The Lamp May 2012 by NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association

lamp The magazine of the NSW Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association

volume 69 no.4 May 2012

COMMUNITY NURSES TAKE CONTROL Print Post Approved: PP241437/00033

Use your

super to pay less tax Make the most of your money with

First State Super Did you know once you reach age 55 you can still be working and access your super as a Transition to Retirement Income Stream (TRIS)?

First State Super’s Income Stream

This means you can cut back your hours but not your lifestyle. Or you can combine it with a salary sacriﬁce strategy to save tax no matter how much you earn.

■ No entry fees or commissions and low charges

Find out how it works by downloading our fact sheet Getting the most from your TRIS

■ Concessionally taxed income between age 55 and 60, or tax free income from age 60

■ Flexible income payment choices and 11 investment options Money magazine’s Best of the best lowest cost pension fund, 3 years in a row1

Try out the Options 55-plus calculator on the website to see how much you could save.

Consider the applicable First State Super ABN 53 226 460 365 Product Disclosure Statement before deciding whether becoming a member or continuing your membership is right for you. To obtain a copy visit the website or call us. Issued by FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340. March 2012. 1 The funds in Money magazine’s Best of the Best Lowest-Cost Pension Funds were chosen from SuperRatings’ platinum-, gold- and silver-rated balanced funds and ranked on their annual costs associated with a $50,000 balance. First State Super was the winner in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

phone: 1300 650 873 | email: enquiries@ﬁrststatesuper.com.au | www.ﬁrststatesuper.com.au/pension

LESSTAXNURSE LAM 0312

When you’re ready, give us a call and we’ll talk you through the next steps.

CONTENTS

The

CONTACTS

lamp

NSW Nurses’ Association For all membership enquiries and assistance, including Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office. Sydney Office 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au W www.nswnurses.asn.au

Volume 69 No.4 May 2012

Hunter Office 8-14 Telford Street, Newcastle East NSW 2300 NSWNA Communications Manager Janaki Chellam-Rajendra T 8595 1258

COVER STORY

12 | Community nurses take control

FOR ALL LAMP EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES, LETTERS AND DIARY DATES: T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnurses.asn.au M 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017

Community nurses are planning to take greater control over staffing to ensure adequate patient care.

Produced by Hester Communications T 9568 3148

Zoe Guinea and Anne Pudney

REGULARS

5 6 8 11 17 34 36 38 40 41 42 44

Editorial Your letters News in brief What’s On Ask Judith Social Media Nurse Uncut Nursing research online Crossword Books Movies of the Month Diary dates AGED CARE

18 | Because We Care: Victory for workers

Press Releases Send your press releases to: F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au

WESTMEAD HOSPITAL

17 | Sick leave controversy

Westmead Hospital is in the news over failure to replace absent staff

SYDNEY ALLIANCE

27 | Abbott attacks industry super

Advertising Patricia Purcell T 8595 2139 or 0416 259 845 or F 9662 1414 E ppurcell@nswnurses.asn.au Records and Information Centre – Library To find old articles in The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNA nursing and health collection, contact: Jeannette Bromfield, RIC Coordinator T 8595 2175 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au

The Lamp ISSN: 0047-3936

24 | Lost in translation

An interpreter’s insight into unlocking the language barriers within Sydney’s health care system.

SUPERANNUATION

Editorial Committee • Brett Holmes, NSWNA General Secretary • Judith Kiejda, NSWNA Assistant General Secretary • Coral Levett, NSWNA President • Roz Norman, Tamworth Base Hospital • Elsie May Henson, Barraba Multi Purpose Service • Peg Hibbert, Hornsby & Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital • Michelle Cashman, Long Jetty Continuing Care • Richard Noort, Justice Health

General disclaimer The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSWNA. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and not necessarily those of the NSWNA. Statements of fact are believed to be true, but no legal responsibility is accepted for them. All material appearing in The Lamp is covered by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. The NSWNA takes no responsibility for the advertising appearing herein and it does not necessarily endorse any products advertised. Privacy Privacy statement: The NSWNA collects personal information from members in order to perform our role of representing their industrial and professional interests. We place great emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the privacy and security of your personal information. Personal information is protected under law and can only be released to someone else where the law requires or where you give permission. If you have concerns about your personal information please contact the NSWNA office. If you are still not satisfied that your privacy is being maintained you can contact the Privacy Commission.

BLOOD DONORS

25 | Unions for transfusions

Every donation of blood helps to save the lives of up to three people, according to the Australian Red Cross.

Subscriptions for 2012 Free to all Association members. Professional members can subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate of $50. Individuals $78, Institutions $130, Overseas $140. T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 3

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 08,09,10 AUGUST 2012

Organising for Safe Patient Care Put this date in you r diary and register no w!

Hosted by Angela Catterns Keynote speakers: Dr Adam Fraser Researcher & Educator in Human Performance

Kathy Ramsay Tongan Nurses Association

My Wellness Our Strength PROFESSIONAL DAY 8 AUGUST 2012

Rose Ann DeMoro National Nurses United, USA

Gail Adams Unison, United Kingdom

Linda Silas Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions

Professor Di Twigg Edith Cowan University

Khao Do Speaker, ﬁlmmaker & screenwriter

Venue: Rosehill Gardens, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. Time: 9am-5pm, Registration from 7.30am. Cost: NSWNA members $50, Branch Ofﬁcials and students: free of charge, Non-members $100.

For more information or to register please contact the NSWNA on 8595 2181 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (rural) or go to www.nswnurses.asn.au/education

EDITORIAL BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY

A great win for aged care It has been a mixed month with a massive boost to aged care funding – a tremendous achievement – and a nasty attack brewing against workers’ compensation. It has been three years in the making but it has been worth the wait. The Gillard Government has announced that it wants to inject $1.2 billion over four years starting July 2013 into the aged care workforce (see pp 18). The money will go towards higher wages, improved career structures, better training and education and workforce planning. The new funding is dependent on the parliamentary process, so there is still a need to be cautious. It will require the passing of the budget in what is a fragile parliament and it still requires a bargained outcome by unions and employers. Nonetheless, by any account this is a major step forward for the sector and all the nurses who work in it. The new funding is testimony to the persistence, resilience, courage and commitment of aged care nurses who have driven the Because We Care campaign.

ATTACK ON WORKERS’ COMP While the federal government has risen to the occasion on aged care, the NSW government continues to show terrible contempt for NSW workers. Workers’ compensation is their latest target. It is a terrible tragedy when someone suffers harm through a workplace injury, which prevents them from earning their livelihood. There are many nurses who find themselves in this situation. The profession contains inherent hazards that can lead to this situation. The workers’ compensation scheme has been a hard-fought-for safety net to catch people who, through sheer misfortune in the workplace, lose

their capacity to earn a living and are injured, sometimes permanently, by their work. Media reports indicate that the O’Farrell Government is planning to remove half of the 28,000 workers who currently receive benefits and medical expenses from the NSW workers’ compensation scheme. The other half will quickly find themselves on a benefit of $432 a week. There are not many people who could meet their mortgage on such an income. If implemented, this measure will reduce many vulnerable people to abject poverty. To eviscerate this scheme, as the government appears to be planning to do, is mean spirited and cruel. It is also unnecessary. Any worker who has been directly involved in workers’ compensation knows that there is no fat in the system and it is inevitably one of the worst experiences of their working lives. The government alleges that the scheme has a $4 billion deficit. But an analysis by Unions NSW suggests this is a confected excuse to roll back a progressive workplace right. Unions NSW suggests a number of changes that would improve the way the scheme operates and reduce the size of its liabilities, without prejudicing the welfare of the people the scheme was designed to protect. The number of attacks by the O’Farrell Government, initially only targeted at public sector workers but now being extended to all NSW workers, continues to mount. In the past few months many nurses have visited their local MPs and made it clear that ill-thought and uninformed attempts to save money

always have severe consequences for the community. An attack on workers’ compensation entitlements, like the other workplace rights currently being eroded, will hurt our members and the community of NSW. I urge you to continue these visits to your local MPs and to continue to exert this pressure.

RATIOS ARE ROLLING OUT There is other good news. Our hard-fought-for, nurse-to-patient ratios, continue to be rolled out throughout the state and where they have been implemented the feedback is excellent. They are making a significant difference to patient care – as we knew they would. We need to continue to reinforce their benefits to the people of NSW. Remember, these ratios are an award entitlement. There is an agreement in place that they should be delivered over two years with completion by June 2013. The NSWNA continues its oversight of this process, in some instances applying pressure to ensure delivery. So far members who have visited their local MPs have been given assurances that ratios are safe until the next Public Health System agreement is negotiated. The most recent visit by constituents of the Health Minister extracted a verbal commitment to retention of NHPPD (nursing hours per patient day), but no commitment to expand them or ratios to other much needed areas. We will be seeking those verbal commitments, given by Minister Skinner, in writing. Expansion will require a very convincing campaign in 2013.

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 5

LETTERS LETTERS

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Keep campaigning for aged care We would like to thank NSWNA for enabling us to attend the aged care event at the National Press Club on 11 April. Lee Thomas, Federal Secretary from the Australian Nursing Federation, Martin Laverty, Catholic Health Australia and Ian Yates from COTA Australia, spoke on the importance of initiating major aged care reform in this year’s federal Budget, as part of the aptly named “Australians Deserve to Age Well” campaign. Lee Thomas’ speech summed up eloquently what we, the aged care workforce, have been enduring for the past few years: the difficult conditions we encounter at work, the low pay, high staff turnover, the urgent need for better wages and conditions. Lee spoke about the

Fee hike outrageous I am writing to highlight the issue of the increase in registration fees for nurses. The registration fee indicates a near 50% pay increase in 18 months. This is outrageous! Have our wages gone up by this? Of course not, but the new national registration board just ups the annual fees. I do not understand why it costs this much to store simple data such as name, workplace and registration number – this could be run effectively for free! Please explain to me why we are paying this new fee. Jennie Studdert Fee rise ridiculous I renewed my RN registration this month and was shocked and astonished that the fee was $156, compared with $104 in 2011 and $69.24 in 2010. That is an increase of 50% on last year, compared with inflation less than 5% and the RN pay rise for private enterprise of only 3%. How can AHPRA justify the 50% increase in fees? This is getting ridiculous! Claire Watson, RN

frustration we feel when we are unable to give the best quality care to our elderly.

“Let us keep our chins high and keep on campaigning.We have aged care firmly on the national agenda and the public on our side!”

NSWNA responds The registration fees for nursing and midwifery have increased exponentially, in fact more than 40% in the past year. It is a huge increase and a bit hard to swallow. However, we have to realise that the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has a big responsibility to: • Set national standards, codes and guidelines for the profession, • Determine requirements for registration, • Oversee assessment of overseas practitioners, • Oversee follow-up and receipt of notifications on health, performance and conduct; and finally, • Maintain the registers. The NMBA is charged with providing protection of the public.They do this by ensuring that all health practitioners are suitably trained and qualified to practice in a competent and ethical manner. As you can see, the NMBA does a lot more than store data such as name, workplace and registration number. Although we agree that the increase in fees is large and unexpected, we have to be aware that the fee is not in any way connected to wages and all nurses and midwives pay the same amount regardless of level of education, ie. RN or EN. We will be monitoring this situation carefully to ensure that the raising of the fees does not become an annual event.

Both Shirley and I have been working in aged care for many years and are active in pushing for positive change in our workplaces and in the national Because We Care campaign. We are both extremely committed to our work and strive to maintain hope that there will be change ahead. Hearing these three speakers, from different parts of the aged care sector, echo the urgent need for reform was heartening. So my dear comrades, let us keep our chins high and keep on campaigning. We have aged care firmly on the national agenda and the public on our side! Jocelyn Hofman, RN (top left) and Shirley Ross-Shuley, AiN

Thanks for mini-break Just wanting to thank you for the minibreak to Shoal Bay Holiday Park. It was a much-needed break; the whole experience was very relaxing and positive. The staff and facilities were all top notch. Once again, I would like to thank you all. It would be a great prize for any worn out nurse to receive. R.Wintle Defend ratios I have signed up (see opposite page) in support of the Defend Ratios: Reject Recommendation 22 campaign and have submitted the following letter to my local state MP. Sharon Cylkowski, RN

Every letter published receives a $20 Coles Group & Myer gift card. 6 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

LETTERS

Sharon’s letter to Lee Evans, MP for Heathcote Dear Mr Lee Evans MP, I live in your electorate of Engadine. I have nursed for 30 years – as a dedicated, compassionate and caring RN contributing with my knowledge, skills and ongoing enthusiasm to deliver optimal care in hospitals and in the community setting. I believe we need to hold onto our skilled, dedicated nurses, as so many are leaving the industry in search of better employment conditions, despite their love for the patients. Across the board, we are feeling more and more pressure to deliver a high standard of care, at a faster pace, with a shortage of resources and funding. Past NSWNA initiatives have helped keep skilled, dedicated nurses like myself in the practicing field but, if our conditions change, I too will be forced to turn away, study an alternative vocation and leave our community suffering as a result. This means a lot to my colleagues and me. Please help stand up for the rights of nurses, for the sake of everyone’s future. Nurses fought long and hard to win ratios for safe patient care in our Award last year. They did so because they understand what the longstanding problems of the health system are and how to fix them. Nurses understand that unless ratios are kept legally enforceable in our Award, safe patient care will once again be at the mercy of Treasury and cuts to hospital budgets. Now, the government has given the tick of approval to the interim Audit Commission Report that specifically recommends banning staffing ratios from Awards.This would reduce the number of nurses and midwives employed in the public health system and ultimately patient care will suffer. This comes on top of bills now introduced to parliament that increase tenfold the fines that could be levied if nurses ever again have to take action to ensure safe patient care. I urge you to take a stand in parliament and speak out to stop these new bills from being passed. I urge you to ask the Premier and Minister for Health to immediately reject recommendation 22 of the Audit Commission Report and keep nurses’ ratios legally enforceable for the sake of safe patient care in our community. Sharon Cylkowski, RN

LETTER OF THE MONTH The letter judged the best each month will be awarded a $50 Coles Myer voucher courtesy of Moore Equipment. ‘Clever carts to help clever nurses.’ For details on the range of clax carts please call (02) 9519 5540 or visit www.mooreequipment.com.au

Surgical plume toxic to nurses I was surprised to read Anthony Craig’s letter to the editor regarding Justice Health staff being exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace. I had thought perioperative nurses working in operating suites and procedural units were the only nurses in NSW exposed to toxic smoke fumes. Our problem is surgical plume, caused by a diathermy or laser machine used during surgery, sometimes producing dense, foul-smelling smoke. This surgical plume also produces chemical by-products in the form of substances such as hydrogen cyanide, formal dehydrate, ethane, methane and carbon monoxide. Viral DNA can also travel in the diathermy plume, causing illness for staff. Workers’ health can be affected by these substances in any operating suite where there is dense surgical smoke that is not evacuated. Cunningham (2006) reported symptoms associated with exposure to surgical plume such as coughing, headaches, chronic bronchitis, hepatitis and cancer, occurring with different severity. The good news is that smoke evacuation and the wearing of high filtration masks can reduce these hazards and offer protection to staff. The bad news is that this good news has not changed practice in many facilities, leaving many employees at risk. I would be interested to hear if there are other nurses out there exposed to smoke plume in other areas of nursing. Regards Lynda Mitchell, RN NSWNA responds NSWNA was made aware of the problems associated with surgical plume some time ago and subsequently raised it with NSW Health.We were successful in gaining NSW Health’s agreement to formulate a policy directive on surgical plume.We understand that a policy has been drafted and is currently with the Surgical Task Force for their comment. The Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (design guidelines) and the supporting document TS11 that sets out engineering standards for health care facilities include scavenging of surgical plume as a standard inclusion. However, older facilities may not have such facilities. Employers and officers of organisations are required by work health and safety legislation to take all reasonable steps to protect workers and others from risks to their health and safety. Given that surgical smoke is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes, nurses who are affected by uncontrolled exposure should report this to their employers using the usual internal channels for reporting work health and safety risks and incidents. If this does not result in action being taken to control the risks the matter should be raised with the organisation’s OHS (WHS) Committee, the health and safety representative for your work group, the OHS (WHS) manager for your workplace, and/or the NSWNA branch at your workplace. If local avenues prove to be unsuccessful, then the matter should be raised with NSWNA, who can negotiate with management or make a complaint to WorkCover on your behalf.

SAY

SOMETHING Send your letters to: Editorial Enquiries email lamp@nswnurses.asn.au fax 9662 1414 mail 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017. Please include a high resolution photo along with your name, address, phone and membership number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.

Thanks for your support I wish to thank all the staff at Port Kembla hospital for being so kind and understanding in my grief on the passing of my husband Slavko. I also thank those that sent me flowers, condolence cards, visits and phone calls to help me regain my need to carry on with daily life and to be able to continue working in the hospital with such wonderful friends. Yours forever, Vera Spasojevic

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 7

NEWS IN BRIEF

Australia

Bob Fenwick recognised for bravery

ABCC abolished

Mental health nurse Bob Fenwick has been posthumously awarded one of Australia’s highest bravery awards.

The last vestige of WorkChoices, the Australian Building and Construction Commission, has disappeared after a vote for its demise in the Senate. ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said its abolition was long overdue. “This is a great step forward for construction workers, and for any Australian who cares about workers’ rights,” he said. “Construction workers have been subject to extreme powers – including secret interrogations – which do not apply to workers in any other industry. “Although the new Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate retains some of these coercive powers, there are some safeguards on their use.” Jeff Lawrence said the ABCC did virtually nothing about safety issues, misconduct by employers or sham contracting arrangements that avoided billions of dollars a year in tax. Claims about its impact on productivity have been highly exaggerated, he said. “Despite the colourful claims of corruption and thuggery used to justify the ABCC’s existence, it failed to find widespread wrongdoing by union officials, despite spending $135 million of taxpayers money.”

“Despite his injuries, Mr Fenwick forced the offender outside.”

Bob, who worked at the Bloomfield Hospital in Orange, died from knife wounds received when he went to the aid of a fellow nurse being attacked by a patient, on January 5, 2011. Governor General Quentin Bryce posthumously awarded the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest bravery decoration, to Bob, for his act “of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril”. Patient Brett French, who helped Bob restrain the attacker, was also awarded a medal. “Despite his injuries, Mr Fenwick forced the offender outside,” the Bravery Council Honours List says. “Mr Fenwick grabbed a broom and defended himself with it. The offender backed off and security staff apprehended him.” Bob was taken to Westmead Hospital where he died the next day from his injuries. In honour of Bob Fenwick the NSWNA and NSW Health jointly established the Bob Fenwick Memorial Grants Program to assist in regional NSW mental health nurses.

Australia

Workplace injuries sap economic growth Workers, not employers, overwhelmingly bear the costs of workplace injuries and diseases, a new report by Safe Work Australia has shown. The report reveals that three-quarters of the costs of workplace injuries and diseases are borne by injured workers themselves, including loss of current and future income and non-compensated medical expenses. ACTU President Ged Kearney said the $60.6 billion cost of workplace injuries and diseases, in the 2008-9 financial year, was far too high. “We think we are a clever country but it isn’t so smart to forgo almost 5% of our nation’s GDP on the cost of preventable workplace injury and illness,” she said. “This report has found that the cost of each workplace incident is around $99,100 and of this, workers pay $73,300, the community $20,800 and employers $5100.” Safe Work Australia has also released figures on work–related deaths for 2009-10. In that period 337 people died in Australia from a work-related traumatic injury. Of these deaths, 42 were bystanders not directly involved in the work processes that ultimately killed them. Fifteen were children under 15 years of age. For more information about OHS visit safeatwork.org.au. 8 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

COST OF EACH WORKPLACE INCIDENT :

$99,100 $73,300 $20,800 $5100 c o st to wo r ke r s :

c o st to t h e c o m m u n i ty :

c o st to e m p loye r s :

Picnic in Hyde Park for aged care On Friday 18 May, NSWNA members in the for-profit aged care sector will gather in Hyde Park, Sydney. NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda says the picnic will be a great opportunity for aged care nurses to come together to support each other and their families and to send a message to employers that they are determined to get a better outcome out of current pay talks. “There couldn’t be a better time to act for better pay,” she said. “We want not just aged care nurses there but also their kids and grandkids to come along. It will be a great day with clowns, face painting and refreshments provided by the Association.” Wage negotiations are currently underway with the Aged Care Association of Australia for a large section of members working in the for-profit sector. The NSWNA claim is for a 6% increase to wages and conditions per year and improvements to the nursing classification structure to provide a modern career path with recognition of skills and qualifications. We are also seeking the AiN base rate of pay to be 3.5% higher than NSW AiN transitional rates. If you are coming to the picnic please RSVP your name and number of kids to krusso@nswnurses.asn.au or 8595 1291 by 16 May for catering.

WANTED! PRACTICE/ REGISTERED NURSE Reproductive health clinic and day surgery (Artarmon) is looking to expand our great team. Management experience and theatre skills preferred. Hours 30+ per week. Contact Gabby or Emma to discuss further 02 9413 2538 and check us out on www.gynaecare.com.au

NEWS IN BRIEF

Australia

Unions seek pay rise for minimum wage workers Unions will seek a $26 a week pay rise for Australia’s lowest paid workers. The ACTU says wages for those on the minimum have fallen well behind average income earners over the past decade and are not keeping pace with the cost of living. If the claim is successful, the award wage for the lowest paid would increase to $615.30 per week. This would mean a 68c/hour increase from $15.51 per hour to $16.19 per hour. ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence says $26 extra a week is modest and affordable and will make a big difference to the lives of minimum wage workers and their families. “The 1.4 million workers on award wages — one in six workers — can barely meet the cost of living, let alone live comfortably in an economy that is the envy of the developed world,” Mr Lawrence said. “It is grossly unfair that minimum wages have fallen further and further behind average wages. The purchasing power of minimum wages is now also below the level it was in 2005. “Wage increases awarded in 2010 and 2011 have stopped minimum wage workers from falling further behind. It’s time to make up the ground that was lost under WorkChoices.”

“It is grossly unfair that minimum wages have fallen further and further behind average wages.” — Jeff Lawrence

United Kingdom

Britain follows Roxon’s courageous lead on cigarette packaging

“Cancer Research UK tobacco control manager Robin Hewings told ABC News that (former) Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon has had an important influence on British policy.”

1 0 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Former federal health minister Nicola Roxon may be under siege from the cigarette companies over plain packaging but she can take consolation that the British government believes she is doing the right thing and are preparing to follow her lead. The Gillard Government passed its plain packaging laws last November. They are due to come into effect this December. The laws – which ban company logos and require all cigarette packets to be a uniform dark green colour – have provoked a furious response from tobacco companies. Both British American Tobacco and fellow industry giant Philip Morris have launched major legal actions, including a High Court challenge, against the laws. Now, the British health secretary Andrew Lansley has initiated a consultation process with the goal of stopping young people taking up smoking. Lansley says he was motivated by Roxon’s resolute stand. Cancer Research UK tobacco control manager Robin Hewings told ABC News that (former) Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon has had an important influence on British policy. “We know Andrew Lansley, our health secretary here, says that talking to Nicola Roxon was one of the things that inspired him to have a consultation on plain packaging,” she said. “The kind of strength that the Australian Government is showing in response to the current tobacco industry legal action and bullying and so on, I think has also helped us as well.”

EDUCATION@NSWNA United States

Shift workers a diabetes risk Researchers in the United States have found that changes to normal sleep can lead to the body being unable to control sugar levels. This means shift workers could be at greater risk of developing diabetes. Dr Orfeu Buxton, from the Harvard Medical School, told ABC News that previous studies have shown night and shift workers have a higher probability of having obesity or diabetes, but have not identified the mechanism for how it happened. “What we found in this study was that when we induced circadian disruption in the laboratory for three weeks we could alter glucose metabolism in a way that would predict elevated diabetes risk,” he said. He says the increased diabetes risk is from an insufficient release of insulin by the pancreas. Dr Buxon says his study shows there is an urgent need for intervention. “There are two general types of strategies for avoiding these problems or preventing them,” he said. “One would be adapting better to night work, so using timing of light and dark and meals to avoid some of the more severe disruption. “The other is to get better sleep during the day. So one approach is to get sleep during that day that’s in an environment that’s dark, silent and cool and of course, turn off the phone.”

WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Appropriate Workplace Behaviour – 1 day 3 May Shellharbour 14 June Griffith Topics covered include understand why bullying occurs; anti-discrimination law and NSW Health policies; how to behave appropriately in the workplace; identifying behaviour that constitutes unlawful harassment and bullying; what to do if subjected to unlawful harassment and bullying; how to use workplace grievance procedures; identifying, preventing and resolving bullying.

Members $85 Non-members $170

——— • ——— Computer Essentials for Nurses and Midwives – 1 day 9 May Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick 4 July Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick Seminar is suitable for all nurses and midwives. Members $85 Non-members $170

——— • ——— Basic Foot Care for RNs and ENs - 2 days 9 and 10 May Lismore 27 and 28 June Penrith Members $203 Non-members $350

——— • ——— Legal and Professional Issues for Nurses and Midwives – ½ day 11 May Tweed Heads 31 May Penrith Topics covered include the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, potential liability, importance of documentation, role of disciplinary tribunals and writing statements.

Members $40 Non-members $85

——— • ——— Are you meeting your CPD requirements – ½ day 18 May Wagga Wagga 25 May Armidale Seminar is suitable for all nurses and midwives to learn about CPD requirements and what’s involved in the process.

Eat fruit and reduce your blood pressure New evidence suggests that an increased intake of fruits rich in vitamin C may reduce blood pressure. The benefits are even greater for people with high blood pressure. According to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by researchers from John Hopkins University, supplements of vitamin C significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, even in people with high blood pressure. A previous study in the Nutrition Journal had suggested that vitamin C may be an important factor in blood pressure regulation even among healthy young adults especially women. Interestingly, intakes of vitamin C do not appear to have any effect in lowering the blood pressure of people whose levels are already normal.

Members $40 Non-members $85

——— • ——— Aged Care Seminar Series – 1 day 24 May Bathurst Seminar is suitable for all RNs, ENs and AiNs.

Members $75 Non-members $170

——— • ——— Basic Foot Care for AiNs – 1 day 25 May Port Macquarie Members $85 Non-members $150

——— • ——— To register or for more information go to www.nswnurses.asn.au/education or phone Carolyn Kulling on 1300 367 962 T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 1 1

COVER STORY

No compromise on safe community care Community nurses are planning to take greater control over staffing to ensure adequate patient care.

WORKING TOO MUCH OVERTIME,

too busy to take meal breaks, then a staff member goes on annual leave and is not replaced – leaving you to carry the extra load with even less time for your patients. That scenario is increasingly familiar to community health nurses not covered by the nurse-to-patient ratios won by the NSW Nurses’ Association in 2011. With patient numbers, age and acuity on the increase, understaffed nurses fear that safe patient care in the community setting is being compromised. A NSWNA team, led by Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda, has been meeting with community and community mental health members around the state as part of a campaign called Take Control of Your Day: There’s No Reason to Wait. “For too long community health has been the silent health service, with 1 2 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

“Taking the decision to reduce services away from management reinforces your commitment to safe patient care and lets them know that you take your professional obligations seriously.”

members feeling they are the poor cousin of hospitals. The time has come to get community health on the agenda and work together to redress this,” Judith said. During their regional visits the NSWNA team gave a presentation on Award entitlements, the process of raising staffing concerns locally, and ways of developing plans to achieve safe and competent community care. They also distributed a handbook – Nurses and Midwives: Organising for Safe Patient Care – a guide to take community nurses through the process and empower them to take control of their day. Judith says all nurses have a professional obligation to provide safe and competent patient care and to ensure that such care is not compromised by any circumstance, including unsafe staff levels. She added that the Public Health

How to get safe staffing

GET THE HANDBOOK

What can union branches at community health services do to guarantee safe staffing? Here are some examples: PUBLIC CAMPAIGN A community palliative care service starts a weekend on-call service for end of life care clients. As client numbers increase so does the frequency of call outs, leaving weekday nurse numbers depleted. Members decide to form a coalition with key stakeholders (clients, carers, family and a local Palliative Care Support Group) to publicly campaign for increased staffing for safe patient care.

LIMIT CLIENT NUMBERS A child and family health service has not met NSW Health home visit program benchmarks. Child and family health nurses are working hard to meet key performance indicators, however increasing birth rates and vacant positions are proving problematic. The branch agrees to see a maximum of four clients per day to ensure safe, appropriate levels of care can be provided. The branch also agrees that their community should be told why the number of visits are being reduced and ask the community for their support and understanding.

REFUSE NON-URGENT REFERRALS A generalist community health service experiences increasing referrals with no additional resources. Community nurses get speeding fines while trying to visit all allocated clients and are concerned that the quality of care provided is unsatisfactory. There is no locally agreed face-to-face time ratio. Members agree that non-urgent referrals will not be accepted until a local face-to-face time ratio is developed and additional resources are provided so that a reasonable workload and safe patient care can be delivered.

Nurses and Midwives: Organising for Safe Patient Care is a handbook that guides community nurses through the process of securing safe and reasonable staff levels. To obtain a copy, email gensec@nswnurses.asn.au Phone (02) 8595 1234 or 1300 367 962 from outside Sydney

Nurses and Midwives’ Award clearly gave nurses and midwives an entitlement to a reasonable workload, but more importantly, our communities are entitled to safe patient care. The NSWNA handbook advises community nurses to initially raise staffing concerns with their Nurse Unit Manager or team leader and to suggest solutions where possible. If problems cannot be solved at the local level they should be referred to the next line manager. If management still cannot resolve the issues they should be referred to a Reasonable Workload Committee (RWC), where one exists. If the committee cannot find a solution within a reasonable time then the problem becomes a grievance and there are processes within the Award to escalate unresolved staffing issues. If there is no RWC, or management can’t resolve

ASK MANAGEMENT TO PRIORITISE The Department of Health reviews the use of health service vehicles. A community health service loses one car that the department decides is being under-used. With reduced access to vehicles, nurses must start earlier and finish later, working unpaid overtime to meet client care needs. The local NSWNA branch unanimously resolves that unpaid overtime will be claimed and that if management declines to pay overtime rates, nurses will no longer start early or finish late. Management would then need to prioritise which clients receive a visit and which do not.

the issue, that’s not the end of the story. “If nurses are too short-staffed to safely and adequately meet patient care demands, then one solution is to reduce activity to meet staffing levels, such as cancelling nonurgent home visits and clinical appointments,” Judith said. “Taking the decision to reduce services away from management reinforces your commitment to safe patient care and lets them know you take your professional obligations seriously. “Nurses should involve their local branch and NSWNA head office before commencing any action. The union will work with nurses to plan and organise a local campaign for safe patient care. “What may work for one service may not work for others. It is imperative that strategies do not put clients or staff at risk.”

SYDNEY COMMUNITY HEALTH MEETING Metropolitan community and community mental health members are invited to attend the Take Control of Your Day: There’s No Reason to Wait presentation on Tuesday 15 May from 5.00–6.30pm at the NSWNA office, 50 O’Dea Ave Waterloo. This will be followed by a barbecue and Committee of Delegates meeting from 7.15pm. Members are welcome to stay for the meeting as observers. Please RSVP by email to dmodderno@nswnurses.asn.au for catering purposes. If you would like a visit from the Association to hear about this important campaign, please email lkremmer@nswnurses.asn.au

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 1 3

COVER STORY

Demand outstrips nurses Population changes and specialisation of nursing services on the New South Wales north coast have led to increasingly stressful service demands on community nurses.

Anne: “The higher up the management chain you go, the more it is about saving money rather than proper patient care.”

THE NORTH COAST IS THE FASTEST growing rural area health service in NSW. Its residential population grew by around 7% from 2006 to 2011 and is expected to increase by 1.2% each year between now and 2016, according to NSW Health. Growth will be mainly in coastal areas, with the Tweed district growing the most. Yet nurse numbers in local community health services have stayed roughly the same for at least 15 years, says Anne Pudney, a Clinical Nurse Specialist and President of the TweedValley Community Nurses branch of the NSWNA. Adding to staffing issues is the rapid ageing of the population, with people over 65 expected to make up almost one quarter 1 4 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

of the Northern NSW Local Health District population in five years. “Our award says we are entitled to a reasonable workload but overall the staffing arrangements are far from reasonable,” Anne said. “Our work assignments are increasing yet there has been no increase in FTEs (full time equivalent) in mental health in the 15 years I’ve been here. It’s the same for child and family nursing services, despite extra work due to the introduction of Families First and other government initiatives. “Services have become more specialised, which has also increased the demand for staffing. When I first moved here we didn’t have Hospital in the Home, and nowhere near the amount of aged care we have now.”

Long distances add to the demands on community nurses. Tweed Valley branch nurses cover a wide region from Tweed Heads in the north to Crabbes Creek in the south, and west to the Mt Burrell district. Anne suspects the public rarely notice inadequate staffing in community health because nurses have tended to “take up the slack” with little protest. “The Tweed Valley has a large rural component and many of our nurses are part of a rural community. They are well known to most people so there is no anonymity. “They are likely to give up their lunch break in order to race down to see Mr Smith and his ulcer, partly because they know they will run into Mr Smith’s wife or daughter in the supermarket. “On top of that you have the historical culture of nurses – we fix things but we are not so good at looking after ourselves. “The Award gives nurses a starting point for standing up for their rights but in practice it is not that simple. “The higher up the management chain you go, the more it is about saving money rather than proper patient care.”

Limit on non-urgent referrals Management of the Tweed Heads Community Health Centre has placed restrictions on new non-urgent cases in an effort to reduce mounting demands on community nurses. “AT THE MOMENT EVERY REFERRAL

to community nurses is being weighed up on a case-by-case basis because of the excessive demand,” Zoe Guinea, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Transitional Aged Care Services told The Lamp. “Management has basically closed the books on non-urgent community cases,” Zoe, who is president of the Tweed Heads Community Nurses branch of the NSWNA said. “The Tweed area has seen no net increase in nursing staff in 15 years yet the population has grown by 5% per year. “Acuity has also increased because the population is ageing fast – we’re God’s waiting room up here.” Zoe said community nurses working in the Tweed, in the northeast corner of New South Wales, often missed lunch breaks and were unable to finish their tasks without working excessively long hours, due to extreme patient demand. “Our NUM is very supportive of the nurses but she has her own service demand issues. She looks after 15 different cost codes. She hasn’t got a clerical assistant and is run off her feet. “One problem is the length of time it takes to recruit someone in the North Coast Local Health District. Head office tries to save money by taking forever to sign off on a position. “We are haemorrhaging people across the Queensland border because our recruitment processes are so ridiculously slow. Nurses can’t afford to sit around for months waiting for a job to be signed off.” She said the NSWNA had to go to the Reasonable Workload Committee to get management to recruit a nurse to fill a vacancy caused through promotion. “We finally got the position filled after waiting a year or so while making do with casuals, which depleted the casual pool.” Zoe said local community nurses joined

Zoe:“We are haemorrhaging people across the Queensland border because our recruitment processes are so ridiculously slow.”

with hospital nurses in taking industrial action for the union’s 2010 claims such as restricting work to urgent cases. Hospital nurses did well out of that campaign but community nurses did not get a staffing solution in the form of staff-topatient ratios. Zoe said local community nurses felt “more empowered” after a recent visit to the Tweed region by a NSWNA team headed by Assistant General Secretary, Judith Kiejda. “There is now a bit of a groundswell to take action for reasonable, safe staffing – community nurses feel they’re not going to take it any more.” T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 1 5

COVER STORY

Leave cover is top priority “Community nursing plays a vital role in helping to keep people out of hospital.”

WORK ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE the main agenda item at the next meeting of the newly formed Richmond Network community nurses’ branch of the NSWNA. Providing “backfill” for planned leave is the most pressing issue, said branch secretary Sharon Whalley. Sharon, a Clinical Nurse Educator, said efforts to replace staff on leave were hampered by a dwindling pool of casuals. “Community nurses tend to take on the extra load and do their best because patients are their priority. However that can put their health at risk and means there is not enough time to deliver good patient care,” she said. “For example, a generalist community nurse will go into someone’s home, change a dressing and leave because they’ve got 12 more patients to see. They won’t have time to do any health education to promote wound healing.

“Nurse-to-patient ratios don’t work in community health and yet we have no set number of hours to determine how much direct clinical contact time and travel time is reasonable in an eight-hour day. “We need to find a solution to provide safe staffing because community nursing plays a vital role in helping to keep people out of hospital.” Sharon thinks most members of the public see health care as ‘hospitals only’ and are unaware of the range of health care agencies. “Anyone who has had contact with community health thinks it’s a wonderful service.” Richmond Network covers parts of northeast New South Wales including Evans Head, Ballina, Goonellabah, Alstonville, Lismore and Casino.

h e a l t h s e rv i c e s i n n u m b e r s Among the eight former NSW area health services, the North Coast Area has: • The highest proportion of people aged 65 years and over, making up 18% of the population in 2006 compared to the NSW average of 14%. It is predicted that this age group will increase to 23% of the North Coast population by 2016. • The highest proportion of low-income (<$500/week) households (18% compared to NSW average 12%) • The highest proportion of population on disability/sickness benefits (13% compared with NSW average 8%) • The highest proportion of workforce on unemployment benefits (8% compared with NSW average 5%) • The highest level of one-parent families (19% compared with NSW average 16%) • The highest proportion of families with dependent children receiving parenting payments (23% compared with NSW average 14%).

1 6 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

HEALTH SERVICES: NOR TH COAST NSW COMPARED TO NSW

10%

15%

20%

AGED 65 YEARS AND OVER

LOW-INCOME (<$500/WEEK) HOUSEHOLD

DISABILITY/SICKNESS BENEFITS NORTH COAST OF NSW UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS NEW SOUTH WALES

ONE-PARENT FAMILIES

PARENTING PAYMENTS

25%

WESTMEAD

Sick leave controversy Westmead Hospital in the news over failure to replace absent staff. Barbara Goodwin NSWNA Westmead Branch Secretary (Centre) with RNs (L-R) Lesley Trajano, Sharon Marqueta, Naomi Dry, Daryl Parker, Alison Van Hees and Arvin Ayala.

NSW NURSES’ ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

at Westmead Hospital are keeping a close eye on staff levels after controversy over non-replacement of staff on sick leave. In an apparent change of hospital policy, nurses on some wards who called in sick were not replaced, while other wards were told that staff absences due to illness or other reasons could no longer be covered from the casual pool or agencies. Replacements would have to be sourced internally from staff on duty elsewhere in the hospital – if available. The issue hit the headlines when an unknown source leaked a memo from a nurse unit manager (NUM) stating that, due to a Ministry of Health directive, the first nurse to take sick leave on a morning or afternoon shift would not be replaced. Only when a second nurse on the same ward and shift notified the hospital of their absence would a replacement be allowed, the memo said, adding that night shifts were exempt from the directive.

“It is important that all parties work towards harmonious solutions.” Westmead’s Director of Nursing (DON) said no such written directive had been issued. However, sources indicate there was some discussion of the matter at a NUM’s meeting. Later, the memo was leaked to the Daily Telegraph prompting a denial from NSW Health Minister, Jillian Skinner. NSWNA branch president at the hospital, Daniel O’Flynn, said the leaking of the memo was “unfortunate” because it embarrassed the NUM and strained the branch’s relationship with the DON. “The branch was already talking to the DON about sick leave issues before the memo was leaked,” Daniel said. “Our talks with the DON had been endorsed by two branch meetings, each attended by over 100 nurses. “The branch executives have set up fortnightly meetings with the DON in order

that all parties are aware of current and ongoing issues. It is important that all parties work towards harmonious solutions.” Daniel said failure to replace absent staff would compromise patient safety, “but so far, there has been a promising outcome to the problem. “The reports we are getting from the ward NUMs indicate that, at present, all notified staff absences are being replaced. The only exception that we are aware of is those nurses who call in sick at say, 6.30am for the 7am shift. In these circumstances wards will cover the absence until a replacement is found.” Daniel said the branch was continuing to monitor the situation and collect data that could be presented to the Reasonable Workload Committee. T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 1 7

AGED CARE

BECAUSE WE CARE: Victory for workers Aged care workers will be the big winners out of the federal government’s planned massive injection of funds into the sector from 2013. THE BECAUSE WE CARE CAMPAIGN,

What the stakeholders say

conducted by the NSWNA and the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) for the past three years, has had a stunning victory with the announcement by the Gillard Government of a $3.7 billion aged care reform package. Importantly for aged care nurses, a key component of the package is $1.2 billion to address the wages gap and training. There is a shift in emphasis of aged care from residential to community care and an extra $270 million for improving services to dementia patients. Minister for Ageing Mark Butler told ABC Radio that the demand for aged care services was only going to increase. “This is the beginning of building an aged care system for the 21st century, rather than trying to work with a system that was built in the 1980s,” he said.

Ian Yates, Council on the Ageing “To have this kind of commitment in the current fiscal environment is really remarkable and we congratulate the government.” Martin Laverty, Catholic Health Australia “We’ve said to the government, you’ve made a solid first step in improving the opportunity for quality services to be delivered.” Glen Rees, Alzheimer’s Australia “I think this is the response we were looking for. It’s positive in every way. It provides reassurance that the quality of dementia care is of concern to government; the package addresses that. I’m not sure we could ask for anything more at this stage.”

$1.2 BILLION FOR WAGES AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT From 1 July 2013, $1.2 billion will be provided over four years to implement a “Workforce Compact”. Key elements of the Compact will be: • higher wages

• improved training and education opportunities • improved career development and workforce planning • better work practices These improvements will be provided directly to workers through enterprise bargaining. The NSWNA and the ANF will be involved in negotiating these enterprise agreements and ensuring that nurses and assistants in nursing achieve significant wage increases that are fair and competitive with the public sector. Lee Thomas from the ANF says this is an enormous victory for aged care nurses and consumers. “It’s not uncommon for workers in the sector to earn between $168 and $300 a week less than workers working in public hospitals, for example, registered and enrolled nurses,” she said. “This extra funding, delivered through the establishment of the Workforce Compact, will assist in closing the wages gap for aged care nurses and provide nurses with improved career structures and training opportunities. “We are confident this will go a long way toward more nurses being attracted and retained in the sector and ensuring they can deliver quality care to older Australians in nursing homes.”

key elements of the package • Home care assistance packages doubled from $59,876 to almost $100,000. Lee Thomas, Australian Nursing Federation “This money will go a significant way to redressing that massive wages gap. When we can actually start to attract more nurses into the sector, my very clear wish is that we then move on to things like mandated minimum staffing levels and skills mix.”

1 8 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

• Home and residential care fees capped at

$60,000 for a person’s lifetime.

$660 million to provide more residential aged care facilities. • $268 million to fight the nation’s dementia epidemic. • $1.2 billion to improve working conditions for staff. •

Q&A

ASK JUDITH Cashing in accrued leave? I am an EN working in a public hospital. I have a substantial amount of accrued additional annual leave. Can I “cash in” some or all of this annual leave? The entitlement to the monetary value of annual leave was agreed as part of the last award negotiations and is provided for in the Public Health System Nurses’ & Midwives’ (State) Award 2011 at Clause 30 (xi) (b): “An employee entitled to additional annual leave under subclauses 30(i)(a), 30(xi)(a) or 17(ii) can elect at any time to be paid an amount equivalent to the value of accrued additional annual leave in lieu of taking the additional leave, provided also that salary for the period of additional leave paid out will be calculated as if the period of leave was actually taken.” Further clarification in respect to agreed terms for nurses and midwives to cash out additional annual leave can be found in NSW Ministry of Health Information Bulletin, IB2011_051 Nurses and Midwives Cashing out Accrued Additional Annual Leave. In brief, the minimum amount of additional leave you can cash out is one week and this can be in one payment or up to three separate occasions within your anniversary year. It is important to know that you can not cash out any pro rata annual leave for the current year of service, in other words,

you can only cash out annual leave that you have already accrued and have an entitlement to. The types of leave in the three named subclauses are:• Two weeks’ additional annual leave for 7-day shift workers — 30(i)(a); • Additional annual leave (“counter leave”) for working Sundays and/or public holidays — 30(xi)(a); • Additional annual leave for Director of Nursing and registered nurses at Tibooburra District Hospital and Ivanhoe District Hospital — 17(ii) There is no provision to “cash in” the standard four-week annual leave entitlement.

Code of Conduct updated I have recently heard that the NSW Ministry of Health have reviewed and updated their Code of Conduct for all staff working in the public health system. Is this correct? Yes this is correct. The latest version is PD2012_018 Code of Conduct, which was published on 29 March 2012.You can obtain a copy from the health department web site, www.health.nsw. gov.au/policies/pd/2012/PD2012_018.h tml. Please note that the updated Code of Conduct is more concise than the previous one which, according to the Ministry of Health, was to make it “more accessible, readable and user

When it comes to your rights and entitlements at work, NSWNA Assistant General Secretary JUDITH KIEJDA has the answers.

friendly” and to avoid duplication with other relevant NSW Health Policy Directives. This reinforces the expectation that health employees familiarise themselves, not only with the Code of Conduct, but also with relevant policy directives (PDs). The relevant directives are not referenced in the Code of Conduct, as was requested by health unions during consultation, and therefore further work needs to be done to ensure that health employees are fully informed of the PDs that apply to them.

Past impact on present I want to apply for nursing positions in the public hospital system. However, I was involved in a disciplinary matter in my previous public hospital position and I am concerned this will be used against me. What should happen? As part of the recruitment process, the Service Check Register must be checked when processing your application. Inclusion on the register does not automatically preclude a person from employment or appointment. However, the register may include details including any past restrictions or actions imposed by the health service. I suggest you read policy directive PD2009_004 Service Check Register for NSW Health Services for more information on this topic. It can be found online at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/ policies/pd/2009/pdf/PD2009_004.pdf

Agitated, Disruptive – Even Aggressive Patients? We can help! Since 1980, CPI has been teaching health care professionals proven methods for managing difficult or assaultive behaviour. To date, over six million individuals—including thousands of nurses and other health care professionals—have participated in CPI’s highly successful Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM training course. This course teaches staff not only how to respond effectively to the warning signs that someone is about to lose control, but also addresses how staff can deal with their own stress and anxiety when confronted with these difficult situations. Visit crisisprevention.com/glare for more information and to download our FREE eBook, Creating a Safe and Caring Work Environment, containing insightful tips you can share immediately with your staff. Australia and New Zealand Office PO Box 509, Dulwich Hill U Sydney, 2203, NSW Free Phone: 1300 244 674 Tel (Local Australia): +61 (0) 2 9516 5177 Email: information@crisisprevention.com U crisisprevention.com

Join us at an upcoming 2012 training course: 29 May–1 June U Sydney, NSW 5–8 June U Brisbane, QLD 19–22 June U Kent Town (Adelaide), SA Priority Code: LA121

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 1 9

RATIOS

MP feels nurse pressure In 2010 Bruce Knotley-Smith, now the Liberal state MP for Coogee, was keen to be seen as a supporter of our campaign for ratios. Now he has his seat in parliament his support seems to have evaporated. JAN OGDEN WAS ONE OF A DELEGATION

of nurses from the Prince of Wales (PoW) hospital who recently visited Liberal state MP for Coogee, Bruce Knotley-Smith, to seek his support to protect nurse-topatient ratios, and other workplace rights, now under threat from the O’Farrell Government. “We asked him where he stood. He wouldn’t commit himself. He obfuscated a fair bit. He promised to get back to us within a month after he did some ‘research’. He was non-committal. He just gave a party line,” she said. “When we campaigned for ratios he supported us. He had his photo taken with one of our red shirts in the park for the local newspaper. But when we asked for his help this time he didn’t appear very supportive. He was a bit slippery. “We told him we were very concerned that ratios and other workplace conditions, that we won and were now legally enforceable, could be taken away by the O’Farrell Government. A unilateral decision made about our award without our consultation! We explained how that was not good for nurses in the public health system nor for proper levels of patient care.” Carolyn Hook, also from PoW, accompanied Jan to see Knotley-Smith. She too was less than impressed by his reaction. “We told him we don’t want to lose our ratios – they are crucial to the staff at Prince of Wales and they deliver better patient outcomes. We don’t want to lose them after such a hard campaign and when they aren’t even completely implemented yet. Why would you take something away that is working perfectly well?

2 0 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

“He jumped all over the place. He didn’t want to hear what we had to say,” she said. Both Jan and Carolyn say that even though Knotley-Smith was unresponsive it was well worth the effort to visit him and put him on the spot about what his government is doing. “I went to see him because I want to put my point across even if it does fall on deaf ears,” said Jan. Carolyn agreed: “I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t do something about it. Each one of us should do something to look after our collective interests as a profession – sign petitions, see an MP – do whatever we can.”

Carolyn: I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t do something about it. Each one of us should do something to look after our collective interests as a profession.”

Nurses tell Jillian Skinner ratios must stay On 19 April, Edward Makepiece, Holly Allen, Siovhan Schreiber and Tammy Devereau met Jillian Skinner, the NSW Minister for Health. The delegation of nurses told the Minister of the importance of minimum, mandated nurse-to-patient ratios that are enforceable and embedded in the award. The Minister gave no commitment to maintaining ratios but said ‘NHPPD will stay in the award’. When told that the NSWNA hoped to expand the areas that had converted to ratios in the future she said ‘Let’s work with what we have for now’.

Siovhan Schreiber (Manly Hospital), Edward Makepeace (RNSH), Jillian Skinner MP, Holly Allen, Nurse Manager Greenwich Hospital, Tammy Devereux, Mona Vale Hospital.

ratios roll out on track The nurse-to-patient ratios won in our last pay and conditions campaign are scheduled to be phased in over

two years. The table below gives a snapshot of how the implementation is going according to schedule.

Ratios Implementation Progress Date

2011 to March 2012

Local Health District

Wards Converted

Additional FTE delivered

19.73

40.48

1.3

3.07

82.11

175.05

Albury Wodonga Health Central Coast Local Health District Far West Local Health District Hunter New England Local Health District

2 35

0 89.87

April-June 2012 Wards Converted

Additional FTE delivered

July 2012-June 2013 Wards Converted

Additional FTE delivered

Total Wards Converted

0 23.78 0

Additional FTE delivered

19.73

65.56

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

55.12

24.68

35.22

115.02

Mid North Coast Local Health District

26.52

8.55

9.07

44.14

Murrumbidgee Local Health District

12.03

25.55

7.46

33.01

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Northern NSW Local Health District

28.74

6.07

14.44

49.25

Northern Sydney Local Health District

74.96

16.35

24.75

116.06

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

82.89

24.43

77.52

184.84

South Western Sydney Local Health District

91.42

11.89

106.28

209.59

Southern NSW Local Health District

14.78

Sydney Local Health District

95.22

Western NSW Local Health District Western Sydney Local Health District Total for Wards, ED & Acute Adult Mental Health*^

14.78

11.62

0 9

29.61

136.45

16.66

3.48

15.19

35.33

38.75

11.75

26.42

76.92

288

712.72

123.19

121

451.85

411

1287.76

* Additional Full time equivalent (FTE) for operating theatres currently being negotiated. ^ Additional FTE funded for birthing units for Birthrate Plus implementation= approx. 141 FTE for Stage 1 and Stage 2 T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 2 1

WORKCOVER

O’FARRELL TO SLASH WORKCOVER As The Lamp went to print the state government was sharpening its knife for a massive attack on workers’ compensation. It is estimated that half of the 28,000 workers who currently receive benefits and medical expenses under the workers’ compensation scheme will be cut from the scheme. The rest will face a drastic reduction in their benefits. Bruce McManamey, speaking for the Australian Lawyers Alliance told the Sun-Herald: “It’s the kind of stuff that will result in injured workers losing their homes.” Currently, injured workers receive 100% of their ordinary pay for the first 26 weeks off work. Under the new reforms the most a worker could collect is 90%. After 13 weeks that would fall to 80%, before dropping to the statutory rate of $432 per week. This latest attack on another workers’ entitlement in NSW follows hard on the heels of a raft of anti-worker laws that have been introduced without notice or consultation. Barry O’Farrell told a business audience in March of his determination to attack WorkCover. “Getting WorkCover right – and

competitive – represents one of the most significant drivers of economic improvement within our control in NSW,” he told the NSW Business Chamber. Unions NSW says any problems with the scheme can be fixed without having a negative impact on the income of injured workers. “A number of changes can be made to the scheme to improve the way it operates, improves outcomes for workers and reduce the size of future liabilities,” it said in a submission to the government. “Instead of cutting benefits to badly injured workers, WorkCover should be implementing aggressive prevention strategies to avoid the catastrophic effects of a failure to provide a safe working environment. “There can be no doubt that if more injuries were prevented, this would limit the increase in future liabilities for the scheme.” Unions NSW recommends there be more inspectors and workplace visits and more prosecutions of unsafe employers.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: • Contact your state MP to oppose any changes that disadvantage injured workers. • Download (from the NSWNA website) a resolution for your branch to vote on and return the outcome details to Unions NSW and a copy to the Association. • Check the NSWNA website or contact the Association for further information.

“excess” employees forced out Any nurse that becomes “excess” after 30 April 2012 will be subject to a new NSW Health policy directive, bringing nurses into line with changes that were implemented for the rest of the public sector in August 2011.

If an employee is unsuccessful in obtaining a permanent position during the three-month period they will forcibly be made redundant. This redundancy payment will be paid at a lower rate as per the NSW Employment Protection Act.

Under the new policy, if a nurse’s position is declared excess they will be offered a voluntary redundancy. They will have two weeks to accept or reject the redundancy. If accepted, the redundancy package will be as follows:

These conditions are far less generous than conditions that apply for nurses made “excess” before 30 April 2012.

• 3 weeks pay for every year of continuous service up to a maximum of 39 weeks. • 4 weeks pay in lieu of notice. • Up to 8 weeks pay incentive payment. • An additional weeks pay for being over 45 years of age. Should an “excess” nurse reject the package she will have salary maintenance for three months. During this three-month period she must find a permanent position at a similar grade or within 5% of her salary.

2 2 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Those “excess” employees were placed in positions of similar or lesser classifications and were salary maintained either for three years or indefinitely, depending on the salary received at time of displacement. Employees declared “excess” before April 30 2012, and not placed in permanent positions, are offered an “incentivised” voluntary redundancy of $10,000, which must be accepted within the timeframe determined by the employer (normally two weeks). For more information go to: www.nswnurses.asn.au

BLOOD DONORS

UNIONS FOR TRANSFUSIONS Every donation of blood helps to save the lives of up to three people, according to the Australian Red Cross.

Brett Holmes, NSWNA General Secretary, at centre of a group of unionists at the launch of Unions for Transfusions.

IN A BID TO BOOST BLOOD BANK reserves, the Red Cross Blood Service and Unions NSW have launched a new campaign urging almost 700,000 union members to give blood during the next 12 months. NSWNA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, attended the launch of Unions for Transfusions and spoke about the importance of giving blood. “It’s easy and only takes an hour of your time,” Brett said. “It’s important to know that it is not only road trauma victims who require blood. Blood helps cancer patients, people undergoing emergency surgery, burns victims and those on renal dialysis.” In the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) haematology ward, almost a third of patients receiving treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer, need some type of blood product to aid their recovery. RPA Clinical Nurse Specialist, Eleanor Romney, told The Lamp that they would be unable to treat or cure cancer patients without blood transfusions, as high dose chemotherapy is only possible if patients have support during recovery.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

• Call 131495 to make an

appointment to give blood

• Join our Club Red Group:

www.donateblood.com.au whocan-give/club-red/join-group

• To win a prize sponsored by First State Super, go to www.unionsnsw.org.au/ donateblood

“In haematology, blood products are needed to support patients after chemotherapy while awaiting the recovery of their bone marrow,” the RN said. Eleanor says the transfusions are used to boost blood counts in cancer patients who need invasive interventions. “Administering blood products is a core element of the care we give to our patients – not a day would go by without at least

one of our patients having some form of transfusion,” she said. Eleanor says blood transfusions also provide cancer patients with symptomatic relief from the effects of their diseases, while supporting other patients after having stem cell transplants. “On a regular basis I see how important it is for people to donate blood. It makes a huge difference to patients’ lives.” The Red Cross Blood Service predicts that the demand for blood and blood products will rise 100% during the next 10 years. A third of Australians will have need of donated blood or blood products at some stage in their life. “At some point in most of our lives, a person you love will benefit from the incredible gift of another’s blood donation,” said Eleanor. “I think that donating blood is a truly altruistic action – you are doing something that can literally save someone’s life or help them receive the treatment they need to fight cancer. And you do it for someone you’ll probably never know.” T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 2 3

SYDNEY ALLIANCE

Alliance brings chance for change Westmead Hospital nurses are getting involved to improve local community services, through the NSWNA in partnership with the Sydney Alliance. WESTMEAD HOSPITAL CLINICAL Nurse Specialist (CNS) and emergency department (ED) nurse Emma Clarke told The Lamp she sees the Sydney Alliance as an important organisation for affecting real change. “The Sydney Alliance – through different community and professional bodies – gives you a voice and a channel to bring up ideas, which I think can only improve things for Sydneysiders,” Emma said. Formed in September last year, with the NSWNA as one of its founding members, the Sydney Alliance is investigating a broad range of issues affecting Sydneysiders including public transport, social inclusion, community support services and concerns with Sydney’s health system. “The Sydney Alliance is able to reach a lot more groups than just one professional body in particular,” Emma explained. “It’s a combination and that’s why I think it’s unique and has the potential to improve things for people, especially in Western Sydney.” Joining forces with GPs and local community groups are just some of the changes that ED nurses have already envisioned for improving health services in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). “There needs to be more collaboration between primary health, the needs of the community and the GPs,” Emma said. As an example Emma cited the average age of patients in the Westmead Hospital ED on the day she spoke to The Lamp: 80-years-old. “Services that are able to go to the elderly person’s home would be of greater benefit, rather than dragging them into an unfamiliar environment,” Emma said. Emma and other Westmead Hospital ED nurses told The Lamp that they see daily presentations to the emergency department when GPs or allied health services would have better suited the patient’s needs. “The way to improve things is by improving processes internally and externally,” the CNS said. “If more GPs bulk billed and more medical centres bulk billed, that would actually help to give people access to health care, rather than coming to an emergency department because they know that we’re a free service.” 2 4 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Emma Clarke and Daniel O’Flynn

Although Emma was optimistic about new government health reforms underway that focus on community health, she believes that a holistic approach needs to be taken in order to address issues within Sydney’s health care system. “They really need to make sure that community groups are pushing the message to their different multicultural areas and to focus, not so much on the blame, but the emphasis on what is working and to keep pushing the different channels where different types of health care can be gained. The hospital isn’t the be all and end all,” the ED nurse said. The Sydney West Local Health District has the largest number of refugees and migrants of all of NSW’s former eight area health services. More than half of Westmead residents were born overseas and 47.5% of those residents come from non-English speaking backgrounds, according to census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “There’s a lot of people in Western Sydney who aren’t speaking English as their first or second language, so that would be one barrier to getting people into community health care,” Emma told The Lamp. Local Westmead resident and ED nurse, Daniel O’Flynn, has worked in the WSLHD region for almost a decade and made the same observations as Emma. “I’ve noticed that there are a lot more

Indian people in the area than there used to be. There are also Japanese and different dialects of Chinese speaking people and it’s a growing demand that we have to have a look into,” Daniel told The Lamp. Daniel and Emma explained that some patients are delayed by up to three hours in the emergency department while waiting for an interpreter, which is why ED nurses are sometimes forced to rely on the patient’s family to obtain information. “We need to get interpreters for these patients and it’s hard to really diagnose what the problem is. From a medical point of view and getting down to the root cause of why they’re in hospital – it must be frightening for the patients. “Having interpreters more readily available would increase the flow of patients through the department, so you’re not waiting around for an interpreter to turn up so you can fully understand what’s going on with the patient.” Daniel is also in favour of a return to 24hour GP services, stronger multicultural networks and more community education focusing on promoting allied health care services in the WSLHD region. “A lot of patients come into emergency,” Daniel said. “Everyone’s sick and everyone needs to see the doctor and that’s fair enough, but there are patients that could wait to go and see a GP and that’s a growing number.”

Rolando: “I have to stay quiet and composed, and tell myself not to cry, not to feel sad, and just do my job.”

Lost in translation Cultural differences can lead to a dialogue of the deaf. THE NURSE WALKED AWAY IN disgust, appalled at the offence the patient had caused. The man, now wincing in agony as he sat on the emergency room bed, could not control himself from yelling any longer. The patient continued to point, as he loudly proclaimed to the hospital staff: “Suck it! Suck it!” To the untrained ear, the word Sakit in the Visayan and Tagalog dialects of the Philippines could easily be mistaken as an English language profanity, but for interpreter and translator Rolando Tan, his multilingual understanding was the key to unlocking the language barriers that were impeding communication. “The man had simply been trying to tell the nurse where the pain was on his upper thigh, and in that context, the word Sakit meant painful,” Rolando explained. “I’m able to bridge the communication problem between two parties,” Rolando said. “As an interpreter I’ve learned how helpless it can be for people who have little to no understanding of what’s being talked about. They cannot communicate and they won’t be able to let you know what they want to say.”

The 60 year old accepts a broad range of medical interpreting assignments throughout Sydney and also translates health care information for dissemination to multicultural community groups. “I get hired by the government and other agencies to go to different places like hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes and health care centres to interpret for refugees and migrants,” Rolando said. “No two days are ever the same.” Although Rolando finds his role as an interpreter rewarding, this father of three is

The Sydney Alliance brings together diverse community organisations, unions and religious organisations with the aim to advance the common good and achieve a fair, just and sustainable city. The Sydney Alliance is non-party political. www.sydneyalliance.org.au

also, at times, the bearer of bad news.“It’s sad when the client I’m interpreting for is dying or sick,” Rolando said. “I have to stay quiet and composed, and tell myself not to cry, not to feel sad, and just do my job.” It’s easier said than done, Rolando admits, as he recalls an emergency assignment during December last year when he interpreted for a patient who had suffered a heart attack. “I left the hospital with the message that the patient was waiting for their son and daughter to arrive from the Philippines.The following day, I met the social worker that had attended to the patient, who told me that the patient had died that night.The son and daughter had arrived that day, but their father had already died.” Rolando believes that time is of the essence in his line of work, especially in emergency situations where vital medical information has to be communicated both quickly and accurately. “I can understand how hard it must be for nurses in emergency wards who have to work fast without compromising patient care. I have a great deal of respect for their responsibilities and I enjoy working with them to achieve strong outcomes.” T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 2 5

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the frontline of patient care, you can use all the help you can get. NPS offer a range of medicine safety resources, so you can help your patients stay safe.

Find resources at nps.org.au/nurses

Independent, not-for-proďŹ t and evidence based. NPS enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

SUPERANNUATION

Abbott attacks industry super At the last count, 49 of the 50 strongest super fund performers were from the not-for-profit sector – yet Tony Abbott belittles them as a “gravy train” for union officials.

“The strength of the system is that it’s a joint initiative between representatives of employers and employees to manage retirement savings.” — Industry Super Network Chief Executive David Whiteley

OPPOSITION LEADER TONY ABBOTT

has staked out his territory for an attack on the industry super sector in the next federal election campaign, describing them as “a gravy train for union officials”. According to The Australian newspaper “the Opposition Leader took aim at the ‘venality’ of the links between unions and

super funds in his strongest sign that he wants to overhaul the sector and turn super into a major election issue”. Abbott has a long history of opposition to the industry super sector, with its model of shared corporate governance between employers and workers’ representatives. A year after becoming an MP in 1995,

he described compulsory superannuation as “one of the biggest con jobs ever foisted by government on the Australian people”. The opposition leader’s most recent attack was met by a chorus of criticism from leaders in the super sector. Industr y Super Network Chief Executive, David Whiteley, said industry funds, or other non-profit funds, made up 49 of the 50 strongest performers of the eight years to June last year. “The strength of the system is that it’s a joint initiative between representatives of employers and employees to manage retirement savings,” he said.“And the strength is evidenced by the performance data.” IDEOLOGICAL ATTACK Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees CEO, Fiona Reynolds, said Tony Abbott needed to get his facts straight and focus on what really mattered to the Australian public about super and the nation’s retirement incomes policy. “Mr Abbott’s view on super seems to be driven by ideology rather than what’s really going to benefit Australians in retirement,” she said. “The Coalition didn’t support super in the beginning, they didn’t support the increase in the super guarantee from 9 to 12 per cent, and now they want to dismantle the very funds that are serving their members so well.” Fiona Reynolds said all the performance data showed that industry funds had outperformed retail funds, year after year. This included research from the industry regulator, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), as well as from universities and rating agencies. Fiona Reynolds said it was ludicrous to label these funds as “union-controlled”. “This is just plain wrong as, by law, industry funds must have equal numbers of employer and employee directors on their boards. And, by law, they must act solely in the interests of their members, not in the interests of banks or organisations that are seeking to make profits out of the super system,” she said. “Furthermore, all board decisions require a two thirds majority of the board, which does not allow one side to dominate the other.” Figures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority show that industry funds are continuing to outperform retail funds with a 9% rate of return versus 6.5% in the past year, and 4.5% versus 2.9% over 10 years. Meanwhile, a new national poll has found that 75% of Australians support lifting superannuation to 12%. The poll of 1000 respondents was conducted by Essential Media. Of those polled, 35% thought the phase-in from 9% to 12% was too slow and 36% thought the phase-in was about right. T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 2 7

GO DIRECT DEBIT AND WIN

a luxury Sydney getaway

Convert n nver t from from Payroll P Deductions to Direct Debit or join the NSWNA Direct Debit to pay your fees for a chance to W WNA using D win a luxur luxurious stay for two at the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel at The Rocks, Sydney. This fabulous Direct Debit prize includes two-nights in a deluxe grand harbour view room for two at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Prize includes breakfast daily, a $50 food and beverage voucher, parking, a $300 gift voucher to spend for a treatment at CHI, The Spa, PLUS two tickets to any Sydney show of your choice to the value of $150 per ticket. Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, has recently refurbished 477 of its beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites so you will be experiencing a brand new level of luxury when you stay. The spacious new rooms feature purpose-built window seating, custom designed furniture and carpet and technological enhancements include universal plugs, an iHome dock and Bluetooth media hubs nc and sensor air conditioning and master lighting. Ideal for a relaxing weekend away. Visit www. dit shangri-la.com and information. sh anggri-la.com for for bookings bo

Here’s e’s how you can ca win

t t

PRIZE DRA DRAWN AWN W 1 30 JUNE 2012

Cancel ncel yyour our p payroll ayroll deductions ded and start paying your fees through direct debit and and you you will will go into thee lu lucky nto th cky draw draw and/or a Convince nvince yyour our ccolleagues olleagu to convert from payroll deductions to direct debit, and d yyou ou an and d each of your ccolleagues olleagues who switch to direct debit will go into the lucky draw. And/or nd/or Sign up a new w member member using the direct debit method of paying their fees, and you ou and and the the new member will will go go into int the lucky draw.

ot only only the the easiest easiest and and most most convenient convenient way way to to pay pay your your membership, memb bership, but but Direct debit is not issk yyour our m embership rom payroll payroll deduction deduction could coul u d win win you you a luxury lu uxxury holiday! holidayy! Don’t Don’t rrisk switching over from membership on the the job. job. protected on lapsing from changing anging workplaces. workkplaces. With With direct dir d ect debit debit you you are are always always protected ded from from our pplication for ms or Direct Dire Membership Application forms ect Debit forms forms can be downloaded download 95 1234 website www.nswnurses.asn.au. nswnurses.asn.au. Alternatively Alte ernatively call the NSWNA on 8595 859 (metro area) or 1300 367 962 (non-m (non-metro metro area) area) for more more information. information.

WISCONSIN

US nurses mobilise for rights International attention is focused on the US state of Wisconsin where public employees, including nurses, are battling an extreme anti-union administration.

2000 people braved below-zero temperatures to attend a candlelight vigil to mourn the anniversary of the passing of anti-union legislation. THE MID-WESTERN US STATE OF Wisconsin witnessed a massive show of

global support in March, for the right of public employees, including nurses, to negotiate terms of employment via their unions. The bargaining rights of Wisconsin public employees were ripped away under a “budget repair law” passed by an extremeright Republican legislature and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. The law affects thousands of Wisconsin nurses, including those who work in public health, jails and universities. It was a first step towards inferior working conditions, staff cuts and privatisation of public assets. Since the law passed last year, a unionled campaign has collected more than one million signatures to recall Governor Walker and hold a new election, which could happen in June. At the request of the global union federation Public Services International (PSI), the NSWNA and other foreign unions sent

representatives to the March mobilisation in Wisconsin. PSI is enlisting worldwide support for public employees in the US, who are under attack from several state governments. Thunderous applause greeted NSW Nurses’ Association organiser Michael Whaites when he took the stage at a rally of Wisconsin nurses, union representatives and members of the community in the city of Milwaukee. “When they heard that a union from New South Wales Australia had come to support them the response was phenomenal,” Michael told The Lamp. “More of a standing roar than a standing ovation.” Michael told the Milwaukee rally there were close parallels between what Governor Walker had done in Wisconsin and what the government of Premier Barry O’Farrell aims to do in NSW. “In Wisconsin, the governor took away public service workers’ rights to collectively bargain. In NSW Barry O’Farrell has significantly

weakened our industrial rights and is attacking award provisions that allow us to have a say in staffing issues such as ratios.” Michael said anti-union politicians justified the attacks on US workers’ conditions as essential to economic recovery. “Australia has not suffered through the ‘global financial crisis’ as the US and Europe have – in fact parts of our economy are booming.Yet we in Australia are also under attack, which shows these attacks are not an economic response, but an ideological one. “We know we share with the people of Wisconsin a fight for union rights, a fight for decent services, a fight for our communities. “That’s why we share one more very important thing – international solidarity and support; because your fight here in Wisconsin is our fight in New South Wales. “I’m here today to deliver a message of support to you, our fellow unionists, and a message to those whose ideologies place profit above the community – we are watching, we are fighting and we will prevail.” Michael also attended rallies in Madison, capital of Wisconsin, where around 2000 people braved below-zero temperatures to attend a candlelight vigil to mourn the anniversary of the passing of anti-union legislation. The following day an estimated 62,000 people turned out to mark the event. The crowd was buoyant in the knowledge that they have forced a Recall Walker election. Candice Owley, a Registered Nurse and president of the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, said the issue had “reinvigorated our members to stand up and fight back. “I remember when nurses worked three different shifts in one week,” she recalled, adding that because of collective bargaining, “nurses have been able to stand up and say what their working conditions should be like” and organise to improve them.

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 2 9

WISCONSIN

US nurses tell The Lamp Susan Schwegel, nurse, Milwaukee County Behavioural Health Complex: “It’s very important that nurses have the right to make their voices heard in mental health. Governor Walker is taking away this right and the right to a safe work environment.We need a governor who represents all of us, not just corporate greed and money people.”Asked if she had any advice to NSW nurses who might face similar attacks on working conditions, Susan said:“Stay together as a group – strength in numbers will prevail regardless of what country you live in.”

WHAT WISCONSIN NURSES LOST A law signed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker eliminated collective bargaining rights for 175,000 public employees including nurses. Under the law their unions are permitted to bargain for wage rises only, with any pay increase capped at the consumer price index – a measure of inflation. Unions are prohibited from bargaining for items such as sick leave, transfer and promotion rights, health and superannuation benefits, holiday pay, health and safety, and overtime. Payroll deduction of union dues by public sector unions is prohibited. Unions representing public employees must hold a recertification election every year to show that the union has sufficient support. The union will be decertified if it does not receive the support of at least 51% of all employees in the bargaining unit, regardless of how many actually vote. This means that employees who fail to vote are counted as a “no” vote. The Republican legislators who wrote this law would not be in office if held to the same standard electorally.

3 0 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

what’s at stake in Wisconsin A civil right to organise All persons have the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests. UN Declaration of Human Rights, Article 23(4)

Jeff Weber, psychiatric nurse, Milwaukee County Behavioural Health Complex: “The governor is now trying to remove 64,000 needy children from our state health care program. It’s been a year-long battle to get our human rights back but we’re not giving up.”

United States’ unions have been stripped of many rights in recent decades, through the rewriting of labour laws. They now face an unprecedented assault from a radicalised Republican right, using legislation to deny collective-bargaining rights and membership. Developments like Wisconsin’s anti-worker laws have prompted a growing movement to enshrine the “right to organise” in US federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act – the landmark 1964 law that outlawed discrimination against African Americans. Academics Richard D. Kahlenberg and Moshe Z. Marvit are among those who argue that Americans ought to have a “civil right to organise”. Writing in the New York Times they note: “From the 1940s to the 1970s, organised labour helped build a middle-class democracy in the United States. The postwar period was as successful as it was because of unions, which helped enact progressive social legislation from the Civil Rights Act to Medicare.” The authors identify “the greatest impediment to unions” as “weak and anachronistic labour laws”, adding: “It’s time to add the right to organise a labour union, without employer discrimination, to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, because that right is as fundamental as freedom from discrimination in employment and education.”

Bonnie Pedraza, nurse, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Centre: “Our governor is trying to take away our collective bargaining rights, he’s trying to silence the unions. Having a collective bargaining agreement allows us to speak up on behalf of our patients.We need our unions to help us get safe conditions for health care workers as well as our patients; to ensure that nurses are not fatigued through overwork. Patient-to-staff ratios are very important to performing our jobs effectively. If the patient load is too heavy we cannot meet our patients’ needs.”

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 3 1

Partner with Medox for the life of your career

For more information on nursing with Drake Medox please contact our team on 1300 360 070, and quote ‘the LAMP’ or visit us at www.drakemedox.com.au.

Why do nurses love working with Drake Medox? Because we care for our nurses and are focused on rewarding great performance and loyalty to help us retain the best talent. As a Drake Medox nurse you are rewarded with: ¬ An exclusive rewards program – real rewards for every hour worked ¬ Personalised 24 hour service ¬ Free training and education ¬ Free designer uniform ¬ A variety of roles across all specialities temporary & permanent ¬ Flexibility of shifts

Quality legal advice for NSWNA members 2 Compensation and negligence claims 2 Motor vehicle claims 2 Wage loss claims 2 Industrial and Employment law

2 First Free Consultation for all members 2 Discounted rates for members on all matters 2 Free Standard Wills 2 No win – no charge*

Call the NSWNA on 1300 367 962 and find out how you can access this great service. Offices in Sydney, Newcastle and visiting offices in regional areas (by appointment). *Conditions apply

3 2 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

DON’T PUT YOUR NSWNA MEMBERSHIP AT RISK! The State Government could at any time stop payroll deductions. As a matter of urgency please convert to the Direct Debit or Credit method of paying your fees.

BE PREPARED. CHANGE TODAY. Download, complete and return your Direct Debit form to the Association.

www.nswnurses.asn.au Alternatively call us on Metro 8595 1234 or Rural 1300 367 962 Authorised by B Holmes NSW Nurses’ Association.

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 3 3

SOCIAL MEDIA

Nurses are on the frontline of health care – and at the cutting edge online! See what the New South Wales Nurses’ Association and nurses throughout the state are up to via our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

Make yourself heard on Facebook New South Wales Nurses’s Association www.facebook.com/nswnursesassoc Aged Care Nurses: Time to Act for Better Pay www.facebook.com/timetoact4betterpay One2four the way to safe patient care www.facebook.com/safepatientcare

Tweet us NSW Nurses @nswnurses

Watch us on YouTube NSW Nurses

Brett Holmes, NSWNA General Secretary, at centre of a group of unionists at the launch of Unions for Transfusions.

Unions for Transfusions

www.nswnurses.asn.au/news/38911.html The launch of Unions for Transfusions was popular, with photos and YouTube footage of the launch getting lots of views. One commenter pointed out that he was unable to give blood because he is gay, despite this policy having been reversed in the UK and elsewhere.

Itchy issue of contact dermatitis

nursesfornursesau.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/occupational-contactdermatitis.html A link to a Safe Work Australia study showing that health workers are at high risk for contact dermatitis obviously struck a nerve with nurses – it got plenty of thumb-ups.

Thumbs up for GetUp

www.nswnurses.asn.au/news/39151.html

What you “liked” on Facebook this month

“Doesn’t matter wot facility it is, they r all understaffed and underpaid for wot we do.An AiN gets less an hr than someone working at maccas or checkout chick”.

Also getting the thumbs-up was the call to help get a GetUp ad, featuring nurses asking the Treasurer to put money from mining into the health system, onto Australian television screens. Though it also attracted some controversy, with one Facebook commenter saying the money should instead go into infrastructure for remote mining towns. There was also a Tweet telling us “As a former nurse I support you, but I won’t support the GetUp platform. Bad vehicle for a good policy.”

Nurse TV

admin.nswnurses.asn.au/topics/38055.html West Wyalong outrage

www.nswnurses.asn.au/news/38915.html The case of the West Wyalong aged care facility that cut staff then decided to reclassify beds as low care, aroused plenty of indignation on both our NSWNA and Aged Care Nurses: Time to Act for Better Pay Facebook sites. Commenters were “outraged” “saddened” and thought it “very concerning”. But as one nurse pointed out: “Doesn’t matter wot facility it is, they r all understaffed and underpaid for wot we do. An AiN gets less an hr than someone working at maccas or checkout chick”.

3 4 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Links to our YouTube videos continued to prove popular on both the Association’s Facebook page and Aged Care: Time to Act for Better Pay Facebook page. We published links to a series of short interviews with aged care nurses: Kodemi, Lisa, Diane and Sharon.

Threat to ratios The following link to footage of Brett Holmes, talking about the campaign to retain staff-patient ratios, which look to be under threat from the O’Farrell Government, also proved a winner.

http://bit.ly/HAjAIR

The Edith Cavell Trust

Scholarships for the academic year 2013 Applications for the Edith Cavell Trust Scholarships are now being accepted for 2013. Members or Associate Members of the NSW Nurses’ Association or the Australian Nursing Federation (NSW Branch) are invited to apply. Applicants should meet one of the following criteria: 1. Student nurses undertaking full-time courses leading to initial registration as a nurse or midwife. 2. Registered or enrolled nurses who wish to attend:

an accredited clinical nursing education course of six months or less, either full-time or part-time; an accredited nursing conference or seminar relevant to applicant’s clinical practice. 3. Properly constituted nursing organisations, faculties or schools of nursing or registered or enrolled nurses wishing to: attend full-time, relevant postbasic studies at an approved institution for a period or periods of more than six months;

undertake an academically approved research program in the theory and practice of nursing work; conduct or fund a relevant professional or clinical nursing educational program. Applicants must be currently

registered with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia. Applicants must use the official Edith Cavell Trust application form. Details of the Edith Cavell Trust Rules are available on request and will also be supplied with the application form.

For further information or forms, contact: The Secretary – The Edith Cavell Trust 50 O’Dea Ave, Waterloo, NSW 2017 T Mrs Glen Ginty on 1300 367 962 E gginty@nswnurses.asn.au W www.nswnurses.asn.au – click on ‘Education’

Applications close 5pm on 31 July 2012

Enrolled Nurse State Conference 2012 The Enrolled Nurse Professional Association NSW are pleased to invite you to the 19th Enrolled Nurse state conference being held in Sydney at the Mercure Hotel. The conference is organized by ENPA enabling delegates to discuss and disseminate information to other nurses, forge friendships and networking with colleagues.

HIGHLIGHTS • What is there for EN’s in the Future? • Surgical Nursing • Mental Health • Working with an Injury

WHEN & WHERE 20th –21st September, 08.00–09.00am for registration Mercure Hotel, 818–820 George Street, Sydney Members $220 for both days. Non Members $250. Dinner $45 per person.

ENQUIRIES & REGISTRATION Please direct all enquiries and registrations to: Enrolled Nurse Professional Association PO Box 775 , Kingswood NSW 2747 , Tel: 1300 554 249 Rebecca – rjroseby@gmail.com Employers requiring an invoice contact Roz – garozn@optusnet.com.au

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 3 5

NURSE UNCUT

WHAT’S HOT ON NURSE UNCUT? Fixing aged care, older workers and stereotyping (Part 4), safe patient care at risk, posthumous award for murdered nurse, and the history of the NSWNA. Read all the latest at www.nurseuncut.com.au

Hot topics Fixing aged care: “We have to give nurses more time to interact with patients”

www.nurseuncut.com.au/fixing-aged-care-we-have-to-give-nurses-more-time-tointeract-with-residents/ Nurses at Columbia Aged Care Services want to build on the benefits delivered by their first enterprise agreement, with a decent pay rise and reduced workloads. “When residents are uncooperative and aggressive you need time to sit down with them and calm them down. We have to give nurses more time to interact with residents to gain their confidence and reassure them.” Check out the full blog at Nurse Uncut. International Nurses Day competition Win two nights in the Hunter Valley in our next Nurse Uncut competition! Send a photo of yourself and your colleagues celebrating International Nurses’ Day (12 May) by 25 May. Look for full details on the blog.

Do you know the history of the NSWNA?

www.nurseuncut.com.au/do-you-know-the-history-of-the-nswna/ From 1899, the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association organised nurses professionally, but it was controlled by doctors and did not see its function as improving working conditions for nurses. Two nurses, Evelyn Nowland and a Miss Clancy, began working separately on the idea of a union for nurses and were brought together by the redoubtable Jessie Street, who saw the improvement of nurses’ wages and conditions as a feminist cause. Their efforts were rewarded when the NSW Nurses’ Association was registered as a trade union in 1931. Read the full story at Nurse Uncut.

What nurses are talking about? On the ‘I Support Nurses’ Facebook page

Older workers, technology, and stereotyping (Part 4)

www.facebook.com/NurseUncutAustralia

www.nurseuncut.com.au/new-series-older-workers-technology-and-stereotyping-part-4/

“We need more frequent visits from union representatives and more information about what the union is doing. RNs need to take the lead in their workplace to explain things to workers with a lower level of education and recent migrants, who sometimes do not understand the industry and the profession.” Agree? “AGREE!” “Yeah it’s all well and good for public nurses, but us private nurses are suckers 30 patients to 2 nurses, no wonder we are so tired. It’s a damn joke. APHRA have recently taken away my career. It should be illegal!” Elvie is 75 and works in aged care. Elvie says: “There is a culture in nursing homes. A lot of the RNs want to be the ‘boss’. It makes it very difficult for the carers.” Have you experienced the same thing? “In my 15 years as a trained nurse in aged care, the past few years the trends I have seen are unbelievable, and the odd RN does make it very hard for us to give the care that our aged population are entitled too, the catch phase is now ‘document, document, funding, funding’.

Perceived long-held stereotypes, such as frailty, inflexibility and a fear of technology, are pushing older workers towards premature retirement, according to a report by National Seniors, Stereotype Threat and Mature Age Workers. Elvie is 75 and works in aged care. Read her story at Nurse Uncut. Safe patient care at risk

www.nurseuncut.com.au/safe-patient-care-is-at-risk/ The NSW state government has flagged a second wave of attacks against the working conditions of public sector workers including nurses. Now, Premier Barry O’Farrell has accepted a new report, commissioned by his government, which advocates the removal of conditions such as ratios from your award. Read more at Nurse Uncut. Bravery award for murdered nurse – Bob Fenwick

www.nurseuncut.com.au/bravery-award-for-murdered-orange-nurse-bob-fenwick/ The awarding of a posthumous Australian Bravery Decoration to murdered Orange mental-health nurse, Bob Fenwick, is a fitting tribute to a man who bravely stepped in to assist a colleague and paid with his own life. Read the full story at Nurse Uncut.

36 | THE LAMP APRIL 2012

W Why hy settle settle on on a second second hand hand home home when NEW w hen you you can can have have BRAND BRAND N EW Brand Brand new new homes homes now now sselling elling a across cross N NSW SW JJust ust M Move ove In! In! Y Your our brand brand ne new wh home ome c comes omes c complete om mplete w with: ith: Stainless Stainless ssteel teel d dishwasher, ishwasher, c cooktop, ook top, o oven ven & rrangehood a nge hood

L andscaped ffront ro n t g a rd e n s Landscaped gardens

uality c arpet & ďŹ&#x201A;ďŹ&#x201A;oor oor c overing Q Quality carpet covering

awn tto L o ffront ro n t a nd rrear ear yyards a rd s Lawn and

ecorative llight ight ďŹ ďŹ ttings t ti n g s D Decorative

aths Decorative Decorative d riveway & p driveway paths

B lockout Holland Holla nd B linds** Blockout Blinds**

ide a nd rrear ear ffencing e ncing S Side and

Diamond Diamond ssecurity ecurit y do doors*** ors***

2m onths ffree ree h ome insurance insurance 1 12 months home

l y s c re e n s o na pe ning w indows F Flyscreens on allll o opening windows

P lus much much m ore Plus more

B&D door**** B & D rremote emote control control for for tthe he garage garage d oor* * * *

Enjoy peaceful, easy living Nestled beside a pr protected ro otected bushland bu ushland backdr backdrop ro op and conveniently located close to all that the Central Co oast has to of ffferr, Charterwood has a Coast offer, are through range of new homes that ar re rready eady to move into. As you walk thr ro ough ality our brand new designer home homes es you can see and feel our high qua quality n living solutions inclusions and moder modern s and imagine the peaceful co coastal oastal lifestyle you deserve.

New living in a much loved town Ravensworth Heights bringss a fr fresh esh new style of living to historic histo oric Goulbur n and represents represents the he best choice in af fffordable new living. livving. Goulburn affordable th This newly created offers a created neighbourhood, neighbourhood, set on a gentle rise of ffers f large selection of high qualit quality ty designer homes complete with many exceptional ďŹ nishing features. features. e

A fresh frresh e new addr ress e s address for living youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love The Ridges at Elderslie is a sanctuary for those who ar are e looking lookin ng stle and bustle and build a vibrant yet y hustle to escape the everyday hus rrelaxed elaxed future future in Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ss South S West. West. Here Here you can make yo your our selection fr om our impressive impressivve range of moder n designs, all quality qu from modern uality built, inside de and out, out and planned to suit al allll built beautifully ďŹ nished insi lifestyles and budgets - you â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd it all right her e. youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll here.

A pocket of tranquill ity in tranquillity the beautiful Hills Dis strict District Madison Place at SchoďŹ eldss is a pr prestigious estigious new A AVJennings V VJenningss w is close to Rouse Hill. It of ffers f s designed and built estate which offers rresidents esidents a range of choicess in a well established community community,, close to excellent schools, rrestaurants, estaurants, facilities and services.

C Call all 131 131 878 878

VISIT OUR SALES & INFORMATION CENTRE TRE INFORMATION CENT 69 Clydesdale Str adalba Street, Wadalba eet, W ett â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 02 435 Phone Br Brett 4353 53 5269 Open Monday 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm T uesday, Wednesday, Wed Tuesday, dnesday, day & Su unday 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm Saturday Satur Sunday

VISIT OUR SALES & TRE INFORMATION CENTRE INFORMATION CENT Street Cnr Gibson Str eet & Geoghegan Drive, Goulburn Gou ulburn Phone Kaye Leigh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 02 4823 5366 Open Monday 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm hursday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday unday 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm Thursday T Su

VISIT OUR SALES & IINFORMATION CENTRE TRE NFORMATION CENT Street eet & Longley Long Cnr Irvine Str gley Avenue, Avenue, Elderslie Phone Carmel 4658 1388 Carmel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 02 4 Open Monday 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm Wednesdays Saturdays Wednesdays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturdays 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm Sundayy 10am p

VISIT OUR SALES & TRE NFORMATION CENTRE CENT IINFORMATION 3 019 276 Phone Car Carmel mel 0403 day Open W Wednedsay ednedsay & Satur Saturday pm 4:30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6p 6pm

avjennings.com.au av jen ning s.co m . au

to availability. availability. Additional Additional costs descriptions have have been time. Prices Prices sstated tated are are subject subject to costs for for stamp stamp duty, duty, utility utility connections, connections, statutory statutory requirements requirements may may be be incurred incurred pending pending location location of of property. proper ty. All All descriptions been prepared prepared in in good good faith faith and and with with due due care care however however may may be be subject subject to to change change without without notice notice at at any any time. Purchasers sshould hould iinform nform aand nspection, iindependent ndependent aadvice dvice oorr aass ootherwise therrw wise nnecessary urchase. ***On *On all all sliding sliding window window w and and doors, doors, excludes excludes entry entry frame frame sidelights garage doors. doors. ****One ****One remote remote control control and and Purchasers nd aassure ssure tthemselves hemselves bbyy iinspection, ecessary pprior rior ttoo ppurchase. sidelights and and external ex ternal garage garage doors. doors. ***Excludes ***Excludes external ex ternal access access garage one one motor motor to to operate operate the the garage garage door, door, installation installation completed completed after after settlement. settlement. Images Images are are indicative indicative only only ÂŽRegistered ÂŽRegistered T Trademark. rademark. Builders Builders Licence Licence Number Number 39168C. 39168C. ÂŠAVJennings ÂŠAVJennings Properties Proper ties Limited. Limited. ABN ABN 50 50 004 004 601 601 503. 503. A AVJNSW_TL VJNSW_TL

NURSING RESEARCH ONLINE

The Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing is a vehicle for nurses to publish original research and scholarly papers concerning all areas of nursing. Papers aim to develop, enhance, or critique nursing knowledge and provide practitioners, scholars and administrators with well-tested debate. The latest edition can be accessed at www.ajan.com.au

Occupancy data: unravelling the mystery Johanna Stevenson, Midwifery and Nurse Manager (NM), Women’s and Newborn Services. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH); Susan Anderson, NM, Cancer Care Services, RBWH; Kate Veach, NM, Internal Medicine Services, RBWH; Bette-Anne Hine, Nurse Unit Manager, Surgical and Perioperative Services, RBWH; Joan Webster, Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University; Lesley Fleming, Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Services, RBWH; Sonya Osborne, NM, Research Translation and Practice Innovation, RBWH, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queensland University of Technology.

www.ajan.com.au/Vol29/29-2_Webster.pdf Generally, nursing resources account for the majority of the operational budget in most acute care facilities.This is because appropriate nursing staff levels are integral to providing not only safe patient care but also suitable and sustainable workloads for nurses. Since ground-breaking research, published nearly a decade ago (Aiken et al 2002), researchers have continued to demonstrate strong links between nursing staffing levels and skills mix and patient morbidity and mortality. In addition, nurse staffing levels have been directly related to higher retention, less turnover and greater job satisfaction.A variety of methodologies worldwide have been described in the literature to justify and rationalise nursing resources. Despite the availability of several methodologies to estimate appropriate staffing levels, a dilemma for nursing management remains. The limited availability of validated, responsive measurement tools that adequately address nursing workloads, and also provide the transparency required to justify the nursing budget, remains.

A magnet hospital is defined as a facility that is a “good place to practice nursing; low turnover and vacancy rates; in a competitive locality” (McClure et al 1983). The features identified as forming the foundation of a magnetism are: participatory management; effective leadership; autonomy of practice; existence of quality care; collegial relationships; career promotion and education opportunities. Despite an increase in actual health workforce numbers, several trends are impacting on the availability and participation of health care workers in the workforce: ageing of the workforce; lower average working hours; and issues of job satisfaction. This has resulted in a considerable number of health professionals not practising in their profession. The health workforce demand is also impacted on by the increasing life expectancy of the Australian population and the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses. The use of the magnet hospital concept as a strategy to address these deteriorating trends is an option that warrants further exploration.There is considerable evidence, spanning two decades, to show the success of magnet hospitals in attracting and retaining nursing staff. These hospitals have also been shown to have consistently produced better outcomes for staff and patients than non-magnet hospitals.

Measuring “magnetism” in Australian nursing environments

Interaction between primary health care professionals and people who are overweight or obese: A critical review.

Joanne Joyce-McCoach, Department of Nursing, University of Wollongong; Professor Patrick Crookes, Head of Department of Nursing, University of Wollongong.

Matthew A.F. Walsh, School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat; Kathleen M. Fahy, Professor of Midwifery, Head of Discipline, Southern Cross University, Tweed Heads.

www.ajan.com.au/Vol29/29-2_Joyce-McCoach.pdf

www.ajan.com.au/Vol29/29-2_Walsh.pdf

Lessons learnt from the global research into the “magnet hospital” concept are significant to Australia, as a framework for addressing the immediate issues related to the recruitment and retention of professional nursing staff.

The epidemic nature of overweight and obesity has been extensively reported and acknowledged. The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity and the consequent increased incidence of associated chronic

3 8 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

disease are creating significant demands on health care resources. Primary health care professionals (PHCP) play a key role in recognition, diagnosis and management of overweight and obesity. However, the success of primary health care strategies to address the epidemic of overweight and obesity is limited. Some of this limited success can be attributed to the interaction between PHCP and people who are overweight or obese.The nature and quality of the interaction between patients and PHCP is a key determinant of the successful management of overweight and obesity. Consequently, a critical review was undertaken to examine the interaction between PHCP and overweight or obese patients, and the subsequent effect on management strategies.

OVoiD delirium and improved outcomes in acute care. Introducing a model of care. Anne Hoolahan, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Dementia, Northern Sydney Local Health District

www.ajan.com.au/Vol29/29-2_Hoolahan.pdf Delirium, in the acute patient, presents a challenge to the bedside care providers as the patients are often not able to be orientated to their environment, can become non-compliant and at times confrontational. Recent review of staff knowledge indicated that nursing staff were not aware that delirium is preventable and therefore did not implement preventive strategies. Staff believing delirium may be preventable, were not aware of preventative strategies. Research has reported a multifaceted approach to reduce and manage the incidence of delirium in acute care, but prompt access to this information is difficult.

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES THANK GOD FOR THE SALVOS EVERY WEEK. WE THANK GOD FOR YOU. DONATE NOW 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) salvationarmy.org.au

Graduate Gradua ate Certific Certificates cates

B k your place Book l no now ow 1 80 0 COLLEGE (26 55 34 43) 1800 343) www .nursing.edu.au www.nursing.edu.au

with "The College C of Kno wled dge" Knowledge"

Now accepting enr enrolments olmen nts for July semes semester ster Call us no ow! now!

Graduate Certifi Certificate cate courses commence in Ju July uly 2012

The College of Nurs Nursing sing cr eating nursing’s fut ture creating future Join us on Facebook/The Facebook/T The College of Nursing

Union Aid Abroad APHEDA APHHEDA

2012 Annual nnual Raffle Rafffle FIRST PRIZE TRAVEL $8,000 TRAVE EL VOUCHER

Take the holidayy of your dreams! SECOND PRIZE COMMUTER $1,399 COMMUT TER BIKE Chamonix Pure 7-Speed 7-S Speed Proudly sponsored by:

Above: A Burmese landmine victim undergoing underrgoing treatment at a Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA A supported health clinic on the Thai Burmaa border. border.

B BANK ANK FAIRER. FAIRER.

Order your tickets today! 20 tickets per book – $2 per ticket. To order

Call 1800 888 674 Email office@apheda.org.au Visit www.apheda.org.au Special book seller’s draw for a 2nd bike (Sell 3 books to qualify) Top book seller wins a $1,000 travel voucher Raffle closes Friday May 25, 2012. Winning ticket drawn June 7, 2012. T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 3 9

CROSSWORD

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 1

8 9 10 11

12 13

15 16 21

19 24

21 26

27 26

29 30 Across 1. Having one lobe 8. A thick pap 9. Typhus (4.5) 10. Brown pigment found in faeces and urine 11. Opposite 12. Carbohydrates abbrev (1.1.1) 13. Smooth, glossy skin 15. Act resulting in things being united 16. Without alternative system or pathway 21.Vertical axis 24. Measles 25. Relating to the uterine tube 26. Relating to the ilium 27. Projection on the ear opposite the tragus 28. Transparent or colourless 29. Epinephrine 30. Mucous or watery discharge

4 0 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Down 1. Lacking awareness 2. Capable of modifying one or more immune functions 3. Sense of smell 4. Small air cells of the lungs 5. Resembling a cube 6. Intrathecal (1.1) 7. Advocating or engaged in activism 8. Itchy eruptions of the skin 14. Nurse classification (1.1) 17. Tool for polishing the surface of a dental restoration 18. Overlapping, like shingles 19. Absence of testes 20. Skin eruption occurring as a symptom of a disease 22. Away from a nerve axis 23. Tongue-tied 27. Winged

BOOKS

BOOK ME

REFERENCE TITLE*

Foundations and Adult Health Nursing (6th ed.) Maintaining Recovery from Eating Disorders: Avoiding Relapse and Recovering Life. Naomi Feigenbaum, with foreword by Rebekah Bardwell Doweyko, Jessica Kingsley Publishers (available through Footprint Books) RRP $24.95 ISBN 9781849058155

Barbara Lauritsen Christensen and Elaine Oden Kockrow, Mosby (available through Elsevier Australia) RRP $128.00 ISBN 9780323057288

www.elsevierhealth.com.au

footprint.com.au This guide makes a poignant attempt to inspire those who are in recovery from an eating disorder to have confidence and take responsibility for their choices, which in turn will change their lives. The book offers a wide range of survival skills including the practical aspects of recovery, how to confront triggers and work with a treatment team, the emotional hurdles and sustaining meaningful relationships.

The Evidence-Based Guide to Antidepressant Medications Edited by Anthony J. Rothschild, MD, American Psychiatric Publishing, United States (available through Footprint Books) RRP $101.00 ISBN 9781585624058

footprint.com.au This book provides a thorough overview of current knowledge regarding the use of antipsychotic medications to treat a broad range of psychiatric conditions, from anxiety disorders to schizophrenia. The text includes a number of useful tables pertaining to the topic and has been designed, in particular, for the clinician.

Fast Facts for the Critical Care Nurse: Critical Care Nursing in a Nutshell. Michele Angell Landrum, Springer Publishing Company RRP $30.00 ISBN 9780826107281

www.springerpub.com Fast Facts for the Critical Care Nurse is a pocket reference tool containing frequently utilised information presented in a “fast facts” format. Aimed at new nursing graduates and nurses considering the critical care area, the book covers basic assessment and procedural skills, medications, intravenous (IV) therapy, nutrition, wound care, sterile field set-up, and patient preparation. It also includes facts on the use of equipment for respiratory and cardiac care, along with troubleshooting tips for monitoring and mechanical devices. Also included is information on specific types of critical care units, while documentation, advance directives, organ donations, palliative and end-of-life care are also discussed.

Mosby’s 2012 Nursing Drug Reference: Everything You Need to Administer Drugs Safely, Accurately, and Professionally. (25th ed.) Linda Skidmore-Roth, Elsevier Mosby (available through Elsevier Australia) RRP $51.00 ISBN 9780323069175

www.elsevierhealth.com.au Mosby’s 2012 Nursing Drug Reference gives the reader the most complete information for each drug, including uses, side effects, and interactions. Key nursing considerations are identified to help assess, administer, evaluate, and teach patients, as well as instructions for giving drugs by various routes (e.g., PO, IM, IV).

Foundations and Adult Health Nursing, part of the popular LPN Threads series, is a comprehensive text that was developed to educate the practical/vocational nursing student and provide the knowledge required to care competently and safely for a wide variety of patients in various settings. Included is a companion CD depicting physiologic processes, physical assessment video clips, an English/Spanish glossary with definitions and audio pronunciations, an anatomy colouring book, and a fluids and electrolytes tutorial. *This book is not available for loan

The Tender Cut: Inside the Hidden World of Self-Injury. Patricia A. Adler and Peter Adler, New York University Press (available through Footprint Books) RRP $29.95 ISBN 9780814705070

footprint.com.au This book provides an extraordinary depth of knowledge into the dimensions of self-injuring and will increase the understanding of those who see self-injurers in their work and private lives. It is a collection of stories of struggle and pain mixed with stories of self-understanding, triumph, and redemption.

All books can be ordered through the publisher or your local bookshop. NSWNA members can borrow the books featured here, and many more, from our records and information centre (RIC). Contact Jeannette Broomfield gensec@nswnurses.asn.au or Cathy Matias 8595 2121 cmatias@nswnurses.asn.au. Reviews by NSWNA RIC Coordinator Jeannette Bromfield. Some books are reviewed using information supplied and have not been independently reviewed. T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 4 1

MOVIES

MOVIE OF THE MONTH TRISHNA Thomas Hardy would be surprised at the ending of this modern day adaptation of his novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, writes SUE MILES. Director Michael Winterbottom sets Trishna, his modern day, adaptation of Tess of the D’Urbervilles, in India, swapping England’s changing lifestyles brought about by 19th Century industrialisation with a newly emerging India. When her father loses his livelihood in a traffic accident, Trishna (Frieda Pinto) needs to support her family. She takes a job offered by the charming tourist Jay (Riz Ahmed), who works at his father’s hotel in Jaipur. Trishna flourishes working as a maid and is encouraged by Jay to study hotel management. She makes friends and gains confidence in herself. Jay talks her into moving with him to Mumbai, where they can live together while he pursues his dream of being a film producer. The perils of relationships emerge and their different class and values also become more dividing. Jay becomes more distant; Trishna wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. The music is lively and Bollywood. The cinematography beautifully captures the colours and textures of India. It is also a perfect setting for Hardy’s story, cleverly adapted to the present day in a society that is just now emerging from old traditions into the big bad world, much as Britain was doing when Hardy was writing in the 19th century. The character development becomes less believable as the film progresses. Trishna, an intelligent and capable woman, studying, earning enough to support her family could Only at the movies May 10TH also make a living as a Bollywood dancer. Under loves spell, she passively allows herself CINÉ FILES to be blindly led by Jay. A mixture of Angel and Alec from the novel, Jay shifts abruptly Trishna is Michael Winterbottom’s third Thomas from kind and generous to romantic charmer to aggressive and violent Hardy adaptation, after Jude and The Claim. Shot in Jaipur monster. and Mumbai, India, it Pinto and Ahmed play their scenes to premiered at the 2011 perfection and while the internal loathing is palpable, the chemistry between the two Toronto International characters remains strong, and makes up for Film Festival. gaps in the story. The film has a lot to say about the nature of relationships, especially where The Lamp has 10 in-season double passes to family responsibilities come into play. give away to Trishna thanks to Madman Films. This is a film worth watching. The first 10 members to email their name, membership number, address and telephone Sue Miles is a Mental Health Nurse at the RPA number to lamp@nswnurses.asn.au will win.

MEMBERS GIVEAWAY

4 2 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Nursing career opportunities exist now with Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC) to provide services to people with an intellectual disability. Large residences and specialist supported living facilities exist across the state of New South Wales. These facilities provide supported accommodation and specialist services to people who have an intellectual disability. Ageing Disability and Home Care have vacancies in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, North Ryde, Western Sydney and Western New South Wales. Expand your nursing knowledge and take up an exciting nursing opportunity in disability nursing.

Our large residential and specialist supported living facilities have full time, part time and casual positions available now for: • Registered Nurses (Salary package up to $78685) • Medically Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (Salary package up to $56525)

Successful applicants can expect to be provided a paid comprehensive work place induction. Learning and development staff provide ongoing education and support to large residence and specialist supported living staff. Vacancies and other details can be confirmed by contacting the nurse managers below: NEWCASTLE/LAKE MACQUARIE Helen Winning 02 4928 0844 CENTRAL COAST Bill Learmouth 02 4394 3702 WESTERN SYDNEY Sing Ting 02 9842 2314 ORANGE Michael Herbertson 02 6362 7153

• Enrolled Nurses (Salary package up to $53780)

SUMMER HILL Yvonne Turiano 02 9798 1100

• Assistant in Nursing (Salary package up to $44128)

NORTH RYDE Stephen Jankovic 02 9857 8002

Interested in finding out more about Careers in Nursing with Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) visit www.adhc.nsw. gov.au/careers/discover_career_paths/career_in_nursing

Palliative P alliative Car Caree Nur Nursing singg A Guide tto o Pr P Practice actice Third Third Edition Edited by Margaret O'Co O'Connor, onnor, Susan Lee and Sanchia Aranda Aranda Thoroughly updated, rewritten and revised this third edition offers ferss nurses and ng better ca re for healthcare professionals an evidence-based approach to providi providing care people in palliative care and a for those who love and support them. them m.

Available A vailable Now v w in Print and Digital Form Formats mats $

.95

Visit www w w..ausmed.com.au/bo ook Visit www.ausmed.com.au/book to Or Order rd der Online for $79.95 Download With Y o our Download Your Ausmed Ausme ed Membership

Just Published April - 2012

T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 4 3

DIARY DATES

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS SYDNEY, HUNTER & ILLAWARRA

ACI Musculoskeletal Network Forum

Critical Care Nursing course

4 May 2012, Kerry Packer Education Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown robyn.speerin@aci.health.nsw.gov.au www.health.nsw.gov.au/gmct/ musculoskeletal/index.asp

10 weeks, one night a week 26 April-28 June 2012, Sydney 6.30pm-9.30pm Call 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support 27-28 April/2-3 November 2012, Sydney 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

Anaesthetics and Recovery Room Nursing 18-19 May 2012, Sydney 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

Care of the Deteriorating Patient Seminar 15-16 June 2012, Sydney 23-24 November 2012, Newcastle 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

The “Alert” Course (TM) Acute Life-threatening Emergencies, Recognition & Treatment 27-28 July 2012, Sydney 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

Advanced Critical Care Nursing course 31 August -1 September 2012, Sydney 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

Anaesthesia and Post Anaesthesia Care Nursing seminar 19-20 October 2012, Sydney 03 9390 8011 info@criticalcare.edu.au www.criticalcare.edu.au

National Disability Insurance Scheme rally 30 April, 2012, noon Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

Two-day Presentation Skills Course 5 May 2012, Crows Nest, Sydney maureen@speakwithpresence.com

Illawarra International Nurses’ Day

Frontiers in Sports Physiotherapy 2012

Risk and Emergency Management for HealthCare 2012

What’s New, What Works and What Does Not 14-15 June 2012 Novotel Sydney, Brighton Beach Orthopaedic Research Institute, 02 9113 2830 www.ori.org.au

2-4 May 2012, University of London, London, UK www.eventsforce.net/urmpm

NSWNA Nursing and Midwifery Leaders Forum

Black and White Ball 12 May 2012, 6pm-midnight Grand Ballroom Fraternity Club, Wollongong Tickets $95pp on sale til 30 April Profits donated to the local area SES Glen Barrington 0402 000 841

7-9 September Plaza Hotel, Terrigal

Nurse Practitioner Professional Development Day

Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Conference (ACPIC)*

Hand in Hand Enhancing Health Care 17-18 May 2012 Coffs Harbour Showgrounds Sue Trotter 6562 2688 suetrotter@eastwest.net.au

BeBright Study Series 2012 General Continence Assessment and Management workshop Presented by Kylie Wicks CNC Continence/Spinal 29 May 2012 Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney Attract three RCNA CNE points. Cost: $65pp www.brightsky.com.au/Clinical_Education /BeBright_Study_Series_2012.aspx

Westmead International Update Conference 31 May-1 June 2012, Westmead Hospital Eileen McAvoy 0407 074 536

NSW Urological Nurses’ Society Education Day 1 June 2012, Burwood RSL Club Message bank (02) 9990 4148 urological_nurses@hotmail.com www.anzuns.org

Connecting with Neuroscience Conference 8 June 2012 St George Hospital Education and Research Centre Cost: $50 Jo McLoughlin 0422 418 255 melissa.tinsley@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

30 JUNE - 15 JULY 2012

Spring with the Kids - Paediatric Perioperative Seminar 15 September 2012 The Sebel Parramatta Claudia Watson 9845-2112 claudiw2@chw.edu.au

8-11 October 2012 Sydney Exhibition and Conference Centre 8204 0770 or conferenceinfo@ashm.org.au *Formally Australian Infection Control Association (AICA)

Bones on the Beach orthopaedic conference 13 October 2012 WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong Karin Tarne 02 4222 5811 karin.tarne@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au REGIONAL

12th Rural Critical Care Conference 24-25 August 2012 Dubbo RSL Club info@eastcoastconferences.com.au www.ruralcriticalcare.asn.au

INTERSTATE & OVERSEAS

International Conference on Integrative Medicine 13-15 May 2012 Jerusalem +41 22 5330 948 or Skype +41 22 5330 948 rlevy@paragon-conventions.com www.mediconvention.com

ICN 25th Quadrennial Congress Equity and Access to Health Care 18-23 May 2013 Melbourne Call for abstracts open 16 April Email submissions to: opensicn2013abs@mci-group.com www.icn2013.ch icn@mci-group.com

Counsellors and Psychotherapists’ Association of NSW Annual conference: Dimensions of Diversity 2-3 June, 2012 Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach Jodie Williams (02) 9431 8699 (02) 9431 8677 capa@conferenceaction.com.au

Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Consultation Liaison and Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Special Interest Groups 2012 Conference 7-8 June, Melbourne Carson Conference Centre, ANF House, 540 Elizabeth St Timothy.Wand@sswahs.nsw.gov.au www.acmhn.org/clsig-news-a-events.html

4th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium

Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Person

19-22 November Adelaide Abstracts by 23 July, 2012 Sarah Jones (07) 5502 2068 ruralhealth@anzmh.asn.au

1-2 May 2012 London 24-25 May 2012 Manchester

Assisting with Medical Procedures for HCAs 17 May 2012 London 13 June 2012 Manchester 26 November 2012, London bookings@mkupdate.co.uk or 017687 73030 Book online to receive a 10% discount www.mkupdate.co.uk

STTI European Conference 2012 Diversity Across Europe: Implications for Nursing 12-14 July 2012 Cardiff, Wales, UK www.sttiec2012.net

>> Continued overleaf

See an amazing Winte See Winter er scene at Hunter Va Valley alley G Gardens complete wit with th snow and ice sculp sculptures, ptures, have ha ave a go ice skating and take a toboggan n ride! · 114cm 1 High Polar Bear Ice Sculpture Sculpture Storytelling · Winter W · 15m 1 2 Skating Rink* · Make your own snowman or snow angell M · Snow Tubing S Tubing Toboggan To oboggan Race

· Snow Ball Thr owing Game Throwing · Winter Wonderland Wonderland o Treasure Hunt Treasure *Additional nal fee · Hunter Valley Va alley Gar dens T rain *Addition Gardens Train · Food and Beverage are fr ee after paid entry into the Gardens Gardens · All activities are free

M Hu Make a night of it and stay in the Hunter unter Valley Wine Country at Harriga Harrigan’s an’s Irish Pub & A Accommodation nigh ht midweek and $284 per night on weekends. just $204 per night This includes accommodation, breakfast and garden entry for 2. Terms & conditions apply. Based B on twin share.

Book Tickets online at www.hvg.com.au Phone 02 4998 4000 Broke Road Pokolbin 4 4 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

Fo For or bookings and inquiries pleas please se contact Ha arrigan’s on 02 4998 4300 Harrigan’s

Romant i c Adventure.. Tw Two o nights fro from m *

275

per person twin share sha are

*Conditions apply based on two personss sharing a *Conditions centre e and tu turbo rresort esort rroom oom with rrecreation ecreation centr urbo spa or surcharge $100 sur charge for spa lodge.

A MOUNT MOUNTAIN A TOP WILDERNE AIN WILDERNESS SS ESCAPE TO EXP EXPERIENCE ERIENCE Be captivated by tthe he Eaglereach Romantic Escape experience which includes two nights luxury accommodation with your h a bottle of sparkling white wine and a quality chocolates waiting in yo our room. Then a relaxing and revita revitalising lising massage massage,, hire of a discovery buggy to explore the resort, a la ca carte arte dinner one evening in our Eagle Eaglereach ereach Bistro and Yackatoon Yackatoon Bar with w a glass of Hunter wine & includes includes a country breakfast daily Unlim mited use of all resort facilities & activities a k daily.. Unlimited from mountain bikes to kayaks, internet kiosk & DVD library. library. Summer Hill Road, V Vacy, a y, HUNTER REGION, NSW acy p: 02 4938 8233 e: en nquiry@eaglereach.com.au enquiry@eaglereach.com.au www .eaglereach.com m.au www.eaglereach.com.au

Win a $2000 Shopper Travel holiday voucher*

How to enter Simply complete the online form at www.unionshopper.com.au/wintravel or complete the form in your 2012 Union Shopper Directory of Services.

It gets better Tell your friends and colleagues about this competition, and if they register as a result of your referral, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll both go into the prize draw. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive one additional entry into the draw for each eligible friend or colleague who signs up as a result of your referral. * For Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit www.unionshopper.com.au/wintravel Competition closes 30 June 2012

www.unionshopper.com.au/wintravel T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2 | 4 5

Upcoming Upcoming Nursing g Se Seminars eminars

DIARY DATES

June Ju ne 2012 2012 - S Sydney ydney

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS STTI 23rd International Nursing Research Congress Creating a Legacy through Nursing Research Innovation and Global Collaboration 30 July-3 August 2012 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane www.nursingsociety.org

Target group: RNs and ENs 9-10 May 2012, Lismore

7 - 8 Ju June ne

REUNIONS

Legal and Professional Issues for Nurses and Midwives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/2 day

This pr ogram aims tto refresh refresh program knowledge about de epressive depressive manife estation in illness and its manifestation older people.

Target group: RNs, RMs and ENs 11 May 2012, Tweed Heads 31 May 2012, Penrith

26 May 2012, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club Robyn Daniel 9644 9692 or Robyn Conliffe 9858 1102

Positive Change: Investing in Mental Health 6-8 August 2012 Call for Abstracts Outrigger Inn, Gold Coast, Qld www.anzmh.asn.au/conference

Practical, Positive Leadership â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 days Target group: All N/MUMs, CNS, CNC, Educators 16 May 2012, NSWNA offices, Waterloo

Sydney Hospital Graduate Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association 50th Anniversary reunion lunch 3 October Parliament House, Macquarie St Sydney Jeanette Fox, 4751 4829 bekysa@tpg.com.au

9th Tri-National (German Language) Psychiatric Nursing Conference Health promotion and health competency 4-5 October 2012, Vienna Call for abstracts (German only) until 30 March 2012 info@oudconsultancy.nl

10th International Conference for Emergency Nurses 10-13 October 2012 Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart TAS info@cdesign.com.au www.cdesign.com.au/cena2012

Are you meeting your CPD requirements? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/2 day Target group: all nurses and midwives 18 May 2012, Wagga Wagga 25 May 2012, Armidale

St George Hospital January 1982 PTS 30-year reunion October 2012 Date and venue TBA Leonie Edwards (nee Sherriff) leonieie@bigpond.com Lynne Roberts (nee Savins) lynne.roberts01@optusnet.com.au

Aged Care Seminar Series â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 day

NSWNA Events

Leadership Skills for the Aged Care Team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 days

Check venue location with Lyn Stevens on 02 8595 1234 or 1300 367 962.

Third International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector 24-26 October 2012 Vancouver, Canada www.oudconsultancy.nl/vancouver/vi olence/registrationandp.html

Collaborations and Innovations in Aged, Dementia and Psychogeriatric Care

Basic Foot Care for RNs & ENs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 days

Western Suburbs Hospital Graduate Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reunion

13th International Mental Health Conference

A L A R

N I M A M U O N O O M O R D D U A L N A N T A O D R E Y

L O L P F A D C T B I O I N D P I C N I T L A E N R E

B A L E V E H O L N I O A T B E N G E O R A V A A L L U

Basic Foot Care for AiNs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 day Target group: AiNs 25 May 2012, Port Macquarie

Target group: all aged care nurses 30 May 2012

EDUCATION DATES For more information on NSWNA Education Courses contact Carolyn Kulling

Target group: all nurses and midwives 3 May 2012, Shellharbour

(02) 8595 1234 Free call 1300 367 962 www.nswnurses.asn.au/topics/ 2761.html

Computer Essentials for Nurses and Midwives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 day

R U P E R U E R E I N G O E O L U I A N S G U U M I N D C

S C O U L B R O B C I O D E O A O B L I U C M R U B N S R I L I S I C H Y A E I T R H E

NOTICES Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan exhibition On display until 17 October Australian War Memorial, Canberra Free entry www.awm.gov.au

Crossword solution U N C O N S C I O U S

Target group Target group: RNs, ENs, AINs 24 May 2012, Bathurst

2012 NSWNA EDUCATION CALENDAR Appropriate Workplace Behaviour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 day

Target group: all nurses and midwives9 May 2012

1-2 November 2012 Abstracts: 25 May, 2012

Deprre Depression ession in n Later Lat er Life Liffe

Batemans Bay RSL Soldiers Club Beach Rd, Batemans Bay cath.bateman@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au 0417 276 489

I T C I F R G G L E C A R L U U

I L M I A N O R C H I S M

A C T I V I S T N L I S E N S E

E N G A T E X A N T H E M A

Breast Cancer Network Australia Annual Pink Footy & Netball Day 12â&#x20AC;&#x201C;13 May 2012 Local football and netball clubs across Australia www.bcna.org.au/events/key-fundraising-events/pink-footy-netball-day

2012 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Classic 13 May 2012 6.30am-12noon The Domain, Sydney Parramatta Park, Parramatta. mothersdayclassic.com.au

Managing smoking in people with mental illness NSW Health and Cancer Council NSW are working together to provide training and practical tools for nurses and others involved in the care of people with mental illness, around managing nicotine dependence. Training begins early 2012 and will be offered through Local Health Districts. www.health.nsw.gov.au/

10.5 10 0.5 CPD Hrs

Managing Chronic Managing Chronic Illnesss in Older Illnes Older People P eople 14 --15 15 Ju June ne

10 10.5 0.5 CPD Hrs

The aim of this semi seminar inar is to pr p ovide nurses with knowledge g provide and skills, which wil willl guide clinical decision-ma decision-making king when aged persons in the their ir care care present pr esent with one or more more chronic chronic conditions.

Chronic Chronic Kidney Kidney Disease Disea ase 10.5 10 0.5 CPD Hrs

21 -22 Ju June ne

an opportunity to fu further rther their knowledge about cu urrent bestcurrent practice car care e of a pe person erson who has chr chronic onic rrenal enal dis disease. sease.

Understanding Understanding Mental Ment al Illness Illness 25 - 26 Ju June ne

10.5 10 0.5 CPD Hrs

The purpose of this program program is to pr ovide general nurses nurses with provide information about mental m illness and disease so that they can improve impr ove their nursin nursing g car care. e.

Clinical Clinical Nursing Nursing Assessment Assessment Ski Skills lls 28 - 29 Ju June ne

10.5 10 0.5 CPD Hrs

The aim of this seminar semiinar is to

update their clinical assessment skills.

To vie view w mo more ore pr programs ograms a and nd tto o rregister: egis e ter: ausmed.com.au/register usmed.com.au/ o /register

4 6 | T H E L A M P M AY 2 0 1 2

ph: (0 (03) 03) 9326 9326 8101 8101

Are your workmates or friends members of the NSWNA? Why not ask them. And, if not, invite them to sign up. Like you, they need the security of belonging to a strong and dynamic union. Not only will you be building your union by signing up new members, you and a friend could win this fabulous cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. The more members you sign up, the more chances you have to win! Prize includes return airfares for two from Sydney, a seven-night cruise of the fabulous Barrier Reef in a stateroom on the beautiful Coral Sea Princess Cruises. Multi-award-winning Coral Princess Cruises will introduce the lucky prize winner to Australia’s most famous natural wonder: the Great Barrier Reef. With over 28 years’ experience and an unrivalled reputation for cruising excellence, their exclusive itineraries

DRAWN D R AWN 30 JUNE JU UNE 2012

showcase the very best of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands in total comfort and unmatched style. You’ll enjoy the hidden jewels of the Great Barrier Reef: the reef, ancient rainforest and secluded tropical islands most visitors never see. Exclusive reef moorings mean you won’t be surrounded by hundreds of other reef visitors – and the company’s small ships accommodate a maximum of just 44 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience. You can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you please. Explore remote coral cays, deserted but for a myriad of colourful tropical fish, peaceful tropical islands and primordial rainforests well beyond the reach of most visitors, or simply relax on the sun deck or in the open-bridge or spa and cruise serenely through some of the most aweinspiring scenery Australia has to offer. Coral Princess Cruises’ informative crew is always on hand to provide assistance and information about the fascinating reef life and habitats, and an experienced dive instructor can take you for an exhilarating introductory scuba dive, revealing even

more of this breathtaking world heritage-listed wonderland. Three, four and seven-night cruises depart Cairns and Townsville each week, all year round. A special 10% discount is available to NSW Nurses’ Association members on the company’s range of small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef, Western Australia’s Kimberley, Across the Top of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and New Zealand.

HURRY! Call the Association now for a recruitment kit and recruitment incentive scheme details. Phone 8595 1234 (metropolitan area) or 1300 367 962 (rural) or go to www.nswnurses.asn.au RECRUITERS NOTE: nurses and midwives can now join online! If you refer a new member to join online, make sure you ask them to put your name and workplace on the online application form. You will then be entitled to your vouchers and draw/s in the NSWNA Recruitment Incentive Scheme.

FREE ON ROAD COSTS ACROSS

THE WHOLE NISSAN RANGE^

YOU CAN OWN THE FOLLOWING NISSAN VEHICLES AT AN ALL TIME LOW

Micra ST

Tiida ST

FROM

$13,990

DRIVEAWAY†

$17,990

Dualis ST

X-trail ST

FROM

DRIVEAWAY†

$24,990

DRIVEAWAY†

$26,990

Maxima ST-L

Murano ST

DRIVEAWAY†

FROM

$31,990

$42,990

DRIVEAWAY

LANDER KIA BLACKTOWN Rio S

Cerato S

Car of the Year FROM

FROM †

$15,990

cars *

FROM †

$18,890

uide

Optima Si

Grand Carnival S FROM

$29,990

$38,990

Ask about Lander Kia’s Nurses Pack!

Purchase any new car during May and you’ll receive $500 Free Genuine Kia Accessories#

*Awarded to Kia Rio Si model. ^Private and Business Fleet buyers only. Includes 12 months registration, stamp duty and CTP. Excludes dealer delivery. Free on roads apply to new in stock Nissan vehicles only. Vehicles must be sold between 1st and 31st May, 2012. † Prices based on manual transmission. #$500 FREE accessories valid with every new Kia sold between 1st & 31st May, 2012. Offer not redeemable for cash. This ad must be presented at time of purchase. Vehicles are available at time of printing. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Offers end 31.05.12. MD20305 YPA9474

NISSAN & KIA 02 8014 4487 | 37 Blacktown Road | Blacktown www.landernissan.com.au

www.landerkia.com.au

Part of Australia’s Largest Motoring Group

www.ahg.com.au

ONLY 4 MINS FROM PROSPECT HWY TURN OFF ON THE M4