receive the print version of ANMJ in the mail.
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Secretary’s report STATEWIDE BED AUDIT
Your work reveals true extent of shortage - 2017 beds Lisa Fitzpatrick, State Secretary The dramatic reduction in the number of beds available to Victorian patients – as revealed in a statewide audit by ANMF members – provides evidence of the parlous state of our health system. The real numbers, accurate to within a five per cent +/- error factor, support the anecdotal evidence reported by individual members to the ANMF, that available bed numbers have declined rapidly since our last audit a year ago. The bed shortage is a catalyst for many of Victoria’s health woes, including: ‡ increasingly disturbing incidences of violence against nurses and midwives ‡ a growing ambulance ramping crisis ‡ emergency department chaos ‡ more delays in ambulances reaching people waiting for emergency care ‡ elective surgery waiting lists growing by almost 10,000 patients since 2011 ‡ growing number of people missing out on timely mental health care ‡ inappropriate patient transfer and discharge. Your audit, which has received strong media interest reveals: ‡ 101 beds are no longer in the system ‡ 1116 beds closed (available but not utilised/funded) ‡ 800 promised beds have not materialised. These factors combined show that Victoria is 2017 beds worse off – and this figure makes no allowance for future population growth and the growing percentage of our aged community. The Sunday Herald Sun on January 26 described the growing waiting list as “deadly�, reporting that 840 patients – 16 a week – died waiting for surgery in Victoria in the past year. The article also revealed a 41 per cent increase in the number of deaths over the previous three years. An editorial in the same publication pointed out that although the Coalition had said it had provided the promised
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additional 800 beds it was “unable or unwilling to provide the proof�. It is of great concern that not only have we not received the promised 800 additional beds, the overall number has fallen significantly. The decrease in beds, coupled with the increasing presence of the alcohol- and drug-affected, along with the escalating numbers of patients with mental illness presenting in EDs, paints a grim picture. Thank you to all members who collated bed numbers which provide an important insight into the beds crisis in this state.
Prevention of Workplace Bullying A one day seminar providing practical information and support for nurses, midwives and carers on workplace bullying and harassment. Date: Hours: Venue:
Wednesday 2 April 2014 9am – 4pm Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 7th Floor, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melb Cost: HSR (and is also an ANMF member) / Job Rep: $90 ANMF member: $110 Non-member: $150 CPD: 6 hours Enquiries: Emma Monk 9275 9333 or register at www.anmfvic.asn.au/ohs/
State election: have your say Victoria will go to the polls on Saturday 29 November 2014. ANMF has emailed a short survey to all members to assist the Branch prioritise issues and lobby major political parties on what is most important to you. Please check your inbox and fill out this survey to have your say.
Royal Commission It is important to remember all Victorian workers benefit from the hard work of the union movement and union members, including ANMF members, through initiatives such as the eight hour day, the weekend, annual leave, paid sick leave, paid parental leave and superannuation. The Abbott Government’s $100 million royal commission into trade unions is a political response because it ignores more appropriate organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission. The Age columnist John Silvester put his own particular twist on the subject on Saturday, February 15. Humorous, but with a bite, he shines his light on the dark corners of royal commissions themselves: the costs involved, how long they take and who should really be responsible for investigating alleged corrupt practices. We have reproduced the column, with Mr Silvester’s permission, on pages 8 and 9.
Inside this edition
Prison nurses take protected industrial action
Know your entitlements...............................................................4 Easter and Anzac Day public holiday pay
News ..........................................................................................5-7 Dandenong emergency department inquiries ‡ :KHQ FDQ QXUVHV SURYLGH PLGZLIHU\ FDUH" ‡ $ SHQDOW\ IRU WKRVH RQ SHQDOW\ UDWHV ‡ %DFN pay for medication endorsed enrolled nurses ‡ $GYDQFHG UHJLRQDO -RE 5HS DQG +65 WUDLQLQJ IRFXVHV RQ EXOO\LQJ DQG KDUDVVPHQW ‡ 3UHPLHU Napthine’s silencing Act
Feature ......................................................................................8-9 Royal commission a blunt instrument to combat corruption by The Age crime reporter John Silvester
News ......................................................................................10-12 Communities fighting back can achieve benefits ‡ 0HPEHUV UDOO\ WR VDYH 0HGLFDUH ‡ $OO QXUVHV DQG PLGZLYHV QHHGHG LQ VWXG\ ‡ ,Q PHPRULDP OHDGHU LQ RFFXSDWLRQDO KHDOWK QXUVLQJ ‡ *UDQWV SUL]HV DQG VFKRODUVKLSV ‡ $10$& UHYLHZ FRXUVHV ‡3URPRWLQJ WKH LQWHUHVWV RI UHVHDUFK QXUVHV ‡ 275 GLDU\ ‡ 6WXGHQW 6WXG\ 'D\
2014 Job Rep and HSR training ...............................................13 Information about March Annual Regional Seminars and introductory and advanced courses
ANMF Education Centre course program...........................14-15
On The Record March 2014
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Know your entitlements Easter and Anzac Day public holiday pay Information for members regarding Easter and Anzac Day public holidays and the end of daylight savings
Upcoming public holidays
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cent of that weekday - no payment applies. Employees need to check their particular agreements for entitlements.
The following information will help you work out what you should be paid for the upcoming Easter and Anzac Day public holidays. The public holidays are: Good Friday, 18 April Easter Saturday, 19 April Easter Monday, 21 April Anzac Day, 25 April If you are not required to work because your unit is closed on public holidays, you are entitled to the day off with pay.
I work full time in the public sector. What are the rates if I am rostered off on the public holiday?
How do I calculate my pay if I am working on a public holiday?
Your pro rata payment is calculated by dividing the full-time entitlement by the length of the shift.
Full & part-time employees working Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day RNs, ENs, 200% RMs, psych & mothercraft nurses ENs and 250% PCWs (private sector) 250% PCWs (low care) (public sector only) PCWs
Full and part-time employees working Easter Saturday
200% (Plus 50% weekend penalty)
Casual employees working Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day 250% times the ordinary rate (i.e. double the casual rate)
Casual employees working Easter Saturday
312.5% (i.e. *double time and a half of the casual rate) 175% (i.e) ordinary time plus 75%)
250%
175% (i.e. ordinary time plus 75%)
*Private sector: please check specific agreements.
What happens if I work Monday to Friday only? Registered nurses, midwives, psychiatric nurses and enrolled nurses who work Monday to Friday only are not eligible for payment for Easter Saturday. Full-time enrolled nurses or personal care workers (private sector and low care public sector) who work Monday to Friday only are entitled to one day’s ordinary pay in respect of Easter Saturday.
I work in the private sector. Am I entitled to anything if I am rostered off for a public holiday? Most enterprise agreements say that if you have worked 50 per cent of that day of the week (e.g. Friday) in the preceding six months, you are entitled to a day’s ordinary pay for each public holiday that falls on that day for which you are not rostered. If you have worked less than 50 per
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On The Record March 2014
Registered nurses, enrolled nurses, registered midwives, psychiatric nurses and mothercraft nurses are paid 100 per cent of ordinary time
I work part time in the public sector. What are the penalty rates if I am rostered off on the public holiday?
Example for hospital-based registered nurse, registered midwife, registered psychiatric nurse enrolled nurse employees and mothercraft nurses: Average hours Shift over last six length months
Base payment
Penalty
Payment
24/38 hours
5.05 hours
100%
5.05 hours
8 hours
Public holiday night duty (public mental health only) An employee, full-time or part-time, who is rostered to work on the night shift ending on the Public Holiday will receive the public holiday penalty rates for the entire shift. Employees rostered to work on the night shift commencing on the public holiday will not receive the public holiday penalty rates for the entire shift. An employee not rostered to work on the night shift ending on the public holiday will receive the applicable rostered off benefit.
What entitlement is there for public holidays occurring during a period of annual leave? Where any public holiday occurs during any period of annual leave taken by an employee, the employee is taken not to be on annual leave on that day. The employee will be paid 100% (PH not worked) for that day and the day (hours) is not deducted from annual leave accrual.
What entitlement is there for public holidays occurring during a period of sick leave? An employee on sick leave on a public holiday will be paid the ‘public holiday not worked’ (i.e. ordinary hours) for that day. The employee is not deemed to be on sick leave on that day.
Overtime on a public holiday (public sector only) Overtime on a public holiday will now attract the public holiday penalty plus the overtime penalty (i.e. triple time). The rostered off public holiday penalty will not be affected by recall to duty. Employees are encouraged to check their relevant enterprise bargaining agreements for further information. The ANMF Information Line is a member-only service. Call 9275 9300 or 1800 133 353. www.anmfvic.asn.au
News NURSES & PATIENT ADVOCACY
Dandenong emergency department inquiries Nicole Smith, Organiser
ANMF commends the courage shown by Monash Health nurses who spoke out in the interests of patient care leading to two inquiries into practices at Dandenong Hospital emergency department. An internal inquiry, as well as one conducted by Ernst and Young late last year, were triggered following media reports of a letter signed by more than 67 staff, including nurses, doctors and allied health staff, outlining serious concerns about practices relating to patient data,
patient discharge and the ‘four-hour rule’. ANMF supported members and met with Monash Health last month to discuss its concerns both with the independent inquiry and an internal investigation. During a positive meeting Monash Health gave a meaningful commitment to address these issues. As a result of the inquiries, and an apparent focus on the four-hour timeframe, Monash Health will be implementing a “Safe and Timely Care” policy to ensure that quality of care is the primary consideration with respect to patient movement. Monash Health has also agreed to
respond in writing to the December grievance to all Emergency Department staff. Members are encouraged to participate in the working groups established to address the clinical issues raised in December. Monash Health and ANMF will meet again next month to review these matters and discuss any further issues. Prior to this meeting, a members’ meeting will be arranged to discuss any further issues. ANMF will continue to support members who speak out in the interests of improving patient care. Monash Health members with any queries can contact Organiser Nicole Smith on 9275 9333.
NMBA REGULATION
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
When can nurses provide midwifery care?
A penalty for those Back pay for medication endorsed enrolled nurses on penalty rates
+VMJBOOF #BSDMBZ .JEXJGFSZ 4FSWJDFT 0GæDFS ANMF is aware of a number of instances where nurses are being asked to provide midwifery care to women and babies. Members are advised that nurses are not qualified to undertake midwifery care. Registered and enrolled nurses do not have the specialist education and knowledge in midwifery and cannot care for a mother and baby without a midwife’s support and supervision. Any nurse who is asked to provide care for a pregnant or post partum woman and her baby should ensure documented policies and procedures are in place and available prior to undertaking that care. The policies and procedures must include education for nurses required to assist in midwifery care and delegation and supervision of care by a midwife. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia regulates these matters and nurses and midwives should be familiar with the Code of professional conduct for midwives, the Code of professional conduct for nurses and the Decision making framework at www.tiny.cc/nmbacodes
www.anmfvic.asn.au
The Federal Government’s push against penalty rates, and in particular a former adviser to Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s recommendations to a Fair Work Commission review, signals a fight ahead for those wanting to retain hard-fought-for benefits. Prime Minister Abbott’s focus on the alleged detrimental pay and conditions at SPC, Ford and Toyota and his particular focus on the retail and hospitality sectors, ignores the flow-on impact to the health sector and nurses, midwives and personal care workers ANMF will keep members informed and will be strongly arguing the case to retain penalty rates and the benefits of having a stable and reliable workforce for night duty, weekend and after hours.
HEALTHSCOPE
Toni Coughlin, Organiser
More than 300 medication endorsed enrolled nurses, across 13 Healthscope facilities, will receive back pay after members identified errors in payments relating to their new enrolled nurse structure. Following the approval of their 20122016 enterprise agreement, an incorrect calculation was made to determine the back pay for the six-month period between the first wage increase and the transition to the new enrolled nurse structure rates of pay. Affected staff have already received a partial payment and a final backpay amount was being calculated at the time of print. The amount of the back pay balance will be separately noted on each medication endorsed enrolled nurse’s pay slip. Thank you to the vigilant members who identified the error and have assisted in the lengthy resolution of the issue which is a timely reminder to all members to check their payslips and know their pay rate.
On The Record March 2014
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News REGIONAL TRAINING AND ANNUAL SEMINARS
Advanced regional Job Rep and HSR training focuses on bullying and harassment Preventing and addressing bullying and harassment were the focus of advanced training for Job Rep and Health and Safety Reps across regional Victoria. Hundreds of Reps attended the one-day training program, which was combined with the ANMF’s Annual Regional Seminars, in Ballarat, Echuca, Geelong, Warrnambool, Latrobe and Wangaratta. The advanced training and seminars were scheduled to take place in Mildura on 4 March and Bendigo on 6 March. The ‘Bullying and Harassment: what you need to know’ program was designed to provide clear definitions of these behaviours and provide reps with an understanding of what they should and should not do if they witnessed bullying and harassment or if a member approached them for assistance. A ‘lucky dip’ exercise assisted Job Reps and HSRs understand how to
identify reasonable management actions, harassment and bullying. ANMF’s OHS Bullying and Harassment Officer Jocelyn Saunders provided examples and case studies to further illustrate the differences between the behaviours. The Annual Regional Seminars held at the conclusion of each training program were conducted by ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick or Assistant Secretaries Paul Gilbert and Pip Carew. These seminars provided information about the ANMF’s latest campaigns and important issues including: ‡ WKH SXEOLF KRVSLWDO EHG DXGLW WKDW revealed a shortage of 2017 beds ‡ WKH 9LFWRULDQ *RYHUQPHQW¡V VHOO RII RI public aged care ‡ SULYDWH DJHG FDUH HQWHUSULVH bargaining ‡ UHSRUWLQJ YLROHQW DVVDXOWV ERWK through workplace sytems and to ANMF via www.tiny.cc/ovareport ‡ UHVSRQVLEOH XVH RI VRFLDO PHGLD
Geelong advanced training and regional seminar. Top: ANMF Job Rep Training Officer Jo Denton presenting at the training session; middle: Geelong Job Reps and HSRs; bottom: Assistant Secretary Pip Carew presenting at the Geelong Annual Regional Seminar. Photographs: Trevor Cooke
Mental Health Act Implementation Forum Tuesday 18 March 2014, 8.45am – 4pm (registration from 8am) CPD: 6.5 hours Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, Melbourne
r u o y er t s i g a e r g n e i s d ea n atten l U p T J : ç d I e i k t N o s o e r b e D t y l D Ful sion of in XX UJOZ s e X r U B p x e N SV P G E O TFDP
The implementation of the new Mental Health Act is expected to take place from July 2014 and will mean significant changes to health services. Find out more about the key changes and what it means for mental health nurses and their patients and clients. Program includes ‡ Adjunct Assoc Professor Tracy Beaton, Senior Nurse Advisor, Mental Health ‡ Professor James Ogloff, Director of Psychological Services, Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health and Foundation Professor of Clinical Forensic Psychology, Monash University ‡ Dr Rosemary Charleston, Project Director, Victorian Reducing Restrictive Interventions Project ‡ Ms Cath Roper, Consumer Academic, Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, University of Melbourne. ‡ Panel discussion: members from Peninsula Health, Latrobe Regional Health, St Vincent’s Hospital and Department of Health representatives will explore what the new Mental Health Act will mean for nurses’ practice. Cost: Job Rep/SIG member $15, member $30, non-member $80 Online registration: www.tiny.cc/mhforum
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On The Record March 2014
2014 ANMF Health and Environmental Sustainability Conference 5 March, 8.45am - 4.30pm, CPD: 8 hrs DĞůÄ?Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒĹśÄž džŚĹ?Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Θ Ĺ˝ĹśÄ¨ÄžĆŒÄžĹśÄ?Äž ÄžĹśĆšĆŒÄžÍ• ^ŽƾƚŚ tĹšÄ‚ĆŒÄ¨ Ç†Ć‰ĹŻĹ˝ĆŒÄž Ĺ?ŜŜŽǀĂĆ&#x;ǀĞ Ĺ?ĚĞĂĆ? ĂŜĚ Ć‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝ĹŠÄžÄ?ĆšĆ? ĆŒÄžĹŻÄžÇ€Ä‚ĹśĆš ƚŽ ĹśĆľĆŒĆ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂůƚŚ Ć?ÄžÄ?ĆšĹ˝ĆŒÍ˜ ^Ć‰ÄžÄ‚ĹŹÄžĆŒĆ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĞ ĹśĆľĆŒĆ?Ğ͕ Ä‚Ä?ĂĚĞžĹ?Ä? ĂŜĚ ĞŜǀĹ?ĆŒĹ˝ĹśĹľÄžĹśĆšÄ‚ĹŻ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂĚǀŽÄ?ĂƚĞ WĆŒĹ˝Ä¨ÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚ĆŒÄ?Ä‚ĆŒÄ‚ ^Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄžĆŒ ĂŜĚ ĹŻĹ?žĂƚĞ ŽžžĹ?Ć?Ć?Ĺ?Ĺ˝ĹśÄžĆŒ WĆŒĹ˝Ä¨ÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ˝ĆŒ dĹ?Ĺľ &ĹŻÄ‚ĹśĹśÄžĆŒÇ‡Í˜ ZÄžĹ?Ĺ?Ć?ĆšÄžĆŒ ŽŜůĹ?ŜĞ Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ć&#x;ĹśÇ‡Í˜Ä?Ä?ÍŹĎĎ°Ć?ĆľĆ?ĆšÄ?ŽŜĨ www.anmfvic.asn.au
News RIGHT TO PROTEST
Premier Napthine’s silencing Act Nurses and midwives joined thousands of protesters last month opposing the Napthine Government’s plan to change laws that will make many ANMF’s rallies unlawful. Restricting the right to protest will severely undermine our ability to protect patient care and improve the working lives of nurses and midwives. Victorian nurses and midwives have a long history of peaceful rallies and protests, and have regularly called on the community and family and friends to support them. The government proposed amendments to the Summary Offences Act initially focused on curbing alcohol-related incidents. These proposed changes have been extended and attack the community’s right to protest peacefully. It is important that as a community we do not allow additional unrelated amendments, attacking the right to protest, to sneak through by stealth, thereby silencing the voices of nurses and midwives who advocate for the Victorian community.
Rallies like the Respect our Work campaign protest to save nurse/midwife patient ratios on 24 November 2011 will be unlawful under the Napthine Government’s proposed laws.
In November 2011, during the Respect Our Work campaign, more than 10,000 nurses and midwives and their supporters rallied to protect nurse/midwife patient ratios and maintain patient safety in Victorian public hospitals. A sea of red T-shirts filled Bourke Street as we marched to the steps of Parliament House. Although the rally was peaceful and well supported, under the proposed amendments it would have been unlawful due to the community disruption caused. The Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill 2013 will expand police powers to issue move-on orders. Under the amendments police would have had no alternative but to intervene, force peaceful protesters to move on and
compel them to provide personal details. Nurses and midwives and their supporters could be faced with significant fines and potential incarceration. This would have major ramifications for nurses’ and midwives’ registration. Peaceful public protests without fear of arrest are an important part of the democratic process that have enabled us all to take a stand on important issues, whether it is apartheid, the Vietnam and Iraq wars, holding industry accountable for the devastating effects of asbestos poisoning or protecting and improving nurse/midwife to patient ratios. Members can sign an online petition at www.weareunion.org.au/napthines_ silencing_act
Job Rep and Health & Safety Rep invitation ANMF (Vic Branch) Annual Delegates Conference Thursday 26 & Friday 27 June 2014, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf This two-day conference provides Job Reps with an opportunity to participate in the process that helps determine claims for wages and conditions and provides input into ANMF policies. Register by 14 April 2014 to be eligible for the earlybird prize. Register now for an experience that will leave you refreshed, inspired and motivated. Register at www.tiny.cc/14dels
Nominate a Job Rep
Do you have an active Job Rep who has made a real difference to your workplace? Nominate them for the Hannah Sellers Job Rep of the Year Award.
Submit a motion
Nominate at www.tiny.cc/14jraward by 31 May 2014
ANF members are encouraged to meet with their Job Reps to develop motions for debate. Motions can cover industrial, professional, workplace health and safety and social justice. Lodge motions at www.tiny.cc/14motions by 14 April 2014.
ANMF (Vic Branch) Annual Health & Safety Reps Conference
Nominate an HSR
Wednesday 25 June 2014, Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, Melbourne
This one-day conference is held the day before the Annual Delegates Conference to minimise disruption for members who are an elected Job Rep and HSR. Register at www.tiny.cc/14hsrconf
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Do you have an active HSR who has made an outstanding contribution to the health and safety of colleagues at your workplace? Say thank you by nominating them for the Health and Safety Rep of the Year Award. Nominate at www.tiny.cc/14hsraward by 30 May 2014
On The Record March 2014
7
Feature Royal commission a blunt instrument to combat corruption John Silvester, Crime reporter, The Age, Saturday 15 February 2014
One thing is certain: there is a group of hard-as-nails workers who are privately applauding Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s decision to hold a royal commission into union corruption. And they would be the brave folk who six days a week rise before dawn to take to the dangerous seas off Apollo Bay in search of the great southern rock lobster. For there is nothing more certain than with a benchful of The plan was to avoid setting up ad-hoc barristers about royal commissions into crime and corruption to charge around $4000 a day to (at least nine in 14 years) by establishing rock up to the one body with similar powers to shine that commission, spotlight in those dark corners. lobster is back on the menu at the legal end of town. Indeed the newly appointed commissioner, former High Court judge Dyson Heydon, should give serious thought to holding hearings in the private room at the Flower Drum so the lobster with XO sauce can be served straight from the shell as soon as the grilling turns from union bosses to sea creatures. Mr Abbott says he hopes the commission will be in a position to report by the end of the year. This either indicates a delightful sense of optimism or a disturbingly delayed brain concussion from his Oxford boxing days. The truth is a royal commission, like a bad wedding speech, goes three times as long as it should and leaves those present with a desire to run screaming into the night. Now let us just think this through for a tick. The commission, which hasn’t received its terms of reference, will need offices, phones, computers, clerical staff, lawyers, analysts, intelligence from existing law enforcement holdings, witnesses, hearing rooms, a bar for Friday night drinks, a song list for karaoke nights, and office stubby holders before it gets out of first gear. This is a specialist area and initially many of the staff will have no experience in organised crime investigations. Indeed, they may start with the belief the Kray brothers ran a seafood shop at the Victoria Market. This inquiry, Mr Abbott tells us, ‘’is designed to shine a great, big spotlight into the dark corners of our community to ensure that honest workers and honest businesses get a fair go’’.
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On The Record March 2014
That is a brief as wide as a blue whale’s gob. It will begin looking at the activities of five controversial unions, the Australian Workers, Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy, Electrical Trades, Health Services and Transport Workers. It will canvass everything from kickbacks, secret commissions, theft and intimidation to the use of bikies and other gangsters as industrial muscle. An obvious example would be the payments of bribes to win lucrative road construction contracts (a case, dare we say, of slings and roundabouts). It is a fair bet that Mr Abbott is motivated by a desire to clean up endemic corruption. It is also a fair bet he would not be unhappy if the ALP were linked to the type of union official who believes the distribution of wealth should first be channelled through their bank accounts. Yet it is a gamble, for as Employment Minister Eric Abetz (who could double as the race caller at the Sandown greyhounds) says, employers who engage in corrupt practices will also be investigated. ‘’This is a sword that will cut both ways,’’ he declares. Those with long memories will recall that in 1980 then prime minister Malcolm Fraser announced a royal commission Traditionally, a royal commission can into the illegal subpoena witnesses, take sworn testimony activities of the notorious Painters and demand answers. The disadvantage is and Dockers while witnesses can be forced to incriminate union, which themselves, the testimony can’t be used to included murders, kickbacks, prosecute them. ghosted wages and bribes. Just like the latest inquiry, it was a political response to a series of media revelations and just like the latest inquiry it was supposed to be short, sharp and damaging to the labour movement. But the commissioner, Frank Costigan, QC, had other ideas. Soon he found the Painters and Dockers were used by baddies at the big end of town as part of the massive ‘’Bottom of the Harbour’’ tax frauds. The commission lasted four years and was wound up under the Hawke government with work still unfinished. At the same time there was another royal commission headed by justice Don Stewart into the Mr Asia drug syndicate and the notorious Nugan Hand merchant bank.
www.anmfvic.asn.au
Feature Eventually, the work of both inquiries was rolled into a newly formed National Crime Authority, touted as a standing crimes commission. The plan was to avoid setting up ad-hoc royal commissions into crime and corruption (at least nine in 14 years) by establishing one body with similar powers to shine that spotlight in those dark corners. The NCA lasted 19 years before it was replaced by the new and supposedly improved Australian Crime Commission, which was to investigate, monitor, prosecute and expose organised crime. Traditionally, a royal commission can subpoena witnesses, take sworn testimony and demand answers. The disadvantage is while witnesses can be forced to incriminate themselves, the testimony can’t be used to prosecute them. ...the ACC has a budget of around $93 million The ACC has the power to so you would think that if the government compel witnesses had funnelled some of the money needed for to testify and the royal commission to the existing agency, while selfincriminating it could have taken on the investigation evidence can’t without having to start from scratch. be used in court against them, it can point investigators in the right direction. The ACC’s role is to reduce the ‘’serious and organised crime threats of most harm to Australians and the national interest’’, and to ‘’disrupt, disable and dismantle criminal enterprises through enforcement, regulation, policy and legislation’’. Such as, you would think, the dual threat of organised crime infiltration of unions and entrenched corruption linked to construction contracts. Now the cost of the new royal commission (*LNI - Lobsters Not Included) is anyone’s guess. The last one (the 2001-03 royal commission into the building industry headed by Terry Cole, QC) is said to have cost around $100 million. Let’s say the new one comes in at half that - a lazy $50 million. Well, the ACC has a budget of around $93 million so you would think that if the government had funnelled some of the money needed for the royal commission to the existing agency, it could have taken on the investigation without having to start from scratch. After all, they have the computers, the staff, the intelligence holdings and the existing links to all law enforcement agencies. They also have their own stubby holders. In fact, the ACC and police should have been investigating this area constantly as labour racketeering is just another arm of organised crime, along with drug trafficking, weapons movement, murder, film piracy and cyber crime. So we are left with three possibilities: 1. The Australian Crime Commission doesn’t believe union corruption is as big as we are being told. 2. The ACC, along with state and federal police, have stuffed up big time.
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3.
Or the ACC is so chronically under-funded that it couldn’t find a gangster wearing a hard hat and a fluoro vest if he stood outside the office with a stop sign and a pirated series of Breaking Bad. It would be no surprise if Melbourne mediator Mick Gatto was called to the new inquiry as Gatto is to royal commissions what Marina Prior is to Carols by Candlelight. The show seemingly can’t go on without them. One of the challenges for the royal commission will be to discover work practices, traditional habits and infiltration methods used to build an environment that cultivates corruption. Surely a qualified work-practice academic armed with a fawn corduroy jacket and a second-hand Citroen could point out the blinding obvious - that any company that offers a bribe should be banned from tendering for government projects, any union official convicted of taking or soliciting money banned from office and debt collectors need to be registered to curtail bikie influence in the trade. Royal commissions can shine a light in dark places, but often the problem re-emerges depressingly quickly. A few years after the Costigan commission, organised crime was back strong as ever in the docklands. Corruption thrived because it was seen as part of the landscape. Thefts, frauds, kickbacks were accepted and drug syndicates corrupted officials and workers to tip them off on police investigations. Then in 2012 the Trident taskforce, made up of investigators from Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, Customs, the Australian Tax Office, Australian Crime Commission and moneylaundering experts from Austrac, was set up. It was as much about changing the thinking on the wharves as locking up crooks. Bosses who previously didn’t want industrial unrest and workers who had been taught to look the other way were persuaded to help, not for the greater good but because it made business sense. For the truth is corruption costs jobs and strips profit. ‘’We are getting the industry on board to be our eyes and ears,’’ says the head of Trident, Victorian Detective Inspector Tony Silver. And it requires not a short royal commission but a long-term commitment to make real change. ‘’We are here to clean up the industry. This will be a permanent and enduring taskforce and we are determined to clean out the crooks,’’ claims AFP Detective Superintendent Des Appleby. Politicians from both sides put on their Eliot Ness faces when demanding zero tolerance on industrial corruption and union double-dealing. The single biggest case of cheating in Australia was the Visy $700 million price-fixing scandal. After an exhaustive investigation, chairman Richard Pratt and the company he built were fined $36 million. The billionaire philanthropist was also dogged by claims he used bikies to intimidate workers in union disputes and paid bribes to win lucrative contracts. When Mr Pratt died in 2009, politicians gave him a state funeral.
Reprinted with the kind permission of John Silvester and The Age.
On The Record March 2014
9
News PUBLIC AGED CARE SELL-OFF
$PNNVOJUJFT æHIUJOH CBDL DBO BDIJFWF CFOFæUT Pip Carew, Assistant Secretary Although the State Government’s nursing home bed sell-off continues apace, with the target set at 1000 beds in the metropolitan area alone, there is proof that a concerted effort by interested parties can influence outcomes. When Monash Council, on a razor-thin vote of 5/4 voted in favour of selling off Monash Gardens and Elizabeth Gardens, it faced a groundswell of community concern and a good deal of pushback from the families of loved ones. As a result of that pressure the Council subsequently decided to sell the facility to Royal Freemasons, which enjoys a sound reputation in the aged care industry. In addition, Council insisted on a covenant that the land would be used for aged care for the next 15 years, services and activities would continue for the next seven years and meals will be cooked on site. It was also agreed that Royal Freemasons would “retain significant
numbers of staff,” although ANMF is seeking negotiations to clarify this matter. Royal Freemasons paid $21.8 million for the facility – further evidence that aged care is a growing business sector with significant indicators for growth.
More nursing home sales and closures Patients’, their families’ and nurses’ key concern with privatisation of public nursing homes is the loss of mandated minimum qualified nursing levels. ANMF is supporting members and working with a number of metropolitan and regional community groups who are concerned about losing public nursing home beds in their areas. These include: $OIUHG +HDOWK·V SURSRVHG VDOH RI public aged care beds at Caulfield and surrounding suburbs %DOODUDW +HDOWK 6HUYLFH·V announcement that it will sell 129 public nursing home bed licences
Nurses joined protesters last year opposing Monash City Council’s decision to sell Monash Gardens and Elizabeth Gardens. :HVWHUQ +HDOWK·V FORVXUH RI WKH bed Reg Geary House in June There is no doubt private nursing home providers can make up-front savings because they are not obligated to have minimum qualified nursing levels. Equally, the research shows safe numbers of qualified nurses improves patient care and is cost effective because more nurses reduces adverse outcomes such as falls and infections, reduces hospital admissions and provides better palliative care. Nurses know this. We need to make sure politicians and the community know as well.
UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE
NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE
Members rally to save Medicare
People in Health Awards
ANMF members supported the recent Save Medicare rally in Melbourne, organised in response to the Federal Government’s refusal to rule out the introduction of a $6 co-payment for all visits to doctors. The payment was proposed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s former health adviser in a submission to the Commission of Audit which is identifying where the Federal Government can cut spending. Speaking at the rally, ANMF (Vic Branch) Assistant Secretary Paul Gilbert said unions would fight for the very best health system Australia could afford and highlighted the financial and health
10
On The Record March 2014
implications that a $6 cost would have on the most vulnerable. Universal access to health services was vital and any upfront fee would hit those who need it most and result in people delaying a visit to their doctor or force more people to present to Victoria’s over stretched hospital emergency departments. “There are people who will not go to the doctor for $6. That $6 will be the difference between them going or not going to the doctor, or going or not going to the emergency department,” he said. Members can sign a petition calling on Prime Minister Abbott to keep universal health care in Australia: at www.tiny.cc/ medicarepetition
Nominate an amazing nursing or midwifery colleague for the People in Health Awards. These awards will recognise the performance and achievement of organisations and individuals in the 2013 calendar year, including in medicine, nursing and allied health. The last Victorian Government awards, the Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards, were held in 2010. Nominations close 24 March 2014. For details visit www.tiny.cc/phawards
www.anmfvic.asn.au
News ONLINE SURVEY CLOSES ON 6 APRIL 2014
IN MEMORIAM
All nurses and midwives needed in study
Leader in occupational health nursing
All Victorian registered nurses and midwives employed in a clinical environment are encouraged to participate an important 15-minute online survey. The national study aims to define advanced practice nursing by examining the activities undertaken by nurses and midwives in different positions, titles and grades across Australia. Queensland University of Technology and University of Technology, Sydney are undertaking the study and members are encouraged to contribute their views to ensure that the clinical work and scope of practice of Victorian nurses and midwives is well represented in the results. This survey is essential to understand the definition/meaning of advanced practice for the professions of nursing and midwifery in Australia and for the
health industry to understand the service capability of different levels of practice. It also has implications for nursing and midwifery clinicians when considering postgraduate education options and their career planning. Eminent nursing academics Professor Glenn Gardner (Queensland University of Technology) and Professor Christine Duffield (University of Technology, Sydney) are conducting the study. The study’s findings will be critical to informing the ANMF and employers on changes needed to the career structure to reflect contemporary clinical practice. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to this important study. Access to complete the survey finishes on 6 April 2014. The link to the study is: http://survey.qut.edu.au/f/179050/1289
Applications open
Bernadette Gilmartin, was born on 9 November 1929 and died on 14 January 2014. She was a leader in occupational health nursing in Victoria and was an active member of the Occupational Health Nurses Special Interest Group, ANMF (Vic Branch), for many years, serving as Secretary, Newsletter Editor and President. Bernadette was instrumental in organising the first Vi Elliott Seminar which became a regular event in the occupational health nursing calendar. When the Special Interest Group was disbanded and the Vi Elliott Occupational Health Nurses Trust was formed Bernadette became one of the inaugural Trustees until ill health led to her retirement. A talented nurse, leader and mentor, especially to occupational health nurses, her contribution to our professions will long be remembered.
ANMF members are invited to apply for a range of scholarships, grants and prizes which provide financial assistance to nurses and midwives pursuing further research and study. Applications are now open for:
Debra Gillick, Lorraine Hedley and Maureen Ward. Vi Elliott Trustees and friends of Bernadette for many years.
MEMBER BENEFIT: GRANTS, PRIZES & SCHOLARSHIPS
ANMF (Vic Branch) Metropolitan Education Grants Applications close: 25 July 2014 ANMF (Vic Branch) Regional Education Grants Applications close: 25 July 2014 ANMF $5000 Annual Higher Education and Research Grant Applications close: 26 September 2014 The Irving Buzzard Midwifery Prize Nominations close: 26 September 2014 Vi Elliott Occupational Health Nurses Trust Applications close: Friday, 30 August ANMF $3000 Elizabeth Hulme Grant for ANMF Special Interest Group Members Applications close: 29 August 2014 For more information, including the eligible criteria and application process visit the Grants and Scholarships page on the ANMF website at www.tiny.cc/2014grants
www.anmfvic.asn.au
ELIGIBLE MIDWIVES
ANMAC reviewing courses The accreditation standards for eligible midwives courses are under review by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. There are two types of courses under review: 1. Professional Practice Programs 2. Prescribing courses leading to endorsement of the eligible midwife to prescribe certain medicines. Maternity Services Officer Julianne Barclay is representing ANMF on the expert advisory group reviewing the courses. ANMF will notify members by email on the progress of this review. Please update your email contact with ANMF membership at www.tiny.cc/memberportal
On The Record March 2014
11
News www.anmfvic.asn.au/calendar
SIG IN FOCUS: VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH NURSES
OTR diary
Promoting the interests of research nurses
Job Rep/HSR Annual Regional Seminars ‘Bullying & harassment: what you need to know’ 4 March (Mildura), 6 March (Bendigo) This new advanced level training program will provide Job Reps and HSRs with a greater understanding of bullying and harassment issues. Details page 13.
Health & Environmental Sustainability Conference 5 March 2014, CPD: 8 hours Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Wharf Please note the conference venue has changed. Register at www.tiny.cc/14sustconf
Mental Health Act Implementation Forum 18 March 2014, CPD: 6.5 hours Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, Melbourne Register at www.tiny.cc/mhforum Details page 6.
Prevention of workplace bullying 2 April 2014, CPD: 6 hours Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, Melbourne This solution-oriented seminar will provide strategies for preventing and dealing with incidents of bullying and harassment. Register at www.tiny.cc/14bulsem
Undergraduate Student Study Day 16 May 2014, 9am – 4pm MCG, Brunton Avenue, Richmond All final year student nurses and midwives should attend this essential guide to the 2015 graduate year application process. Register online www.tiny.cc/14studay
Annual Health & Safety Reps Conference Wednesday 25 June 2013, CPD: 6 hours Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, Melbourne ANMF members who are HSRs or Job Reps are invited to this conference scheduled the day before the Annual Delegates Conference. No cost. Register online at www.tiny.cc/14hsrconf
Annual Delegates Conference Thursday 26 June & Friday 27 June 2014 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre All ANMF Job Reps are invited to this twoday conference, including the Delegates Dinner on Thursday 27 June. Register at www.tiny.cc/14delsconf
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On The Record March 2014
The Victorian Association of Research Nurses (VARN) is an ANMF Special Interest Group led by an eight member committee, dedicated to promoting the professional and educational interests of research nurses from all disciplines. Recent initiatives include: Including research nurses in the public sector enterprise bargaining agreement. While this has been an aim spanning many years and involving many people, recent advances have been made with position description and pay scale wording nearing completion for inclusion in the recent agreement. Subsidised dinner meetings. Held once a year, and including presentations from industry leaders, these dinner meetings are a great way for VARN members to meet in an informal setting to network with others in the field. Free for VARN members.
Further education and conference sponsorship. VARN has on offer four $1000 professional development grants to help members attend relevant conferences or courses. Sponsorship of our Professional Development Day enabling VARN to offer more member services. This annual event is attended by over 70 new and existing members and includes speakers including clinical research organisations, ethics departments, and fellow co-ordinators. A great way to keep abreast of current standards and protocols involved in coordinating research as well as being a great way to meet others in the field.
To join or make inquiries contact VARN President Gabriel Silver at Gabriel. silver@mh.org.au
An essential guide to the 2015 graduate year application process Friday 16 May 2014, 9am - 4pm MCG, Brunton Avenue, Richmond
For public transport use PTV Journal Planner
Find out more about: the Graduate Year Program Computer Match how to write successful resumés and application letters the key to a successful interview pay and entitlements as a graduate registered nurse/midwife All final year undergraduate nursing and midwifery students should attend this study day to ensure they understand the Graduate Year Program application process. Evaluations from previous years indicate that those who attend feel better prepared for applying for their graduate year program.
More information and to register online: www.tiny.cc/14studay
www.anmfvic.asn.au
2014 Introduction to Industrial Relations and the Job Representative Role www.anmfvic.asn.au/jobreps/ Job Rep training programs, provided free to Job Reps, are designed to build your knowledge and confidence in your important role in the union. Details regarding leave entitlements and provision
of accommodation and meals are included in the registration brochure and at www.anmfvic. asn.au. All Melbourne-based programs are held at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Regional program venues are
notified with your registration confirmation. Paid training leave applies where eligible. Course and registration information is available at www.anmfvic.asn.au/jobreps/ or call Aoife Ni Dhalaigh on 9275 9333 for a registration.
What will I learn in the Introductory Job Rep program?
disciplinary procedure your role in representing members and helping members to help themselves building and unifying workplace membership.
Regional courses:
This program is held over three consecutive days and will focus on: the role of ANMF and unions your role, rights and responsibilities as an ANMF Job Rep Melbourne courses: the Fair Work Act and your rights at work 9.15am – 4.30pm daily. what to do when you don’t know what to do M01/14 25, 26 & 27 March finding out who, what, where and how to M02/14 access ANMF resources Program 1: Introduction to industrial relations and the13, 14 & 15 May M03/14 3, 4 & 5 June identifying the roles and responsibilities of role of the Job Representative (3 days) M04/14 22, 23, 24 July ANMF staff and officials All Job Reps who have not attended training26, 27 & 28 August M05/14 a problem solving process to address years 30 Sept, 1 & 2 October M06/14 workplace issues or attended training more than three ago are strongly encouraged to attend this 2, 3 & 4 December the principles of natural justice, M07/14 procedural fairnessthree-day and the introductory program. You’ll gain confidence in your role, learn when to ask for help and find out what resources are available to you from the ANF to assist you in the role.
9.15am - 4.30pm daily. R01/14 Geelong R02/14 Ballarat R03/14 Echuca R04/14 Latrobe R05/14 Wangaratta R06/14 Bendigo R07/14 Warrnambool
Melbourne programs (9.15am - 4.30pm daily) understand the legal obligations of the The new advanced level training program, employer to address such issues Bullying and Harassment - what youDecember need to know, M08/11 6, 7 & 8 has been developed to give Job Reps and have the opportunity to examine and apply their learning to some case study examples HSRs a greater understanding of bullying and RESPECT OUR WORK receive a range of resources, information harassment issues as2011 well EBA: as clear guidance about their role when members bring such and materials relevant to the issue. issues to them. This training will be combined with the Job Reps and HSRs who undertake this Annual Regional Seminars which include an training will be able to: update Every ward/unit should have at least two on JobANMF (Vic Branch) activities. This identify and define what is and isn’t is an opportunity to meet elected officials, workplace bullying your ANMF Organiser, other Job Reps and understand their role in dealing with these HSRs in your area as well as join us for a issues in the workplace complimentary ‘happy hour’.
Paid training leave applies where eligible. Training program 9.30 am - 3 pm Regional Seminar 3.30 pm - 4.45 pm ‘Happy Hour’ 4.45 pm - 5.45 pm
8, 9 & 10 April 27, 28 & 29 May 29, 30, 31 July 12, 13 & 14 August 21, 22 & 23 October 11, 12 & 13 November 25, 26 & 27 November
Regional program venues are notified with your registration confirmation.
Contact Aoife Ni Dhalaigh on 03 9275 9333 or jrt@anmfvic.asn.au for more information or register online: www.tiny.cc/14jrintro
NEW: 2014 Advanced Job Rep & HSR training and Annual Regional Seminars www.anmfvic.asn.au/ohs/
Do you have Job Reps at your workplace?
RTS07/14 RTS08/14
4 March 6 March
Mildura Bendigo
Contact Aoife Ni Dhalaigh on 03 9275 9333 or jrt@anmfvic.asn.au for more information or register online: www.tiny.cc/14advjrhsr
2014 Occupational Health & Safety Training www.anmfvic.asn.au/ohs/ ANMF OHS courses cater for the health sector, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing. ANMF Health and Safety Reps are urged to attend the approved training course, which relates to nursing and provides up-to-date
information about your industry. Subject to consultation with the employer, HSRs have the right to choose the five-day initial HSR OHS course they will attend provided it is a WorkSafe approved course.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must not obstruct or prevent an HSR from attending an approved course of their choice; to do so may constitute an offence under the Act. Requests to attend training must be made at least 14 days before the course
Five-day Initial HSR OHS Course (WorkSafe approved)
One-day HSR OHS Refresher Course (WorkSafe approved)
Regional courses:
This course relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, and is designed to equip elected HSRs and Deputy HSRs with an understanding of the OHS regulatory framework. It is also designed to provide participants with the skills required to implement effective hazard control strategies in the workplace. Course 1: 12, 13, 14 March, 27, 28 March Course 2: 4, 5, 6 June, 19, 20 June Course 3: 3, 4, 5, 18, 19 September Course 4: 10, 11, 12 Nov 4, 5 December Time: 9am – 5pm each day Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melb Cost: $750 (payable by employer).
Register online: www.tiny.cc/14hsr5day
Contact the OHS Unit for further information on 9275 9333 or ohs@anmfvic.asn.au www.anmfvic.asn.au
This one-day refresher course relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, and is designed to refresh HSRs’ knowledge and understanding of the OHS regulatory framework. It is also designed to provide participants with the skills required to implement effective hazard control strategies in the workplace.
Metropolitan courses: Course 1: 20 March Course 2: 23 July Course 3: 29 October Time: 9am – 5pm Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melb Cost: $250 (payable by employer).
Register online: www.tiny.cc/14hsr1met
Course 1: Latrobe 21 May Course 2: Bendigo 13 August If you would like us to consider presenting a course in your area, please email a request. Time: 9am – 5pm Venue: Notified on registration confirmation. Cost: $250 (payable by employer). Regional courses are subject to a minimum number of 10 participants per course.
Register online: www.tiny.cc/14hsr1reg
Seminars (ANMF House) Prevention of Workplace Bullying: 2 April Working Hours, Shifts and Fatigue: 17 July Prevention of Workplace Bullying: 16 October
Conferences HSR Conference (ANMF House): 25 June ANMF Nurses & Midwives Conference (MCEC, South Wharf): 11 & 12 September.
On The Record March 2014
13
Professional news
*NB: listings with an asterisk (*) may interest midwives
CPD: 6 hours 7 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Margaret Lang This seminar explores all Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) business rules, a comprehensive breakdown of the 12 ACFI questions and a practical review of compiling and completing the ACFI answer appraisal pack. Member $160, on-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
All Nurses, Midwives, AINS & PCAs $FSUJĂŚDBUF *7 JO USBJOJOH BOE BTTFTTNFOU (TAE40110) Course 2 starts 7 March or Course 3 starts 2 May Member $1770, non-member $1970, Job Rep/ SIG member $1670
*Venipuncture, conducting a 12 lead ECG and contemporary pathology collection
Course 1: Tuesday 11 & 25 March 2014 Course 2: Tuesday 6 & 20 May 2014 Member $600, non-members $650, Job Rep/SIG member $550
*HLTCPR211A Perform CPR
The importance of documenting nursing care within the aged care environment CPD: 6 hours 9 May, 9.30am- 4.30pm, presenter Margaret Lang This new seminar focuses on the what, why and when recording DQG UHSRUWLQJ LV UHTXLUHG DQG LGHQWLÂżHV WKH OHJDO LVVXHV SHUWDLQLQJ WR documentation, the principle of effective handovers and the recording and reporting process in the cycle of care. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/ SIG member $150
*The art of communicating successfully in the contemporary nursing environment CPD: 6 hours 29 May, 9.30am- 4.30pm, presenter Jenny Poulter This workshop is designed to support nurses to communicate in a clear, concise, unambiguous, assertive and sensitive way in a multidisciplinary, multicultural and sensitive environment where clients, patients and colleagues alike have diverse and varying needs. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
All Registered & Enrolled Nurses *Law & ethics for registered and enrolled nurses CPD: 12 hours 6 and 13 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Jenny Poulter This course is designed to reacquaint nurses with the fundamentals of law and the legislation that impacts on nursing practice. It will outline the legal precepts, documents, scope of practice of registered and enrolled nurses in light of the recent regulatory changes and includes the legal and ethical principles of nursing practice. Member $320, non-member $390, Job Rep/SIG member $290
ANMF Education Centre phone: 9275 9363 email: education@anmfvic.asn.au
On The Record March 2014
venue
inquiries - brochures applications
ANMF education centre
CPD: 4 hours, presenter Sandy Willis Course 1 20 March, 9am-1pm Course 2 1 May, 9am-1pm, This refresher in Basic CPR includes Australian Resuscitation Council updates and training in management of an unconscious patient and CPR. Suitable for maintaining annual CPR update. Member $80, non-member $100, Job Rep/SIG member $70
CPD: 6 hours 12 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Kate Potter This new workshop delivers a comprehensive one-day program relating to venipuncture techniques and conducting a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
Mental State Examination (MSE) for assessment of patients with acute psychiatric symptoms CPD: 6 hours 14 March, 9.30am - 4.30pm, presenter Paula Duffy This seminar focuses on the strategies to conduct an effective assessment of a person with acute psychiatric symptoms. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
Managing the patient with drug and alcohol addictions CPD: 6 hours 27 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Paula Duffy This workshop covers an exploration of what are substances and what are drugs, their potential impact and interventions. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
*Stress vulnerability and management for health professionals CPD: 6 hours 28 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Helen Reeves This new seminar focuses on identifying and implementing appropriate strategies to manage work-related stress. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
.BOBHJOH EJGĂŚDVMU QFPQMF CPD: 6 hours, presenter Brendan Scully 3 April, 9.30am-4.30pm 8 May, 9.30am-4.30pm This seminar addresses techniques that nurses and other healthcare SURIHVVLRQDOV PD\ XWLOLVH WR PDQDJH GLIÂżFXOW SHRSOH DQG WHQVH VLWXDWLRQV Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
Advanced skills for dementia care CPD: 6 hours 4 April, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Dr Rosalie Hudson This workshop assists nurses to increase their knowledge, skills and FRQÂżGHQFH WR RIIHU SHRSOH ZLWK GHPHQWLD WKH EHVW SUDFWLFH HYLGHQFH EDVHG person- centered care emphasising end-of-life care for people with advanced dementia and appropriate symptom management. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
The ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Visit w Centre, ANMF (Vic Branch) Registered for info Training Organisation (RTO 3601), upcom nursing laboratory and library are located near the Melbourne CBD at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. www.anmfvic.asn.au
upcoming course upcoming course program program
$FSUJĂŚDBUF *7 5"" UP 5"& VQHSBEF BOE language, literacy and numeracy unit (TAELLN401A)
14
ACFI for registered and enrolled nurses
The principles of documentation in the current nursing environment
Medication administration – principles and practice revisited
CPD: 6 hours 2 May, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Emily Luchini Designed to assist nurses to revisit the principles of documenting care and other activities in an objective and concise manner within the context of a range of readers. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
CPD: 12 hours 8 and 15 May, 9.30am – 4.30pm, presenter Sue Pleunik This two-day workshop is designed to update the register nurse skills in medication administration. Topics covered include administration via all 5 routes, drug calculations and managing IV pumps, syringe drivers and PCA systems. Member $320, non-member $390, Job Rep/SIG member $290
Innovation in wound management CPD: 12 hours 14 & 23 May, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenters Julie Bauch & Sandra Dean This wound management course focuses on wound prevention and assessment, use of the latest products and appropriate and cost effective wound management techniques. Member $320, non-member $390, Job Rep/SIG member $290
Delirium and depression in the older person CPD: 6 hours 16 May, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Dr Rosalie Hudson This workshop will empower nurses to identify symptoms that can be effectively treated. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
*Depression and anxiety – recognising the symptoms CPD: 6 hours 23 May, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Helen Reeves The focus of this workshop will include the exploration of depression and anxiety, regarding the aetiology, and bio-psychosocial principles of intervention. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
*Principles and practice of infection control CPD: 6 hours 9 April, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Jennifer Poulter This workshop will review health care related infections and the infection control practices required to minimise the spread of infection. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
%ZOBNJD çVJET FMFDUSPMZUFT BOE USBOTGVTJPO PG CMPPE blood products CPD: 6 hours 10 April, 9.30am – 4.30pm, presenter Emily Luchini 7KLV LQ GHSWK VHPLQDU FRYHUV WKH WKHRULHV DQG DVVHVVPHQWV EHKLQG ÀXLG WKHUDS\ ZLWK D IRFXV RQ DGYDQFHG XQGHUVWDQGLQJ DQG VNLOO GHYHORSPHQW IRU QXUVHV PDQDJLQJ ÀXLGV in the acute patient. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
Registered Nurses
*IV cannulation for registered nurses and midwives CPD: 6 hours 9 May, 9.30am – 4.30pm, presenter Emily Luchini This seminar focuses on inserting peripheral cannulae in adult patients and includes anatomy, insertion sites, cannula selection and techniques, infection control, common problems and corrective action. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
Midwives *Gestational diabetes – the ‘new’ common problem
CPD: 6 hours 22 May, 9.30am - 4.30pm, presenter Cheryl Steele This seminar is designed to expand a midwife’s knowledge of gestational diabetes. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
Enrolled Nurses Bridging/conversion course for enrolled nurses Upgrade to Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing) Course commences Monday 23 June 2014 Two days per week (Monday, Tuesday), 9.30am - 4.30pm Entry level criteria applies. Enrolled nurses who meet the Skills Victoria funding criteria will be eligible for a funded place. Cost $1872
New Entrants HLT51612 Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing) part-time Course commences Thursday 26 June 2014 Interested in a career in nursing? Applications are invited from people interested in undertaking the ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre’s next Diploma of Nursing on a part-time basis. Applications are currently open, limited places available. Application forms are available on request by calling 9275 9363 or emailing education@anmfvic.asn.au or online at www.anmfvic.asn.au
Managing the deteriorating patient
www.anfvic.asn.au www.anfvic.asn.au www.anmfvic.asn.au
All nurses and midwives are required to undertake 20 hours of continuing professional development each year as part of the requirements to re-register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. For information visit www. nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au
costs
www.anmfvic.asn.au/education ormation about these and more ming courses.
continuing professional development (cpd)
CPD: 6 hours 27 March, 9.30am – 4.30pm, presenter Emily Luchini The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Standard 9 focuses on recognising and responding to the deteriorating patient. It is critical nurses and PLGZLYHV LQ WKH DFXWH VHWWLQJ DUH FRQ¿GHQW LQ WKH PDQDJHPHQW RI WKHVH SDWLHQWV Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150
4JHOJĂŚDBOU EJTDPVOUT PO NBOZ courses (excluding governmentfunded courses) are available to ANMF members, Job Reps and ANMF Special Interest Group members. Courses may be tax deductible. Ask your tax consultant for advice. On The Record March 2014
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At First State Super we believe Australians who choose careers looking after NSGDQR CDRDQUD SN AD BNMĆĽCDMS SG@S SGDHQ RTODQ HR HM R@ED G@MCR )NHM SGD RTODQ ETMC SG@S OTSR LDLADQR ĆĽQRS
&DOO RU YLVLW ĆŠUVWVWDWHVXSHU FRP DX Consider our product disclosure statement before making a decision about First State Super. Call us or visit our website for a copy. FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672 ASFL 293340 is the trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365.
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