Nursing Post - Issue 16 : Mental Health

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The Career and Education magazine for Nurses and Health Professionals

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MENTAL

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22 August 2011 - Issue 16

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From the Editor...

Welcome to Issue 16

Inside this issue

Hi readers and welcome to another great issue as we take a look at Mental Health and the social stigmas attached to the very term; ‘mental illness’.

A big congratulations goes to Imelda Tolentino from Ward 8A North of the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for winning the Front Cover Competition. Imelda says that “ward 8AN is a 30 bed capacity surgical unit comprising of eye, ENT, maxillo-facial & plastic reconstructive and sometimes working on a Sunday can be quite a challenge but these nurses are cheerful, fun and made the day worthwhile with good teamwork, delivering the best nursing care to clients”. Top effort to the whole team for such a wonderful photo!

Mental Health Next issue

Stay tuned for our next issue as we showcase educational providers from each state and learn about the best career opportunities out there when we take a look at Education for healthcare professionals.

And finally, we would like to wish Manish Shah our Marketing manager a warm farewell as he moves on to new ventures away from The Nursing Post. Best of luck for the future!

Advertisers Index

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Hays Healthcare.................................................

Australian Recruiting Group...............................

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Swingshift Nurses..............................................

Latrobe Regional Hospital..................................

Australian College of Mental Health Nurses........

MHS Nurses Agency...........................................

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Inside Cover 1 3, 25 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 11 13 14 17 18 21 22

Educational

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23 24 26 27 36+37 Back Cover

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 17: 5 September 2011 Material Deadline: 29 August 2011 Editor: Kelvin Chong | Co-Editor/Artwork: Amrit Bhabra For media-kits, deadlines or advertising queries, please contact Tishen Gounden | Printed by Westcare Pty Ltd

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Feature - Mental Health

MENTAL HEALTH

We separate the facts from the myths in our article “All this Stigma around mental illness”. We also take a look at what’s happening to mental health nurses in Tasmania and we present a story submitted by one of our readers entitled “Notes from a psychiatric ward...somewhere near you”.

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Choose your own adventure with Queensland Health The opportunities are endless for skilled mental health professionals in Queensland’s idyllic rural and regional communities.

Queensland Health Submit your CV and Expression of Interest online today at www.health.qld.gov.au/mh

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“With so many opportunities available in rural Queensland, I decided to take advantage of the incentives on offer in remote Longreach.

I now consider myself a local and enjoy exploring Queensland’s outstanding Central West region providing CYMHS outreach mental health services along the way.” Jonni Schoone, Clinical Mental Health Nurse, Longreach

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Feature - Mental Health

All this stigma around mental illness

T

here is no escape from the stigma attached to mental illnesses and the people affected by one. Those diagnosed with a mental illness often get discriminated against due to misconceptions about the illness. As a result, those who can benefit from contacting mental health services often do not seek the help or treatments required to actually get better, and thus the vicious cycle continues.

Approximately 400 million people worldwide are affected by a type of mental illness, with only about 20% of those seek help or treatment for their illnesses. The World Psychiatry Association has now begun a new campaign to change society’s perceptions of mental illness, and put a stop to the discrimination and stigma 12

attached to mental illness and those who suffer from it.

Now, with research developments proving that mental illness is in fact a medical disorder, social stigmas are still on the rise, instead of declining. The US Attorney General David Satcher stated that, “Stigma was expected to abate with increased knowledge of mental illness, but just the opposite occurred: stigma in some ways intensified over the past 40 years even though understanding improved.

Knowledge of mental illness appears by itself insufficient to dispel stigma.”

If you’re planning to start or further your career in the field of mental health, then there are some common misconceptions you will need to be aware of. Turn to page 15 to read more.

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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE

The Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health Service is the regional provider of mental health services in Gippsland. LRHMHS operates an integrated mental health program across ten sites and provides inpatient and community mental heath care for child and youth, adult and aged care service streams.

LRHMHS also operates a Community Residential Care Unit and a Prevention and Recovery Care Unit.

The Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health Service is located in Gippsland – home to sandy beaches, snowfields, mountains and national parks. Gippsland provides a fantastic rural lifestyle with easy access to Melbourne.

Under the new 10 year “Because Mental Health Matters” Strategy, Mental Health services are moving into an exciting period of reform. This reform will focus on early intervention, prevention, social inclusion and recovery.

LRHMHS offers a supportive environment with clinical educators, preceptors, clinical supervision, a nurse practitioner candidate program and professional development opportunities.

WE HAVE EXCITING POSITIONS FOR DYNAMIC CLINICIANS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: COMMUNITY CLINICIANS – Adult, Aged and Child and Youth Services DEMENTIA BEHAVIOUR Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) Clinician DISCHARGE NURSE COORDINATOR- Enrolled Nurse Acute Adult Inpatient Unit ASSOCIATE UNIT MANAGERS – Inpatient Units REGISTERED AND ENROLLED NURSES - Acute Aged and Adult Inpatient Units OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - Inpatient Services GRADUATE NURSE PROGRAM 2012

FULL TIME, PART TIME, CASUAL, TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE VISIT www.lrh.com.au AND GO TO OUR EMPLOYMENT SECTION. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT CAYTE HOPPNER, DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH ON 03 51738549 OR choppner@lrh.com.au 14

Feature - Mental Health MENTAL ILLNESSES DON’T AFFECT NORMAL PEOPLE AND ARE QUITE UNCOMMON FALSE: Mental illnesses are already quite common, with numbers steadily rising. It can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, age, wealth or religion.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, one in five Americans suffers from a mental disorder.

One in five Australian adolescents currently suffers from depression.

THOSE SUFFERING FROM A MENTAL ILLNESS ALWAYS RECEIVE TREATMENT FALSE: No, only one in five people who are diagnosed with a mental illness are seeking treatment. This is potentially because those suffering from a mental illness at present are not willing to seek help based on all the previous stigmas attached to mental illnesses.

MENTAL ILLNESS IS REALLY A WEAKNESS, NOT AN ILLNESS

THOSE AFFECTED BY A MENTAL ILLNESS ARE CONSIDERED HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO SOCIETY FALSE: This is possibly one of the biggest misconceptions in society today, which is largely due to media influences. In reality, most people diagnosed with a mental illness are not dangerous at all. They are more likely to be the victims of crimes or violence instead of committing criminal behaviour.

IF YOU HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS AND SEEK HELP, THEN YOU HAVE FAILED OR ARE CONSIDERED WEAK IN CHARACTER. IT IS POSSIBLE TO MENTALLY WILL THE ILLNESS AWAY FALSE: A serious mental illness is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, and cannot be mentally willed away by the diagnosed individual and nor does ignoring the problem. Professional help is required to fight the illness.

ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN DON’T GET AFFECTED BY MENTAL ILLNESSES SUCH AS DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY; IT’S JUST A PART OF GROWING UP FALSE: Children and adolescents can absolutely develop mental illnesses of all sorts, mainly depression and anxiety. Approximately one in ten children is suffering from a mental illness that is severe enough to cause sufficient damage.

FALSE : Being diagnosed with a mental illness is as real as being diagnosed with another disease such as diabetes or cancer. There are even some similar characteristics between mental illnesses and physical illnesses; both can be inherited genetically and are caused by chemical and cellular mutations within the body. Being diagnosed with a mental illness is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness.

MENTAL ILLNESS SUFFERERS WILL NEVER BE NORMAL AGAIN FALSE : Science has made positive and crucial developments in treatment methods of mental illness in the past recent decades. If people are suffering from mental illnesses, then they will need to seek treatment to recover and continue with their normal, productive lives as the same before their diagnosis.

What you can do to stop the stigma 1. Take the time to learn about mental illness and what it involves. If you know what the facts are, then you can help those affected by a mental illness better accept their condition and influence them to seek treatment.

2. Challenge media stereotypes associated with mental illnesses. The media clearly has a strong pull on society’s perceptions of people with mental illnesses.

3. Share your personal experiences if you’ve suffered from an illness; this may help people going through the same thing.

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Feature - Mental Health

Notes from a Psychiatric Ward....somewhere near you

by Virginia Stalenberg

Sometimes during my long career of Psychiatric Nursing someone touches me with their story. I identify with their situation having been through something similiar in my own life, they make me feel sad or from their story I believe that they shouldn’t be in a psychiatric hospital at all. If only their personal circumstances could be improved somehow, if they had more money, or if they had a friend or relative for support and guidance they would not be a “psychiatric patient” with a permanent label, but a productive member of our diverse society. Luke was one of the people who so concerned me.

The first time I met Luke was at the beginning of his 4th admission to a psychiatric unit. He was just 21 years old and homeless again. Like most boys his age he was very thin, wore blue jeans, a black tee-shirt and an expensive brand of impressive white sneakers.

He danced about, with his blonde curly hair bouncing into his clear blue eyes. With a bright smile he started talking to me, rarely pausing for breath. And he had really bad breath. His teeth were clean and white, so I presumed that his diet was to blame.

He was interested only in explaining his present predicament - being in a psychiatric ward against his will. In five minutes flat I knew his history.

He was brought to the hospital by the police after a local church minister became

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ACMHN's 37th International Mental Health Nursing Conference “Swimming between the Flags?�

Marriott Resort & Spa, Gold Coast - 4th - 7th of October 2011 The theme of this conference promises participants an exciting opportunity to contemplate and discover how mental health nurses from around the world are interpreting and responding to changing conditions in education, practice, research and management. The program is excellent - we have fantastic keynote speakers, workshops and a Research Symposium. Join us for an affordable conference at an amazing 5 star venue - don't miss out!

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Keynote Speakers: Dr Rufus May Clinical Psychologist, Bradford District Care Trust's assertive outreach team and Honorary Research Fellow with the centre for community citizenship and mental health at University of Bradford Sandy Jeffs Has lived with schizophrenia and all its moods for over thirty years. She is a community educator who speaks to schools, universities and community groups and received an Australian Human Rights Commission commendation for her book Flying with Paper Wings

Debra Nizette Mental Health Nursing Advisor, Office of the Chief Nursing Officer Prof Dianne Wynaden Mental Health Professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology Ass/Prof Jane Burns Director, Co-operative Research Centre for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing - Orygen Youth Health Research Centre Nick Bowles - Associate Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Institute of Technology, Tralee, Registered Mental Health Nurse, Academic, Clinician, Manager, Trainer and Researcher

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MHS NEEDS

M RE MENTAL HEALTH NURSES

Mental Health Staffing Specialists, MHS Nurses Agency is the only stand alone Mental Health specific Nursing Agency We have a growing list of clients looking for quality staff, so why not give us a call and let us know what you want to do. If we don’t already have what you want we will try and get it for you.

WS NELASH F

All of our nurses and clients receive the following benefits ! Flexipay : Work today get paid tomorrow, no fees, no restrictions ! All office staff are Mental Health trained ! Parking Allowances ! Above award pay rates to all nurses ! Free mandatory education modules ! Free mental health specific education ! Casual, contract and permanent work ! Local, regional and interstate ! Great customer service ! Very attractive charge rates to all clients What we need ! Enthusiastic, excited nurses who want to do a great job ! Great clients that appreciate our service and our nurses

So if you’re a Mental Health Nurse looking for an extra shift, a short term contract, or even a change of scenery, why not work with the agency that knows Mental Health.

Call MHS now on 1300 527 034! enquiries@mhsnurses.com.au - www.mhsnurses.com.au Mental Health Staffing Specialists...All we do is Mental Health!

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Owned and operated by Mental Health Nurses.

Notes from a Psychiatric Ward...Somewhere near you aware that he was using the church toilets as a home base, washing and sleeping there most nights. He had been living in the hills for a few years.

According to Luke, people like him there. He is a gentle boy who doesn’t break the law. He doesn’t drink alcohol or take drugs. He attends church on Sunday and spends his time helping out at the pub.

He enjoys dancing all night when there is local entertainment and he works casually at the pizza shop. He gets free food from a local service station where the manager befriends him, but he has nowhere to live.

When he has enough money, Luke prefers to stay at the pub for $80 a night or at a local B & B for $120 per night. He has lived in private accommodation in the past, but it hasn’t worked out. He has no explanation for that failure, but denies any wrong doing.

He has limited funds most of the time.

He is not in touch with his parents who are no longer together and knows only that his mother has a lot of other children to look after in difficult circumstances. He has a foster mother who lives in the country.

She has no personal contact with Luke but has been authorised to manage his money.

She is very careful with it, giving him $200 a week - only part of his disability pension.

While recognising that it is unfair, he accepts the situation with good grace and manages the best way he can. Lately that has meant living in the church toilets.

The Psychiatrists are unsure what to do with Luke. They try heavy medication to stop his incessant talking and ‘to settle him down’, but that action only succeeds in making him a drooling zombie who stands at the Nurse’s Station window with a perplexed look on his gentle face.

That is obviously not a viable long term strategy. After trialling many medications the Psychiatrists abandon them all.

Nothing seems to be ‘working’. Perhaps some Psychology input is required. Luke responds well to discussion, but he won’t actually listen to anyone preferring instead to do all the talking.

Feature - Mental Health The Psychologists roll their eyes and refer him back to the Psychiatrists.

Meanwhile, the Welfare and Social Workers have been enlisted to help find Luke some permanent, affordable accommodation. They have found accommodation for him in the past. A difficult task made even more difficult

by Lukes’ preferences and his restricted finances.

He wants to continue to live in the Hills where he has some work and a connection to the community. But that area is expensive and there is nothing on offer in his price range.

After a few difficult weeks of hospital admission a compromise is made. An area in the foothills is chosen which is within his price range. From there he can catch a train to town to attend TAFE classes and occasionally go to the Hills by bus from the city.

The arrangement sounds ok to Luke who is ecstatic about his impending discharge. After all, he believes he does not belong in a Psychiatric Hospital and he has certainly not been fully diagnosed. He doesn’t really fit the criteria for any known psychiatric illness.

A couple of days later Luke returned to hospital quietly resigned to his fate, this time as a voluntary patient. He didn’t like the boarding house in the foothills. There were no other young people there; there were no tea or coffee making facilities, no activities for the occupants and there were strict curfews at night.

All his money went towards his accommodation. It was expensive and time consuming for him to travel to the Hills for work and entertainment. Consequently, when he made the trip there, he stayed.

As he did not return to the boarding house at night he was evicted, starting the whole cycle over again.

Back in the Psychiatric Ward at least Luke would be warm, safe and well-fed while the authorities worked out what to do with him.

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Feature - Mental Health

NEW BUDGET CUTS AFFECTING MENTAL HEALTH NURSES Mental health nurses in Tasmania were reportedly forced to go on strike after budget cuts were made to mental health services.

The nurses refused to complete their administrative duties in protest against the cuts that they believe will cause already vulnerable clients to end up in waiting rooms of emergency departments.

A meeting was held by the Australian Nursing Federation to discuss the claims that the cuts would create on community mental health jobs in the state.

The Statewide and Mental Health Services chief executive John Crawshaw stated that discussions had begun in relation to “realigning� some of the work of the Southern Mental Health Emergency Crisis Assessment Team as part of Adult Community Mental Health Services.

Dr Crawshaw stated that the positions for a psychiatric emergency nurse and emergency department clinical co-ordinator will need to continue to provide thorough assessment and referral services from the emergency department.

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The claims that the crisis assessment team made may be separated has caused unnecessary concern as well as reduced inefficiency, all to deliver better value for money.

The Union has stated that the department has put a stop to replacing anymore nurses who call in sick.

Ms Ellis released a statement claiming that; This reduction in community services will result in more mental health clients waiting inappropriately in emergency departments, with little hope of being admitted to the already over-capacity acute beds.

Members of the Union have claimed that they will conclude non-nursing obligations to support patients instead.

If it means taking a stand and letting the bureaucrats answer phones and do more paperwork, then there is no choice for nurses.

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS BACK? HOW ABOUT 5 WEEKS ANNUAL LEAVE? NURSE UNIT MANAGER - AGED PSYCHIATRY Do you have the ability to manage, lead, problem solve and provide advanced clinical patient care? Do you have expertise in general adult psychiatry? If you are a highly skilled and motivated Registered Nurse Division 1 with high levels of energy and excellent leadership qualities, then this job is for you!

Delmont Private Hospital is an accredited 60 bed private psychiatric hospital with an extensive Inpatient, Day Program, Outreach and Consulting Suite.

We have a full time (Monday – Friday) Nurse Unit Manager position available to join our managerial and clinical teams, leading and managing one of our acute psychiatric units, specializing in Aged Psychiatry.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL. As the Nurse Unit Manager you will be required to develop, maintain and enhance relationships with our patients and stakeholders. These roles provide leadership, direction and management to the Unit as well as a direct clinical care component.

A vision for excellence and providing quality care and service to people with complex mental health issues, together with superior communication and organisation skills and the ability to prioritise work in a dynamic environment will see you succeed in this role.

In return you will be offered attractive remuneration, professional working conditions, and supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team within a leading provider of mental health services.

Award as per ANF. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skill.

Applications Close: Friday September 2 2011 Telephone queries and written applications to: Peter Randell, Director of Nursing 9805 7333 / prandell@delmonthospital.com.au PO Box 193, Glen Iris, Vic, 3146 To obtain a Position Description: rbaird@delmonthospital.com.au 21

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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Educational Courses, Conferences & Events

Educational Courses, Conferences & Events Article: Medication Miscalculation: A Frequent Mishap?.......................30-31 Ausmed Publications................................................................................31 CPD Nurse Online.....................................................................................32 Oceania University of Medicine.................................................................33 ANCP 6th Conference on Nurse Practitioners: Coming of Age....................33

September 11th Palliative Care Conference

International Symposium

Together in discovery and care Palliative Care Queensland 30 August - 2 September 2011 Cairns Convention Centre, Qld www.palliativecareqld.org.au/events/

“Advanced Tracheostomy Care and Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation” (Various groups from) Austin Health 1-2 September 2011 Hilton on the Park, Melbourne, www.tracheostomyteam.org

ADS-ADEA Annual Conference 2011 Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association 31 August-2 September 2011 Perth Convention Centre, WA www.ads-adea.org.au

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21st Annual TheMHS Conference ”Resilience in Change” The Mental Health Service (TheMHS) 6-9 September 2011 Adelaide Convention Centre, SA www.themhs.org/2011-conference

2011 Australasian Sexual Health Conference

“Out of the shadows, into the spotlight chronic diseases, mental health” Chronic Diseases Network 8-9 September 2011 Darwin Convention Centre, NT www.cdnconference.com.au/

“Sex in the Capital City” The RACP 28-30 September 2011 National Convention Centre, Canberra, www.sexualhealthconference.com.au/

CATSIN Annual Conference

9th International Conference for Emergency Nurses

“Are we there yet?”

Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses 21-23 September 2011 Mecure Hotel, Brisbane Qld www.indiginet.com.au/catsin/

Aged Care Nurse Managers Conference “Clinician, Colleague, Carer & In Charge” Total Aged Services 21-22 September 2011 Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne www.totalagedservices.com.au

Educational Courses, Conferences & Events

15th Annual NT Chronic Diseases Network Conference

Showcasing, exploring and celebrating the diversity of Emergency Nursing practice College of Emergency Nurses Australia 28 September - 1 October 2011 Adelaide Convention Centre, SA www.cdesign.com.au/cena2011

(PNAQ) Annual Conference 2011 “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” Perioperative Nurses Association of Queensland Inc 29 September - 1 October 2011 Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast www.pnaqconference.net.au

OCTOBEr ACMHN’s 37th International Mental Health Nursing Conference

6th ACNP National Conference 2011

“Swimmimg Between the Flags” Australian College of Mental Health Nurses 4-7 of October 2011 Marriott Resort & Spa, Gold Coast www.astmanagement.com.au/acmhn2011

Nurse Practitioners: Coming of Age Australian College of Nurse Practitioners 6-8 October 2011 Hilton Hotel, Adelaide www.dcconferences.com.au/acnp2011/

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Educational Courses, Conferences & Events

Medication Miscalculation: A Frequent Mishap?

Australia and the majority of Western countries promote a culture of health and safety within the hospital setting. Despite the best of intentions, adverse events frequently occur, with medication errors providing a common type of these incidents. Medication errors are defined as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of health professional, patient or consumer”. As medication errors are deemed to be the most preventable type of adverse event we assess how common they really are and what can be done to help prevent them.

International literature suggests that medication error is not just an Australia-wide issue. It is estimated that within Australia, approximately 27% of adverse event deaths are caused by medication error. Similar rates have been reported in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The causes of medication errors are commonly grouped into system, environmental and human factors, with dosage error being a largely nursemediated adverse event. The United States reports that of the 7,000 deaths attributed annually to medication error, 17% of these are due to dosage miscalculation.

Why are dose miscalculation events so common?

Literature suggests that both undergraduate and postgraduate nurses face common challenges including: 30

• Mathematical anxiety • Negative attitudes • Poor numeracy skills – especially in relation to using fractions, percentages, decimals and ratios • Lack of sufficient skills for calculating appropriate doses From experience, making calculations under time constraints, especially with a patient standing by creates sufficient pressure to make miscalculation more frequent than it should be. Interestingly studies show that years of experience does not necessarily equate to greater proficiency at accurately calculating medical dosages. Studies in the United States report that only 35% of nurses achieved a 90% proficiency in medical calculations during orientation.

How can these challenges be overcome?

Medical miscalculation is an issue for both new and experienced nurses. Literature suggests that a two-fold approach is important for reducing the rates of nurse-induced medication error: focus on undergraduate maths skills as well as testing graduates for on-going competence.

Suggestions for undergraduates include practical sessions and assessments in safe environments that can aid the hands-on learner, as well as assisting them to gain confidence as practitioners. Remedial help should be available for those who require it.

Because nurses are expected to calculate medication doses precisely it has been suggested

that regular testing be used as a means of maintaining competence. Several studies have noted links between nurses who made medication errors and their ability to pass a medication calculation exam. Nurses perceive these tests as “highly stressful and exceptionally challenging”, however it is suggested that medication calculation skills should also be included in continuing nurse education programs.

• Check medication doses with another nurse • Avoid distractions • Not rush Using calculators and conversion charts may be helpful but should never be used as a substitute for taking into consideration the logical or expected answer. Unfortunately today’s busy environment means that all too often health

It is important to nurture an environment in which nurses (especially those with maths anxiety) feel supported in making medical calculations, even if they occasionally make errors. Discussing the error in a supportive manner will go a long way in encouraging struggling nurses to persevere and achieve better calculation results in the long term.

If you would like to further review professional boundaries, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia have all of the relevant codes and guidelines online: www.nursingmidwiferyboard. gov.au/Codes-and-Guidelines. aspx#professionalboundaries Continued Professional Development provided by

Comment on this clinical article at: www.ausmedonline.com/nursing-blog.html Source: Sherriff, K., Wallis, M. & Burston, S. (2011).

Medication calculation competencies for registered nurses: a literature review. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 28 (4).

Clinical Nursing

Assessment Skills 2011 Dates Adelaide: Brisbane: Melbourne: Sydney: Perth:

26 - 27 September 12 - 13 September 13 - 14 October 21 - 22 November 7 - 8 December

Learn more at:

www.ausmed.com.au 31

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Awareness Raising Raising awareness of medical miscalculation errors within the nursing population can be achieved through regular monitoring and reporting of these errors. Nurses can be involved in assessing the cause of the problem and can make suggestions on how to avoid future errors.

When calculating doses, nurses should be encouraged to:

practitioners are rushing as they try to complete tasks efficiently.

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