Issue 10 21/05/12 fortnightly
Nursing Careers Allied Health
Visited by more nurses, midwives and AHPs than any other health website
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Funded by the Australian Government Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 3
www.ncah.com.au Issue 9 7 May 2012 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in Issue 9, 2012. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or if you would like to receive our publication, please email us at careers@ncah.com.au “FACT, NOT FICTION” The NCAH Magazine distribution is independently audited by the Circulations Audit Board. Total Audited Print and Digital Distribution: 24,823 The NCAH Magazine is the most widely distributed national nursing and allied health publication in Australia Next Publication: Theatre and Critical Care Feature Publication Date: Monday 4 June 2012 Colour Artwork Deadline: Monday 28 April 2012 Mono Artwork Deadline: Wednesday 30 May 2012 For all advertising and production enquiries please contact us on +61 (0) 3 9271 8700, email careers@ncah.com.au or visit www.ncah.com.au If you would like to change your mailing address, or be included on our distribution, please email careers@ncah.com.au
Published by Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd Trading as NCAH. ABN 29 071 328 053. © 2012 Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. Compliance with the Trade Practices Act 1974 of advertisements contained in this publication is the responsibility of those who submit the advertisement for publication.
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Advertiser List AHN Recruitment Albury Wodonga Health Australian College of Applied Psychology Bairnsdale Regional Health Service CCM Recruitment International Clinical Placements Conference CQ Nurse Defence Force Recruiting DHHS Tasmania General Practice Network NT Health Recruitment Specialists Koala Nursing Agency Lifescreen Medibank Health Solutions Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme Oceania University of Medicine Quick and Easy Finance QUT RNS Nursing Rural Workforce Agency, Victoria Smart Salary The College of Nursing The Royal Children’s Hospital Unified Healthcare Group Uniting Care University of New England University of Tasmania University of Technology Sydney
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 5
Located at the gateway to the Lakes and Wilderness region, you can enjoy easy access
Located at the gateway to the Lakes and Wilderness region, you can enjoy easy access to the to the Gippsland lakes and beaches, national parks and snowfields. As the largest Gippsland lakes and beaches, national parks and snowfields. As the largest healthcare provider healthcare provider in East Gippsland, the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) in East Gippsland, the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) provides services to a growing provides services to a growing population of 40,000 people across a land mass of 21,000 population of 40,000 people across a land mass of 21,000 square kilometres. BRHS operates square kilometres. BRHS operates three fixed campuses in conjunction with itinerant three fixed campuses in conjunction with itinerant healthcare services in remote communities.
healthcare services in remote communities.
Midwives Midwives Fulltime/part time/part time time negotiable Full negotiable
Due to internal promotion and staff retirement, we are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Due to internal promotion and staff retirement, we are seeking experienced and Midwives to join our team. With 350 births per year, our service offers 3 different models of care: enthusiastic Midwives to join our team. With 350 births per year, our service offers 3 different caseload midwifery; shared care; and GP only care. We are interested in discussing models of care: caseload midwifery; shared care; and GP only care. We are interested in opportunities to suit individual requirements. discussing opportunities to suit individual requirements.
Elective Surgical Access Access Coordinator Elective Surgical Coordinator Grade4,4,0.8 0.8eft/full eft/full time Grade timenegotiable negotiable An exciting vacancy for a Registered Nurse with a strong clinical background to hone existing An exciting vacancy for a Registered Nurse with a strong clinical background to hone skills in management, data analysis and system development. This newly created position will existing skills in management, data analysis and system development. This newly created provide you with an excellent opportunity to develop and lead a team of multidisciplinary health position willand provide you with an excellent opportunity to surgery develop and lead a team of professionals create effective systems to manage elective access.
multidisciplinary health professionals and create effective systems to manage elective surgery access. Physiotherapist
(Grade 1, full time/part time negotiable) Physiotherapist
An enthusiastic physiotherapist is sought to work within our dynamic Allied Health team. The (Grade 1, full time/part time negotiable) position offers rotation through our acute inpatient, rehabilitation and outpatient services. An enthusiastic physiotherapist is in sought to work withinteam our dynamic Allied Health team. Applicants will benefit from working a dynamic friendly where managerial support and The position offers rotation through our acute outpatient professional development is highly prioritised. Locum inpatient, placementsrehabilitation would also beand considered.
services. Applicants will benefit from working in a dynamic friendly team where managerial
Allsupport positions offer excellent terms and conditions salary packaging and initial and professional development is highlyincluding prioritised. Locum placements wouldsupport also with be accommodation. considered.
Allfurther positions offer excellent terms description and conditions including salary packaging and initial For information and a position please visit our website www.brhs.com.au support withon accommodation. For information East Gippsland visit www.discovereastgippsland.com.au
For further information a and position description please visit “We offer a and lifestyle environment dreams are made of” www.brhs.com.au For information on East Gippsland visit www.discovereastgippsland.com.au “We offer a lifestyle and environment dreams are made of” Page 6 | www.ncah.com.au
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Health Screening Consultants - Sub-Contractors • Flexible - you set the pace, it’s your business! • Discover new challenges • Competitive Remuneration • National Opportunities UHG specialises in providing support services to the insurance and legal sectors, and currently have FANTASTIC opportunities to recruit Health Screening Consultants to register with our national mobile network. Exciting opportunities for Nurses, Paramedics and Pathology Collectors looking for new challenges within a growing sector that allows freedom of choice are now available. Essential Requirements: • Solid nursing background (min 2yrs post grad) • Venepuncture (min 2yrs exp) • Excellent general medical knowledge and terminology • Professional presentation and communication, along with impressive time management skills • Passion for delivering high standards of service, to coincide with the company’s friendly and personable approach to Health Screening • Current CPR Certification • National Police Check Interested to learn more? Visit our website at www.uhg.com.au To apply online visit www.healthscreening.com.au For general enquiries, please contact Ashlyn Smith (03) 9292 7049 or Liz Dickson (03) 9692 7716
Delivering tailored healthcare solutions
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 7
Clinical Nurse Educator Fulltime Position – Based in Westmead NSW Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you passionate about education within the aged care industry? We have a new and exciting opportunity for an experienced and committed Clinical Nurse Educator. Reporting to the Learning and Development Manager this role is responsible for the delivery of high quality learning programs that underpin our clinical and care practices. Applications are encouraged from adaptable, client focused candidates with a “hands-on” operational approach who have at least five years clinical experience ideally in an Aged Care environment. The successful candidate will be a Registered Nurse, hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with experience in the application of learning theory and assessing competencies in an adult learning environment. You will also be someone who is familiar and experienced with organisational change programs and the implementation of e-learning tools. This position provides education across sites within the Parramatta area so a current NSW drivers licence is a must!
For a full position description and confidential discussion please call Toni Donaghy on 0437 279 722. Applications Close: 1 June 2012
www.unitingcareageing.org.au
Growing and supporting an allied health and nursing workforce for Rural Australia Further your health career in the Northern Territory. If you’re a nurse or allied health professional wanting to make a difference, take a moment to consider the overwhelming health needs of the Northern Territory. High disease burden and poor indigenous health outcomes mean there is much to do. Take this opportunity to live in a location that many people will only dream about. What are you waiting for? Contracts are available in a variety of primary health care settings such as practice nurse in a clinic to program manager in an Aboriginal Medical Service. A personalised consultant will assist you throughout the move and ensure that appropriate supports are offered once you have commenced your new role. Generous salary packages and grants for orientation, professional development, relocation and travel may be available.
Challenge yourself. Change lives. www.gpnnt.org.au
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Come and experience work in the NT, it’s an experience you will never forget! Opportunities include: Physiotherapists – Darwin & Alice Springs Practice Nurse – Darwin & surrounds Child Health Nurse – East Arnhem & Galiwinku Remote Area Nurse – Katherine district & Central Australia Social Worker/Psychologist – Darwin & Alice Springs Aboriginal Health Worker – East Arnhem To discuss these opportunities and receive a full list of vacancies please contact Karen on 08 8982 1010 or email rhpp@gpnnt.org.au This program is funded by Health Workforce Australia.
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 9
Health budget windfall by Karen Keast The 2012-2013 Federal Budget will inject $74.5 billion into Australia’s health care system. The Labor budget includes the promised $3.7 billion reform package for the nation’s embattled aged care system, a $233.7 million investment in the roll-out of the national eHealth system, a $515.3 million shot in the arm for oral health and $49.7 million to expand the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The health budget also provides a $475 million boost to 76 hospitals and health facilities across rural and regional Victoria, including $60.25 million to the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment and $15.261 million to Mildura’s Sunraysia Community Health Services redevelopment.
“Despite facing a tough budget, the government has managed to deliver much needed new initiatives for patients, including in dental health, additional bowel cancer screening and millions of dollars for health facility reconstruction,” she said. Australian Nursing Federation federal secretary Lee Thomas applauded the budget for delivering on the government’s commitment to overhaul the nation’s aged care system, including a $1.2 billion boost for the low-paid aged care workforce. Ms Thomas also welcomed the range of health funding initiatives and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. But Ms Thomas warned more challenges lay ahead for the government.
Other projects include $12.745 million for staff accommodation for Thursday Island’s Chronic Disease Centre’s health care professionals, $12.098 million for a primary health care hub and staff accommodation development at Newman, $6.8 million for the redevelopment of paediatric allied health and disability services and e-Health infrastructure at Newstead and $11.9 million for Royal Darwin Hospital’s paediatric wards redevelopment.
“While we commend the government for focusing on preventative health measures in the budget, it must address the critical shortage of nurses that is predicted to hit 109,000 by 2025,” she said.
Other places to receive health care funding include Proserpine, Roma, Halls Creek, the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, Mansfield, Ballarat, Townsville, Bundaberg, Ulverstone, Alice Springs, Katherine, Griffith and Mudgee.
Despite facing a tough budget, the government has managed to deliver much needed new initiatives for patients, including in dental health, additional bowel cancer screening and millions of dollars for health facility reconstruction.
Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the health spending spree was focused on delivering major new health initiatives while supporting frontline health services for Australian families. Page 10 | www.ncah.com.au
“Its next challenge will be to ensure that there is sufficient funding for nurse training, skill development, increased undergraduate places for nurses and midwives and clinical placement.”
– Tanya Plibersek Federal Health Minister
Allied Health Subacute Manager An exciting opportunity exists for an allied health professional to join an innovative and dynamic team at Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton. The Allied Health Clinical Lead – Subacute Programs, is a full time position and will provide clinical leadership and program coordination in the subacute service area to ensure safe, effective and high quality allied health is provided across the subacute programs at Goulburn Valley Health. As an AHPRA registered and/or accredited allied health professional, your extensive clinical knowledge in the area of subacute service delivery, and management and leadership experience in the health sector, will be supported by excellent interpersonal and communication skills. In this role, you will work collaboratively with inter-professional teams and have well developed skills and experience in applying evidence base approaches to subacute service development for allied health.
Manager Population Health Programs This permanent full time Management position is located in Shepparton. Goulburn Valley Health (GV Health) is seeking an experienced community health practitioner to lead our Community Health@ GVHealth and Health Promotion teams, and co-ordinate a range of inclusion and diversity strategies for the organisation. This is a senior management role reporting to the Divisional Manager Primary Care. The role will foster an evidenced based approach to planning, coordinating and evaluation of activities The preferred candidate will hold current AHPRA registration and have nursing or allied health clinical experience in a community health setting and demonstrated leadership and management skills. A sound understanding of population health approaches and primary and community health policy direction will be essential.
You can obtain further details from our website at:
www.hrsa.com.au
Interested applicants should contact Mr John Bowman on: 0407 835 747 PO Box 83 Ocean Grove 3226 hrsa@hrsa.com.au www.hrsa.com.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 11
Developing leaders at the College of Nursing
The College of Nursing has always been actively involved in supporting nurse leaders and managers: through the Emerging Nurse Leader program, membership and professional events, through leadership and management short courses and the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Management. Course content and curriculum development at the College is heavily informed by industry consultation along with feedback from participants/ students. Short courses Our short courses cover topics such as team building, leadership, quality, performance development, financial management, strategic planning, working with consumers, employment law and workforce development. These issues remain vital for managers and leaders that directly facilitate the delivery of health services in hospitals and the community. What do practising nurse leaders tell us about the short courses? In April 2008, The College sought additional feedback from past participants of N & MUM short courses through a follow-up survey. The online survey asked about Page 12 | www.ncah.com.au
the participant’s experience of the course and their professional development and application to practice: 38 of 139 surveys were completed (a 27 % response rate). An overwhelming number of the participants, 35 out of 36, found the course useful. Participants were asked how the course helped them as a manager. Figure 1 shows a sample of the skills participants said improved. % of participants in broad agreement
Inspired leadership and effective management are vital at this critical time in the delivery of health services. Nursing and Midwifery leaders and managers are at the forefront of health service delivery. Nurse leaders and managers juggle bed block, high patient acuity, staff shortages and media scrutiny. Keeping services viable demands the education, training and support of nursing’s leaders. The College of Nursing recognises the pivotal role of nurse leaders in promoting and delivering health care and endeavours to provide support through membership services and education.
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
flexibility and adaptability
effective team leader
leadership
communication skills
applied management
developing a team
Figure 1: Percentages of participants who broadly agreed (agree + strongly agree) thatof the the course helped with inparticular Seventy percent participants said they would be interested undertaking further study in nursing management. skills – N &MUM short course participants July 2005- about April 2008. The results confirm that clinical nurse leaders are enthusiastic leadership and
Figure 1: Percentages of participants who broadly agreed (agree + strongly agree) that the course helped with particular skills – N &MUM short course participants July 2005- April 2008.
management education. This survey showed they appreciated support in developing communication, leadership, teambuilding and people skills to build a positive workplace culture. Strong positive feedback was also received from strategic planning and financial management sessions.
Seventy percent of the participants said they would be interested in undertaking further study in nursing management.
What do the course presenters tell us?
The results confirm that clinical nurse leaders are enthusiastic about leadership and ‘This is a robust and comprehensive program for managers, and I run a lot of management education. This survey showed management training!’ they appreciated in developing Ilze Jauberdins, Principal, HeartLogic support communication, leadership, teambuilding ‘This course provides a comprehensive set of core skills to be an effective manager – that is why I believe it is so popular. It provides the theory and and people skills to build a positive workplace culture. Strong positive feedback was also received from strategic planning and financial management sessions. Melanie Wass, Director, Natural consulting
What do the course presenters tell us? Melanie Wass, Director, Natural consulting ‘This is a robust and comprehensive program for managers, and I run a lot of management training!’ For the full article visit NCAH.com.au
Clinical Nurse Educator - Critical Care Unit Albury Permanent Full Time In this position you will be providing ongoing education, research and clinical support to all critical care staff & students. Enquiries: Helen McKee 02 6058 4470
Manager Professional Development and Training – Clinical This is a newly created senior position responsible for the leadership and management of clinical professional development and training across Albury Wodonga Health campuses. Initial Enquiries: Ann Cassidy 02 6051 7463 Further details for these and other positions; including position description, closing date; and to apply, go to www.awh.org.au/employment (link to Careers website via which all applications must be submitted).
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Apply now. “QUT was the only university I could find that would give me an integrated approach in my practice. When I looked into it as a pathway to registration as a psychologist, I really could see that the training is of such a high standard. The opportunity to study a range of therapies has been immensely important in working not only with other health professionals, but in being able to tailor treatment to specific patients.” Dr Rachael Bellair, QUT graduate
Visit www.qut.edu.au/boost-your-health-career to find out more.
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 13
Accident prompts aircraft maintenance engineer to teach nursing students by Karen Keast Tammy later discovered her pool gate was non-compliant despite having all the appropriate inspections carried out before purchasing the property. Each year, on average, more than 35 people in Australia drown. That statistic and Tammy’s own close call prompted her to swap her previous career for this new one, where she trains people with the essential skills and information to save lives. Tammy is now one of the faces of the Queensland Government’s Summer Safety Campaign and was also named the winner of the Women at Work International’s 2012 Entrepreneurial Mothers Award.
A former aircraft maintenance engineer is now teaching nursing and dental students life-saving first aid and CPR training after her toddler almost drowned.
Tammy is also the ambassador of the child alert system Playguard and is the fundraising manager for Hannah’s Foundation, the only foundation in Australia that offers financial and emotional assistance to drowning and near drowning casualties.
Tammy Richie, who worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer for 17 years, has formed her own first aid and CPR training business, First Aid YUCAN2, after almost losing her 16-month-old son Carson four years ago.
Tammy now trains a wide range of people in CPR and first aid, from corporate businesses and parents through to Griffith University nursing and dental and oral health students.
Tammy was unpacking boxes in her new home when she found Carson lying face down in the fenced pool. “He was lifeless, unconscious and floating. He resembled a rag doll,” she recalled. “I commenced CPR on his little frame, thankfully revived him, then called 000. Fortunately I was trained in this skill. “I was one of the lucky ones!” Page 14 | www.ncah.com.au
“I educate my students, ensuring they are empowered to have the confidence to save that life if required,” she said. “This skill is so much more important for nurses to remain refreshed, so they feel empowered to carry out the skill, if required to preserve that precious life.” For more information visit www.firstaidyucan2.com and www.facebook.com/FirstAidYUCAN2
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 15
If you want to change lives, it’s time to change yours. It’s time to stop thinking about your dream job and do something about it. The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) offers courses in counselling, psychology, case management and coaching (from Diplomas through to Masters) that are flexible enough to fit in with your life. • • • • • •
PACFA accredited counselling degrees APAC recognised psychology degrees Small class sizes - more individual attention, ‘real life’ learning Highly qualified teaching staff with practical experience Flexible study options FEE-HELP available
Want to start studying in June? Apply now!
acap.edu.au 1800 061 199 ACAP is part of the Navitas Group. CRICOS Codes NSW 01328A, QLD 02565B, VIC 02829E
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 17
Registered Nurses – Opportunities across Australia
Chronic Disease Management
Nurse Triage
Registered Nurses with 3 years recent clinical experience, Disease Management experience is highly regarded. Current vacancies in Adelaide with a start date in July. Upcoming groups throughout the year.
Registered Nurses with 3 years recent generalist clinical experience. Current vacancies in Melbourne and Brisbane with start dates in July. Upcoming groups throughout the year.
Forming part of our expert Chronic Disease Management team, you’ll provide a crucial resource to patients with CHF, COPD, CAD and diabetes. Specialisation in one area is desirable with basic knowledge of others. Night shifts are not required for this role.
As part of our telephone based triage team; you’re a crucial resource for those who need it most - even in the most remote locations. We work on a fixed roster system which gives you the benefit of being able to make plans and commit to them around your work.
Working from Home is available for both positions subject to eligibility. For more information or to apply for any current or upcoming positions please see our website: www.medibankhealth.com.au/careers Alternatively call our Careers Team today on: 1300 365 156
Page 18 | www.ncah.com.au
Break Free From The Mould
Registered Male Nurse Opportunities across Australia Everyone knows that we provide health insurance for millions of Australians. We’ve been leading the way for over 30 years. But what you probably don’t know is that we also offer healthcare solutions, whether you’re a Medibank member or not. Last year we managed 1.8 million telephone health advice calls, providing support around the clock, 7 days per week. To deliver this we employ over 1,500 healthcare professionals and provide services over the phone and online Australia wide. Because we believe every Australian has the right to better health. Are you interested in joining a fast paced, growing organisation that allows you to utilise your clinical skills whilst providing telephone based triage services? Perhaps you would like to take a break from a ward setting and work from your own home?* If you are a Registered Nurse with 3 years recent clinical experience we may have the right role for you. To view our current vacancies please visit our careers website at: www.medibankhealth.com.au/careers Alternatively call our Careers Team today on: 1300 365 156
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* Not all positions are open to work from home – please see the relevant job advert in each instance. Medibank Health Solutions considers that being male is a genuine occupational qualification or requirement for these positions under relevant anti-discrimination legislation.
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 19
Education profile: One midwife’s journey to educate in developing countries A young, award-winning Australian midwife is continuing her education in a bid to improve health care in the developing world and, in doing so, is working to save the world’s newest lives, writes Karen Keast. Brooke Jones plans on making a real difference to the world in which she lives. Just two days after completing her Bachelor of Midwifery at Curtin University in 2010, Brooke was boarding a plane to volunteer as a nurse but was instead seconded to work as a midwife at a six-week-old midwifery unit, the Aberdeen Women’s Centre, at Freetown in the West African nation of Sierra Leone. There, the maternal and infant mortality rates were overwhelming - one in eight women were dying in childbirth and one in four babies were not living to the age of five. Brooke’s first morning in Sierra Leone was a baptism by fire. “During the first birth that I was involved in, in Sierra Leone, I could tell the unborn baby was not very well in labour because of the low heart rate. However, in Sierra Leone a caesarean takes a while to happen,” she said. “By that point you can potentially have a very unwell or a dead baby. The last thing you want in Sierra Leone is an unwell baby…you don’t have any oxygen or ICU or anywhere to refer the baby. “A sick baby is usually the worst outcome.” After a caesarean for obstructed labour, the baby arrived not breathing and with a very low heart rate. Brooke wrapped the baby in her arms and ran about 100m to the maternity unit, where she Page 20 | www.ncah.com.au
and her colleagues began resuscitation on the newborn. “It was decided if this baby wasn’t breathing in 30 minutes we would stop and let the baby die, which is the World Health Organisation guideline,” Brooke said. “At 29 minutes she took her first breath and two hours later was breast feeding. “The dad, who had watched the whole thing, said he believed I had saved the baby, even though in my western perspective I believed the baby deserved much better care.” The parents named the baby after Brooke. The baby was the first of six babies to be named Brooke during her visit, despite her name translating to ‘hand washing’ in the local language. She was the very first baby Brooke cared for and also the 100th baby to be born at the new centre. “By the end of the first week I had been involved in the care of five newborns; four had needed cardiac compressions,” she said.
“Of the four that had cardiac compressions, only one of them died.”
how simple but consistent care could make such a difference.”
Brooke said many of the mothers were anaemic and malnourished, resulting in many babies not strong enough to survive labour. That, coupled with a lack of diagnostic tools and treatment options, was contributing to the high mortality rate.
Brooke, who began nursing in 2007 after completing her undergraduate degree, chose to complete the 18-month midwifery postgraduate degree after her first experience working overseas in Kenya.
The midwife, one of a passionate group of four experienced, internationally trained midwives and 10 newly graduated Sierra Leonean midwives, handed out iron tablets and multivitamins to the local women.
“I saw a need for improved maternal and antenatal health care,” she said. “Women and babies were often very neglected members of society because they don’t have a strong voice in the community.”
Within months the group noticed a dramatic change in the strength and size of the newborns.
In Kenya, Brooke helped operate a free health care clinic for people living on the streets of Nairobi.
By the end of Brooke’s third month in Sierra Leone, the mortality rate had dropped from one in eight babies dying to one in 45.
That experience single-handedly shaped the future direction of her nursing career.
“I felt like the luckiest midwife in the world to spend the first seven months in my career in a new maternity unit in such a challenging environment, with an incredible team who were able to make significant change,” she said. “We assisted in over 600 births and had not a single maternal fatality. I was blown away by
“I spent time at Kibera, which is the largest slum in East Africa. It made me realise I had absolutely no idea what the world is like,” she said. “I realised if I wanted the world to be different, I couldn’t change the whole world but I can change a little part of it.” continued overleaf Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 21
In the space of three years, Brooke also travelled to Thailand, through a nursing placement with Curtin University, and to India with the Sisters of Charity, where she worked with the dying and destitute in Calcutta. After Sierra Leone, Brooke returned to Australia to begin work at Perth’s King Edward Memorial Hospital, the state’s only tertiary referral hospital for acutely unwell mothers and babies, where she has now worked for almost three years. The 25-year-old is now undertaking her Masters in Philosophy through Curtin University, where she is exploring the professional identity of Tanzanian midwives. Brooke’s goal is to help Australian midwives better respond to the cultural needs of midwives in developing countries, while sharing their knowledge and skills. Last year, she visited Tanzania with a group of midwives through the Global Health Alliance of WA project, designed to provide professional development to Tanzanian nurses and midwives. It was then she noticed that Tanzanian midwives seemed to have less of an avocation and caring approach to practice, compared to midwives in the western world, instead tending to be more task-orientated. “When I was in Tanzania last year our role was to observe the clinical environment to work out how best we could assist in the professional development of local midwives,” she said. “In the hospitals I was working in you would have two or three midwives looking after 20 births in a shift or a total of about 60 to 100 births a day,” she said. “The sheer numbers make it very hard.” Brooke, who will return to Tanzania in September to interview local midwives, hopes Page 22 | www.ncah.com.au
that by understanding the values behind how Tanzanian midwives practice, she will help better shape future education to suit the cultural needs of the midwives. “Hopefully, building a stronger midwifery identity in Tanzania can achieve better outcomes and care,” she said. Brooke believes education is the key to saving the world’s newest lives. And, she said, if she goes on to complete her doctorate, it will be in an area she is extremely passionate about – neonatal resuscitation. “Around the world about one in 10 babies will need some form of resuscitation at birth,” she said. “In most accounts it’s very easy to provide that resuscitation to sustain the life. Resuscitation skills require basic levels of education and that has a profound effect on neonatal mortality. “In my first morning in Tanzania I saw four babies die and three others with severe hypoxic injury before lunch time,” she said. “Some of those deaths, in my opinion, were preventable. “In Sierra Leone, I saw my Sierra Leonean colleagues quickly realise that they could make a difference and save lives. “My goal would be for the midwives in Tanzania in their hospitals to feel the same.” Brooke was last year recognised for her commitment and passion to midwifery when she was named the WA Graduate Nurse of the Year in the HESTA Australian Nursing Awards and she was a finalist in the recent national awards. “I am not going to change the world but every woman and baby I can help to make a difference for is absolutely worth it,” she said.
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 23
Hospital tweets brain surgery to 14,000 followers by Karen Keast nurse applies sterile gown to Dr Dong Kim while another nurse ties the non-sterile portion”. The tweets began prior to surgery, progressed through the four-hour operation and continued post-surgery, with doctors also answering questions as students and other followers joined the conversation using #MHbrain @ houstonhospital.
A hospital in the United States has tweeted live from the operating theatre as a neurosurgeon removed a brain tumour from a 21-year-old woman. Neurosurgeon Dr Dong Kim performed the operation at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, and his colleague used social media to broadcast the surgery from the theatre on a laptop while a video camera and a photographer captured images of the surgery. The operation was broadcast with the patient’s consent across Twitter, YouTube, TwitPic, CoverItLive and Pinterest to an estimated 14,000 followers. It’s not the first time the hospital has tweeted surgery. In February, it tweeted live during a heart operation. Tweeted comments ranged from: “Scrub nurse told Circulating Nurse what plates were used and how many screws so the implants are documented” and “we hope to educate the public and demystify brain surgery” to “Dr Kim is starting dissection for the tumor using 2 different instruments”. Other tweets included: “All light down in operation room now: this is to allow Dr Kim’s eyes to dialate (sic) and focus” and “scrub Page 24 | www.ncah.com.au
Dr Kim, who performs about 400 surgeries a year including craniotomies for tumours and aneurysms, said the idea to use social media was aimed at educating students and also patients about the surgery process. The tumour was found to be benign and the patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, is “doing well” and has been released from hospital.
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 25
Awards recognise Australia’s exceptional nurses by Karen Keast A Noosa nursing lecturer, a Rockhampton renal nurse and a young Bathurst nurse have been named Australia’s top nurses in the 2012 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards. CQUniversity’s Nicholas Ralph was awarded the Innovation in Nursing Award for transforming his idea for a clever mobile clinical unit into a reality. The result is a dynamic 10-metre split-level trailer which is home to a simulation deck and a realistic ward environment featuring a simulated mannequin patient. The unit enables health professionals to hone their skills and also promotes health careers, while there are plans for it to roll out to schools and other public areas to bolster health recruitment, training and health promotion.
Mr Ralph was awarded a $10,000 development grant at the awards, which were announced at a gala dinner in Melbourne on May 10. Rockhampton Hospital Renal Service nurse Jenny Anderson was recognised with the Nurse of the Year Award for her commitment to rejuvenating the service, which was struggling with major workforce shortages amid escalating demand for renal care. Ms Anderson has been credited with strengthening and expanding the unit, including creating its new purpose-built home, expanding home therapy services, building a new staff team and focusing on culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal patients. For the full article visit NCAH.com.au
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Page 26 | www.ncah.com.au
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LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW? AHN recruitment has been established to offer something new for those seeking career challenges in the allied health, nursing and clinical support areas. Some of our latest vacancies include:
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Midwife Kerang, Victoria If you are looking to make a fresh start to your career or would like to register your interest in future job opportunities go to www.ahnr.com.au
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W: www.ahnr.com.au E: ahnr@ahnr.com.au T: 1300 981 509 Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 27
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Nurses to target prostate cancer by Karen Keast
Thirteen prostate cancer specialist nurses will assist people in their battle with the disease, which is tipped to become the biggest killer of Australian men within three years. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has announced a three-year pilot prostate cancer specialist nursing program will be rolled out at hospitals across the country. The new program comes as statistics reveal almost 20,000 Australian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, while 140,000 men are now living with the disease that claims about 3000 lives each year. The prostate cancer nurses, who have begun their initial training, will work at Austin Health, Bendigo Hospital and Latrobe Regional Hospital in Victoria, at Tamworth Hospital and Westmead Hospital in New South Wales, and at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital in Tasmania. The program also includes the Townsville Hospital and Mater Adults Hospital in Queensland, the Darwin Hospital in the Northern Territory, the Canberra Hospital in the ACT, the Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia and the Hollywood Private Hospital in Western Australia. The nurses will work with newly diagnosed patients and those who have already begun their cancer treatment. The nurses will help prostate cancer patients access services, provide information and support and help coordinate their patients’ care. The Movember Foundation has provided $3.6 million of funding for the first part of the program but more funds are needed. For the full article visit NCAH.com.au Page 28 | www.ncah.com.au
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 29
Physiotherapist thrives on Parkinson’s role by Karen Keast After working as a physiotherapist in acute, subacute and community roles in Sydney and London, Joanne Bolton decided to put her physiotherapy skills to the test in a different role.
and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.
In 2009, Joanne embarked on a two-year government-funded project as the Parkinson’s disease clinical consultant at Melbourne’s Western Health.
“I see people who have recently had a diagnosis or some people who are in the middle stages and I see people who have had the condition for 20 plus years.
There, she developed the first speciality Movement Disorders Service for people with Parkinson’s living in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“It’s really quite challenging and interesting.
The service includes an education and information arm, a new medical outpatient Movement Disorders Clinic along with a new Parkinson’s section within the existing community based rehabilitation team. The project has been such a success, Joanne is continuing on in her new role as the movement disorders clinical coordinator. Working in Parkinson’s is an area Joanne has relished. “I find it really enjoyable,” she said. “With something like Parkinson’s, where there is no cure and a lot of it is about management on a day to day basis, you can make a big difference in helping people to live with the condition.” Since 2009, the service has helped 340 people with the progressive neurological condition that causes tremors, slow movement, muscle rigidity and postural instability. Joanne, who is originally from Queensland, said it was a rewarding role that enabled her to make home visits and provide clients with access to a movement disorder neurologist and specialist multi-disciplinary nursing Page 30 | www.ncah.com.au
“It’s really quite a varied role,” she said.
“Everyone presents differently and at different stages of their own journey, and some days I am in a medical clinic and the next day I am in a person’s lounge room. “It’s the most enjoyable role I have had in my career so far.”
Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Parkville CAMHS Banksia Inpatient Adolescent Unit • Permanent, Full Time • Flemington location The Banksia Unit is an Adolescent Mental Health Unit now located at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The Banksia Unit provides crisis intervention, assessment and treatment and planned interventions for young people between the ages of 12 - 18 years. The service offers excellent professional development opportunities through clinical supervision and ongoing education. The Banksia Unit has now relocated to the new state of the art Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Flemington Rd Parkville. As an Associate Nurse Unit Manager you are required to have mental health experience and will provide shift leadership and management of direct nursing care. You will be passionate, team oriented and experienced in working in a busy and complex health service environment. Excellent remuneration, benefits and incentives, including competitive salary packaging is on offer. Essential attributes: • Div 1 Registered Psychiatric Nurse with current Registration Certificate • Knowledge of the Mental Health Act (1986) • Current Working With Children’s Check and Police Check • Victorian drivers licence Desirable attributes • Experience with adolescent psychiatric patients Join our dedicated and skilled team - apply now! Enquiries can be directed to: Jessica Bonnici 03 9345 4342 Register on-line now www.rch.org.au Applications close: 31 May 2012
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 31
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Anaesthetist develops world-first heart scan by Karen Keast A Melbourne anaesthetist and researcher has developed the world’s first ultrasound technique for monitoring the hearts of critically ill pregnant women. Royal Women’s Hospital specialist anaesthetist and researcher Clinical Associate Professor Dr Alicia Dennis has developed the Rapid Obstetric Screening Scan (ROSE scan). The scan uses transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) technology to examine the function of pregnant women’s hearts without invasive highrisk monitoring, and is expected to transform the treatment of around 15,000 Australian women who experience pre-eclampsia each year. The ROSE scan enables doctors to quickly assess a woman’s heart function to help make diagnoses and guide treatments.
TTE is an emerging technology in the field of obstetric anaesthesia and obstetric critical care and using a safe, portable and non-invasive device has been heralded for providing numerous advantages while also addressing diagnostic dilemmas. Dr Dennis completed her PhD in the area in 2010 and has presented her work in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand while also being awarded numerous research prizes. Dr Dennis recently presented the technique in a workshop at the 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. For the full article visit NCAH.com.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10 | Page 33
More Parkinson’s nurses needed by Karen Keast Alexa Jefferson clocks up the kilometres in her role as just one of 33 Parkinson’s nurse specialists in Australia. A nurse of 30 years, Alexa travels 450km from Perth to Bornholm in Western Australia, to visit and assist one of her patients, Yke, aged 58, who has complex Parkinson’s. Yke, a self-employed plasterer who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 43, is now in the complex phase of the disease, which occurs about five-to-10 years post-diagnosis, where symptoms become difficult to control with just oral medicine, requiring advanced treatment. With Alexa’s visits every two to three months, Yke’s ability to phone Alexa for urgent issues and his twice-yearly visits for check-ups at the AMRI clinic at Perth’s Sir Charles Gardener Hospital, Yke is able to make the most of his forced, early retirement – from pursing his passion for carpentry to running his rural property. In the United Kingdom there are 310 Parkinson’s nurses and there are calls for Australia to follow suit, with a national network of community-based nurses to help improve the quality of life for more than 64,000 Australians affected by the neurodegenerative disease. In a two-year study, researchers at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Research Institute teamed with Parkinson’s Australia and Parkinson’s New South Wales to evaluate the impact of Parkinson’s nurses on their patients and carers in NSW’s Shoalhaven region. Their research found Parkinson’s nurse specialists significantly reduced the physical and psychological burden of patients and their carers. Page 34 | www.ncah.com.au
There are a number of patients with Parkinson’s disease who are isolated and they often feel socially embarrassed and stop engaging within their community. – Alexa Jefferson Parkinson’s nurse specialist
And research in the UK shows a single Parkinson’s nurse can save an average of $57,831 in clinical appointments each year and $105,600 in avoided hospitalisations each year. Alexa, who has 18 patients just like Yke with complex Parkinson’s across Western Australia, said based on the UK experience, Australia needed more than 200 communitybased Parkinson’s nurses, due to greater travel distances. Alexa said her patients are grateful to have access to a Parkinson’s nurse. “Some of these patients don’t have the means to travel to the major cities to see Parkinson’s specialists routinely, therefore potentially missing out on receiving timely advice and follow up with regards to their treatment,” she said. “There are a number of patients with Parkinson’s disease who are isolated and they often feel socially embarrassed and stop engaging within their community. “The appropriate treatment, together with the support of a Parkinson’s nurse, will help to ensure they have full functional ability and sustained quality of life.”
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 10
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