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27 June 2011 - Issue 12
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Can’t get away to do your Continuing Professional Development training? Apply to the Nursing & Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme for someone to fill in for you while you are away...
The Australian Government has established the Nursing & Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) to support nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in rural and regional Australia to get away to do the professional development training they need to continue their vital work. The NAHRLS will recruit suitable locums to enable rural health professionals to leave their post to undertake CPD activities, and enable organisations to back-fill their positions to support ongoing service delivery. The NAHRLS will find you and your workplace a suitable locum for the period you are away and cover the associated costs of the locum’s accomodation, travel, meals and daily allowances. Organisations pay the base locum rate.
For more information and to apply online visit:
www.nahrls.com.au Funded by the Australian Government
Independent Contract Nurses Required!
creating freedom and choice ...the innovative way
UHG is a leading provider of customised healthcare solutions for insurers, employers and individuals across Australia. We are offering unique opportunities for Registered and Enrolled Nurses to undertake sub-contract work with our innovative mobile health service division. • • • •
National Opportunities Different work locations & environments Discover new challenges Take control of your work-life balance!
The following are minimum requirements for these roles: • Competent phlebotomy skills - Min 2yrs experience • Current CPR Certification • Own Vehicle and Drivers License • PC & Printer, Internet Access, Email, Fax/Scanner • Australian Police Check • Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance • ABN Experience in small business, insurance assessments, pre-employment medicals and vaccination programs would be well regarded, but not essential.
To find out more about these exciting opportunities or apply online visit
www.healthscreening.com.au
For general enquiries, please phone Jessica on (03) 9692 7049 A division of UHG : www.uhg.com.au
From the Editor...
Inside this issue
Welcome to Issue 12 Nurses, it is that time of the year again where you can earn your some minutes towards your yearly quota with our CPD QUIZ! Turn to page 30 to get started right now and don’t forget to read the article: ‘Medication Problems in the Elderly’ on page 28 , for some helpful hints. Best of luck! Feeling like a career change? Then turn to page 23 and read our special feature on Pathways to Allied Health. We look at the diverse fields within Allied Healthcare, as well as what qualifications you need to enter your dream profession within this fascinating and mulit-faceted field. Also, for this issue’s Front Cover Competition, a big congratulations goes to Danielle Iannello from Princess Margaret Hospital, Western Australia, for her submission. This superb photograph captures the fun times had with her fellow nurses at work. Congratulations Danielle!
CPD Quiz:
Medicines
Turn to page 30 for your chance to earn CPD time towards your yearly quota (Presented by Ausmed and the Nursing Post)
Finally, keep an eye out for our next issue where we take a look at Aged Care in Australia. We learn about the current issues challenging Aged Care professionals, as well as how you can work in one of the fastest growing fields of healthcare in Australia today.
Pathways to Allied Health (page 23)
Advertisers Index
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Inside Cover 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17
CQ Nurse .......................................................... 18 RAHC . .............................................................. 19 Mediserve Nurses Agency . ............................... 21 Promesse ......................................................... 36+37 ABN: 28 105 044 282 | PO BOX 6213, East Perth, WA, 6892 Ph: +(618) 9325 3917 | Fax: +(618) 9325 4037 E: admin@nursingpost.com.au | W: www.nursingpost.com.au Next Publication Details: Issue 13: 11 July 2011 Material Deadline: 4 July 2011 Editor: Kelvin Chong | For media-kits, deadlines or advertising queries, please contact Manish Shah | Printed by Westcare Pty Ltd
Central West . Mt Isa . Cape York . Torres Strait . South West . and more
We’re growing. Join us. Exciting regional, rural and remote careers in Queensland: From South West Queensland to the Torres Strait, nowhere else will you find the exciting health career opportunities and experiences that working in regional, rural and remote Queensland offers. Whether you’re searching for a tree change or want es and pathways for to fast-track your career, Queensland Health offers incentives experienced health professionals to make the move. Queensland Health can offer you: • one of Australia’s best allied health remuneration packages • generous professional development support and allowances • supportive teams and clinical leadership
PLUS a dream Queensland lifestyle!
“I love that I have the freedom and support to be able to expand and develop in my particular area of interest (pulmonary rehab). As a Health Practitioner, I am given an allowance for professional development, and also attend courses that support my role.” Mt Isa physiotherapist Elizabeth enjoys the support she receives working for Queensland Health.
AH170611 NP
Start your new career and lifestyle today. Submit your CV and Expression of Interest online today at: www.health.qld.gov.au/allied 3
Clinical Team Leader THE COMPANY International Health & Medical Services (IHMS) is the leading provider of healthcare, medical facilities management & complementary healthcare services and is part of the global company, International SOS. Our business provides medical services to people in Immigration Detention throughout Australia. We provide onsite medical services within immigration detention centres throughout Australia.
THE ROLE We are currently looking for motivated Clinical Team Leaders to join our clinical team and provide primary healthcare services at our various Metropolitan and Remote sites. Working within a team of medical professionals this role is responsible for: • Ensuring that health care is delivered within the Immigration Detention Centre’s to all Persons in accordance with the Australian Standards • To manage and lead the day to day operations of the Medical Centre in consultation with the Health Services Manager • To develop, maintain and improve relationships between the Health Centre and all internal and external service providers • Assist the Health Services Manager in identifying and developing clinical training requirements for staff • And performance appraisal of all staff
Registered Nurse THE COMPANY International Health & Medical Services (IHMS) is the leading provider of healthcare, medical facilities management & complementary healthcare services and is part of the global company, International SOS. Our business provides medical services to people in Immigration Detention throughout Australia. We provide onsite medical services within immigration detention centres throughout Australia.
THE ROLE We are currently looking for motivated Registered Nurses to join our clinical team and provide primary healthcare services at our various Metropolitan and Remote sites. Having experience in primary/community health care would be advantageous.
THE PEOPLE
• Current nursing registration • Experience in delivery of clinical services • Experience working within multi-disciplinary team • Well developed organisational and time management skills • Professional verbal and written communication skills • Computer literacy
Our ideal candidates will have: • Current and unconditional Australian registration • Relevant (general health) qualifications and/or experience • Proven experience in clinical coordination/case management • Well developed organisational and communication skills • Computer literacy
OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU
OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU
THE PEOPLE
In return we will offer an attractive remuneration package and the opportunity for career development within our international organisation.
In return we will offer an attractive remuneration package and the opportunity for career development within our international organisation.
This is an exceptional opportunity to utilise your proven people and clinical skills in a large, complex and geographically diverse organisation within Australasia.
This is an exceptional opportunity to utilise your proven people and clinical skills in a large, complex and geographically diverse organisation within Australasia.
Please send your resume to Shida Khani, shida.khani@internationalsos.com
Please send your resume to Shida Khani, shida.khani@internationalsos.com
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Not Ready For Winter Yet? Head to The Middle East for all year round sunshine or the UK & indulge in a European summer!
Saudi Arabia: Our most popular location! Work in a state-of-the-art hospital while enjoying a salary paid tax free & all year round sunshine. Vacancies exist for Staff & Charge Nurses, Managers & Directors.
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Looking to enjoy the unique Middle East lifestyle without too many restrictions? Dubai or Abu Dhabi could be the spot. Vacancies exist for Staff & Charge Nurses, Managers & Directors. Guernsey, Channel Islands/UK: Prefer a more laid back lifestyle? How about Guernsey? Ideally located between the UK & France. Lined with quaint cobblestone streets, restaurants & cafes. You’ll pay a lower tax than the main land & be provided with subsidized accommodation! Vacancies also exist in the UK – Enquire now for more info...
Live SKYPE Chats direct with one of our prestigious hospital clients in Saudi Arabia!
CCM arrange the date so all you have to do is receive the call from the comfort of your own home! But there’s more! Informal chats have the potential to lead onto a formal interview. Live Skype chats are the best way to receive the most up to date information & help you decide if Saudi Arabia is for you. Obligation free & you can invite your friends! Enquire Now!
Benefits On Offer:
*Salary Paid Tax Free | *Free Flights | *Free Accommodation *Accommodation Allowance | *Free Medical Care | *Generous Annual Leave Professional Development | *Free Uniforms | Endless Travel Opportunities (*Applicable to certain contracts only)
AUS Free Phone: 1800 818 844 NZ Free Phone: 0800 700 839 dawn@ccmrecruitment.com.au raquel@ccmrecruitment.com.au
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If you can see yourself working in
London, Dubai or Florida THEN GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
We have placements available in Australia and overseas including the Middle East, UK and the USA. We offer Casual, Permanent, Aged Care, ICU, Theatre, Rural and Remote Contracts.
Call Fay Samios: 1300 123 450 health@australianrecruiting.com www.australianrecruiting.com
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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. 492565. 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
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LIQUORICE
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Nursing a headache? Over the politics? Need a change of scenery? Talk to Nursecare Personnel about a cure for your career. We are Tasmania’s own nursing agency, owned and managed by Tasmanian nurses. We offer offer RNs, ENs (M.E.): • All shifts, statewide • Above award (casual) rates and bonuses • CPD opportunities • Respect and appreciation - Lots of it!! Call us today...
1800 240 988
to explore the possibilities. W: www.nursecaretas.com.au
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WA Country Health Service Nursing Opportunities of a Lifetime Are you looking for a chance to travel, experience adventure and work in rural and remote Western Australia? A WA Country Health Service rotational nursing/midwifery program could be for you. There are three programs catering for varying levels of nursing and midwifery, ranging from Registered Nurse 1.2 and Registered Nurse or Midwife 1.3–1.9. Our rotational programs offer the opportunity to travel, experience rural and remote Western Australia and broaden your professional skills in: aged care emergency high dependency medical mental health
operating theatre paediatrics palliative care remote health surgical.
Travel, costs and accommodation are arranged for all rotational programs. WA Country Health Service provides: an attractive salary package with superannuation, subsidised accommodation and excellent professional and leave entitlements.
To find out more about the opportunities available call 08 9222 6497 or 0429 419 360, or visit www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au
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Call now and be pre-approved in minutes 1300 654 230 *Terms and Conditions Apply. ABN 76 104 030 793. A National Credit Act compliant company. A member of the National Financial Services Federation Inc. A member of Credit Ombudsman Service Limited (www.cosl.com.au). 1: A motor vehicle which is paid off, 10 registered in your name and not encumbered (i.e. not currently used as security on any loan with another financial institution).
With so many agencies to choose from, it is hard to know which will best meet your needs.
To ensure you get shifts where and when you want, there are a few crucial questions you should ask when selecting an agency......
Da re t o co m pa
re N ot e s
A re y o u o n t h e Pu b li c H ea lt h Te n d e r A g re e m e nt ?
HCA
O th e r
D o y o u h a ve E x cl u s iv e P ro v i d e r A g re e m e nt s? D o y o u h a ve Q u ic k pa y o p t io I ca n g et pa i d i n 2 4 h rs? n s w hi ch m ea n s D o y o u pa y L o n g S e rv ic e L ea ve? D o y o u h a ve a Vo l u nt a ry I n co m e D i st S ch e m e? ri b ut io n D o y o u h a ve O n li n e E d u ca t io n a l R e s o u w hi ch e qu a l rc e s C P D po i nt s? D o y o u h a ve an a ll o w s y o u t o O n li n e B oo ki n g s S y st e m ma n a ge you w hi ch r o w n b oo ki n g s? D o y o u p ro v i d e Fre e U n if o rm s? D o y o u p ro v i d e Fre e C ri m i n a l H i st o ry C h e ck s? A re y o u a pa rt o f A u st ra li a ’ s L a rg e st N A g e n cy g ro u u rs i n g p?
At Healthcare Australia we can confidently answer “YES” to all the above questions. As Australia’s Largest Nursing Agency Group, we can assure YOU we have MORE Choice, MORE Shifts & MORE Opportunities for you throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
1300 NURSES (1300 687 737)
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AFFORD TO TR AVEL
every 3 months!
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• No bills or fees • Help to set up a UK bank account & NI# • No nurses registration required • Many positions available • Flexible start dates
PH: 07 5563 0002 / www.workuk.com.au
Visit us Online! Go to nursingpost.com.au for the latest healthcare jobs, feature articles and stories! Subscribe to our newsletter and get every latest issue delivered straight to your email! Visit us online to sign up!
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Interested in pursuing a career in Fertility Nursing? Melbourne IVF is a leading provider of IVF and related fertility treatments in Victoria and is at the forefront of IVF technology around the world, it is the ideal place to truly enhance your career. The environment is knowledge-rich, creative and stimulating. We currently have several full time positions available for Fertility Nurses at our East Melbourne and Network Clinic sites. If you are compassionate and enthusiastic, you may be the person we are looking for.
Ideal candidates will be Division 1 Registered Nurses with 2+ years of experience (does not need to be Fertility Nursing experience) with demonstrated commitment to the highest standard of clinical and patient care. Successful applicants will join our growing and supportive team and be rewarded with competitive salary rates (in accordance with Award) and a comprehensive orientation program to facilitate learning and development in this specialist field.
If you are a talented person looking for a job with meaning in a committed team environment, please submit your application by 8 July 2011 to: careers@mivf.com.au Written applications to: Caroline Campbell, Human Resources, Melbourne IVF, 10/320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 3002
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20/06/2011 10:55:55 AM
Do you have Mental Health Experience? Or have an interest in
MENTAL HEALTH? Mental Health Staffing Specialists, MHS Nurses Agency is a mental health specific nursing agency. Mental Health is all we do! We are looking for experienced Mental Health staff to join our team. We need staff who are dedicated to Mental Health, can work flexibly, like to work as part of a team.
e need w n e h T
! U O Y
MHS currently have clients in the private sector who are looking for good agency staff every day. If you are looking for an extra shift, a short term contract, or even a change of scenery MHS can help you. From one off casual shifts to short term contracts and even permanent positions MHS is developing a diverse client base.
MHS OFFERS:
+ Flexi Pay – work today get paid tomorrow! No Fees, No restrictions + Parking Allowances – Don’t pay to park at work! + Work when you choose + Free mandatory education modules + Free mental health specific education + Supportive team of Mental Health staff + Casual, contract and permanent work + Local and regional + Great pay rates
: E NEEDation W T A H tr W RA regis
t APH +Curren nce or interest in +Experie tal Health Men sa perate a o to y it il +The ab m member tea
So if you would like to join a great agency that understands what it takes to be a Mental Health nurse. Call MHS now! Take control of your career today!
P: 1300 527 034 E: enquiries@mhsnurses.com.au
www.mhsnurses.com.au
Mental Health Staffing Specialists...The Agency for Mental Health Owned and operated by Mental Health Nurses. 15
The employment experts for Nurses around Australia Specialising in a range of permanent and temporary roles for Registered Nurses in Australia and across the world
Hot Jobs Melbourne - ICU and Emergency Nurses - 457 visas available Acute Surgical RN’s - Regional NSW ICU Nurses - Country WA Contract Nurses needed for regional NSW Theatre Nurses - Sydney - 457 visa available Nurse Manager - Angio Suite - Newcastle Emergency and ICU RN’s - Remote WA Remote Area Nurses Needed - NT & WA Theatre Nurses - New Suites - Newcastle Remote Hospital Contracts for RN’s - QLD Roles Across the UK for RN’s For more information, talk to Donna Gould or David Hunter in the Medacs Healthcare Nursing team. 16
Contact Us Email: nurses@medacs.com.au Telephone: 1800 059 790 For a full list of our opportunities around the world go to: www.medacs.com.au
Cairns Fertility Centre | Cairns Central Day Hospital are looking for experienced Medical Director: Peri-operative Nurses with the following criteria: ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥
Dr John Yovich
Medical Director: Registered Nurse with current AHPRA Registration MBBS MD FRCOG FRANZCOG CREI Dr John Yovich Medical Director: Experience in Anaesthetics and Scrub Scout MBBS MD FRCOG FRANZCOG CREI Dr John Yovich Excellent communication skills - both verbal & written MBBS MD FRCOG FRANZCOG CREI Committed to a high standard of clinical & patient care
Cairns Central Day Hospital is recognised for providing quality focused care and exceeding patient needs. With the commitment to providing ongoing staff training and development they offer a culture of promotion from within. The hospital has state-of-the-art facilities and fosters a dynamic team-based environment, reßected in the best clinical care. Applications should include cover letter, current referees and CV addressed to:
With Compliments
Operational Manager Cairns Fertility Centre | Cairns With CentralCompliments Day Hospital With Compliments PO Box 2423 4th Floor, Cairns Central Plaza, 58-60 McLeod Street (Cnr Aplin Street), CAIRNS QLD 4870 Cairns QLD 4870 OR via email: info@cairnsfertility.com 8za, f58-60 07 4041 1646 Street e cairnsinfo@cairnsfertility.com www.cairnsfertility.com McLeod (Cnr Aplin Street), CAIRNS QLD 4870 Applications close Friday 22 July 2011 cLeod Street (Cnr Aplin Street), CAIRNS QLD 4870 sinfo@cairnsfertility.com www.cairnsfertility.com Cairns Fwww.cairnsfertility.com ertility Centre | Cairns Central Day Hospital, Level 4, 58-‐60 McLeod Street, Cairns QLD 4870 sfertility.com t 07 4040 688 f 07 4041 1646 e info@cairnsfertility.com www.cairnsfertility.com
Feature Next Issue
Issue 13
11th July 2011
We take a look at what Aged Care nursing entails and how you can work in this fulfilling field. Stay tuned readers! 17
18
We need Registered Nurses, and we need you now Find out how you can be a part of the effort to improve Indigenous health “I find the work far more rewarding than my day to day job. People in the communities where I have been working genuinely need our help and care and we can make a real difference to the immediate health challenges facing them.� Kristy, Registered Nurse and RAHC Participant.
Get involved. Call 1300 MYRAHC or apply online at rahc.com.au
Funded by the Australian Government 19
Shop anywhere with a Prepaid Mastercard worth $300 AUD
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR YOUR
CHANCE TO WIN! Its simple - sign up to our newsletter and you will be in the draw to WIN a Prepaid Mastercard worth $300 to spend in stores anywhere around the globe. Existing subscribers of our newsletter also qualify for this competition. Details on how to enter will be given in the newsletter. To enter simply sign up online via www.nursingpost.com.au before Friday, 15th July 2011 for your chance to win. The competition will be drawn on the 19th July 2011 and the winner announced on the 25th July 2011 (Issue 14).
Subscribe at www.nursingpost.com.au to be in the draw Please note: Competition runs till the 15 July 2011. Winners will be contacted via email. Prepaid Mastercard will not be redeemable for cash. Competition open to Australian and New Zealand residents only. 20
CALLING ALL NURSES & MIDWIVES Join the Preferred Supplier of Nurses today! Mediserve has been selected onto the panel of preferred agencies to supply nurses to the Health Departments of South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and metropolitan Melbourne.
Come and Work in WA! Mediserve is one of the largest suppliers of nurses to West Australian country hospitals including remote clinics for Indigenous communities. We are also looking for nurses to work in metropolitan hospitals in Perth.
So why worry about your next shift? Relax when you join Mediserve Nursing Agency today!
For Australia Wide positions call 1300 305 594 or call one of our offices throughout Australia ADELAIDE: (08) 8212 2595 - adelaide@mediserve.com.au BRISBANE: (07) 3229 2528 - brisbane@mediserve.com.au DARWIN: (08) 8981 2446 - darwin@mediserve.com.au
PERTH: (08) 9325 1332 - perth@mediserve.com.au MELBOURNE: (03) 9629 3780 - melbourne@mediserve.com.au SYDNEY: (02) 9290 2700 - sydney@mediserve.com.au
www.mediserve.com.au
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A LLIED HEALTH Do you know what an Allied Healthcare Professional is? Do you want to work in your dream field of healthcare? Continue reading on page 23 to learn more.
Pathways to Welcome to our ALLIED HEALTH Feature, where we have compiled a list of
a few Allied Health professions within Australia. Here, you can learn about what each type of health professional does on a daily basis, and what qualifications you need to practice within your dream field of Allied Healthcare. Read on to learn more about this multi-faceted field of healthcare. ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKERS To assist the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to take a strong role in controlling and managing their own health and lifestyles. Qualifications: Aboriginal health workers may complete Certificate III. A Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Work is a prerequisite before a Diploma in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice may be commenced. Undergraduate courses include an Associate Degree in Aboriginal Health and a Bachelor of Applied Science – Indigenous Health.
AUDIOLOGISTS Audiologists are hearing specialists who manage hearing health. They specialise in assessment, prevention and management of hearing loss, deafness and related conditions, including tinnitus and balance disorders. Qualifications: Audiologists are required to hold a Bachelor’s Degree, and a two-year Master’s Degree in Audiology as well as completing the ASA’s 12-month clinical internship program to be awarded the Certificate of Clinical Practice (CCP). Audiologists who
meet these requirements are entitled to use the letters MAudSA (CCP). Mandatory Continuing Professional Development is required to retain clinical certification.
CHIROPRACTORS A chiropractor is a government-registered and regulated, university-trained allied health care professional. Chiropractic complements medical services and promotes general health. Qualifications: For registration to practise, chiropractors study full-time at university for a minimum of five years, graduating with either a three-year Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s degree, or a five-year double degree in Chiropractic Science and Clinical Science. To maintain quality and safety, chiropractors complete continuing professional development courses and seminars to upgrade and maintain their skills, and to stay current on the latest research.
DIABETES EDUCATORS Diabetes educators specialise in the provision of diabetes self-management education for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
ALLIED HEALTH Qualifications: A credentialed diabetes educator meets the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) standards of practice, has completed a post graduate certificate in diabetes education and management from an ADEA accredited University, complies with the ADEA professional development and clinical experience requirements, and is eligible to practice in their primary discipline as: • Registered nurses • Accredited practising dieticians • Registered medical practitioners • Registered pharmacists accredited to conduct medication management reviews • Registered podiatrists
DIETICIANS Accredited Practising Dieticians (APDs) have the qualifications and skills to modify diets and to treat diseases and conditions such as diabetes, overweight and obesity, cancer, heart disease, renal disease, gastro-intestinal diseases and food allergies. Qualifications: APDs have either completed a DAA
accredited university degree, comprising a minimum of four years full-time training, or have successfully sat the DAA examination for overseas-trained dieticians. APDs must engage in an ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) program, and comply with the DAA’s guidelines for best practice.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS Exercise physiologists (EPs) provide exercise and lifestyle support for chronic diseases and injuries. The primary aim of service delivery is to encourage lifestyle changes that are sustained in the long term. Qualifications: Exercise physiologists undertake a minimum four-year university degree in exercise physiology. They undertake mandatory continuing education every three years to retain accreditation with ESSA. All exercise physiologists receive specialist training in chronic disease management and behaviour change.
MENTAL HEALTH NURSES Mental health nurses work with people with high and low prevalence mental health disorders, including mental illnesses or psychological distress. Qualifications: To be credentialed, mental health nurses need a specialist or post graduate mental health nursing qualification or equivalent; a minimum of three years’ experience as a registered nurse in mental health or 12 months experience after obtaining a specialist/post graduate qualification; recency of practice and continuing professional education and practice development in the preceding three years.
MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKERS Mental health social workers work with individuals with mental disorders to resolve associated psychosocial problems. Qualifications: Accredited mental health social workers complete a four-year Bachelor’s Degree, or a qualifying Master’s Degree, and require a minimum of two years supervised social work practice in a mental health or related field.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS Occupational therapists assist people of all ages to overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of aging. Qualifications: Occupational therapists have either a four-year Bachelor’s degree or a two-year Graduate Entry Master’s Degree in the disciplines of: • Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology • Social and Behavioural Science • Occupational Science • Functional Assessment and Activity Analysis • Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice • Communication and Management & Research
OSTEOPATHS An osteopath provides manual therapy to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body, taking a ‘whole of body’ approach. Qualifications: A five-year full-time Master of Osteopathy Degree is the entry-level qualification to practice as an osteopath. An osteopath also needs to undergo mandatory CPD to be a member of the Australian Osteopathic Association. Mandatory CPD with registration varies from State to State.
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Physiotherapists use a holistic, person-centred approach to support patients across the lifespan to maximise their mobility and functional capacities. Qualifications: Physiotherapy courses may be entered through a university Bachelors, Masters or Professional Doctorate program. All members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association are required to participate in the Association’s continuing professional development program.
PODIATRISTS : A podiatrist deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Qualifications: Podiatrists must complete a threeyear Bachelor of Podiatry Degree and may undertake a one-year Master’s Degree. Training courses in podiatry include specialist training in diabetes.
PSYCHOLOGISTS Health psychologists specialise in understanding the effects of psychological factors related to health and illness.
Qualifications: A registered psychologist must have completed a four-year Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited university degree, followed by an APAC accredited post graduate degree or two years of supervised professional training. As a condition of registration, psychologists must strictly adhere to professional and ethical guidelines. Health psychologists have completed tertiary and/ or postgraduate training in both psychological and medical principles. They have been trained in the application of psychology to health promotion and illness, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and relapse prevention.
SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS Speech pathologists provide specialist services to people with communication and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Qualifications: A dual entry training pathway for speech pathology includes a four-year Bachelor’s Degree, and a two-year entry level Master’s Degree. Chronic disease management is integrated into all aspects of training. Speech Pathology Australia has continuing professional development requirements as part of their Professional Self-Regulation program to earn the status of Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT :
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Educational Courses, Conferences & Events Ausmed Publications...........................................27, 31 Article: Medication Problems in the Elderly........... 28-29 CPD QUIZ : Medicines..........................................30 Oceania University of Medicine............................31 Nurse CPD Online................................................32 NIMAC : Nursing with Attitude..............................33
CPD QUIZ: Medicines
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Medication Problems in the Elderly S
everal factors influence medication use and the problems experienced by ageing people in relation to the use of medication. These include: 1. The ageing process and changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs; 2. Polypharmacy; 3. Problems of compliance; 4. Side-effects.
The physical changes with ageing include alteration in weight, contour, and posture. The changes of body composition are changes in lean body mass, water, bone, and fat. Organ systems change significantly with ageing. Most organs and systems show diminished function—including the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, and endocrine system.
The ageing process and pharmacokinetics
When compared with a 30-year-old male, a 75-year-old male has only 56% brain weight, 70% cardiac output at rest, 69% kidney function (as measured by glomerular filtration rate), 35% taste sensation, and 40% maximum oxygen uptake during exercise (Shock 1962). Drugs enter the body orally, by injection, by inhalation, by infusion, or by being applied topically.
The major changes resulting from the process of ageing are physical changes, body composition changes, and changes in organ function.
The body then absorbs and distributes the drug—either as free drug or bound to plasma proteins—to the organs and tissues. Drugs are then metabolised into either inert
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compounds (that have no pharmacological activity) or into active fractions (that exert an effect on the body before being excreted by the kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin). These metabolic processes are altered as people age because of changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Ageing also reduces kidney function, which affects the capacity of the kidneys to eliminate free drugs or their metabolites. Hypotension and cardiac failure can also decrease kidney function. Such a reduction in the ability of the kidneys to excrete drugs and their by-products from the body might require dose reductions. The dose effect can be modified either by a reduction in dose of the drug or by increasing the time between doses.
If this is reduced, the distribution of that drug can be affected. With ageing, the acid levels of the stomach are reduced and this can alter drug absorption. In contrast, some drugs are coated to prevent breakdown by the acid pH of the stomach and are broken down by the more alkaline pH of the small intestine. However, if the normal motility of the gut is reduced, and there is a consequent delay in gastric-emptying time, these drugs remain in the acidic stomach and will be broken down, thus not reaching the small intestine in time to be effective. The level of plasma proteins in the blood also affects drug metabolism and distribution. These proteins bind drugs for transport and distribution throughout the body. Malnutrition or a poor diet reduces the level of albumin and other proteins in the blood. The consequence is that more free drug is transported, leading to a more pronounced effect of the drug and a diminution of length of action of that drug. In these circumstances, to lower the risk of an adverse reaction, it might be necessary to reduce the doses of drugs known to be highly protein bound. Another factor that affects the activity of drugs as people age is the ability of the liver to metabolise (and thus detoxify) drugs
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Comment on this clinical article at: www.ausmedonline.com/nursing-blog.html
Ausmed has recently added over 10 hours of medicines education to AusmedOnline, this content is available exclusively to our members. Visit www.AusmedOnline.com today to learn more about membership. Works Cited: This article is taken from an excerpt of the Chapter ‘Medications’ in the title Aged Care Nursing: A Guide To Practice (Sussman 2003). Shock, N.W. (1962) The Physiology of Aging. Scientific American. 1(168): 100–8. Sussman, G (2003) Medications. In Aged Care Nursing: A Guide To Practice, ed. Susan Carmody and Sue Forster. Melbourne, AU: Ausmed Publications.
Continue to page 30 for the CPD QUIZ
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Because of changes in the pH of the stomach, delay in gastric-emptying time, and changes in gut motility, the ability of the gut to absorb drugs alters, as does the breaking-down of individual medications. Some drugs are broken down by the acid pH of the stomach to begin the process of decomposition.
before excretion. A reduction in hepatic blood flow, enzyme activity, and liver mass can all lower the rate of drug metabolism in the liver.
CPD Quiz:
Medicines
1) Lactulose is used to treat constipation and is classified as a a) Bulking agent b) Osmotic Laxative c) Stimulant Laxative d) Stool Softener 2) Which one of the following should NOT be used as a Rehydration Solution? a) Pedialyte b) Gastrolyte c) Home measured mixtures of sugar and salt d) Hydralyte 3) Constipation can be prevented using which of the following non-medicine treatments? a) Dietary modification b) Exercise c) Adjustment of bowel habits d) Allowing sufficient time to defecate e) All of the above Look for the answers below.
4) When benzodiazepines are prescribed, which one of the following ‘durations of treatment’ is appropriate? a) Long term use (3 to 12 months) b) Medium term use (1-3 months) c) Short term use (2-4 weeks) d) Long term use (over 12 months)- if taken for insomnia every night
5) Which one of the following medicines can cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency? a) Epoetin alpha b) Hydroxocobalamin c) Metformin d) Cyanocobalamin
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Answers: 1) b, 2) c,
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