Ncah issue 14 2014

Issue 14 21/07/14 fortnightly

Regional & Remote Health Feature Nurses fatigued as Cairns Hospital reaches ‘code black’ Pharmacists applaud HIV home testing kits Nurse refused bail over aged care deaths Ageing skin and the importance of skin integrity assessment

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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 3

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Bullying app reaches out to remote health professionals

www.ncah.com.au www.ncah.com.au

Bullying is not just limited to the school playground - it’s rife throughout workplaces, particularly in the health care sector. A new bullying app has Issuedesigned 26July August 2013 been to help Issue 14–21 2014 117– –20 January 2014nurses and allied health care professionals regardless Issue 17 – 26 August 2013 Advertiser List ofWe where work.the range of opportunities hope youthey enjoy perusing We hope you enjoy perusing included in Issue 17, 2013. the range of opportunities 14,2014.

2014.

1, included in Issue 17, 2013. are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities, ByIf you Karen Keast Ifplease you are interested in pursuing any ofvia these contact the advertiser directly the opportunities, contact details please contact the advertiser directly via the details provided.

If you have any queries about ourcontact publication or ullying at have work eradicate youremail selfprovided.

If you any can queries about ourplease publication or if you would like to receive our publication, us ifatyou would like to receive publication, please email us esteem and makeouryou feel under-valued, careers@ncah.com.au at careers@ncah.com.au

B + +

AdvertiserList List Advertiser AHN Recruitment Care AHN Recruitment AHNFlight Recruitment Ausmed CCM Recruitment International Australian Ausmed College of Nursing remote area workplace or not on the basis of Austra Health CQ Nurse Bega Garnbirringu Austra Healthbeen bullied. whether they’ve AustralianCruises College of Nursing Education Careflight “It absolutely impacts on people in a very Australian College of Nursing Employment Office Australian Volunteers International Cobram District Health profound psychological way.”

Australian Volunteers International CPD Nursing Geneva Healththe peak CCM Recruitment International CRANAplus, body for remote health CCM Recruitment International practitioners, recently CRANAplus Griffith University launched a unique, free CQ Nurse CQ app forNurse iPhone and android, to help equip remote Employment Office Health and Fitness Recruitment CRANAplus health care professionals with a resource to comCRANAplus Geneva Health Koala Nursing Agency ce fingertips. batEmployment bullying, rightOffi at their Employment Office Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation Lifescreen The BSS bullying app assists health proeNurse Navitas eNurse to fessionals identify bullying in a remote health Medacs Australia KateHealth Cowhig International NSW -outlines Hunterwhen New England Local workplace and Kate Cowhig International Medibank Health Solutionsthey should seek Medacs Australia Health District help.

Medacs Australia Northern Sydney Local Health District Oceania University of Medicine No Roads to Health It also provides information on how to preNo Roads to Health Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum revent and respond to bullying, and features Oxford Aunts -Care NSW Health Illawarra Shoalhaven Scheme NSW Health Illawarra Shoalhaven sources and contacts.

Pulse Staffing Oceania Universityof of Medicine Oceania “It was University with the idea in mind that Oceania University of Medicine Medicine Quick anddeveloped Easy Finance Oxford Aunts Care people can easilyCare access it even when they are in Oxford Aunts OxfordSalary Aunts Care Smart remote Dr Wilson says.

Pulseareas,” Staffing Pulse Staffing Swan Hill District Health Pulse Staffi ngpeople “It provides with information about Queensland Health Quick and Easy Finance UK Pension Transfer what bullying is because Queensland Health sometimes people don’t Quick and Easy Finance TR7 Health Unified Healthcare Group know that they’re being bullied or they don’t quite Quick and Easy Finance Royal Flying Doctor Service recognise it, and it also gives them some ideas UK Pensions University of Tasmania Royal Flying Doctor Service about what they can do about it if they feel they Western District Health Service TR7 Health Unified Healthcare Group Health areTR7 being bullied.

Wimmera Health Care Group UK Wimmera Healthcare Group UKPensions Pension Transfers “I think it’s easy to use and it’s a very practiUK Pension Transfers Unifi ed Healthcare Group cal sort of a tool that people can easily access if Unified Healthcare Group

scared, stressed, anxious and depressed.

DISTRIBUTION Imagine then, what it must feel like to experiDISTRIBUTION 34,488 34,488 while working in a remote location, ence bullying without the support of family and friends at your The NCAH Magazine is the most widely distributed national The NCAH is the most widely distributed national side? nursing andMagazine allied health publication in Australia nursing and allied health CRANAplus Bushpublication Supportin Australia Services (BSS) For all advertising and production enquiries please contact senior psychologist Dr Annmaree Wilson For allclinical advertising and8700, production us on +61 (0) 3 9271 email enquiries please contact says research shows about one in five people are us on +61 (0) 3 9271 8700, email 1300 306 582 careers@ncah.com.au or visit www.ncah.com.au careers@ncah.com.au visit www.ncah.com.au bullied at work - andorthat number is much higher If you would like to change your mailing address, in Ifsome sectors, including likeon toour change yourhealth. mailing address, oryou be would included distribution, please email or be included our distribution, emailof remote Dr Wilsononsays a large please number careers@ncah.com.au careers@ncah.com.au health care workers calling BSS’ 24-hour, seven day a week telephone counselling service report Published by Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd Trading as NCAH. experiencing workplace bullying.

Published by 328 Seabreeze ABN 29 071 053. Communications Pty Ltd Trading as NCAH. ABN 29 071 328all 053.

“We get sorts of bullying activities report© 2013 Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd. 2014 Seabreeze Communications Pty Ltd. 2013 ed©to us,” she says.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or All rights reserved. part of this publication may bepermission copied or of “Things withholding information, people reproduced bylike anyNo means without the prior written reproduced byCompliance any means without priorPractices written permission the publisher. thethe Trade Act 1974 being shamed and with humiliated in front of ofof their the publisher. Compliance thepublication Trade Practices Act 1974 of of advertisements containedwith in this the responsibility peers, clinical experience and isisexpertise being advertisements contained in this publication the responsibility of those who submit the advertisement for publication. undermined - all sorts of activities that are very those who submit the advertisement for publication. unpleasant.

“Over a period of time it really wears down people’s sense of professional identity and their self esteem.

“The other thing that can happen in a bullying they’ve got it on their phones.” situation, which is even more acute in a remote Dr Wilson, a psychologist of more than 24 area,Next is when people are socially by the Nurseisolated Leaders feature Publication: Regional & Remote feature Next Publication: Education feature years who oversees a team of eight BSS psycholpeople around them - it’s really hard and it’s defiNext Publication: Education feature 4th August 2014 Publication Date: Monday 3rd February 2013 ogists, says it’s important workers experiencing nitelyPublication an act of bullying,” she9th says.

Date: Monday September 2013 Monday 28th 20142013 Colour Artwork Tuesday 28th July January Publication Date:Deadline: Monday 9th September 2013 “Bullying makes a hugeMonday difference - people 2013bullying seek help.

Colour Artwork Deadline: 2nd September 30th July 2014 Mono Artwork January 2013 Colour Artwork Deadline: Deadline: Wednesday Monday 2nd29th September 2013 makeMono decisions whether they 4th stay in the 2013 “I think the first thing they need to do is get Artworkabout Deadline: Wednesday September Mono Artwork Deadline: Wednesday 4th September 2013

Page 4 | www.ncah.com.au

406-010 405-013 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF 404-011 402-036 323-022 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF 401-003 321-014 1320-006 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF (RPT) 407-013 324-020 322-035 403-015 409-012 412-005 413-010 411-011 414-005 408-007 some help - we encourage people not to keep their experience a secret,” she says.

“They maybe need to contact us or talk to a counsellor or someone that they trust in order to really start articulating what’s been going on for them.”

She advises workers to also document any bullying they experience or witness in a journal, and to engage in self-care strategies in a bid to help build their resilience.

“That’s really important as well - it’s important to not start drinking too much or smoking too much as a way of coping,” she says.

“It’s important that you exercise and you look after yourself and get plenty of sleep rather than being overwhelmed by what’s going on.

“I think various policies and procedures also need to be looked at in the workplace - what’s in place to deal with bullying, and also contacting the nurses’ union, for example, and any other

government organisation that might be relevant, all of which are on our app.

“The other thing that can happen in a bullying situation, which is even more acute in a remote area, is when people are socially isolated by the people around them - it’s really hard and it’s definitely an act of bullying.”

Dr Wilson says the app is just one way in which BSS provides an important backstop for health professionals working in rural and remote Australia.

She says BSS’ free telephone counselling, debriefing, psychological intervention and support service helps workers who simply want to chat about their day, those who have experienced a natural disaster or trauma, and those requiring structured, regular support.

For the full article visit NCAH.com.au

Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 5

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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 7

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Aging skin and the importance of skin integrity assessment

NURSING & MIDWIFERY TSCHOLARSHIPS Open 21 July 2014 – Close 15 September 2014

By Bonnie Fraser BSc, BNUR, Clinical Nurse Educator

in patients with lymphoedema or venous stasis he integument (or skin) provides several imdisease; paper thin skin and purpura due to long portant functions, namely protection from term steroid therapy; dehydrated skin due to external environmental influences, thermoreguacute illness or nutritional compromise generally; lation, electrolyte balance and sensation – pain, Scholarships are The available for nurses in theskin following areas: and excoriated conditions from prolonged touch, heat and cold.1 skin comprises three& midwives exposure to moisture, urine and faeces or acidic major layers – the dermis, the epidermis and the > undergraduate > midwifery prescribing effluent from enterocutaneous fistulae. Such consubcutaneous fatty layer (containing the major > postgraduate > nurse practitioner ditions place the individual at a high risk for comnerves and blood vessels). As we age, the lay> continuing professional development > emergency department clinical and non-clinical promised skin integrity and subsequent infection ers of the skin and the junction between the epicontinuing professional development. > nurse re-entry making assessment all the more important. dermis and dermis become thin and flatten and circulation is reduced.1 Evidence suggests that Apply online www.acn.edu.au | scholarships@acn.edu.au | 1800 117 262 Skin integrity assessment fibroblasts (responsible for the production and To identify patients at for skin failure, asdepositionAnofAustralian collagenGovernment in tissues)Department also become of Health initiative supporting nurses andrisk midwives.

Australian College of Nursing is proud to fund administrator for conducted this program.on admission to sessment should be senescent and function diminishes resulting in be the the ward to identify any issues with the skin’s inloss of connective tissue.2 tegrity such as existing wounds (especially presOlder skin is also subject to drying due to sure injuries) or vulnerable pressure points, exco-morbidities, drinking less and reduced mocoriation and rashes. Information gathered from bility generally. This renders the skin vulnerable the skin inspection and aspects of management to infection or wounding resulting from trauma, should be clearly documented in the patient’s such as a knock or bump, or from sustained un, notes and care plan. Inspection should include relieved pressure over bony prominences, shear . assessment of the skin’s colour, temperature, and friction. Acute illness and high temperatures texture, moisture, integrity and include the loconsequent to fevers and moisture from diaphoAustralian College of Applied is now offering two cation of any Psychology skin breakdown or wounds.

As a resis and incontinence can add to the The vulnerabilnew Masters courses in social work: general ity of aging skin. Therefore it is vitally important • Master to of Social Work guide, components of assessment of the patient’s skin are outlined in table 1.4 know the condition of your patient’s skin and to • Master of Social Work (Qualifying) monitor for skin changes.

If you are looking for a career in social work, want to upgrade your skin integrity qualifications or study Maintaining a unit for professional development, one of these courses Skin integrity assessment is an essential part Common skin conditions in an acute care is for you. nursing care be and conducted setting You get individualof attention with ourand smallshould class sizes practical on adlearning from our mission academics andatteachers who are professionals and least daily depending on the indiIn the course of any day nurses come across working in the industry. vidual’s circumstances. High risk patients require a variety of skin conditions in their patients.

Comeapplito our Info Session on Wednesday, 20 August at 6pm! skin inspection at least once per shift in addition These include irritant reactions to stoma to admission to a ward. Just as nurses apply the ances and other dressing adhesives; generalised six rights of medication administration each time rashes from latex allergies; blisters (or bullae) due 1800 631 931 | acap.edu.au they administer a medication to reduce the risk of to dressing adhesives or fixation tapes; eczema FEE-HELP available errors, maintaining skin integrity should be given associated with dermatitis and venous stasis disACAPhyperkeratosis is a Navitas Professional CRICOS seen Provider code:that 01328A. RTO number same due0500. process. By applying the1378-0714 followease; (thickcollege. scaly National skin) often

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If you want to change lives it’s time to change yours

Page 8 | www.ncah.com.au

411-017 414-009 409-036 407-034 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF 412-010 408-012 413-013 ing skin care basics patients are protected from further injury and the risk of hospital-acquired conditions, such as infection, skin tears and pressure injuries, is reduced. Skin basics include – assessment, movement, skin care, pressure relief, nutrition and hydration, education1 and communication (documentation, referral and clinical handover).

In addition to the skin integrity assessment discussed above, maintaining skin integrity requires a holistic approach. Mobility is important for circulation and in reducing prolonged exposure to external forces such a pressure, shear and friction implicated in pressure injury formation. It is important to ensure interventions are in place to limit the person’s exposure to such forces if they have reduced mobility or protective sensation (for example diabetic neuropathy), are at nutritional risk or malnourished, acutely unwell or have any condition which decreases their tissue tolerance to pressure.

Ask your patient to demonstrate they can independently move their arms and legs and reposition themselves in bed. If the patient is unable to do this they are at has risk announced for skin failure The easily UK Government and pressure injuries. Pressure relieving surfaces new restrictions from next April on civil servants (NHS, Police etc.) being such as active pressure relieving mattresses and able to transferseating their pensions pressure redistributing cushions to may be Australia. This may also be expanded required. Other devices might include the Podus to the private sector.

Boot to offload pressure to the heels and monkey bars and/or sidestill barspossible to assist to a person to for repoIt is now transfer more contact UKPTA sition in bed.detail Always use proper transfer equipment to reduce shear and friction e.g. a slide CALL US TODAY ON (08) 9309 4001 sheet and lifter. If your patient is sitting out of bed info@ukpensionsaustralia.com.au educate them to reposition themselves regularly to relieve pressure to the buttocks.

Ensuring skin is cleansed, dried thoroughly and moisturised daily will reduce the risk of excoriation and help to keep the skin in peak condition. Using non-soap cleansers will help to protect the acid mantle and prevent the skin from line eadhydration drying out, while moisturisers5provide d 01 in good ced to the skin and help to2keep it o n un condin a tion. The pH of skin is around 5.5, while soaps are generally alkaline having a pH of around 8 or 9.3 An alkaline pH creates an environment for opportunistic bacterial growth which may lead to infection, especially if the skin is compromised.3 If your patient is incontinent ensure their continence aid is checked and changed regularly and the exposed skin cleansed, dried and moisturised each change to reduce the risk of moisture lesions and painful excoriation.

For patients with a high BMI be sure to pay particular attention to creases and skin folds. Be mindful of the pressure used to cleanse frail skin as this can cause skin tears and/or bruising if too much force is applied.

People come to hospital because they are unwell. In addition to the normal daily nutritional requirements, extra calories and protein are often necessary to assist their recovery and healing from surgery or their wounds. Monitor your patient’s oral intake and if in doubt place a referral to the dietician for a proper nutritional assessment and recommendation for oral nutritional supplementation (if required).

w!

o Act n

For the full article visit NCAH.com.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 9

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Page 10 | www.ncah.com.au

Nurse refused bail over aged care deaths A nurse has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of killing two residents at an aged care facility in northern New South Wales.

Megan Haines, 46, was extradited to Sydney after being arrested at a property in Seaspray, eastern Victoria, on July 7.

Haines has been charged with two counts of murder and one of common assault, and was refused bail in Sydney’s Central Local Court on July 9.

Police allege the nurse killed Marie Darragh, 82, and Isobella Spencer, 77, who staff found unconscious in their beds at the St Andrews Village nursing home in Ballina on May 10.

Both women were pronounced dead prior to the arrival of emergency services.

Strike Force Odimi, comprising detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and police from Richmond Local Area Command, was immediately formed to investigate the deaths.

Police allege another woman, an 88-year-old resident, was also assaulted.

According to abc.net.au, police allege Haines injected the women with fatal doses of insulin.

The prosecution said Haines had a “dislike of the elderly” despite working in aged care, it reported.

It was alleged Haines worked several days after the deaths before handing in her resignation.

Haines, who was representing herself in court, applied for bail on the grounds she needed to care for her two young children but Magistrate Les Mabbutt ruled she was a flight risk.

The case has been adjourned to the Lismore Local Court.

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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 11

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Dual Registered Midwife – Grade 2 PERMANENT FULL / PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE 2.2 EFT We are seeking Dual Registered Midwives to join our professional team to provide antenatal, birth suite, postnatal, special care nursery, general surgical, medical and paediatric care. The positions include working a rotating 7 day, 24 hour roster with a requirement to work on call for night duty once per month. There is an opportunity to work within our midwifery domiciliary service and proposed antenatal program.

Key Responsibilities include: • • • •

•

Deliver patient focused Midwifery and Nursing care Work in a supported multidisciplinary team Promote evidence based Midwifery/Nursing practice.

Provision of antenatal, birth room, postnatal and Level 2 special care nursery, general surgical, medical and paediatric care Current dual AHPRA registration as Midwife and Registered Nurse.

Attractive benefits offered by the organisation include: • Salary packaging, • Professional development and education programs, • Employee Assistance Program, • Comprehensive orientation program.

• Accrued Day Off (full time employees only) • Flexible rostering • Opportunities for career progression • Free parking • Relocation costs will be considered and may be negotiated This is a great opportunity to work in a diverse clinical environment and join a reputable rural health service dedicated to the provision of quality patient centred care and to meet the needs of the community.

For more information about these positions contact Hilton Jones, Nurse Unit Manager, Yandilla Ward on (03) 5381 9256 or email: hilton.jones@whcg.org.au. To download a position description and apply on-line, please go to www.whcg.org.au.

Applications addressing the key selection criteria and resumes including the names of two professional referees should be forwarded by email to recruitment@whcg.org.au. Wimmera Health Care Group is committed to equal employment opportunity.

Pre-employment check: All applicants must be willing to undertake a police check prior to commencement of employment.

Page 12 | www.ncah.com.au

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Community Services Manager Full - Time

Cobram District Health

Cobram District Health provides a range of services including acute ward, residenABN 22 697 331 144 tial aged care, Urgent Care Centre, Surgical services, Community Health Centre, All written correspondence Dental / Medical Clinic and a newly built Community Rehabilitation Centre. to: bram District Health Cobram District Health services the people of Cobram and surrounding areas of PO Box 252 Yarroweyah, Strathmerton, and Katamatite along with several New South Wales Cobram VIC 3644 towns, including Barooga, Tocumwal and Finley with a combined catchment of Main Administration approximately 12,000 people.

24-32 Broadway Street COBRAM VIC 3644 Telephone...(03) 5871 0777 Facsimile....(03) 5872 2510

The Role

The Community Services Manager holds a key management and leadership role within Cobram District Health. They are accountable for the efficient and effective management of the Community Service Division including:

Irvin House O’Dwyer Avenue COBRAM VIC 3644 Telephone...(03) 5872 2362 Facsimile....(03) 5872 1384

• District Nursing Services • Allied Health Services • Health Promotion • Moira Community Rehabilitation Centre • Community Health • Community Aged Care packages.

Community Health Centre Broadway Street COBRAM VIC 3644 Telephone...(03) 5871 0900 Facsimile....(03) 5872 2406

PG PDF

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic and innovative team within a supported rural health service environment.

Cobram District Health offers the successful applicant • Salary Packaging • Professional Development Opportunities • Competitive Salary and Conditions dependent of qualifications • Supportive friendly work environment

To be successful

Community Rehabilitation Centre Charles Street COBRAM VIC 3644 Telephone...(03) 5871 0970 Facsimile....(03) 5871 0890

Cobram Dental /Medical Clinic

The successful applicant will be responsible to the Director of Clinical Services and will possess qualification in nursing or Allied Health discipline. Strong leadership skills and experience in a similar position will be highly regarded along with the ability to collaborate and manage a diverse team.

Cobram District Health welcomes diversity and promotes Equal Opportunity and puts in place inclusive and flexible recruitment and retention practices. Please contact the HR Office on (03) 5871 0703 if you would like to discuss further.

A copy of the position description can be accessed via our website at www.cobramdistricthealth.org.au or by contacting David Gullick, Director of Clinical Services on 03 5871 0706 or via email gullickd@humehealth.org.au.

Charles Street COBRAM VIC 3644

Dental Clinic Telephone (03) 5872 1365 Facsimile (03) 5871 1517

Medical Clinic Telephone (03) 5871 1433 Facsimile (03) 5871 1517

Written applications should be forwarded to:

Human Resources Department PO Box 252 Cobram, Victoria, 3644.

Applications for this position will be received no later than Friday 1st August 2014 Appointees will be subject to a police check prior to commencement.

Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 13

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Nurses fatigued as Cairns Hospital reaches ‘code black’

By Karen Keast

NNURSE UNIT MANAGER - PERIOPERATIVE SERVICE,

“In that building there is the potential to have urses are working ongoing double shifts to an additional 168 beds but none of those extra cope with increased demand and nursing beds are funded,” she said. shortages at Cairns Hospital, according to the “So the government, if they think things are Queensland Nurses’ Union (QNU). going to improve when they move into the new The public hospital was this week declared a building, they have to increase the number of ‘code black’ with emergency medical resources funded beds because it’s obvious that the numstretched to capacity and QNU claims of a nursber of funded beds isn’t enough. ing shortfall of 109 full-time equivalent “They can’t continue to admit (FTE) nurse positions.

Moree District Health Service is located in the North West of NSW and patients if they haven’t got QNU Cairns spokesfunctions as a Level 3 District Health Service. The perioperative service the nursing staff to actually person Kaylene Maternity Turnbull Tamworth Service that is located at Tamworth Hospital includes Operating Theatres are utilised 5 days per week,and a Day provide the care.” said lives are being put servicesUnit the New West region of NSW as a rural referral Surgery and aEngland 16 Bed North Surgical Ward.

Specialities undertaken at Ms Turnbull said at risk with nurses left service.District Delivering over 900 births perGeneral year, the servicelaparoscopic provides a range Moree Health Service include surgery, management has also stressed, anxious and surgery, endoscopy, dental, obstetric and gynaecological surgery. of services including full antenatal services, delivery, special care failed to properly refatigued.

Orthopaedic, Ophthalmology and Ear, Nose includes and Throat surgery is address the nurseryatand natal service.

The service a Community cruit and “Morale thepost provided by visiting specialists.

24 hour coverage for emergency surgery Midwifery Program servicing the Tamworth area and is supported by a nursing shortfall. moment is extremely is provided with after hours on call being covered by perioperative “I think they are low and staff are reClinical Midwifery Consultant and Clinical Midwifery Educators. staff. not advertising or doally, nursing really tired,” she ing an active recruitsaid.

Successful applicantsdevelopment will be provided with an orientation program Ongoing professional is supported and encouraged.

The ment campaign running “You can only do so position would suitMidwifery a Registered Nurse with in Perioperative supported by the Educators and experience ongoing professional nationally,” she said. many double shifts and go nursing and who possesses leadership skills required of awho Nurse Unit development.

The positionsthe would suit registered midwives wish to “They are looking within so many days without a break Manager Levelprofessional 2. The successful applicant will be required to participate develop their scope of practice in a supported the state but all of the advertisebefore you start to get exhausted, as a clinician in the operating suite. environment. ments are online, and as nursing is an ageand with fatigue and high-fatigue levels ing population a lot of people don’t go online to your For risk ofmore error increases. information contact: look for a position.

“There’s a risk to patients but Health also a risk to For more information contact: Bronwyn Cosh – Acute Service Manager, Moree District Health “There has to be a more concerted effort to staff Service safety as well.”

Maureen Dawson - Nurse Manager, Tamworth Maternity Services try and find staff to come to this area to work. I Ms Turnbull said the hospital has experiPhone 02 67570009 Phone 02 6767 7316 mean it’s got great weather - that should surely enced a ‘code black’ on multiple occasions for Forward CVs and expressions of interest to: people. entice a few the past three weeks, with peak tourist season Forward CVs and expressions of interest to: Bronwyn.Cosh@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au “The situation is pretty dire to let staffing run and the flu season overcrowding the emergency Maureen.Dawson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au down by that figure and if it hasn’t worked on a department, leaving patients often ramped in amstate-wide level, would you not be trying to escabulances. late it to a national level?”

She said the situation had deteriorated with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health the opening of the new $454 million Block D, Service acting chief operating officer Mary which will house the majority of patients, delayed Streatfield said the hospital reached escalation from May until possibly late August.

Midwives, Midwives, Midwives MOREE DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE Nurse Unit Fulltime/Part Manager Level Permanent Time 2

and Temporary Contracts available:

Page 14 | www.ncah.com.au

414-012 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF 413-034 level three on July 7, where it enacts a capacity escalation response plan that deploys additional vacancies and a recent campaign advertising 40 nursing vacancies attracted just seven suitable resources and streamlines models of care.

- candidates, who were all recruited.

“Cairns Hospital is continuing to recruit to ries of simultaneous challenges which placed increased pressure on its emergency department.

“Monthly emergency department presenta- universities to increase the number of nursing tions are at their highest level since July 2013, graduates,” she said. with a daily average of 168 patients each day,” she said.

“Additionally, there are 67the long stay patients,to make a real difference in People’s lives?

Have you ever wanted opportunity not requiring acute care, taking up beds across Bega Garnbirringu Health Hospital Services and (Bega) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health the Cairns and Hinterland Health a comment on this and Organisation based in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.Leave Bega has a strong commitment to other Service. providing culturally appropriate and sustainable servicearticles delivery. by visiting the ‘news’ “To accommodate the increased demand, section of our website Cairns Hospital has also made allcommitment unfunded beds In keeping with our vision and to closing the http://www.ncah.com.au gap in life expectancy between available.

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, Bega is leading the way in remote healthcare delivery through Mobile Clinicon program.

2 fully mobile clinics, To goofto thisfunctional article directly, visit “This our has innovative placed extra demands nursing,Comprising services are delivered to rural and remote Aboriginal communities stretching from Esperance http://tinyurl.com/pvrussy medical, allied health, operational and adminis in the South to Laverton in the north. We are currently seeking: tration staff.”

MOBILE CLINIC OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOUR SAY

Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse will be responsible for one of our two mobile clinics, under the direction of the Mobile Clinic Coordinator. The requirements for this role include a Registered Nurse qualification, current Police Certificate, and your “C” class driver’s licence as well as a medium rigid licence (or willingness to work towards one). You will also be required to obtain a Working with Children’s Check.

You will also have experience in communicating and working constructively with ATSI communities as well as a sound understanding of the health, social and emotional wellbeing needs of ATSI people.

Health Worker (x4)

The Health Workers for the mobile clinic will be an integral part of the program. You will be required to conduct health checks as well as assist the Registered Nurses in delivering holistic health care to outlying Aboriginal communities. Health Workers may include an Enrolled Nurse, or an Aboriginal Health Worker (Cert III, IV or Diploma in Practice Stream).

To be successful in this role, you will have the up to date required qualifications of your profession as well as a current “C” class driver’s licence, a medium rigid licence (or willingness to work towards one), a current police certificate and a Working with Children’s Check.

So if you feel you’re up for the challenge and want to join the dynamic team at Bega, please send a cover letter along with a copy of your resume to Bega Garnbirringu Health Services, PO Box 1655, Kalgoorlie 6430 or email to recruitment@bega.org.au

Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 15

414-026 1PG FULL COLOUR CMYK PDF Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation Improving Aboriginal Health and closing the gap

Broken Hill, NSW

Child and Family Health Nurse As a member of the Healthy Start Team, the child and family health nurse works collaboratively with AMIHS Midwives and Aboriginal Primary Health Care Workers.

Working within a primary health care approach in clinical practice and in partnership with Aboriginal children and families from 6 weeks of age to 5 years.

Health promotion projects and group facilitation are encouraged. Travel within the region with overnight stays is a requirement of the position.

Based on eligibility for clinical nurse specialist salary range $63,175 - $89,450 per annum dependent on qualifications and experience To talk about the work, please contact Helen Freeman, telephone 08 8082 9736 or email Helen.Freeman@maarima.com.au Packages: We offer five weeks annual leave, employer’s contribution to superannuation, professional development opportunities, generous salary packaging provisions relocation support and temporary accommodation is also offered. Talk to us about our flexible employment packages and family friendly workplaces.

To apply, please request an application package by contacting Renae Roach email Renae.Roach@maarima.com.au

Applications close 5:00pm Thursday 7th August 2014 Regional Primary Health Service Further information about Maari Ma is available on our website www.maarima.com.au Select ‘Publications’ to view or download our Strategic Plan, Chronic Disease Strategy and other documents. For more information on Broken Hill visit www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au

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Geneva Healthcare

Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 17

Nurses fatigued as Cairns Hospital reaches ‘code black’

By Karen Keast

N

urses are working ongoing double shifts to cope with increased demand and nursing shortages at Cairns Hospital, according to the Queensland Nurses’ Union (QNU).

The public hospital was this week declared a ‘code black’ with emergency medical resources stretched to capacity and QNU claims of a nursing shortfall of 109 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurse positions.

QNU Cairns spokesperson Kaylene Turnbull said lives are being put at risk with nurses left stressed, anxious and fatigued.

“Morale at the moment is extremely low and staff are really, really tired,” she said.

“You can only do so many double shifts and go so many days without a break before you start to get exhausted, and with fatigue and high-fatigue levels your risk of error increases.

“There’s a risk to patients but also a risk to staff safety as well.”

Ms Turnbull said the hospital has experienced a ‘code black’ on multiple occasions for the past three weeks, with peak tourist season

department, leaving patients often ramped in ambulances.

She said the situation had deteriorated with the opening of the new $454 million Block D, which will house the majority of patients, delayed from May until possibly late August.

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“In that building there is the potential to have an additional 168 beds but none of those extra beds are funded,” she said.

“So the government, if they think things are going to improve when they move into the new building, they have to increase the number of funded beds because it’s obvious that the number of funded beds isn’t enough.

“They can’t continue to admit patients if they haven’t got the nursing staff to actually provide the care.”

Ms Turnbull said management has also failed to properly recruit and address the nursing shortfall.

“I think they are not advertising or doing an active recruitment campaign running nationally,” she said.

“They are looking within the state but all of the advertisements are online, and as nursing is an ageing population a lot of people don’t go online to look for a position.

“There has to be a more concerted effort to mean it’s got great weather - that should surely entice a few people.

state-wide level, would you not be trying to escalate it to a national level?”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health

level three on July 7, where it enacts a capacity escalation response plan that deploys additional resources and streamlines models of care.

Ms Streatfield said the hospital faced a series of simultaneous challenges which placed increased pressure on its emergency department.

“Monthly emergency department presentations are at their highest level since July 2013, with a daily average of 168 patients each day,” she said.

“Additionally, there are 67 long stay patients, not requiring acute care, taking up beds across the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

“To accommodate the increased demand, Cairns Hospital has also made all unfunded beds available.

“This has placed extra demands on nursing, medical, allied health, operational and administration staff.”

Ms Streatfield said the hospital has 33 nurse vacancies and a recent campaign advertising 40 nursing vacancies attracted just seven suitable candidates, who were all recruited.

“Cairns Hospital is continuing to recruit to fill these vacancies and continue to partner with universities to increase the number of nursing graduates,” she said.

HAVE YOUR SAY Leave a comment on this and other articles by visiting the ‘news’ section of our website http://www.ncah.com.au To go to this article directly, visit http://tinyurl.com/pvrussy

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Respect - Professionalism – Care – Commitment - Collaboration Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Emergency Department Flexible part time or full time position (min 0.6 EFT) An ANUM position is available in our active Emergency Department for a suitably qualified RN to work with our team of innovative and multidiscipline focused professionals. This position requires rotations and management across all shifts and will hold a portfolio to promote and deliver Best Practice within the unit.

Who we are looking for:

Registered Nurse (Division 1) A relevant Emergency or equivalent post graduate qualification.

Minimum 3 years experience in an Australian Emergency Department Demonstrated experience in managing shifts.

ACLS accredited Computer literacy

Swan Hill District Health, ‘My Hospital’

Swan Hill District Health provides a wide range of clinical services including medical and surgical, aged care, community and primary health, emergency, renal dialysis, chemotherapy and radiography diagnostic services. The 6 cubicle ED has approximately 14,000 presentations per annum.

Swan Hill - An ideal place to work and play

We are located on the majestic Murray River, around 3.5 hours from Melbourne. Swan Hill is a safe place where you will be greeted with a warm smile from our friendly local community. Our main street boasts a vibrant shopping district with high quality restaurants and little traffic congestion. You’ll find affordable housing, safe spaces for kids, swimming pools, quality education options and a healthy lifestyle.

Want More Info?

For Position Description and HOW TO APPLY information, see our web site: www.shdh.org.au.

Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 19

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Hamilton is strategically located 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 5 hours from Adelaide. Southern Grampians spans the heart of Victoria’s renowned ‘Western District’ and boasts magnificent scenery at every turn. WDHS have the following position available:

Clinical Nurse Consultant - Palliative Care Permanent Part Time - 64hrs/fortnight An opportunity exists for a Clinical Nurse Consultant to lead our Palliative Care team.

The preferred candidate will be able to strategically lead and develop Palliative Care at WDHS. A strong ability to provide clinical advisory and direction and to effectively develop our Advanced Care Planning strategy are essential requirements in this role.

To be considered for this role you must be a registered nurse with post graduate palliative care qualifications and/or considerable experience in this field. To view the position description or to apply for this role, please visit our career’s page http://www.wdhs.net/careers/careers to submit your application.

Excellence in Healthcare – Putting People First

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CPD Nurses Phone APP! Log diary to record your education www.cpdnursing.com.au Page 20 | www.ncah.com.au

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On behalf of the organising committee we invite you to join us at the CRANAplus 32nd Annual Conference –creating and sustaining diversity within communities, at the Pullman Melbourne, Albert Park, 15 – 18 October 2014.

Australia is a multicultural society and when exploring the breadth of the definition of culture, remote communities demonstrate great diversity, thus impacting on the provision of health services that meet the needs of communities and individuals.

Invited Speakers include: • T im Wilson Australian Human Rights Commissioner • Christine Nixon APM Former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police • Paul Pholeros Director Healthabitat • Dr Rosemary Bryant AO Commonwealth Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer

• L ee Thomas Federal Secretary Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) • Dougie Herd Branch Manager Communications and Engagement Branch NDIS • Professor Nicholas Procter Chair: Mental Health Nursing, UniSA • Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Sarah Wheal MA, Royal Australian Air Force • A /Professor Paul Bennett Deakin University Since the organisation’s inception in 1982 this event has served as both a professional and social resource for remote health workers across Australia.

Early-bird registrations close July 31st Full details are available at our website www.crana.org.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 21

Treating bites in a rural and remote setting

T

he RSPCA estimates that there are 33 million pets in total and 4.2 million pet dogs in Australia; that is 19 dogs for every 100 people.

Cats are the second most common pet, with almost 29% of households owning a cat. Some of the various bites that you may see in rural and remote nursing include dog bites, cat scratches or puncture wounds, and human bites. Human bites or puncture wounds of the hands that have come into contact with teeth can be particularly problematic and should have red flags attached whenever they present. Envenomation can also be a possibility depending on where you are working. Scorpions, ticks and spider bites and snake bites can be seasonal. You may also be asked to give advice on or treatment to injured animals if there is not a vet in town. For example, pig hunting dogs can present with horrific injuries if the pig gets to take revenge.

Remember to follow your workplace policies for treatment of animals and remember your own safety in these scenarios.

A medical student (Gaudry, 2011) conducted some interesting research at the Canberra Hospital from 2006-2008 which confirmed that dog bite injuries are a common and important problem in emergency medicine. As many as 50% of children are predicted to experience a dog bite in their childhood. This may be even higher as

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many do not seek attention at a hospital. These are frightening statistics to any parent or wouldbe parent.

Clinical considerations for risks and treatments of bites include factoring in minimal timeframes for interventions. The University of Tasmania has produced a resource titled B.I.T.E.S A systematic approach to the assessment of bite wounds whichincludes 5 essential checkpoints.

This resource has been published and is available on www.australiandoctor.com.au. In this resource it is suggested that irrigation should occur immediately. It is recommended that the irrigation is performed under pressure for up to 20 minutes with normal saline irrigation (0.9%).

A plastic cannula without the needle insert can be attached to a syringe to create sufficient high pressure to irrigate the wound. The timeframe for primary closure is optimally less than 6 hours and prophylactic measures should be addressed within 24 hours.

The infection rate for dog bites is thought to be around 18%, however some researchers estimate this to be even higher. It is estimated that 80% of cat bites will become infected. Additionally, MRSA can be transmitted from human to animal and back to human. It is known that human bites may involve up to 40 pathogens.

Some bites will require surgical interventions as jagged edges may prevent clean neat wound closure. In remote settings this often requires transfer to a larger centre and sometimes plastic surgery. Intravenous antibiotics may also be required. Bacterial infections are usually polymicrobial and are often mixtures of aerobes and anaerobes, therefore careful consideration needs to be given to the appropriate antibiotic choice.

For the full article visit NCAH.com.au

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Aeromedical Flight Nurses Flight Nurse - Darwin • Current driver’s license, passport and Working CareFlight CareFlightisis isanan anAustralian Australiannot-for-profit not-for-profit CareFlight Australian not-for-profit With Children clearance or ability to acquire organisation organisationdedicated dedicatedtoto toproviding providingthe the organisation dedicated providing the community with rapid response criticommunity with rapid response critical community with rapid response cal care.Over Following significant recent care. theOver pastthe 25 past years25we have critical care. expansion of our operations, our doccared for and transported over 20,000 years we have cared for and tors and nurses care for over patients. transported overcurrently 20,000 patients.

5,000 patients per annum. CareFlight CareFlight CareFlightisisgovernment governmentcontracted contracted and • minimum 5 years experience as a nurse currently provides the Top End of the and provides the End Top ofEnd the provides the Top the ofNorthern with minimum years in as emergency/ • minimum 5 years2experience a nurse Northern Territory with a local fixed wing Northern local fixed Territory Territory with a with locala fixed wing wing and critical care and4 post certification with minimum yearsgraduate in emergency/ and helicopter aeromedical service. and helicopter aeromedical service. helicopter aeromedical service. in a critical specialty critical care care and post graduate certification in a critical specialty We are seeking applications from nurses • current certification in care ALS/ACLS and/or interested in working as aeromedical • current certification in ALS/ACLS and/or TNP/TNCC crew members (nursing). This is a fanDesirable: TNP/TNCC • physical capability to meet the challenges tastic opportunity for registered nurses •• physical care qualifications capability to meet the challenges ofCritical aeromedical practice to work as part of an integrated crew • ofDemonstrated to function effectively as aeromedicalability practice, including model in local fixed wing and helicopter a team to member in a in critical environment • helicopter ability operate an ‘out of hospital’ retrieval work retrieval. The role will involve a variety of • environment Paediatric experience to experience operate in working an ‘out of hospital’ •• ability Previous in the area of tasks across operational bases located at For more information visit www.careflight. environment indigenous health Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy/Gove. orgQualifications, •For training visit or experience in more information www.careflight. retrieval org Forward your EOI addressing all criteria, Candidates must be able to demonstrate: HUET Applications are are sought sought from nurses •plus Applications CV and to recruitment@ Forward yourtwo EOIreferees addressing all criteria, • interested Registeredinnurse and as registered interested in working as midwife aeromedical working aeromedical nursing careflight.org Applicants should also indicate plus CV and two referees to recruitment@ • crew Minimum 5 years nursing experience with nursing crew members.

If this sounds like something you27 would be members. th availability to start.

Closing date careflight.org Applicants should also January indicate evidence of 4 years emergency/critical care interested in please send your CV along with This isis aa fantastic 2014. Contact Darren Clinical This fantastic opportunity for registered availability to start.

ClosingChilton date 15th– February experience qualifications to recruitment@careflight.org by to work of an integrated Manager NT Operations on 0488131431 for • nurses Current in ALS/ACLS or TNP/ crew 2013. nurses tocertification work as as part part Contact Darren Friday 25 JulyChilton 2014. – Clinical model helicopter TNCC in further information. model in local local fixed fixed wing wing and retrievals.

The Manager NT Operations on 0488131431 for • retrievals.

Physically capable meeting the challenges Contact Amanda Quinn - 0418648736 roleofat will involve aand variety of further role will beThe based Katherine involve information.

All employees must comply with CareFlight’s aeromedical practice, including for further information tasks across operational bases helicopter located at All employees a ofvariety of tasks across operational bases must comply withPlan CareFlight’s Drug and Alcohol Management (DAMP) retrieval work Darwin, Nhulunbuy/Gove. located Katherine at Darwin,and Katherine and Nhulunbuy/ Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) as required by CASA and may be subject to • Highly developed interpersonal, written, and All employees must comply with CareFlight’s Gove. as required by CASA and may be subject Candidates should have a level of fitness random workplace testing. verbal communication skills Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) to random workplace testing. will beconsultation, required tonegotiation undertakeand a physical • and Effective con as required

by CASA and may be subject to Candidates should have a level of fitness Criminal Record and Working with with Children fitness assessment.

Candidates must be able Criminal Record and Working flict resolution skills random workplace testing. Children and will be required to undertake a physical Checks apply.

Checks apply.

• to Effective time management, problem solving demonstrate: fitness assessment. Candidates must be and decision skills Nurse and •able eligibility formaking Registered to demonstrate: • Ability to operate in ‘out of hospital’ environ Midwife registration with APHRA. • wments eligibility for Registered Nurse with APHRA.

Aeromedical Flight Nurses CareFlight is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing the community with rapid response critical care. Over the past 25 years we have cared for and transported over 20,000 patients.

Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 23

CareFlight is government contracted and provides the Top End of the Northern Territory with a local fixed wing and helicopter aeromedical service.

Applications are sought from nurses interested in working as aeromedical nursing crew members This is a fantastic opportunity for registered nurses to work as part of an integrated crew model in local fixed wing and helicopter retrievals. The role will involve a variety of tasks across operational bases located at Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy/Gove.

Aging skin and the importance of skin integrity assessment

By Bonnie Fraser BSc, BNUR, Clinical Nurse Educator

T

he integument (or skin) provides several important functions, namely protection from external environmental influences, thermoregulation, electrolyte balance and sensation – pain, touch, heat and cold.1 The skin comprises three major layers – the dermis, the epidermis and the subcutaneous fatty layer (containing the major nerves and blood vessels). As we age, the layers of the skin and the junction between the epidermis and dermis become thin and flatten and circulation is reduced.1 Evidence suggests that fibroblasts (responsible for the production and deposition of collagen in tissues) also become senescent and function diminishes resulting in loss of connective tissue.2 Older skin is also subject to drying due to co-morbidities, drinking less and reduced mobility generally. This renders the skin vulnerable to infection or wounding resulting from trauma, such as a knock or bump, or from sustained unrelieved pressure over bony prominences, shear and friction. Acute illness and high temperatures consequent to fevers and moisture from diaphoresis and incontinence can add to the vulnerability of aging skin. Therefore it is vitally important to know the condition of your patient’s skin and to monitor for skin changes.

Common skin conditions in an acute care setting In the course of any day nurses come across a variety of skin conditions in their patients.

These include irritant reactions to stoma appliances and other dressing adhesives; generalised rashes from latex allergies; blisters (or bullae) due to dressing adhesives or fixation tapes; eczema associated with dermatitis and venous stasis disease; hyperkeratosis (thick scaly skin) often seen

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in patients with lymphoedema or venous stasis disease; paper thin skin and purpura due to long term steroid therapy; dehydrated skin due to acute illness or nutritional compromise generally; and excoriated skin conditions from prolonged exposure to moisture, urine and faeces or acidic effluent from enterocutaneous fistulae. Such conditions place the individual at a high risk for compromised skin integrity and subsequent infection making assessment all the more important.

Skin integrity assessment To identify patients at risk for skin failure, assessment should be conducted on admission to the ward to identify any issues with the skin’s integrity such as existing wounds (especially pressure injuries) or vulnerable pressure points, excoriation and rashes. Information gathered from the skin inspection and aspects of management should be clearly documented in the patient’s notes and care plan. Inspection should include assessment of the skin’s colour, temperature, texture, moisture, integrity and include the location of any skin breakdown or wounds. As a general guide, components of assessment of the patient’s skin are outlined in table 1.4 Maintaining skin integrity Skin integrity assessment is an essential part of nursing care and should be conducted on admission and at least daily depending on the individual’s circumstances. High risk patients require skin inspection at least once per shift in addition to admission to a ward. Just as nurses apply the six rights of medication administration each time they administer a medication to reduce the risk of errors, maintaining skin integrity should be given that same due process. By applying the follow-

ing skin care basics patients are protected from further injury and the risk of hospital-acquired conditions, such as infection, skin tears and pressure injuries, is reduced. Skin basics include – assessment, movement, skin care, pressure relief, nutrition and hydration, education1 and communication (documentation, referral and clinical handover).

In addition to the skin integrity assessment discussed above, maintaining skin integrity requires a holistic approach. Mobility is important for circulation and in reducing prolonged exposure to external forces such a pressure, shear and friction implicated in pressure injury formation. It is important to ensure interventions are in place to limit the person’s exposure to such forces if they have reduced mobility or protective sensation (for example diabetic neuropathy), are at nutritional risk or malnourished, acutely unwell or have any condition which decreases their tissue tolerance to pressure.

Ask your patient to demonstrate they can independently move their arms and legs and reposition themselves in bed. If the patient is unable to do this easily they are at risk for skin failure and pressure injuries. Pressure relieving surfaces such as active pressure relieving mattresses and pressure redistributing seating cushions may be required. Other devices might include the Podus Boot to offload pressure to the heels and monkey bars and/or side bars to assist a person to reposition in bed. Always use proper transfer equipment to reduce shear and friction e.g. a slide sheet and lifter. If your patient is sitting out of bed educate them to reposition themselves regularly to relieve pressure to the buttocks.

Ensuring skin is cleansed, dried thoroughly and moisturised daily will reduce the risk of excoriation and help to keep the skin in peak condition. Using non-soap cleansers will help to protect the acid mantle and prevent the skin from drying out, while moisturisers provide hydration to the skin and help to keep it in good condition. The pH of skin is around 5.5, while soaps are generally alkaline having a pH of around 8 or 9.3 An alkaline pH creates an environment for opportunistic bacterial growth which may lead to infection, especially if the skin is compromised.3 If your patient is incontinent ensure their continence aid is checked and changed regularly and the exposed skin cleansed, dried and moisturised each change to reduce the risk of moisture lesions and painful excoriation.

For patients with a high BMI be sure to pay particular attention to creases and skin folds. Be mindful of the pressure used to cleanse frail skin as this can cause skin tears and/or bruising if too much force is applied.

People come to hospital because they are unwell. In addition to the normal daily nutritional requirements, extra calories and protein are often necessary to assist their recovery and healing from surgery or their wounds. Monitor your patient’s oral intake and if in doubt place a referral to the dietician for a proper nutritional assessment and recommendation for oral nutritional supplementation (if required).

For the full article visit NCAH.com.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 25

Pharmacists applaud HIV home testing kits Australians will soon be able to purchase HIV home testing kits and access treatment at local pharmacies, in a move pharmacists have welcomed.

The nation’s peak body for community pharmacy, The Guild, has applauded the Federal Government’s announcement that it’s removed the restriction that prevented the manufacture and sale of HIV home self-tests.

Dispensing arrangements for HIV therapies will also be changed as part of the government’s plan to increase early diagnosis of the virus.

With figures showing 35,000 people live with HIV in Australia, the government has also launched a new HIV strategy that highlights a goal to virtually eradicate new HIV infections by 2020.

The Guild acting president John Dowling said the move to make in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) for self-testing for HIV available was a step forward.

“This better reflects the desire of many Australians to receive care in the community, at their local pharmacy, rather than in a hospital,” he said.

The Guild has recommended all HIV testing kits sold in Australia feature contact numbers for HIV support services and counselling telephone hotlines on their packaging, in the event consumers discover they are HIV positive.

Health Minister Peter Dutton said there are Australians living with undiagnosed HIV. “Home self-testing provides an additional testing option that complements current options

Page 26 | www.ncah.com.au

and allows people living with HIV to learn their HIV status and seek appropriate treatment and support,” he said in a statement.

“It also overcomes some of the common concerns people have about receiving the test in a medical setting and gives them more choice.

“The early diagnosis of HIV is critical to supporting Australians living with the condition to get the treatment they need sooner and to stop its spread.”

Mr Dutton said companies can now apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to supply their test kits.

If they meet Australian standards and are approved, the test kits will then be able to be sold direct to consumers.

Mr Dutton said amendments will be made to the prescribing and dispensing arrangements for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidised HIV antiretroviral therapies from July 1, 2015.

“Previously, patients were restricted in where they could access these medicines,” he said.

“The changes mean that these medicines can now be dispensed through a pharmacy of the patient’s choice, including community pharmacies, regardless of where they were prescribed.”

The initiative is one of five national strategies that were announced, designed to target HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, STIs and a strategy focusing on blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections in the Indigenous community.

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NURSE Unit UNIT Manager MANAGER Nurse

WOMEN’S AND Operating Theatre/CSSD/DPU CHILDREN’S Benalla, Victoria UNIT Sale, Victoria

Take up the opportunity to become a valued member of a dedicated team Central Gippsland Health Service (CGHS) is a subregional health service and which provides excellent person centred care to theincommunity. the major provider of health and aged care services the Wellington Shire. We

serve an immediate population of approximately 42,000 in Central Gippsland,

and reach a wider community in East Gippsland and parts of innovation South Gippsland Benalla Health offers a work environment that encourages and in terms of more specialized services such as perinatal services, critical excellence. They support staff to achieve best practice outcomes forcare our and surgery. The Women’s & Children’s Unit is located at the Sale campus of CGHS. community by ensuring that all obstetric staff hasservices, access to an innovative The Unit provides perinatal and Level 2 neonatal education care as well program.

If youand believe that youbyhave skillsofand experience to be a as paediatrics is supported a fullthe range services. charismatic we invite you to apply for this position.

Reporting toleader the Director of Nursing, the Nurse Unit Manager, Women’s and Children’s Unit operates in a complex environment characterised by a need:

Due to the retirement of the current incumbent, Benalla Health are seeking a • To work as part of a large multidisciplinary team that provides services across a broad suitably qualified Nurse Unit Manager for their Theatre Department. The range of acute, emergency, inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation, palliative, primary successful needservices to be a resilient, highly motivated leader, who health andapplicant communitywill support can demonstrate the capacity to communicate with precision and manage • To provide leadership and management support for unit staff; change whilst being mindful of operational and staffing needs.

• To balance competing priorities and work demands and to identify and respond Additional posttograduate qualifications Perioperative management appropriately critical and urgent clinicaland needs; experience would be advantageous.

• To support the management team in appropriately prioritising patient need and to operate efficiently and effectively with a view to meeting community needs and Benalla Health are committed to service; offering employees: providing a financially sustainable

• To understand and operate in a work environment driven by the need to meet clinical Work/Life balance options; • quality and safety guidelines; and • • To work Short term accommodation options; closely and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• To beAccess to a team of experienced professionals; considered for the position you will: • • Be A supportive learning environment; a Registered Nurse and Midwife holding current registration with the Nursing and •

Midwifery Board of Australia;

Access to professional development; and

• Hold relevant postgraduate qualification/s and or technical qualifications or working and • towards Salary Packaging incl. Remote Area Housing for eligible staff.

• Have membership of relevant professional college/organization.

Applications Close: Friday 1st August 2014with at 4.00pm.

Applicants must hold current AHPRA registration an eligible Applicants must hold current AHPRA registration with an eligible work work permit for Australia permit for Australia

W: www.ahnr.com.au W:E: www.ahnr.com.au E: ahnr@ahnr.com.au T: 1300 509 ahnr@ahnr.com.au T: 1300 981981 509 Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 27

Bullying app reaches out to remote health professionals Bullying is not just limited to the school playground - it’s rife throughout workplaces, particularly in the health care sector. A new bullying app has been designed to help nurses and allied health care professionals regardless of where they work.

By Karen Keast

B

ullying at work can eradicate your selfesteem and make you feel under-valued, scared, stressed, anxious and depressed.

Imagine then, what it must feel like to experience bullying while working in a remote location, without the support of family and friends at your side?

CRANAplus Bush Support Services (BSS) senior clinical psychologist Dr Annmaree Wilson says research shows about one in five people are bullied at work - and that number is much higher in some sectors, including health.

Dr Wilson says a large number of remote health care workers calling BSS’ 24-hour, seven day a week telephone counselling service report experiencing workplace bullying.

“We get all sorts of bullying activities reported to us,” she says.

“Things like withholding information, people being shamed and humiliated in front of their peers, clinical experience and expertise being undermined - all sorts of activities that are very unpleasant.

“Over a period of time it really wears down people’s sense of professional identity and their self esteem.

“The other thing that can happen in a bullying situation, which is even more acute in a remote area, is when people are socially isolated by the people around them - it’s really hard and it’s definitely an act of bullying,” she says.

“Bullying makes a huge difference - people make decisions about whether they stay in the

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remote area workplace or not on the basis of whether they’ve been bullied.

“It absolutely impacts on people in a very profound psychological way.”

CRANAplus, the peak body for remote health practitioners, recently launched a unique, free app for iPhone and android, to help equip remote health care professionals with a resource to combat bullying, right at their fingertips.

The BSS bullying app assists health professionals to identify bullying in a remote health workplace and outlines when they should seek help.

It also provides information on how to prevent and respond to bullying, and features resources and contacts.

“It was developed with the idea in mind that people can easily access it even when they are in remote areas,” Dr Wilson says.

“It provides people with information about what bullying is because sometimes people don’t know that they’re being bullied or they don’t quite recognise it, and it also gives them some ideas about what they can do about it if they feel they are being bullied.

“I think it’s easy to use and it’s a very practical sort of a tool that people can easily access if they’ve got it on their phones.”

Dr Wilson, a psychologist of more than 24 years who oversees a team of eight BSS psychologists, says it’s important workers experiencing bullying seek help.

“I think the first thing they need to do is get

some help - we encourage people not to keep their experience a secret,” she says.

“They maybe need to contact us or talk to a counsellor or someone that they trust in order to really start articulating what’s been going on for them.”

She advises workers to also document any bullying they experience or witness in a journal, and to engage in self-care strategies in a bid to help build their resilience.

“That’s really important as well - it’s important to not start drinking too much or smoking too much as a way of coping,” she says.

“It’s important that you exercise and you look after yourself and get plenty of sleep rather than being overwhelmed by what’s going on.

“I think various policies and procedures also need to be looked at in the workplace - what’s in place to deal with bullying, and also contacting the nurses’ union, for example, and any other

government organisation that might be relevant, all of which are on our app.

“The other thing that can happen in a bullying situation, which is even more acute in a remote area, is when people are socially isolated by the people around them - it’s really hard and it’s definitely an act of bullying.”

Dr Wilson says the app is just one way in which BSS provides an important backstop for health professionals working in rural and remote Australia.

She says BSS’ free telephone counselling, debriefing, psychological intervention and support service helps workers who simply want to chat about their day, those who have experienced a natural disaster or trauma, and those requiring structured, regular support.

For the full article visit NCAH.com.au

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1800 269 500 Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 14 | Page 29

Queensland pharmacy trial expanded

Q

ueensland pharmacists are now able to administer vaccines for measles and whooping cough.

The state government has announced the expansion of the Queensland Pharmacist Immunisation Project (QPIP), an initiative of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Pharmacy Guild.

Pharmacists have administered more than

which began on April 1 at 80 community pharmacies across the state.

Statistics show 50 per cent of people receiving vaccines as part of the trial had been vaccinated previously - 20 per cent at a GP clinic, eight per cent at a pharmacy, six per cent in the workplace and 16 per cent at another location.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the trial expansion would be limited to adults with appropriate safeguards to ensure patient safety.

“The same QPIP protections that apply to additional vaccines,” he said in a statement.

PSA Queensland branch president Professor -

nity pharmacies has been a major factor in the high uptake.

“Community pharmacies are very accessible and people can quickly and easily get a vaccination without long waits or booking weeks ahead,” he said.

“This has resulted in the pilot capturing a cohort of the population who might not normally be vaccinated.

“Extending the trial to other vaccinations is a very welcome move and means pharmacists will helping meet the vaccination targets.”

The expansion of the vaccine trial, being run in conjunction with the Queensland University of Technology and James Cook University, will form just one part of the government’s new strategy to boost immunisation rates across the state.

robustness of the processes in place and to the professionalism of pharmacists delivering the vaccinations,” Professor Nissen said.

“The convenience of pharmacy vaccination has been widely commented on by consumers

to provide vaccines as part of the trial, which is providing immunisations for people not covered by the National Immunisation Program.

The project could pave the way for the introduction of pharmacists to administer vaccines in Australia.

While pharmacists are unable to provide vaccines, community pharmacy groups have been using nurse immunisers in a bid to introduce their

forms, which are overwhelmingly positive.”

Pharmacy Guild Queensland branch president Tim Logan said the accessibility of commu-

Pharmacists provide vaccinations in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

“The number of people who have been vaccinated and the fact that there have been no

Page 30 | www.ncah.com.au

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Please send expressions of interest to careers@ncah.com.au Applications must include a CV and covering letter detailing your professional experience.

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