Issue 15 01/08/11 fortnightly
Aged Care Special Feature Disabled Young Still in Aged Care, by Nina Hendy Nutrition Bolsters Health in Aged Care Facebook Warning for Nurses Expert Says Baby Mix-Ups Not Uncommon
ncah.com.au Hundreds of jobs and courses you won’t find on SEEK!
MyRAHCExperience Pauline Rubin | Registered Nurse Like many registered nurses nearing retirement, Queenslander Pauline Rubin was in search of a balance between her work schedule and changing lifestyle. Through RAHC’s short term placements Polly is able to continue her career and contribute her skills and experience into health centres in remote Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory. “I was experienced in both nursing and in life, less restricted by family commitments and free to work short term contracts,” Polly said. Polly contacted RAHC and was then placed in a nursing position in Alice Springs. Sitting in the centre of a vast red desert with majestic mountain ranges of spiritual significance, Polly says, “I am in awe of this ancient land. I do feel I am making a difference as an experienced professional and helping to ‘close the gap’. I am now on my third placement, working in the red centre of Australia, and enjoying the best days of my career with generous pay and work conditions. Perhaps it is true we save the best for last!”
Get involved. Call 1300 MYRAHC or apply online at rahc.com.au
Funded by the Australian Government www.ncah.com.au
H E A LT H C O A C H A R E YO U LO O K I N G F O R A F R E S H STA R T ? ° No heavy lifting and overnight shift work ° Fully subsidised private health insurance plus other insurance benefits offered ° Based in Hawthorn
YO U C A N H E L P T H O U S A N D S O F A U S T R A L I A N S L E A D A H E A LT H I E R L I F E . Bupa Health Dialog is growing rapidly and needs your help to keep pace with the demand for our services. As the pioneer of telephone health coaching services, we provide support to over 20 million people globally by helping them make informed decisions about their health. Now looking after Australians, Health Dialog seeks nurses that are genuinely passionate about health care. In return, you’ll be working for a company that is focused on improving the lives of its customers and employees. This is your opportunity to be a more active participant in the lives of others using your superior communication skills to counsel and guide callers through their health care choices. Ultimately they’ll live a better life. Like to make a difference? Then apply now with a current RN Div 1 licence and experience to: www.bupa.com.au/careers quoting job no. 492802. Or call Nandita for a friendly chat on (03) 9937 4698.
Bupa Health Dialog is part of Bupa. Bupa is a trusted healthcare provider, covering over three million Australians through the private health insurance brands HBA, MBF and Mutual Community. Bupa Australia Health Pty Ltd ABN 50 003 098 655
LIQ2294NCAH
LIQUORICE
careers@ncah.com.au
Issue 15 1 August 2011 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in Issue 15, 2011. 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 Distribution is Independently Audited by the Circulations Audit Bureaux. Print Distribution: 10,532 Email Distribution: 9,853 Total Distribution: 20,385 Next Publication: Midwifery Special Feature Publication Date: Monday 15 August 2011 Colour Artwork Deadline: Monday 8 August 2011 Mono Artwork Deadline: Wednesday 10 August 2011 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. © 2010 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.
housands of jobs online at
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Advertiser List A+A Training AHN Recruitment Austra health Australian Medical Services Avondale College Bupa Health Coaches Continental Travelnurse CQ Nurse Drake Medox Employment Office Healthcare Australia HealtheCare Australia - Lingard Hospital Koala Nursing Agency Lifescreen Medacs Australia NSW Health - Greater Southern Area Health NSW Health - Justice Health NSW Institute of Psychiatry Oceania University of Medicine Oxford Aunts Care PJ Locums Queensland Health Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) Royal College of Nursing Australia UHG - Unified Healthcare Group Victorian Nurse Specialists Workpac
Interested in being part of the future of Forensic Mental Health in NSW? Opportunities for Endorsed Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses with recent Mental Health experience Operated by Justice Health, The Forensic Hospital is an integral part of the Forensic Mental Health Network. Located at Malabar and officially opened in February 2009, this purpose-built 135-bed facility provides high-quality specialised care to male, female and adolescent forensic patients in a high-security therapeutic environment. Justice Health offers flexible work options, salary packaging, education support and selfdevelopment opportunities for mental health professionals. If you have recent mental health experience as an EEN or RN and would like more detail about the opportunities that exist within The Forensic Hospital, please contact a member of our recruitment team. Enquiries: The Recruitment Team 1300 734 842. Website: www.jobsatjusticehealth.com.au Applications: Justice Health Recruitment – The Forensic Hospital, PO Box 150, Matraville NSW 2036 or email careers@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au
We look forward to welcoming you to The Team!
careers@ncah.com.au
Facebook Warning For Nurses
G N I RN
WA
Social networking is landing Australian nurses in hot water.
and no consistent approach had yet been formed on acceptable conduct.
The Australian Nursing Federation has warned nurses to keep privileged information off social networking sites, such as Facebook, as increasing numbers of nurses face disciplinary action over inappropriate postings.
“This opens a Pandora’s Box of questions from privacy to confidentially to employment law,” she said.
ANF federal secretary Lee Thomas said growing numbers of Australian nurses are being reprimanded as a result of posting comments regarding “sensitive issues” online. “Social networking may be instant and fun, but people are increasingly using these mediums to complain about employers, fellow staff members and among our colleagues and even patients,” Ms Thomas said. “Clearly, using social networking sites in this manner is problematic in the growing number of cases of employers initiating disciplinary proceedings against staff in relation to comments made on social networking sites.” Ms Thomas said an entire new area of case law was opening up around social networking www.ncah.com.au
“I know that speaking to several of our branches that members are increasingly facing disciplinary action as a result of commentating on sensitive issues in this very public way.” The caution comes as increasing numbers of nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom were found to be discussing privileged information online, often unwittingly, and as a result were being investigated and, in some cases, even struck off for misconduct. Ms Thomas warned postings on social networking sites were not private. “They are very public and in some cases you have no idea who is reading them, so next time you switch on your computer, and enter your favoured social networking site, take a moment to remember what happens at work with patients is confidential,” she said.
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Register online at www.koalanurses.com.au or email your CV to nursing @koalanurses.com.au
Aged cAre NursiNg
scholArships App licat ions clos e: 1 Sep te mbe r 2011
Are you reAdy to kick stArt your Aged cAre cAreer? Aged Care Nursing Scholarships are available for Australian citizens or permanent residents for study in the following areas: Undergraduate scholarships for those with a demonstrated commitment to aged care for courses at an accredited tertiary institution to become a registered nurse.
Postgraduate scholarships (including honours programs) masters programs graduate diplomas graduate certificates honours programs.
Continuing professional development (including nurse re-entry) conferences short courses work shops nurse re-entry.
For more information on eligibility or how to apply for a scholarship:
RCNA
freecall: 1800 116 696 scholarships@rcna.org.au www.rcna.org.au
Nurse practitioner scholarships for registered nurses wishing to undertake nurse practitioner studies.
Aged Care Nursing Scholarships (ACNS) are funded by the Australian Government. RCNA, Australia’s peak professional nursing organisation, is proud to partner the Department of Health and Ageing as the fund administrator for this program.
careers@ncah.com.au
Careers with Queensland Health
District Director of Nursing Central West District Office, Longreach, Central West Health Service District. Remuneration value up to $136 969 p.a., comprising salary $120 047 p.a., employer contribution to superannuation (up to 12.75%) and annual leave loading (17.5%) relocation and accommodation expenses negotiable (conditions apply) (Nurse Grade 11 (2)) (Applications will remain current for 12 months.) JAR: H11CW07473. Duties/Abilities: Responsible for the professional leadership, strategic development and overall delivery of an effective nursing service in the District. Specifically, the position will maximise the potential of nursing practices to enhance health outcomes. Enquiries: Jill Magee (07) 4652 8000. Application Kit: (07) 4920 7000 or www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus Closing Date: Monday, 15 August 2011. You can apply online at www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus A criminal history check may be conducted on the recommended person for the job. A non-smoking policy applies to Queensland Government buildings, offices and motor vehicles. BlazeQ013031
Your next logical step Become a physician
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OCEANIA UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE N O W I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY A C C R E D I T E D Visit www.RNtoMBBS.org or call in NZ 0800 99 01 01 or in AUS 1300 665 343
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‘moving intensive care for kids‛
NETS the Newborn & paediatric Emergency Transport Service is the state’s only mobile emergency intensive care service which specialises in newborn and paediatric critical care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NETS coordinates and transports critically ill babies and children in over 200 hospitals across NSW and the ACT using specially fitted-out NETS ambulances, helicopters or Royal Flying Doctor Service planes.
NETS even transports children from overseas, using charter jets or commercial airliners. If you would like to advance your career and become part of an innovative team or if you are already experienced and would like to challenge yourself and your skills in a new and exciting job, a NETS Nurse is the job for you!
Nursing on the Move NETS REGISTERED NURSE
SELECTION CRITERIA
Position Ref No: 39218 Employment Type: Full Time or 12 month Temporary Salary: Public Health Nursing & Midwifery State Award Closing Date: 19 August 2011.
• • •
POSITION DESCRIPTION NETS Registered Nurses participate in all types of retrievals (statewide, interstate and international) including nurse retrievals in all modes of transport. This position will also assist in the Clinical Coordination Centre triaging calls, organising neonatal and paediatric retrievals; including organising the appropriate transport equipment. The successful applicants will be clinically competent in triaging, stabilising and transferring high risk neonatal and paediatric patients. For Enquiries or an Application Pack contact: Paul Gallagher, Nurse Manager p: 02 9633 8724 m: 0438 403 835 e: paul.gallagher@nets.health.nsw.gov.au. www.nets.health.nsw.gov.au
• • • • •
Eligible for registration with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia (NMBA). Experience in neonatal, paediatric or adult intensive care unit. Excellent clinical assessment skills and evidence of recent advanced nursing care of the critically ill neonate and/or paediatric patient. Demonstrated strong clinical, safety and professional standards within the critical care environment. Ability to deliver effective care which is innovative and within the organisations designated scope of practice Ability to function effectively both independently and as a team member. Highly motivated and committed to professional nursing development. Ability to provide effective and accurate information through exceptional communication skills, which includes computer literacy.
NETS is a Statewide Service of NSW Health and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Specialty Health Network
careers@ncah.com.au
Twelve Hour Shifts Linked to Nurse Errors Tailored healthcare training solutions
Courses on offer: • Advanced Life Support • Immediate Life Support • IV Cannulation & Venepuncture • Advanced Trauma Course • Minor Injuries Workshop
The 12-hour nursing shift is under the spotlight after a United States study found nurses working the shifts are more prone to health problems and making patient errors.
“The ANF of course continues to monitor the practice, in terms of occupational health and safety issues for our members and best quality care to patients.”
The results from the University of Maryland and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study, published earlier this year, come as new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures confirm more Australians than ever before are embracing the move to working longer shifts over the traditional eight-hour day.
The US study was based on survey responses from 633 nurses in 71 nonfederal hospitals and found demanding work schedules could be to blame for patient mortality.
ANF federal secretary Lee Thomas said while there were no current statistics on the incidence of 12-hour nursing shifts in Australia, she said longer shifts were usually by consent, particularly in specialist areas such as Intensive Care Units. “Our members that we have spoken to tend to enjoy working longer shifts because of the extra time off they receive,” Ms Thomas said. www.ncah.com.au
The study found nurses who work 12-hour shifts were more prone to sleep deprivation and fatigue, with the average total sleep time between the shifts just 5.5 hours, and those factors combined with insufficient time away from work could contribute to nurse errors and patient deaths. For more news and resource articles plus thousands of jobs and courses for nurses and allied health professionals, visit www.ncah.com.au
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AHN recruitment has been established to offer something new for those seeking career challenges in the allied health, nursing and clinical support areas.
➤ Speech Pathologist Echuca, Victoria ➤ Dental Technician Shepparton, Victoria
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Nutrition Bolsters Health in Aged Care
Sodexo Australia senior dietitian Jemma O’Hanlon knows her work makes a difference to the lives of aged care residents. The Melbourne accredited practising dietitian has worked for more than two years for the global food and facilities management company, which caters to 31 aged care sites in Australia. “Nutrition has a large role to play in reducing the risk of fractures and falls, increasing the speed of wound healing and reducing the risk of infections,” Jemma said. “I have a large say in what goes into the menus, how it is served, and ensuring that we are providing adequate meals to residents. “I really love that what I do has an impact on a resident’s quality of life and wellness.” Jemma’s role includes reviewing menus, supporting the nutrition and hydration processes and to train colleagues for catering to the needs of aged care residents. She said while most people associate dietitians with promoting good health with nutrient dense foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt, she said in aged care those rules don’t apply. www.ncah.com.au
“In this age group we see high rates of malnutrition and it is for this reason that we often need to supplement residents’ diets with extra protein and energy to ensure they are meeting their nutritional requirements,” she said. “Encouraging this change of thinking from healthy eating practices to full fat, high calorie choices can be challenging when working with facilities. “Even residents with diabetes should now be served the same choices as other residents without restriction. “When I review menus I ensure that main meals are protein based, that adequate portions are served, and choices are based on resident favourites. “If residents are eating their food and enjoying it then we couldn’t be happier.” Jemma said Sodexo had recently implemented innovative new systems focussed on improving the nutrition and hydration of residents, ranging from standardised recipe folders to portion control scoops, policies for diabetic diets and a system for high protein high energy foods for dementia residents.
Make the change now and go rural to live the lifestyle in Southern NSW. What are you waiting for?
Are you a Registered Nurse who is looking for a Lifestyle Change and further your career in Aged Care, General and High Dependency Nursing? We have immediate Full Time and Part Time employment opportunities in both
Murrumbidgee Local Health District & Southern NSW Local Health District Plus all the advantages of a rural environment A balance healthy lifestyle, opportunity for community participation & enhanced family life; no traffic
Other incentives to change are:
• Professional and flexible team environments where you can practice and grow • Flexible Rostering Practices • Attractive salary packaging and Relocation Incentives • More affordable living • Remote Housing Assistance Benefits • NSW Government Regional Relocation Grant • Commitment to ongoing development through professional clinical education programs The combined area of both Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts in Southern NSW extends from the beaches on the State's South Coast across the Great Dividing Range to the snowfields of the Snowy Mountains and onto the rural regions that border Victoria. It includes the thriving regional centres of Deniliquin, Goulburn, Griffith, Queanbeyan, Batemans Bay, Bega and Wagga Wagga. The area has a population of approximately 470,000 people. For further information on positions available within Local Health Districts log onto: http://nswhealth.erecruit.com.au/Default.aspx and select either Murrumbidgee or Southern NSW Local Health Districts To find out about what the lifestyle of our region has to offer log onto: www2.gsahs.nsw.gov.au/lifestyle/ APPLY ONLINE NOW! NSW Health Service: Employer of choice careers@ncah.com.au
New Campaign Targets Indigenous Health Jobs A national advertising blitz is hoping to lure more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to work in Indigenous health. The $4.3 million Federal Government campaign is aimed at attracting more people into Indigenous health jobs spanning allied health, nursing and medicine. The campaign was launched on July 24 with television, radio, print and online advertising along with a dedicated website.
Understanding & Managing Challenging Behaviours in Dementia • Gain a better understanding of dementia and associated behaviours • Learn about the role of the frontal lobe in relation to personality and behaviour • Gain insights into what it might feel like to experience dementia • Learn how to manage stress and reduce the risk of burn-out.
Sydney trainee physiotherapist Christopher Webster is one of the faces of the campaign.
Date: Friday 19 August 2011 Cost: $295 (early bird rate - pay by 5 Aug 2011) Venue: 5 Fleet Street North Parramatta Enquiries: agnes.dsouza@nswiop.nsw.edu.au
“When people talk about our mob’s health, you only hear the bad stuff,” Mr Webster says in the advertisement.
NSW Institute of Psychiatry www.nswiop.nsw.edu.au
“But just look at our athletes. When our people get the right health care, we’re unbeatable… I’m training to be a physiotherapist in Sydney.
receptionists, nurses, sports physiotherapists, dental assistants, and dietitians to better respond to the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” he said.
“I’m helping our people get stronger. So they’re fit enough to tackle anything. “There are hundreds of different health jobs.” The campaign comes as Australian labour force figures show there were only 153 Indigenous medical professionals and 1598 registered and enrolled nurses in 2008 – which equates to just 0.2 and 0.6 percent of the entire health workforce. Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon said research showed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to seek primary health care when it is provided by their own people. “We need more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs, paramedics, medical www.ncah.com.au
“This campaign will target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students to encourage them to pursue a job in the health sector and make them more aware of the opportunities in health, including the range of jobs, training options, career pathways and financial and other types of support available.” For more information visit www.australia.gov.au/healthheroes. For more news and resource articles plus thousands of jobs and courses for nurses and allied health professionals, visit www.ncah.com.au
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Disabled Young Still in Aged Care by Nina Hendy The nurse, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, says her training hasn’t equipped her with the skills to care for those with disabilities, but this fact appears to be ignored by her superiors. “It’s a completely unfair situation for these young people. They know they are surrounding by the elderly and I know that they find it demoralising. But aside from that, I don’t have the necessary training to deal with their specialist needs.
Nearly 7,000 young people with a disability call an Australian nursing facility their home. This is because there are no other accommodation options open to them, which puts immense pressure not only on the aged care system, but also on aged care nurses. Nina Hendy investigates. The care of young disabled Australians is inadvertently falling under the care of aged care nurses, which puts additional pressure on a system already buckling beneath the strain. Currently, even seriously disabled young people have no choice but to live in aged care facilities to be able to access the care they need. An aged care nurse working in a Sydney nursing home cares for aged care residents in a nursing home in the western suburbs. But three young people with severe disabilities also fall under her care. And while she understands the difficulties the situation poses for the Federal Government, the aged care nurse admits that she doesn’t feel that she is equipped to adequately care for those with disabilities. www.ncah.com.au
“I was looking forward to a career in aged care, but it just feels as though every day is sink or swim. I’m completely stretched at work and barely feel I have time to care for both the elderly and the young I look after. And I just don’t think it’s fair that those with disabilities are in my care anyway. I don’t want to sound mean, but it’s just not what I signed up for,” she says. While the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) addressed the issue by moving young disabled people into more appropriate accommodation five years ago, a recent report has found that the program has reduced the number of young residents in aged care by 29 per cent, which advocates reason still leaves a significant number of young people under the care of aged care centres. The situation also prompts questions around whether or not adequate training is being provided for nursing staff caring for these special needs patients across the country. But training is just the start of it for aged care nurses. In fact, there’s a lot stacked against a career as a nurse in aged care. A series of issues that industry peak bodies continue to highlight remain in the spotlight without resolution. An ongoing issue is pay, with recent media reports highlighting the
fact that aged care nurses earn up to $200 less a week than their hospital counterparts. The NSW Nurses Association says that oneoff injections of government funding over the years has not flowed on to staff wages, and yet remains hopeful that something will change. However there is no immediate indication that this will be the case. The Australian Nursing Federation agrees. Assistant Federal Secretary Yvonne Chaperon says the aged care sector is in desperate need of nurses and assistants in nursing (AIS), adding that the current wage gap between aged care nurses and their colleagues in
other parts of the health system was one of the main reasons that recruitment was an ongoing problem for the sector. “Along with greater funding of the aged care sector, there are several crucial workforce issues that are integral to reforming our aged care sector,” Chaperon says. “We must have a requirement of minimum care hours, extra staffing levels and the right skills mix of aged care workers and the licensing of workers if we are to improve the care that our older Australians need and deserve.” careers@ncah.com.au
Craving Flexibility? Boost Your Income and Work Around the Lifestyle You Want! ◗ Self Managed Sub-Contract Positions ◗ Great flexibility – work around your personal and family commitments ◗ Looking for Consultants in all States and Territories ◗ Ongoing Phone Support UHG is a leading provider of customised healthcare solutions for insurers, employers and individuals across Australia. We are offering unique opportunities for nurses to undertake self-managed sub-contract work with our innovative mobile health service division. This role involves booking and attending appointments for clients in their home or workplace and conducting health examinations, ECGs, spirometry and/or pathology collection. Opportunities also exist for qualified Nurse Immunisers to complete corporate vaccinations. If you are an outstanding registered or enrolled nurse that meets the following requirements we would love to hear from you. Our key requirements are: ◗ Competent phlebotomy skills - Minimum 2 years recent venepuncture experience ◗ Up to date CPR certificate ◗ Own Vehicle and Drivers License ◗ Must have own PC & Printer, Internet Access, Email, Fax or Scanner
◗ Australian Police Check ◗ Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance Coverage ◗ ABN
Experience in insurance industry assessments, pre-employment medicals or owning a small business would be well regarded, but not essential.
For more details visit our website at www.uhg.com.au and to Apply online visit www.healthscreening.com.au For general enquiries, please phone Jessica on (03) 9692 7049 www.ncah.com.au
EXPERIENCED THEATRE SCRUB NURSES WANTED SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE
Do you want flexible rostering, top hourly rates & access to state of the art facilities? Lingard Private Hospital provides an exceptional working environment where your skills are appreciated and your work recognised. EXPERIENCED THEATRE Surrounded by a supportive team, you will have access to ongoing SCRUB NURSES WANTED professional development, employee rewards and much more.
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Currently undergoing major redevelopments, Lingard Private Hospital is expanding its surgical services to deliver a state-of-the-art facility for Patients, Doctors and Staff. At Lingard Private Hospital we offer: • Top hourly rates – our rates are the highest of all private hospital groups • Professional development allowance for each staff member ensuring ongoing education and training • Flexible rostering Monday to Friday • Free accessible parking
Join a team where you will be valued! Position Enquiries and Applications (incl. current CV) to: Anna Styles-Tape, Director of Clinical Services Lingard Private Hospital 23 Merewether Street, Merewether NSW 2291 Ph: 02 4969 6799 Fax: 02 4963 7200 Email: lingardprivate@healthecare.com.au careers@ncah.com.au
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Expert Says Baby Mix-Ups Not Uncommon The mix-up with two newborn babies, who were given to the wrong mothers to breastfeed in a Victorian private hospital, highlights the importance of keeping mums and babies together, according to one expert.
Australian College of Midwives spokesperson Advanced Life Support and University of Western Sydney Associate Immediate Life Support Professor of Midwifery Hannah Dahlen said IV Cannulation Venepuncture the mix-up&was one of the most common mistakes that happen on a maternity ward. Advanced Trauma Course Minor Injuries Workshop “It’s actually not uncommon,” she said. “It’s a very good example of why we need to keep mothers and babies together. “There’s a greater tendency to send your baby off to a nursery in a private hospital compared to a public hospital. We encourage the babies to be with their mothers. “The more times you take a baby from a mother and return them, the greater the risk of having a mix-up.” The switch occurred at St John of God Hospital in Geelong when a nurse failed to check the babies’ name bracelets while removing them from their cots in the specialcare nursery on July 15 at about 6.30am. The babies were delivered to the wrong mothers, who cared for them for more than eight hours, until a relative noticed an unfamiliar name on one of the bracelets and alerted staff.
The usual protocol is for staff to check the names on bracelets worn by babies and mothers before any handover but Associate Professor Dahlen said the best protocols can often get waylaid when midwives are overworked. “You can put all of the best policies and guidelines in place…that’s all good and well in a world where we have plenty of staff and midwives and everything is running as it should be. “Midwives are very overworked. We have a massive workforce shortage. “If we don’t provide women with the right level of care and midwives with the right workload, we know mistakes happen because people take short cuts.” Associate Professor Dahlen said the nurse responsible for the mistake would “feel terrible” and while it was a major error she said it was unlikely anyone had been harmed. “Let’s put it in perspective,” she said. “Those babies have both had cuddles. The risks associated with breast milk from another woman are extremely low. “The biggest risk is the psychological impact, when a mother has been with a baby and it is not her own. That’s not to be underestimated.” careers@ncah.com.au
Aged Care Nursing Appeals to Jenni Jenni Armstrong spent about 15 years working in nursing in Saudi Arabia before homesickness lured her back to the shores of Australia. When she returned last year, she worked as an agency nurse and found her colleagues were unhappy their managers were not listening to their concerns, so she decided to instead pursue a nursing career in aged care. “I was looking to settle in and feel at home and I couldn’t see that happening in the acute system,” she said. Jenni applied for several aged care positions but was rejected due to a lack of experience in the sector. So she jumped in her car and literally knocked on the door at Bupa. “I was very pleasantly and warmly received when I walked in the door,” she said. “They had a position available at Cardiff, which is the one I have now.” Seven months later, Jenni loves her new role as care manager at the 67-bed high care Bupa aged care home in Cardiff, New South Wales. “I am interested in career development and they provide a lot of education,” she said. Jenni said while it was a fulfilling sector to work in, it was also vital to achieve wage parity between nursing in the acute care and aged care sectors. “People in aged care do have a lower salary,” she said. “The people who are in aged care are here because they love working with elderly people and they are passionate about what they do.” Newcastle born and bred, Jenni ventured overseas and worked in five Saudi Arabian www.ncah.com.au
hospitals in a management role, the latest managing a paediatric cardiac surgery unit at the Prince Sultan Cardiac Centre before she returned home. Jenni has experienced the highs of working abroad, from the challenging work, a high paying tax-free salary and a satisfying social life, to the lows – the beginning of the Gulf War, shortly after her arrival. “We all had gas masks and we had tanks patrolling up and down the road in front of our accommodation,” she said. Jenni, who was 23 at the time, remembers the roar of the planes’ engines flying overhead one night during her night shift and one morning she woke to find the apartment building across the road from hers had been hit during the night. “I was in Riyadh; it had quite a few direct hits. We were called in to tend to the wounded.” Now a mother of two, Jenni is relishing a new chapter in her nursing career. “It’s a rewarding area. It feels like I’m with family. I see the residents every day and you get attached.”
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Alexander Evans – You’re Never Too Old to Give it a Go
That is the message Lieutenant Alexander ‘Jim’ Evans would like to convey to anyone interested in joining the Australian Defence Forces. At the tender age of 49, the Adelaide native decided to enter the Royal Australian Navy as a direct entry Nursing Officer. “I thought initial training would be like ‘Full Metal Jacket’ but I had a great time and found it really enjoyable,” Jim said. Married with six children and 2 grandchildren, Jim was involved for many years with Training Ship (TS) Noarlunga, his local Navy cadets unit. Two of his sons, Peter and Philip Jaensch, attended the cadets unit and both are now in the Navy as well. He also has a son-in-law in the Royal Australian Air Force. “Seeing the positive effect the cadets had on the boys certainly influenced my decision to join the Navy. I was also looking for the possibility to extend my clinical knowledge in a professionally supportive environment, travel and provide assistance in humanitarian and operational circumstances.” www.ncah.com.au
It is safe to say that Jim’s these goals have been met in only a couple of short years. After graduating from his training at HMAS Creswell Jim was posted to HMAS Penguin on Sydney’s North Shore. A nurse for 26 years, primarily at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide, he is now a surgical trauma nurse with the Marine Role 2 Enhanced unit – on 48 hours notice to deploy as part of a surgical team afloat. In 2009 Jim deployed with Operation Padang Assist, the Australian Defence Force’s month-long mission to help people affected by a major earthquake in Indonesia, onboard HMAS Kanimbla and has undertaken various military exercises, mainly in Queensland. He is now onboard the USS Cleveland, an amphibious transport ship, as part of the US- led humanitarian aid mission Pacific Partnership. “Being a member of Pacific Partnership 2011 has fully vindicated my decision to join the Navy. I love the opportunity to provide humanitarian assistance in this way,” Jim said.
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What job do you want? Thinking about a new job opportunity? Perhaps a change of scenery or a step-up to a leadership role? Post your target job details and your resume on the NCAH.com.au website. You can enter your: • Target job title. • Your desired salary. • The locations in which you’re interested in working. • Your field of specialisation. • How soon you’re interested in taking on a new job. Recruiters will use the NCAH website to find & then contact you. Your first step is to visit NCAH.com.au and click the ‘Upload Your CV Now!’ button on the home page.
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A Future with more Parkinson’s Nurses Victor McConvey hopes there will be a day when people with Parkinson’s disease have access to a dedicated Parkinson’s nurse in their local health care network. The Parkinson’s Victoria clinical nurse consultant, who established the Parkinson’s nurse specialist position in Leeds in the United Kingdom, would like the nation’s small number of Parkinson’s nurses to grow along the lines of the country’s burgeoning network of breast care cancer nurses - giving people with Parkinson’s direct access to specialist nurses. The disease, the second most common neurological disorder in the world, affects an estimated 20,000 Victorians and 80,000 Australians – about one in five people over the age of 65. The UK is leading the fight on the Parkinson’s frontline with 264 Parkinson’s nurses and Tasmania is following suit in Australia with four Parkinson’s nurses coming on board. Mr McConvey said Parkinson’s, caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, is often characterised as a disease that makes people shake and slow down but he said there were a wide range of symptoms, including hallucinations, not often discussed. A nurse of 22 years who has worked in the field of neurology for the past 15 years, Mr McConvey now travels the state working with people living with Parkinson’s and their families, helping them manage symptoms and improve self-management. Another large part of his role is educating health care professionals about the disease.“Nurses can make the world of difference to someone with Parkinson’s,” he said. “I think probably the biggest issue that nurses in particular struggle with Parkinson’s disease, is a lack of knowledge about the importance of medication.”
Victor McConvey Mr McConvey said medication, which addresses the chemical imbalance, needs to be administered regularly in a facility setting. And he said nurses need to be aware of the signs of the medication wearing off, which range from physical symptoms, such as the person moving slower, to hallucinations, anxious or sad feelings. Mr McConvey said Parkinson’s Victoria, a charitable organisation, is also a resource for health care professionals with an information line for tips and advice. # The Parkinson’s Unity Walk, hosted by Parkinson’s organisations in each state, is the largest fundraising and awareness raising event of its kind and will be held on Sunday, August 28. For more information visit www.unitywalk.com.au careers@ncah.com.au
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Drake Medox Cares Established in 1971, Drake Medox has grown to be one of the largest suppliers of contract and permanent Nurses and Allied Health Professionals to the Australian health sector. With 30 years of experience, we have been a front runner with our services in community health. Among our services are; provision of temporary and permanent staff in a variety of roles including; Nurses, care workers, administration and ancillary staff. In addition, clients can also access a variety of HR Solutions including Client Panel Interviewing, Behavioural Assessments, Skills Assessments and much more.
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