Health Times March 2019

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March 2019

Mental Health Feature + Mental health nurses must take care of their own mental health to take care of others + Social work: mental health practice and other specialisations + The importance of mental health first aid training for nurses + Plight of aged care workers highlighted during International Women's Day

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HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 03


March 2019 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in this issue. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportuities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or would like to receive our publication, please email us at contact@healthtimes.com.au DISTRIBUTION 46,300

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The HealthTimes magazine is the most widely distributed national nursing and allied health publication in Australia. For all advertising and production enquiries please contact us by telephone on 1300 306 582, email contact@healthtimes.com.au or visit www.healthtimes.com.au Published by Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd trading as HealthTimes. ABN 29 071 328 053

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HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 05


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1300 221 971 | smartnurses.com.au *Based on the following assumptions: living in NSW 2560, salary: $70,000 gross p.a., travelling 15,000 kms p.a., lease term: 60 months, using the Employee Contribution Method for FBT purposes. Images shown may not be the exact car that the calculations have been based on. All figures quoted include budgets for finance, fuel, servicing, tyres, maintenance, Vero by Suncorp comprehensive motor insurance, Hydro Platinum Pack and re-registration over the period of the lease. Also includes, for Nissan and Audi models only, 2 year Platinum Warranty insurance. Vehicle residual, as set by Australian Taxation Office, payable at the end of lease term. The exact residual amount will be specified in your vehicle quote. Vehicle pricing is correct at the time of distribution but may be subject to change based on availability.

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HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 07


Explore new possibilities working in Drug and Alcohol at MLHD Have you thought about a job in Drug and Alcohol but not too sure where to start or what qualifications you need? At Murrumbidgee Local Health (MLHD) we currently have a number of opportunities for people wishing to advance their careers in Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services. These roles work collaboratively within our multidisciplinary Mental Health Drug teams to provide exceptional clinical care and service provision to members of the community experiencing issues with substance use. Our Drug and Alcohol teams are known for their love of innovation, team work and holistic approach to care. Working as part of the MLHD means you will be able to thrive in a supportive, flexible and fulfilling workplace. We are committed to ensuring professional development, clinical supervision and that career goals are mapped out and met. Our multidisciplinary teams provide career paths for both Nursing and Allied Health staff, new graduates and established professionals.

We currently have the following opportunities: Drug and Alcohol Clinical Leader - Griffith Drug and Alcohol Clinician - Griffith Drug and Alcohol Clinician - Tumut Drug and Alcohol Clinician - Young For further information about these exciting opportunities please contact MLHD's District Community Manager Alison Thorne on 0358802100 or Alison.thorne@health.nsw.gov.au To learn more about working at MLHD please visit https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/careers

To apply please visit: https://jobs.health.nsw.gov.au/mlhd and enter job title

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FOUNDATIONS OF WOUND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP MELBOURNE, MAY 14 2019 For more information and to book tickets go to: http://bit.do/wound2019

Designed for busy nurses, this workshop provides comprehensive, easy to understand principles and tools to support evidence-based person-centred wound management practice. A comprehensive assessment of the person and their wound

Enquiries: is vital to direct person-centred treatment. An understanding Contact HealthTimes of common wound types and their management which are seen in everyday practice are also important. 1300 306 582 Contact@healthtimes.com.au Nurses must stay abreast of the latest knowledge, tools and wound management therapies to facilitate evidence-based person-centred practice.

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HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 09


Mental health first aid training vital for health care workers

I

n Australia, 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness each year, and while first aid training for physical conditions and injury is widely accepted most courses don’t cover the skills required in a mental health crisis. As a result, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is gaining momentum as a valuable skill set for healthcare professionals to provide first response care in a mental health crisis. Mental health first aid training is particularly necessary for nurses who frequently interact with people diagnosed mental health disorders, those at high risk of mental health conditions and people experiencing a mental health crisis, explained Mental Health Nurse Denise Warmington. A Principal Master Instructor for Mental Health First Aid Australia Ms Warmington said: “The MHFA Action Plan, which participants learn in an MHFA course, provides a framework for nurses to use when they have a conversation with someone about their mental health and to encourage them to seek appropriate professional help. “Mental health first aid training teaches participants to identify signs of a developing mental health problem and signs of a crisis and how to provide appropriate support, including crisis first aid,” said Ms Warmington. What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid is a universal training

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program, available in 23 countries, that teaches people how to help a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing an escalation of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Mental health first aid training for patient care Clinical Adviser for Beyond Blue, Dr Grant Blashki, said the hospital setting could be stressful for patients diagnosed with a mental health condition, and nurses are highly trusted health professionals who can be the first point of call. “Apart from the highly specialised skills of mental health nurses, all nurses need a suite of basic mental health skills. “Mental health symptoms that can be exacerbated in a hospital setting include anxiety, sleep problems, depression and, for people with psychotic or bipolar disorders, in particular, the change in routine can increase the risk of relapse. “Basic mental health skills are essential for all general nurses during their undergraduate training and throughout their career. “This includes listening and empathic counselling skills, understanding the main diagnostic categories, awareness of and access to psychoeducation materials, and knowledge of the various treatment types. “For most nurses, some simple counselling


skills such as problem-solving, activity planning and cognitive behaviour therapy techniques can be useful in everyday work with patients. “There are evidence-based resources on the Beyond Blue website such as fact sheets and information about the various mental health conditions that can be a great resource for nurses and patients alike,” said Dr Blashki. Mental health first aid training for peer support Mental health first aid training is also invaluable to support colleagues at risk of mental health conditions, said Ms Warmington, as health professionals experience higher rates of mental health problems. The National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students found that doctors reported substantially higher rates of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts compared to both the Australian population and other Australian professionals. “The MHFA courses teach participants how to use the Action Plan in a variety of settings including how to offer support to a peer,” said Ms Warmington. Mental health first aid training in action A study of over 15,728 nursing students who received MHFA revealed that participants experienced positive effects on intentions to provide MHFA and confidence in helping a peer, improvements in MHFA knowledge and a reduction in stigma. “Participants consistently reported finding the MHFA course beneficial and of finding the knowledge and practical skills learnt relevant to their nursing practice,” said Ms Warmington. Mental Health Nurse Consultant, and facilitator of ‘Mental health. You’re already doing it’, Sharyn Amos, said nurses are on the frontline and need better access to mental health first aid training.

“They have a unique opportunity to provide holistic care in the primary care setting. The training provides nurses with the skill set to manage the many levels of complexity that present with a patient in the primary care setting. “The training gives nurses the skills and confidence to explore what is happening with the patient’s mental state. This can then translate to supporting the client to access services, see their general practitioner or nurse practitioner to discuss their mental health,” said Ms Amos. Despite this, training is not always supported, especially for nurses working in smaller clinics, so there can be a financial burden. “The key issue is that nurses in primary care may have greater difficulty in accessing free education and time to attend education that is funded. “If the training is not supported with coverage of nurse hours there is significant pressure to not attend to the training,” said Ms Amos. Comprehensive mental health curricula would benefit all areas of nursing, but it would compete for time and resources against other equally essential nursing subjects, said Brett Holmes, General Secretary, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. “Competent mental health practice requires practical experience to fully develop and utilise the skills necessary. This translates to more time in clinical placements, which is already in short supply in NSW, even now with student mental health placements. “Individual nurses’ preparedness to cope with mental health challenges often depends on their level of education, experience and personal resilience. “But a more comprehensive mental health education would help to strengthen their knowledge and expand their skill set,” said Mr Holmes.

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Combine your Nursing experience with state of the art equipment and aircraft to deliver aero medical and primary health care services to every corner of our state. As part of our team you will experience nursing at its extreme across some of Western Australia’s most remote and remarkable locations. With RFDS Bases situated in Broome, Port Hedland, Meekatharra, Kalgoorlie and Perth (Jandakot) the opportunities for adventure are endless You must have - Nursing Registration - Midwifery qualiications and - Post graduate qualiication or at least 3 years critical care experience. You will become part of a dedicated group of people who make a real difference. Offering competitive remuneration including subsidised accommodation, district allowance and salary packaging options, this is a unique oportunity to join Australia’s most trusted charity. Part-time FIFO options available. For further information or a conndential discussion contact Paul Ingram on 08 9417 6327 To register your interest, please submit a CV and Coverletter at ww www.rfdswajobs.com.au & enter ref code: 4509440

HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 13


Take a break on us Your organisation may be eligible for Australian Government-funded support to help alleviate the pressure of finding a temporary replacement when you or your colleagues go on leave. You will be given all the support needed to recruit, screen and place highly experienced health professionals that can hit the ground running from the moment they arrive.

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Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Kimberley Mental Health & Drug Service The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is the largest country health system in Australia and one of the biggest in the world. We currently have a number of full time permanent Registered Nurse Positions within the Broome Mental Health Unit, also known as Mabu Liyan; which translates as 'a place of good spirit'. Mabu Liyan is a thirteen bed acute psychiatric inpatient unit, located on the Broome Hospital campus and accepts referrals from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. The unit has a dedicated Aboriginal Mental Health Team to support cultural safety in mental health treatment and care. The town of Broome is in close proximity to beautiful beaches and many excursions can be made to gorges, rivers and national parks of the North and East Kimberley. Empl Employee Beneets: In addition to the great salary our employees enjoy an amazing range of beneets which may include: 9.5% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice. Access to generous salary packaging arrangements. Professional Development Opportunities and Study Leave/assistance. Flexible working arrangements. District Allowance. $8,361 - 16,722 p.a. (subject to change) Air-conditioning Allowance. (subject to eligibility) Additional week Northwest Leave. (subject to eligibility) Subsidised residential accommodation, may be provided subject to eligibility. If you require further information, we encourage you to contact Andrew Shaw, Clinical Nurse Manager, BHMU - Mabu Liyan, on 08 9194 4111 or via email at Andrew.Shaw@health.wa.gov.au.

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Mental Health Nurses must take care of their own mental health in order to take care of others

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ental Health Nurses must look after their own mental health, in order to maintain their crucial role in society, helping those with ongoing mental illness and addiction. “An MHN can be exposed to vicarious trauma that they have to learn to deal with,” says Mental Health Nurse, Sara Kenna. “They are also at risk of burn-out, and therefore, must look after their own mental health in the workplace.” Ms Kenna says while staff are offered supervision to provide a forum to process their work challenges and prevent these issues occurring, it’s important for individuals to take charge of their own emotional wellbeing. “By attending supervision, debriefing appropriately with colleagues and managers, utilising the employee assistance program, taking time out to care for and nurture themselves, not over-working, having adequate time off/away from work, making sure they switch off and don’t mentally take work home with them.” Which can all be easier said than done. A mental health nurse is an endorsedenrolled nurse or a registered nurse who specialises in mental health with a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience post initial qualifications. They generally undertake additional training and qualifications in either general mental health or a specific area of interest, such as drug and alcohol recovery. “I have always been interested in people and why they are the way they are, such as the nature versus nurture argument,” says Ms Kenna. “I have always wanted a career in health that helps other people and is challenging and

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interesting.” As a mental health nurse, potential roles are diverse and varied, and may include: • A nurse on a mental health unit (providing direct care to patients), • A clinical nurse supervisor (providing support to junior staff and students), • A clinical nurse consultant (providing education, support and mental health consults on mental health units), • A clinical nurse educator (providing education to staff), • A nurse practitioner (able to prescribe medication to patients in certain circumstances, requires further study), • A mental health counsellor/group facilitator (requires further study), and • A nurse unit manager, a director of nursing or clinical services. Ms Kenna, now Director of Nursing at Wesley Hospital Ashfield, has had roles including a registered mental health nurse, a Nurse Unit Manager, and an Assistant Director of Clinical Services “A mental health nurse is typically involved in providing direct care for patients. “This includes providing emotional/ psychological support, carrying out mental state and risk assessments, taking physical observations and visual observations, maintaining patient safety, administering medications, completing the admissions, discharges and care planning with patients, and documenting patient progress. “Patients may be experiencing a wide variety of mental health issues, these may include: depression and anxiety,


addiction disorders, personality/emotional dysregulation disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and PTSD.” Mental Health Nurses also play an important role in addition issues. “They are the first point of contact for the person with the service making the assessment and also when the person is admitted to the hospital. “The mental health nurse will take all the physical observations required to monitor a person’s withdrawal and administer any necessary medication. “They also provide and emotional and psychological support where required.” Due to the nature of the role, mental health nurses can experience extreme highs and lows. “One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing a patient’s recovery, and when the patient takes the time to thank you personally for caring for them. “I get a very deep sense of satisfaction seeing the difference I make in people’s lives. Research shows that patients report their connections with clinicians, such as mental health nurses, as the most significant thing in their recovery. “The therapeutic relationship we develop with our patients is most often what gives the person hope, courage and the feeling of empowerment to succeed in their recovery. “Being a part of this and sharing in their experience makes being a MHN an extremely rewarding career.” Conversely, due to the large percentage of trauma that is often experienced by people living with mental health issues, patients are

often very complex. “However, this is not the most challenging aspect of being a mental health nurse,” says Ms Kenna. “Instead, the thing I find most challenging is people’s ignorance surrounding mental health issues, and their lack of awareness of how complex a person’s trauma can be. “I find a lack of compassion and understanding of this issue amongst the general public – and even amongst clinicians – the most challenging issue for me, rather than patient experiences.” Ms Kenna also believes more government funding is required for those with mental health issues needing post-admission follow up care, including better access to psychological support for these people. Despite the challenges, Ms Kenna says mental health nursing is perfect for those with a keen interest in people. “But they need to be be able to relate to all different kinds of people without judgement, regardless of that persons’ behaviour. “They also need to have the ability to understand and empathise, and take an interest in people’s life experiences to give hope to them when they have lost all hope for themselves. “It is a brilliant career, do it!”

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HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 19


Social work: mental health practice and other specialisations

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ocial work is one of five core professions in the mental health field and is the second largest allied health sector providing mental health services. The profession involves working closely with people diagnosed with serious mental health conditions and associated problems, but there are many specialisations. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) states that all qualifying courses must have a core mental health curriculum requirement. However, there is the opportunity to specialise in many areas, including mental health, child protection, disability, schools, family support, youth, aged care and family violence. What is an accredited mental health social worker?

health are recognised providers who can deliver clinical social work services in mental health settings. Like other mental health professionals, mental health social workers use a range of interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation strategies, stress and anger management and narrative therapy to treat many mental health disorders, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Depression and other mood disorders Anxiety disorders Personality disorders Psychosis Suicidal thoughts Relationship problems Life crises Adjustment issues Trauma Family conflicts

Social workers who want to be recognised as a specialist can undertake the AASW’s Distinction Credentialing Program, which is an accreditation program of specialisations in the areas of family violence, supervisor, clinical, disability, aged care, and child protection. Other specialisations in social work

Social workers who want to specialise in mental health can apply for Accredited Mental Health Social Worker status, which allows them to access government-funded programs. This accreditation enables social workers to provide their services in private practice similar to psychologists. What do mental health social workers do? Social workers with accreditation in mental

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Social work is a diverse field, and social workers work in many settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, family violence agencies, schools, child protection settings, in legal offices and courts. They work with a variety of clients from individuals, to families, groups and entire communities, explained Christine Craik, National President of the Australian Association of Social Workers.


“Social workers do counselling, group work, research, policy, evaluation, and community work. There are so many areas where a social worker can make a difference,” said Ms Craik. • • • • • • • • •

Aged care Child protection Health Leadership and Management Mental Health Refugees and Asylum Seekers School of Social Work Disability Hospitals

How do social workers specialise? When students graduate with Bachelor or Master of Social Work, they have a qualifying degree. The credentialing occurs on graduation via a program assessed by the AASW. “How a social work student decides on a career pathway will depend on many factors including their interests and strengths, the work placements they undertake as part of their degree and the philosophy of the social work program they undertake,” said Ms Craik. The area of specialisation depends on interests, which are often motivated by the reason for studying social work in the first place, explained Sharon Kelly, a first-year student of a Bachelor of Social Work at Griffith University. “Those who choose to specialise either come from a helping profession and want to further their ability to help in a specific field, or they have a particular social interest. “We undertake two elective subjects in my degree, and two field placements of 14 weeks, which gives us an opportunity to develop an interest in a particular area or to find out if it’s not the area we thought,” said Ms Kelly.

Growing up in West End, a Brisbane suburb notorious for homelessness, Ms Kelly was no stranger to the plight of the socially and financially disadvantaged. “When I got older, I learnt about the reasons people experience homelessness, such as mental health, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing and domestic violence. “I’ve had friends with substance abuse problems as a result of untreated mental health issues, and I feel that my interests, for now, lie with dual diagnosis and homelessness. “I say ‘for now’ as the further into my studies I go, the more I learn about other areas. I’m doing a criminology subject at the moment and am becoming interested in forensic social work. “I’ve always been someone who stands up for equity, which I think all social workers strive for. “The great thing about this field is that there are so many areas you can work in, and who knows what areas lie ahead,” said Ms Kelly. The reason people choose social work as their career is just as diverse, said Ms Craik. “We always ask our first years why and get a variety of answers. “Most want a career where they can make a difference, whether to individuals, groups, families, communities or government policy, that will impact the lives of others. “They talk about wanting a meaningful career, one that is not just a job, but a career that reflects who they are and enables them to live their values. “Many want to change the world - so they are doing the right degree for that,” said Ms Craik.

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ALICE SPRINGS HEALTH FAMIL 4 - 7 APRIL 2019

the Purple House, Alice Springs

A BUSINESS EVENTS DESTINATION FAMIL FOR THE HEALTH INDUSTRY The Northern Territory Convention Bureau is offering conference decision makers from the health industry an exciting opportunity to view Alice Springs’ impressive conference infrastructure and connect with leading healthcare professionals during a dedicated health industry program to the Red Centre. Register your interest: 1800 656 209, scan the code or email Lucy.morris@ntconventions.com.au

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You’d be wise to keep your information up to date. Order your 2019 AMH edition now!

2016 2019

The Australian Medicines Handbook offers clear, concise, up-to-date and clinically relevant information. Designed to find information quickly. Recommendations incorporate the latest research and best practice advice. Available now in print, online or as an App for desktop. Go to www.amh.net.au for more information.

AUSTRALIAN MEDICINES HANDBOOK

The AMH Book is now an App. The new Australian Medicines Handbook App for Desktop is available for download onto PC and Mac. To access the full content of the AMH a subscription purchase for the App is required. Go to amh.net.au for more information.

AMH Children’s Dosing Companion The AMH Children’s Dosing Companion is Australia’s national independent dosing guide for prescribing and administering medicines to children from birth to 18 years with evidence-based, peer-reviewed and up-to-date information. The July 2018 book release extends the number of monographs included to over 400 drugs. Available now in print or online. Go to www.amh.net.au for more information. The CDC Online release includes direct links to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne online Paediatric Injectable Guidelines (separate subscription required).

HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 23


Plight of aged care workers highlighted during International Women’s Day

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s the world celebrated International Women’s Day, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation paid homage to the important role women play in Australia’s health and aged care systems. Women comprise almost 90 per cent of Australians nursing and midwifery workforce, baring the brunt of the significant challenges faced within these industries, particularly within the aged care sector. ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said International Women’s Day was an ideal opportunity to celebrate the contributions nurses and midwives made, along with the care they provided to the community, whether that be within a hospital, clinic or aged care facility. “But it’s also important that we use IWD to highlight the ongoing challenges women still face throughout their working lives,” she said. Such challenges include the gender pay gap, along with the loss of income women experience when they take maternity and family care leave, right through to their retirement when they are financially disadvantaged as a result of career breaks for family reasons and their reduced superannuation earnings. “Our members in aged care are doing it especially tough with nurses and carers struggling in an undervalued and under resourced sector where they are paid less, are more likely to be in insecure work and lack opportunities for career professionals. According to Registered Nurse Dr Gillian Stockwell-Smith from the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, the new aged care standards that come into operation mid 2019 do not specify staffing ratios, but rather an expectation that RACF operators have ‘…the staff

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numbers and mix of skills needed to provide consumers with quality care’. “Residential aged care is becoming increasingly complex, residents are entering facilities with high level health and psychological needs that require experienced and welleducated staff,” said Dr Stockwell-Smith. “However, the pay and status of aged care does not encourage well motivated and educated nurses to go into this speciality.” Further, the demands on nurses in RACF are high,” she said. “They are caring for a resident population with high care needs with limited staff, both in numbers and capacity. “Most RACF staff are unregulated/ paraprofessional - assistants in nursing/personal care workers -with variable levels of experience and training.” The stresses associated with the demands of the job may also have an impact on nurse’s mental health. “But I think that all that happens is that as stresses increase nurses leave RAC and move to other care settings. “Nursing, particularly aged care, has traditionally been and continues to be a predominantly female occupation.” Ms Butler said evidence presented to the Royal Commission demonstrated unreasonable workloads, leaving nursing home residents to suffer, through missed care due to lack of staff. “On behalf of women working in aged care, where they represent 94% of the workforce, the ANMF will be fighting hard in this election year, for the introduction of mandated minimum staffing levels in aged care.


We’ve been looking after members’ retirement savings since 1912. Welcome to super without surprises

Product issued by the QSuper Board (ABN 32 125 059 006, AFSL 489650) as trustee for QSuper (ABN 60 905 115 063). Consider the PDS on our website to see whether QSuper is right for you. © QSuper Board 2018.

HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 25


Time to give your career a lift? Clinical Supervision Postgraduate Certificate Online Course

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Page 26 | HealthTimes.com.au


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HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 27


Looking after yourself when you look after people at the end of their life By Susan Gravier, Research Associate, CareSearch, Flinders University

N

urses and allied health professionals play an important role in supporting the significant number of Australians living with chronic disease. Some of these people require care that is not curative but supportive; care that focuses on quality of life. In this case, palliative care can improve quality of life, minimise pain and help the person, the carer and family live the best life possible until death. For chronic illnesses recognised as life-limiting, this is particularly important as the person’s health or capacity for normal functioning may deteriorate rapidly and severely impact their quality of life. The World Health Organization defines palliative care as support for physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. This definition highlights the importance of a team approach and support for a person’s family and carers. The Australian Government 2018 National Palliative Care Strategy has adopted this as the national definition and highlights the importance of person-centred and evidence-based care. While cancer is commonly recognised as a life-limiting illness, others include dementia, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. MND, MS, Parkinson’s, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease), diabetes, chronic liver disease, and end-stage kidney disease. It is also recognised that older people approaching their natural end of life with or without chronic illness(es) may have palliative care needs.

Page 28 | HealthTimes.com.au

Life-limiting illnesses can affect people of any age and the time course or trajectory varies depending on the condition(s) and individual factors. Palliative care may be required throughout the course of an illness or just at the end of life and involvement of allied health professionals will vary according to individual needs. Working in palliative care can be rewarding. Good palliative care often sees the creation of strong bonds between the people who provide care and clients, their carers and families. Grief over the death of people in your care is not unusual and may contribute to stress or burnout. This should be acknowledged. Instead of ‘protecting yourself’ by keeping a distance from clients, you can learn ways to cope with grief and develop self-care . Selfcare resources for nurses and allied health professionals can help you to grieve yet still care well. Talking to your supervisor and colleagues about what you are experiencing can help. If you need more support, request their help to find this. Talking to a GP, counsellor, or pastoral care worker may help you to acknowledge your grief and to grieve in a healthy way so that you can continue the important work that you do in supporting people at the end of their life.


WHAT’S ON at Family Planning NSW in 2019 Calendar for Nurses and Midwives Well Women’s Screening Course*

Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinical Accreditation Program Preparing nurses and midwives to function in an extended clinical role as a practitioner in the speciality of reproductive and sexual health. This course includes clinical placement at a Family Planning NSW clinic.

Develop confidence and competence in providing cervical screening, breast health education and history taking. This course includes clinical placement at a Family Planning NSW clinic. Workshop dates 22 Aug (Tamworth), 16 Oct (Penrith), 21 Nov (Liverpool)

Cervical Screening Upskilling* Improve your knowledge, refresh skills and gain clinical experience in cervical screening.

Workshop dates 5 & 6 Sep (Newcastle)

Various dates – see www.fpnsw.org.au for details

Nurse Education Day & Clinical Forums

IUD Insertion Training

Update your knowledge on contemporary reproductive and sexual health topics. Nurse Education Day 24 May (Ashfield), 13 Sep (Newcastle) Clinical Forum 30 Mar (Port Macquarie), 23 Nov (Wollongong)

Clinical competency based training in IUD insertion. Content includes IUD types, pre-insertion assessment and management of IUD related problems. This course includes clinical placement at a Family Planning NSW clinic. Workshop dates 9 May (Newcastle), 29 May (Ashfield), 18 Sep (Ashfield)

Reproductive and Sexual Health for Midwives

Cervical Screening Program Update Webinars

Update your knowledge and skill in providing holistic care for women and their families during the reproductive continuum.

Following the implementation of changes to the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP), these webinars include up to date information on the NCSP.

Workshop dates 10 & 11 Apr (Ashfield), 30 & 31 Oct (Ashfield)

Various dates – see www.fpnsw.org.au for details

* These courses are fully funded by the Cancer Institute NSW. Please check our website for full course details, course fees and to register your place. www.fpnsw.org.au. All dates correct at the time of printing.

HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 29


Great jobs for health professionals (you won’t find anywhere else)

Registered Nurses NSW. Full-time and part-time positions available, across Coronary Care and the currently developing Cardiac Care services.

Sexual Health Nurse (FIFO 6:2) WA. Newly created opportunity to join the Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service team on a 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off, fly in, fly out roster.

Maternity Unit Manager VIC. Exciting opportnuity for a midwife that loves their work and promotes consumer focused care.

Occupational Nurse (Part-time) Melbourne. Part-time opportunity available with market leading manufacturer.

These and hundreds more great job opportunities at

HealthTimes.com.au Page 30 | HealthTimes.com.au


Nursing Positions UAE Amana Healthcare specialises in providing long term criical care, post acute rehabilitaaon & home transiional care. Through a holissc, mulldisciplinary approach, Amana creates a healing environment where paaents & families can receive first class care. Specialles wanted: Paediatrics PICU, ICU Gene General Medical/Surgical Orthopaedics Neurology/Neurosurgery/Stroke Rehabilitaaon Intellectual disabiliies Requirements: Bachelor degree in Nursing & 2 years experience minimum Ben Benefits: Salary $6,922 – $7,691AUD*, Housing allowance, generous annual leave, Flights at beginning and end of contract, medical insurance, end of service gratuity, plus much more.

Contact us today raquel@ccmrecruitment.com.au rowena@ccmrecruitment.com.au AUS Free Call 1800 818 844 NZ Free Call 0800 700 839 *subject to exchange rate

HealthTimes - March 2019 | Page 31


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We’re on t he lookout for Nurses and Midwives across Australia • Contract and permanent opportunities in metropolitan, rural and remote locations

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• Flexible contracts from as little as 4 - 25 weeks • Opportunities for all specialties Join the Nurses of Australia Facebook Group for up to date news, discussions and opportunities

For more information call our team on 1800 059 790 or email nurses@medacs.com.au www.medacs.com.au

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