The Health Scoop - Issue 1: Rural/Remote Healthcare by The Nursing Post

theHealthScoop The Career and Education Magazine for Health Professionals

The Romantic Hearts For two and a half months, the romantic hearts drove vast distances across WA as part of the ambitious, wide-ranging RhFFUS study

21 January 2013

- ISSUE 1

Rural/Remote Healthcare

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Have you thought about working remotely? With a range of short-term paid placements available for Registered Nurses in remote Indigenous communities all over the Northern Territory, joining RAHC allows you the opportunity to make a real difference to Indigenous health in Australia, while still keeping your regular job back home.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to think I was good nurse but working remotely has helped me become a great nurse.â&#x20AC;? Kim Henderson, Registered Nurse from Glen Innes, NSW

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Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note... Hi Readers, We are delighted to welcome you to Issue 1 of The Health Scoop magazine featuring Rural/Remote Healthcare. Over the last few months, we have made small changes to improve the design and content of our magazine. Our new name in 2013 is to emphasise the broader content of our magazine and inclusion of Allied Health.

The Romantic Hearts - pg 18

This issue, we feature the two young winners of the new Give Them Wings scholarships, provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria in partnership with Rural Health Workforce Australia. The $2,500 scholarship is aimed at assisting Victorian rural students enrolled in their first year of nursing or allied health courses.

Next Issue: Psychology & Social Work

We also hear of the journey of sonographer, Dianne Bruce and nurse, Rhona Dawson as they travelled the Kimberleys to complete the Rheumatic Fever Follow Up Study (RhFFUS). Do you have an inspiring story or career experience you would like to share with our readers? We would love to hear about any charity events or fundraisers you are hosting, or any travel or volunteer experiences you have had overseas. Get in contact with us at editor@ healthscoop.com.au Our next issue will arrive on Monday 4 February featuring Psychology and Social Work. Until then, take care.

Naomi Byrne Editor 2

ABN: 28 105 044 282 PO BOX 6213, East Perth, WA, 6892 Ph: +(618) 9325 3917 | Fax: +(618) 9325 4037 E: editor@healthscoop.com.au W: www.healthscoop.com.au Next Publication Details: Issue 2: 4 February 2013 Content Deadline: 21 January 2013 Artwork Deadline: 28 January 2013 Printed by Daniels Printing Craftsmen Editor and Graphic Designer Naomi Byrne Sales and Marketing Manager Michael Kuhnert

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Courses, Conferences and Events

Contents...

Up-coming Courses and Conferences

Discharge Planning & Service Integration Conference

Centre for Remote Health

4th International Congress on Paediatric Nursing Conference

6 Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)

Technology Enhanced Learning in Health Conference

8 Dr Mary Casey of the Casey Centre

Features

Presents their second edition of Hope & Hurdles Nursing Career Development

34 Healthy Recipes

Featuring Emily Tan of Fuss Free Cooking

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RAHC

Quick & Easy Finance

Mercy Health & Aged Care

TR7 Health

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Rural/Remote Healthcare 10

Rural Health Select

Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC)

Rural Health Education Foundation

Rural Health Workforce Australia

Providing Health Professionals for rural and remote WA Remote Area Nursing - Give it a go!

Rural Health Channel broadcasting A Unique Profession A flying start for future rural health professionals

Indigenous Health 18

Menzies School of Health Research The Romantic Hearts

NAHRLS

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Presents their second edition of Hope & Hurdles Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has launched the second edition of Hope & Hurdles, a free and comprehensive information resource for women with secondary breast cancer (also known as advanced or metastatic breast cancer). In developing this resource, BCNA heard directly from health professionals and women living with secondary breast cancer through online surveys, focus groups, individual conversations and taking account of feedback in letters and emails. Women made suggestions about things that helped them and their family and friends to deal with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer. Originally developed in 2007, the second edition includes 6

new and updated information and a series of optional booklets that women can order according to their individual needs. This allows women to access information relevant to them when they want it. Hope & Hurdles also includes brochures, magazines and CDs that offer information, support and hope for women and those around them. Maxine Morand, BCNA CEO and a breast cancer survivor herself, said the updated Hope & Hurdles resource will provide reliable and relevant information for the estimated 2,000 women who are diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in Australia each year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The challenge in putting this resource together was to provide the best possible and most relevant information

about living with secondary breast cancer and to provide advice and strategies to help women with the many challenges they may face.” Maxine said. “We believe that the right information helps women make informed decisions and gives them a greater feeling of control over their treatment and wellbeing.” Jenny Muller was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 1998, and was on the Hope & Hurdles reference group during its original development and redevelopment. “A diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can be isolating and scary. Being able to access information put together by other women who have faced the same fears and challenges will be very comforting for every woman who receives Hope & Hurdles,” Jenny said. “The weeks and months following a secondary breast cancer diagnosis are a rollercoaster and you sometimes don’t know where to turn for information. Hope & Hurdles has trustworthy and relevant information all in one place for women to read in their own time.” Women can order the new optional booklets when ordering their Hope & Hurdles pack, or at any later time when they may want them. Women who received the first version of Hope & Hurdles are also welcome to order the second edition.

Women can order Hope & Hurdles by visiting our website www.bcna.org.au or by calling 1800 500 258

Welcome to The Health Scoop magazine and online website specifically targeted towards Nurses, Allied Health and other Healthcare Professionals. The Health Scoop is distributed free of charge to various distribution points across Australia and New Zealand every fortnight.

Advertise with us! With over 75 000 readers 8 500 subscribers per month... For further information and a copy of our Media Kit, please contact: Michael Kuhnert marketing@healthscoop.com.au

Dr Mary Casey of the Casey Centre

Dr Mary Casey of the Casey Centre Nursing Career Development In addition to her Doctorate in Psychology, Mary has qualifications in Nursing, Applied Science, Counselling and Conflict Resolution. I have watched the nursing profession and industry change dramatically in the past decade. The way nurses are educated has developed in line with this movement and we now have more training programs and courses available than previously before, providing nurses with a variety of options to up-skill or move to a different sector within healthcare. At The Casey Centre, which incorporates Nursing Group, a nursing service which provides care across NSW, and also Casey College which trains and educates nurses, we have witnessed these dramatic changes firsthand. There are numerous courses available today for nurses, giving them the choice of which type of work they would like to do. There are many areas to choose from and gain expertise in that certain role. Like everything, change happens whether we like it or not. It doesn’t matter what industry growth takes place, jobs become more complex and as a result, people need to become more and more skilled. Mary has over 30 years’ experience in health and education. She is founder and CEO of the Casey Centre, a leading integrated health and education service with more than 250 and 700 graduates a year in three centres across NSW. (See www. caseycentre.com.au.) Through the Centre, Mary also specialises in designing and implementing health and education programs and products. 8

At Casey College we have trained and witnessed many nursing professionals who initially didn’t think they were capable or didn’t believe they had the time to be educated further. Once they realise the number of courses available that are broken down over time into manageable sections this opinion begins to change and before you know it, confidence has built in areas that weren’t there previously. People have been encouraged to step out of their comfort

In the community there is aged care, care for people with disabilities, palliative care, child care, ventilated care, care for people with a brain injury or with behaviours of concern (formerly challenging behaviours) and mental health. In hospital settings, the choices range from medical nursing, surgical, emergency care, intensive care, cardiac care, child care, midwifery, neonatal intensive care, rehabilitation or aged care. The choices for all nurses are in abundance. Qualifications at an intermediate level can be built on gradually such as the Certificate III in Aged Care. Once this certificate is achieved, students will be working in community nursing or work in nursing homes and other aged care facilities. They can then study to obtain a certificate in disabilities which enables them to work in the many other areas such as disabilities, mental health, and acquired brain injuries etc. The Certificate IV in Aged Care is the next step which gives students even more opportunities and they can also take on team leader positions. Both of these courses are nationally recognised and therefore make available to students a chance to obtain Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) if they choose to continue their career and attend either TAFE or University. There are additional short courses for nurses that can provide them with more options to work in particular areas. Some of the courses include but are not limited to: Diabetes, Medications, Tracheostomy care/ changes, Supra-pubic catheter care/ changes, colostomy care/ changes, mental health, behaviours of concern, autonomic dysreflexia, palliative care, grief and loss, dementia care etc. You may even like working with the elderly for a while and then change to palliative care and then to child care. The Certificate IV takes around takes around three months to complete. It is important that when you are planning to go to college or do a part of your course online then you need to ensure that the course is nationally recognised and also that you are able to do hands-on clinical

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Nursing is a wonderful career and it comes as no surprise to me that many want to develop their career once they begin. There is nothing more satisfying than making someone in pain feel better or a vulnerable person feel that they can trust you one hundred percent; making someone comfortable or giving someone hope.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

zone and we have supported them to gain their confidence and their certificate which has allowed them to take on positions which provide them with a very healthy income.

activities. A good course will offer you a placement (work experience) in a facility at the end of the course so that you gain hands-on experience. The Acute Care course works the same way. If you have already attended the Certificate IV, then you will gain RPL and the course will be less work. This allows you to work in the public health system in most areas in hospitals. If you wanted to pursue your career further and attend TAFE or University then you would be looking at a one year commitment to become and Enrolled nurse and three years to become a Registered nurse. Registered nurses can only become qualified at University. If you have your Certificate III and/or IV in Aged Care or the Acute Care course, then you would be able to receive Recognition for Prior learning if attending University or TAFE. Nursing is a wonderful career and it comes as no surprise to me that many want to develop their career once they begin. There is nothing more satisfying than making someone in pain feel better or a vulnerable person feel that they can trust you one hundred percent; making someone comfortable or giving someone hope. The opportunities are endless and can begin with just a three month course. The important thing is to ensure you receive good quality training. For more information about courses on offer at the Casey Centre, please visit www.caseycentre.com. au 9

Rural/Remote Healthcare

Four wheel driving to Karijini National Park, courtesy of Dr Germaine Wilkinson.

Rural Health Select Providing Health Professionals for rural and remote WA Rural Health Select is the recruiting arm of Rural Health West - an organisation focused on the ongoing recruitment and retention of health workforce in country Western Australia. Rural Health Select is a FREE recruitment service that provides a one-on-one case management approach - the employer and employee deal directly with an individual case manager. “Having recruited and supported general practitioners for many years, the Rural Health Select recruitment team understand the particular need of rural health professionals. We are able to transfer this knowledge to assist other professionals,” Tina Donovan, Rural Health 10

West Recruitment Services Manager stated. Michael Dornan and his wife Smitty, both registered nurses, recently benefitted from this service, when making the move from suburban Melbourne to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. “We were referred to the Rural Health Select recruitment team via the Client Services Manager at the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service,” Mr Dornan explained. “Our Rural Health Select recruitment consultant was extremely professional, helpful and kind. They ensured we received the correct entitlements and benefits that were available.”

Mr Dornan and his wife selected the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) for several reasons. “We were looking for a location that would cater to our needs as a young family, and after researching several vacancies, Kununurra and the positions at OVAHS seemed the best suited. Many friends had also reported amazing experiences in the Kimberley so we figured it was a great time to see for ourselves!” Mr Dornan said. “Professionally we were both also interested in experiencing a different kind of health care, and were keen to get out of the hospital setting.” Both Mr Dornan and his wife work at OVAHS and find this arrangement works well. “We don’t actually see a lot of each other as we work in different areas of the OVAHS Corporation, however, we see it as an advantage as we can relate to each other the highs and low of a day in the clinic,” Mr Dornan stated. Both are very much enjoying working in a different area of health. “Professionally there have been many highlights. Being educated in the local culture and traditions has been very interesting, and the education provided regarding Aboriginal Health has been invaluable. Working with and treating the children of Kununurra has been so rewarding on many levels,” Mr Dornan said. “OVAHS also has an excellent and caring health team, and it is an honour to be able to work as part of this team.” “Personally we are finally beginning to enjoy some quality family time. The hospital system involves a lot of shift work, including nights and weekends, and we are really enjoying being able to work 9 to 5, have family dinners, and being able to go out as a family on the weekend. Our son is only three and we are both enjoying being able to spend more fun and quality time with him.”

Smitty and Michael Dornan (Registered Nurses), pictured with their son Evander.

If you are a nurse or other health professional who is also interested in a health career in rural Western Australia, contact the Rural Health Select recruitment team. The team has been working to recruit and assist health professionals in rural Western Australia for the past 24 years, and is the only workforce agency in Western Australia focussed solely on recruitment for rural areas.

For further information on how we can help, contact Rural Health Select on 08 6389 4500, email recruit@ruralhealthselect.com.au, or visit www. ruralhealthselect.com.au

As for the town, the Dornan’s are making the most of the many experiences that are available in the region. “Our transition, once we arrived was very smooth, and we have been able to enjoy some of the great outdoor activities available. There are plenty of fantastic camping, fishing and 4WD to be done, as well as a great outdoor cinema to enjoy.” 11

Rural/Remote Healthcare

Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) Remote Area Nursing - Give it a go! Are you looking for a new career adventure? Have you considered Remote Area Nursing? Described as challenging, yet rewarding, RAHC can find you a great placement.

On retirement, Lai felt that she still had the time and energy to continue doing what she loved – nursing. The opportunity to do short-term placements, instead of working full-time was of great appeal for Lai.

Sydney trained Nurse Lai Looi has been working in the health sector since 1971. After 11 years of Sydneybased nursing, Lai moved to Canberra with her husband and took up a post at The Canberra Hospital, working in general capacity. She also trained as a midwife.

“I had discovered Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) at a RCNA Nursing Expo that I went to with my daughter. We spoke with a RAHC representative who was very helpful and sparked an interest in going remote,” Lai said.

Looking for more of a challenge, Lai went on to study community nursing and it was in the community field that she stayed, working in primary health as a child health nurse, until she retired at the beginning of 2012. 12

“I always thought about doing a placement, since I discovered RAHC at the expo, but it was never the right timing. Once I retired I thought ‘now that I have the time I should give it a go’.”

Lai’s first remote placement was a two month stint in Tennant Creek. “It was a big challenge, but with the support it was great. You were never afraid to ask for help,” Lai said. “The Aboriginal heath workers were a great source of information and helped me to adjust into the community. I have great respect for them. Without them I think it would have been harder for us as they offer so much support. “I was really pleased that I went for two months. It took me awhile to adjust to my surroundings, but by the second month I had really grasped what was required of me and really enjoyed the experience.” Lai’s remote nursing experience has encouraged her to go back and do more study. “I think I will be even more confident working in a remote community once I have studied some more,” Lai said. “And then going back remote is definitely on the drawing board.” Lai believes that anybody has the ability to give remote nursing a try. “Just have an open mind and go in there and do your best. Once you are comfortable with that then you can adjust and provide more help,” Lai said.

For more information about placements with RAHC, please visit rahc.com.au, or free call 1300 697 242

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Rural/Remote Healthcare

Rural Health Education Foundation Rural Health Channel broadcasting A Unique Profession The unique and significant role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (ATSIHWs) will be the focus of two new programs to be aired on the Rural Health Channel in February 2013.

Health Workers to bridge the divide between them and other health professionals. An improvement in interprofessional relationships will significantly contribute to the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Rural Health Education Foundation and Health Workforce Australia (HWA), an Australian Government initiative, have collaborated to develop a multimedia DVD package in response to a recent ATSIHW report ‘Growing our Future’, which found that there were significant misperceptions concerning the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers.

The first program, ‘A Unique Profession: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers’, is a 30 minute documentary filmed in Aboriginal health services around Australia. It features filmed interviews and case studies with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers who are making a significant difference to the spiritual, emotional and cultural wellbeing of their communities.

Both programs aim to cultivate a greater acknowledgement and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Filmed in locations across urban, rural and remote Australia, it features interviews and stories from:

- - - - -

Wuchopperen Health Services in Cairns Karpa Ngarrattendi Aboriginal Health Unit in Adelaide Noarlunga’s Nunga Lunch in Adelaide Wurli Wurlijang Health Service in Katherine The team at Royal Darwin Hospital

“While travelling around Australia we have met many dedicated and inspiring health workers who are making a real difference in their communities through their leadership and expertise,” said Helen Craig, CEO of the Foundation. The second program, ‘A Valued Profession: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers’, is a live panel discussion looking at the misperceptions and barriers to utilising this skilled workforce. The panel will look at the broad scope of practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, the national registration scheme (and the various approaches taken in different States and regions), the value to individuals and organisation when they are a natural part of an inter-professional health team, and strategies to effect this so that their full potential can be realised in closing the health gap.

Both programs will be broadcast on the Rural Health Channel 600 – a free to air health TV channel on the VAST satellite network. ‘A Unique Profession’ will be broadcast on Tuesday 19th February 2013. It will be shown a number of times during that week and prior to the live panel discussion. ‘A Valued Profession’ will be a simultaneous broadcast and online webcast on Tuesday 26th February. A multimedia DVD will package the two programs and a range of filmed case studies and interviews, printable resource materials including a comprehensive learning guide to help further understand the vital role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers. Around 2,000 copies of the DVD will be available free to health professionals and organisations across Australia. For more information about the programs, viewing times or to order the DVD, visit the Foundation website www.rhef.com.au or contact us directly on (02) 6232 5480.

Rural/Remote Healthcare

Scholarship winner Ella Bouman wants to combine farming and nursing.

Aspiring physiotherapist Kara Hazelman wants to help reduce inequalities faced by rural communities when it comes to healthcare.

Rural Health Workforce Australia A flying start for future rural health professionals Nursing student Ella Bouman has a clear goal in life – and she’s determined to get there. “In 10 years from now, I hope to be farming my own land and breeding my own cattle whilst nursing in a rural town, improving the health of my community,” she says. Helping her on the way is one of the new Give Them Wings scholarships, provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria in partnership with Rural Health Workforce Australia. The $2,500 scholarship, targeted at country students interested in health careers, has helped cover the costs of Ella’s first year university studies. 16

Ella comes from Panmure, a small dairy farming community near Warrnambool in southwest Victoria. Before enrolling in nursing at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus, she completed a Diploma of Agriculture at Glenormiston College. But it was a health scare in 2007 that crystallised her thinking about the future. Back then, Ella was diagnosed with post-viral aplastic anaemia which resulted in her receiving a bone marrow transplant from her eldest sister. “Although challenging, my time at the Royal Children’s Hospital was a positive one,” she recalls. “I received the most amazing, uplifting and supportive care.”

It was this quality of care which inspired Ella to take up nursing: “I believe caring is the essence of nursing and to do my part in my lifetime to improve the lives of others is a truly humbling opportunity – and one I will not take for granted.” Ella also wished to thank the volunteers at the Victorian Bayside Auxiliary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service for their generous support in providing the funding for the Give Them Wings scholarships. The other winner of the inaugural Give Them Wings scholarships was physiotherapy student Kara Hazelman, who literally learnt the hard way about her chosen profession.

Mr Sam. “We think these scholarships will help because students from a rural background are more likely to return to the country to practice once they graduate. “Medical students have traditionally received more support than their peers in nursing and allied health. We believe that nursing and allied health students deserve appropriate support and Give Them Wings helps to redress the imbalance.” Another thing that sets these scholarships apart is an element of adventure. In addition to the money, each scholarship winner also receives a Royal Flying Doctor experience.

Trips to the local physio to treat sports injuries were a regular occurrence for this avid netballer from Kyabram, Victoria. Looking back, those twists and scrapes from the asphalt courts were rites of passage for what is now a commitment to care for others.

For nursing student Ella Bouman, that entailed spending two days at the RFDS base at Essendon airport, including a flight to Mildura. Here is her account of what happened: “The plane was fantastic, it was incredible to see how every corner was utilised to carry as much equipment as necessary for any situation.

“I want to help reduce the inequalities faced by rural communities when it comes to healthcare,” says Kara, who is studying health science and physiotherapy at the Bendigo campus of La Trobe University.

“It was great learning as much as I could from the amazing flight nurse and pilot as we made our way to our destination. As we prepared to land I was invited into the cockpit for our landing which was fantastic.

Kara intends to work in the country once she graduates, specialising in rehabilitation.

“Upon landing we were informed we had another patient to collect in Wangaratta. So we set off once again for a new destination before heading back to Essendon. The weather was perfect on the ground, a sunny warm day, however; it was also very bumpy when we went to take off or land. Coming back to Essendon was like riding a roller coaster!

Giving country students a flying start in health careers is exactly why Give Them Wings was created, explains Scott Chapman, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria. “A contribution like this can make a huge difference for a young person leaving a small town to attend university,” he says. His comments were echoed by Greg Sam, CEO of Rural Health Workforce Australia, who says universities have a crucial role to play in overcoming Australia’s rural health shortages. RHWA represents the national network of not-for-profit state and territory Rural Workforce Agencies which attract and support doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to work in rural and remote communities. “The bush needs more health workers of all kinds,” says

“Once back in Melbourne our patients were taken safely away in the RFDS non-emergency transport. It was just fantastic to be a part of the RFDS for the day, I shall never forget the time I had at the Essendon Base, and wish to thank all the amazing staff there as well as all those who have made this scholarship and experience happen.” Applications for the next round of Give Them Wings scholarships open soon. The scholarships are available for Victorian rural students enrolled in first year nursing or allied health courses. Contact scholarships@rhwa.org.au for further details. 17

Indigenous Health

Pictured left to right: Sonographer Dianne Bruce and Western Australian Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) nurse Rhona Dawson.

Menzies School of Health Research The Romantic Hearts Sonographer Dianne Bruce and Western Australian Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) nurse Rhona Dawson travelled the Kimberleys to complete the Rheumatic Fever Follow Up Study (RhFFUS). They share with us their journey and most surprising and memorable moments on the job. “What are you in town for?” asked a local man from the Kimberleys, approaching two women who’d just arrived in a troopie, loaded up with medical gear. “We’re doing a study on Rheumatic Fever,” replied nurse Rhona Dawson, RHD coordinator for the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Council.

The man grew more interested. “Tell me,” he said. “How do you get that romantic heart thing?” Recalling the episode, sonographer Di Bruce laughs. “Neither myself nor Rhona felt qualified to answer his question. But, nonetheless, from then on, we started calling ourselves the ‘romantic hearts team’.” For two and a half months, the romantic hearts drove vast distances across WA as part of the ambitious, wideranging RhFFUS study. To work out whether minor changes to children’s heart valves represent the earliest sign of RHD, RhFFUS monitors the progress of northern and central Australian

children first identified with minor heart valve abnormalities during the getting Every Child’s Heart Okay (gECHO) study.

“It was the only way we could fit him in because we were then flying out ourselves!”

Funded by the National Health Medical and Research Council and conducted by four partners – the University of Western Australia, James Cook University, Baker IDI and the Menzies School of Health Research – RhFFUS aims to assess whether these abnormalities put children at a greater risk of developing RHD and/or contracting ARF.

Asked about the most surprising aspect of her two and half months in the Kimberley, Bruce replies: “The distances that we had to travel to track down these kids. And sometimes when we’d finally get to our destination – the kids we were looking to study had moved on from the community. That was quite new to me.”

The Kimberley set the stage for the Western Australian data collection phase of the study. Its ultrasounds were performed by Di Bruce.

And the most delightful? “Being with Rhona is always fun; as is meeting the local Indigenous people.”

“On a typical day we’d attend a school or a community clinic, and there’d usually be a queue of kids to screen,” she says. Owing to the unpredictability of life and transport in remote communities, however, she and Dawson had to be resourceful. “We had some funny experiences. There was one kid we had to fly in from a remote community, and because he arrived after school hours, we couldn’t complete his ultrasound at the local school, so we met him at the airport and did his ultrasound in the back of the troopie,” she says.

With data collection now complete in WA, RhFFUS researchers now move ground to assess kids in the Northern Territory and Queensland. “The study will improve the diagnosis of RHD – that’s the difference it will make,” says Bruce. Whether or not the NT and QLD can produce another team of romantic hearts, however, is a little less certain. We can only hope. This article first appeared in Murmur (December 2012 edition) the newsletter of RHDAustralia, a federally funded project managed by Menzies School of Health Research, for more information please visit http://www.rhdaustralia.org.au/

Morella Gorge in the Kimberleys, WA. 19

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This is Bruno. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nurse from Freo. On 11 January 2013 he will begin his solo bike ride from Sydney to Perth.

He is raising funds for the work of Dr Catherine Hamlin and the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, treating women with childbirth injuries

For more info or to make a donation visit hamlin.org.au/bruno Email Bruno at cyclingforfistulas@gmail.com

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Looking for a change of scenery? Exciting rural nursing and allied health positions available l GERALDTON l BUNBURY l LANCELIN l MANDURAH l BROOME

l ALBANY

To find out more call us today.

E recruit@ruralhealthselect.com.au â&#x20AC;˘ T +61 8 6389 4500 W www.ruralhealthselect.com.au

us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/TheHealthScoop View our latest issue and stay updated on the latest news, events, courses, conferences and CPD opportunities! 22

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A CHANGE is as good as A HOLIDAY

MIDWIFERY positions available throughout Australia • • • • •

Earn extra $$$$ Meet new people Visit new destinations Be where you are needed Exciting locations throughout Australia

CQ Nurse, Australia’s premier nursing agency, has contracts available NOW. Various positions available throughout regional, rural and remote Australia

www.cqnurse.com.au Office location 239 Nebo Road, Mackay p 07 4998 5550 f 07 4998 5545 e nurses@cqnurse.com.au

yours to

discover 23

Continental Travelnurse. . . the UK’s Premier Travel Nurse Company

• 13+ week Full Time hospital-based assignments • You’re part of the team and wear the hospital uniform • Upmarket COMPANY housing • Travel money • UK nursing registration / ONP and visa assistance • We issue WORK PERMITS • ALL AGES – it’s never too soon or too late to have fun • Company employment package • Dedicated recruiter works with you from your �irst call onwards • Education allowance • More than a decade of experience

For 3 months or 3 years, we’d love to have YOU!

FREE call our team today on: 1800 85 1234 Email: info@continentaltravelnurse.com Website: www.continentaltravelnurse.com 24

Continental Travelnurse

Nurses and Midwives needed! Join one of the leading providers of Nurses today! Visit us online at www.mediserve.com.au Mediserve Nursing Agency is a leading provider of Nurses and Midwives to Healthcare facilities across Australia. We have positions available throughout Country, Remote and all Capital Cities.

We are currently seeking Nurses for Canberra...

canberra@mediserve.com.au

For further information about the latest jobs, please contact our friendly team: Adelaide Office P: (08) 8212 2595, E: adelaide@mediserve.com.au

Melbourne Office P: (03) 9629 3780, E: melbourne@mediserve.com.au

Brisbane Office P: (07) 3229 2528, E: brisbane@mediserve.com.au

Perth Office P: (08) 9325 1332, E: perth@mediserve.com.au

Darwin Office P: (08) 8981 2446, E: darwin@mediserve.com.au

Sydney Office P: (02) 9290 2700, E: sydney@mediserve.com.au

m e d i s e r ve

Country/Remote Office P: 1300 305 594, E: nurses@mediserve.com.au

nursing agency 25

COSMETIC NURSINGâ&#x20AC;Ś THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF NURSING The Vocational Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Nursing is a postgraduate course developed specifically for Enrolled or Registered Nurses wishing to enter the field of cosmetic medicine.

www.aacds.edu.au enquiries@aacds.edu.au 08 9381 3448 Follow us on ww w.facebook/aacds

Ask us about Fee-Help

This government-accredited qualification will provide nurses with the knowledge and hands-on skills required to work in a cosmetic medical practice and/or accredited day hospital performing cosmetic nursing, dermal therapies and injectable procedures. The course is completed online over one semester full-time or two semesters part-time. Practical competencies in dermal therapies and injectables procedures are completed on-campus in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. For further information, please contact the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science on 08 9381 3448 or visit www.aacds.edu.au

Authorised providers of RCNA (APEC) endorsed Continual Nursing Education.

REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION PROVIDER NO: 51373

Government of Western Australia

WA Country Health Service

Clinical Nurse Manager Web Search No: 300109 Level/Salary: ANF SRN Level 2 $93,563 p.a. Permanent Full Time Position Profile: We are currently seeking to appoint a Clinical Nurse Manager for our Nursing department based at Newman Hospital. In this role you will be required to provide nursing clinical and leadership, management and governance to ensure effective and efficient service provision. Provides support to the DON/HSM and district management team in developing and implementing initiatives for including progression of the health reform strategy, continuous quality improvement and improving patient safety. To Access Detailed Information: jobs.wa.gov.au and key in the Web Search No. to access detailed information or Ph: 08 6444 5815 to be mailed an information pack. For Specific Inquiries: Please contact

Work where you are valued and cared for Placements in rural, remote, coastal and city locations Your needs, interests and skills matched to placements Team rewards and CPD programs

Carla Thompson on 08 9175 8333. Location: Newman Closing Date: Tuesday, 29 January 2013 at 4.00pm.

call 1300 761 351 email work@rnsnursing.com.au www.rnsnursing.com.au 27

Up-coming Courses and Conferences New South Wales

Queensland

Discharge Planning & Service Integration

14th International Mental Health Conference Opening Doors

L’Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney 12 - 13 February 2013 www.reducingreadmission.com Discharge Planning & Service Integration will uncover strategies for reducing readmissions and length of stay. With the introduction of the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards, improving clinical handovers and clinical communications are vital. This conference will address how to: • Strengthen interdisciplinary service delivery across the hospital system • Drive efficiency between hospital and community services • Support planning by optimising emerging IT developments • Secure placements through early planning and assessment • Identify strategies for accessing available funding and programs

Outrigger Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast 5 - 6 August 2013 www.anzmh.asn.au/conference/eventinfo.html The conference will focus on a range of mental issues including Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Dementia. The human, social and economic consequences of mental health disorders and illness are great, and there is a growing realisation of the serious limitations of focusing solely on treatment and rehabilitation. Featuring Australia and New Zealand’s finest clinical practitioners, academics, and mental health experts, the conference will motivate and inspire professionals by sharing information about; • • •

Aged Care: Reform or Revolution Tri-State Conference & Exhibition Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury, NSW 24 - 26 February 2013 www.vic.lasa.asn.au/event/tristate2013 Over three days in early 2013 the conference, under the theme Aged Care: Reform or Revolution? will explore areas of critical importance to the industry such as the effects of the Federal Government’s 2012 Living Longer. Living Better aged care reform package. We have prepared an outstanding program which looks at predicted significant changes to the operation of the industry and anticipate high delegate attendance, considering last year’s Tri-State Conference was an absolute sell out. Join us in continuing to connect with members of the aged and community care industry, as we come together to explore our future opportunities within the industry.

• • • • •

On-going research and findings New knowledge developments: implementation of programs and strategies. Latest evidence and guidelines on early diagnosis and successful patient management. New treatments. Research validation of early intervention strategies and treatments. Prevention Strategies: examine and review effectiveness Translational Research - from lab bench to the clinic and individual patient. Discussion on research and best practice

South Australia 12th National Rural Health Conference Adelaide Convention Centre, SA 7 - 10 April 2013 www.nrha.org.au/12nrhc Show your commitment to a bright future for rural and remote communities in Australia by attending the 12th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide next year.

With 45 concurrent sessions and more than a dozen keynotes on selected issues, the Conference will provide a timely analysis of where the health and wellbeing of rural Australia stands.

This nationally renowned conference will provide a platform for experts to present ground breaking information about all aspects of breast cancer care.

Every second year the National Rural Health Conference brings together consumers and a range of professionals to check progress and hear reports from across rural and remote areas. It is an opportunity for the voice of the rural and remote health sector to be heard in mainstream media outlets and the corridors of power at federal, state and territory level.

The two day program will focus on best practice for the care of women with breast cancer from diagnosis to palliative care.

The program is being regularly updated and will provide plenty of interest for consumers, nurses, health service managers and researchers, doctors and podiatrists, among others. It will also bring together people from other sectors whose work relates to the social and economic determinants of health.

11th Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference Crowne Plaza, Adelaide 8 - 10 May 2013 www.themeetingpeople.com.au/brcc13

It will offer opportunities for high-level networking, information sharing and strategies that have the potential to improve the lives of thousands of women with breast cancer and their families across Australasia. Conference Objectives: • Link breast care nurses throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia • Clinically update nurses with specialist knowledge and skills in breast cancer management and care • Provide a forum for debate and education regarding the role of the breast care nurse throughout the continuum of treatment • Highlight the importance of the breast care nurse throughout all stages of the breast cancer experience including diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, recurrence and palliation • Emphasise the breast care nurse as an important member of the multi-disciplinary team

Taking action: translating research into practice for improved cancer outcomes. Supported by Cancer Council Australia, through its Public Health Committee the conference will bring both international and interstate keynote speakers on a breadth of topics and is recommended for those working in behavioural research, program delivery, evaluation and management working on cancer control issues in Australia. In addition to our keynote speakers, we envisage a program that will include parallel sessions on topics such as tobacco control; nutrition and physical activity; alcohol; skin cancer prevention; cancer screening; supportive care; media research and other cancer control issues.

Victoria 14th National Breast Care Nurse Conference Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 28 February - 1 March 2013 www.bcnconference.net.au

ICN 25th Quadrennial Congress Equity and Access to Health Care Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne 18 - 23 May 2013 www.icn2013.ch Registration Now Open! Early registration deadline is 14 February 2013 The ICN 25th Quadrennial Congress will bring together evidence, experience and innovations highlighting the critical importance of equity and access to health care for communities and individuals, demonstrating how nurses are key to ensuring equal access and quality of health care for all. The Congress will provide a global platform for the dissemination of nursing knowledge and leadership across specialities, cultures and countries via the ICN scientific programme, featuring keynote and main session invited speakers as well as a wide range of concurrent sessions including dynamic papers accepted through our highly competitive abstract selection process.

The Health Scoop subscribers quote CC*HS when registering to SAVE $250!

Discharge Planning & Service Integration Reducing readmissions & length of stay

12th & 13th february 2013, lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aqua, cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney

Key speakers

Learn how to Adopt a patient centred model to reduce acute length of stay

The Hon. Jillian Skinner MP

MiniSter for HealtH & MiniSter for Medical reSearcH, nSW

Rachael Henson Program Manager Performance & Innovation act HealtH

Andrew Stripp Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Operating Officer alfred HealtH, Vic

David Roffe Chief Information Officer St VincentS & Mater HealtH, nSW

Improve efficiency of clinical handovers to reduce delays Build better integration between hospital specialty services & primary care Develop effective care coordination & pathways to reduce readmissions Featuring evidence based case studies by leading health care providers!

Pre & Mid Conference Workshops Workshop A

Workshop B

How to reduce avoidable admissions

How to reduce length of stay & provide patient centred care

Official Sponsor

Proudly Endorsed by

FREE!

To register phone +61 2 9239 5700 fax +61 2 9241 3345 registration@criterionconferences.com

www.reducingreadmission.com 30

Applications now accepted for Flinders University courses in Remote Health Graduate Certificate in Remote Health Practice Graduate Diploma in Remote Health Practice

These courses aim to meet the higher education needs of health professionals who work in remote areas and for nurses transitioning to the specialty of Remote Area Nursing or who have an interest in joining the remote health workforce. The courses articulate to allow progression from Graduate Certificate through to Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level .

For Further Information contact the student administrator Ph: (08) 89514700 or Email: crh.studentadmin @flinders.edu.au

The Health Scoop subscribers quote CC*HS when registering to SAVE $250!

Technology Enhanced

Learning in Health Redesigning teaching & assessment in the digital era

30th April & 1st May 2013, rydges Melbourne

Key speakers

Benefits of attending: Benchmark standards for technology in healthcare education

Associate Professor Jennifer Weller Head of Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education

Christy Pirone Principal Consultant Safety & Quality

University of AUcklAnd, nZ

depArtMent of heAlth & Ageing, soUth AUstrAliA

Explore the benefits to supplementing clinical training hours with simulations Contribute toward a growing evidence base for the use of technology

Professor Tracy Levett-Jones Deputy Head of School Teaching and Learning

Dr Stuart Marshall Specialist Anaesthetist and Head of Simulation Research

the University of newcAstle

MonAsh siMUlAtion And MonAsh University

Pre, Mid & Post Conference Workshops Workshop A

Workshop B

Workshop C

How to effectively debrief

Building the evidence base

Implementing an online learning program

Researched by

Endorsed by