The Lamp February 2010 by NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association

lamp the

magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association

volume 67 no.1 February 2010

Print Post Approved: PP241437/00033

ENOUGH IS

ENOUGH! NURSES EXPLODE OVER BUDGET CUTS AND UNSAFE WORKLOADS

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ABOUT THE LAMP

C O N T E N T S

Contacts NSW NURSES’ ASSOCIATION For all membership enquiries and assistance, including Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office. SYDNEY OFFICE 43 Australia Street Camperdown NSW 2050 PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) F 9550 3667 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au W www.nswnurses.asn.au HUNTER OFFICE 120 Tudor Street Hamilton NSW 2303 ILLAWARRA OFFICE L1, 63 Market Street Wollongong NSW 2500

Cover story

lamp the

magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association

volume 67 no.1 February 2010

ENOUGH IS Print Post Approved: PP241437/00033

ENOUGH! NURSES EXPLODE OVER BUDGET CUTS AND UNSAFE WORKLOADS

Enough is Enough! Nurses explode over budget cuts and unsafe workloads 12

NSWNA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Noel Hester T 8595 2153 NSWNA COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Laura McDonald T 8595 1258 For all Lamp editorial enquiries, letters and diary dates: Editorial Enquiries T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnurses.asn.au M PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450

Cover Nurses and public rallying against NCAHS cuts.

News in brief

Building stronger communities

36 Thanks for working over Christmas 37 Sydney Alliance assembles for civil society

8 8 9 9 9 9 11 11 11 11 11

Thousands more nurses a year need to be trained ‘Between the Flags’ observation chart to be standardised across NSW hospitals Futuristic technologies to reduce nursing workloads Academics condemn maternity reform amendments Centaur nurses commemorated New appointment at CDNW Charitable SSWAHS nurses Divorce rates high among nurses Report highlights gender pay gap Nurses shine in ethics ratings Nurses prevent lethal prescribing mistakes Appeal for Haiti

Aged care 20 22 23 24

Community campaign saves nursing home Lend Lease bargains new Agreement Paid parental leave for Living Care staff Public sector nurses join aged care campaign 25 Report exposes problems in aged care 25 Because we care campaign activities 28 New aged care award cuts pay

Occupational Health and Safety 39 New OHS laws threaten nurses’ safety

NSWNA matters 40 NSWNA branch news

Lifestyle 42 Movie reviews

Regular columns 5 6 31 32 35 45 47 49

Editorial by Brett Holmes Your letters to The Lamp Ask Judith What’s hot on Nurse Uncut? Nursing research online Books Our nursing crossword Diary dates

Competition 30 Win a break to Port Stephens

Professionals issues

Special offers

26 2010 NSWNA Education Calendar

39 Win 25 double passes to Precious,The Woman with the Dragon Tattoo and A Single Man

THE LAMP PRODUCED BY Sirius Communications W www.siriuscommunications.com.au PRESS RELEASES Send your press releases to: T 9550 3667 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au THE LAMP EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Brett Holmes, NSWNA General Secretary Judith Kiejda, NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Coral Levett, NSWNA President John Lyons, Baradine MPS 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 ADVERTISING Patricia Purcell T 8595 2139 or 0416 259 845 F 9550 3667 E ppurcell@nswnurses.asn.au RECORDS AND INFORMATION CENTRE – LIBRARY To find old articles in The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNA library’s nursing and health collection, contact: Jeannette Bromfield, RIC Coordinator T 8595 2175 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au THE LAMP ISSN: 0047-3936 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. Subscriptions Free to all Association members. Professional members can subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate of $50. Individuals $73, Institutions $120, Overseas $130.

Go Direct Debit &

Win the trip of a lifetime to Alaska and Canada Start paying your NSWNA fees by Direct Debit for the chance to win an unforgettable trip for two people to stunning Alaska and Canada in 2011. Travelling with Spectrum Holidays, the itinerary for this unique escorted group tour will cover destinations such as Vancouver, Victoria, the Canadian Rockies, Northern British Columbia, Alaska’s Inside Passage, The Yukon, Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Anchorage. The prize includes return economy class airfares from Sydney with Air New Zealand and ﬂights within Alaska and Canada.

Our lucky Direct Debit winner and friend will explore the beautiful Inside Passage using the local Alaska Marine Highway ferries and sail through narrow sheltered stretches that the big cruiseliners simply cannot access. During the voyage, you will stop in wonderful little towns including Prince Rupert, Wrangell and Haines and undertake incredible sightseeing tours to AnAn Bear Sanctuary and the pristine wilderness of the Stikine River.

Here’s how you can win • cancel your payroll deductions and start paying your fees through direct debit and you will go in the lucky draw and/or • convince your colleagues to convert from payroll deductions to direct debit and you, and each of your colleagues who switch to direct debit, will go in the lucky draw and/or • sign up a new member using the direct debit method of paying their fees and you, and the new member, will go in the lucky draw.

3PECTRUM (OLIDAYS

Direct debit is not only the easiest and most convenient way to pay your membership, but switching over could win you a luxury holiday! Don’t risk your membership lapsing from changing workplaces. With direct debit you are always protected on the job. Membership Application forms or Direct Debit forms can be downloaded from our website www.nswnurses.asn.au Alternatively call the NSWNA on 8595 1234 (metro area) or 1300 367 962 (non-metro area) for more information. Information on tours2010 to Alaska and Canada are available at www.spectrumholidays.com or call Spectrum Holidays on 1300 130 840 4 THE LAMP FEBRUARY

E D I T O R I A L BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY

We’re at a tipping point g When our hospitals become unsafe, our responsibility is to act.

e have to read the signs. The mercury is ri sing, the envi ronment is com bustible and the warning signs are saying ‘danger’. I’m not talking bushfires. I’m talking about the state of our public hospitals. The end of 2009 saw nurses and communities combine throughout the North Coast AHS to say ‘enough is enough’ to the savage staffing cuts they believe imperil the safety of patients and nurses (see p12). This ‘uprising’ started at Lismore Base, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Tweeds Heads Hospitals as nurses took to the streets against budget cuts that have stripped back community health services and clogged up the EDs in these hospitals. Staffing numbers have been slashed and nursing leadership lost. At Kempsey hospital nurses have run a protracted and proactive campaign to win more staff, with rallies held (and more to come) to make their point. The State Government and NSW Health have repeatedly said no frontline nursing positions will be lost in our public hospitals. Despite this, the facts on the ground paint a completely different picture. This unconscionable trend to scale back nursing positions, usually by stealth, is putting the safety of patients and nurses at risk. When our hospitals become unsafe, our responsibility is to act. I applaud these nurses for sticking up for the health system they are so obviously committed to. These issues and problems are widespread. In fact they are systemic. Comprehensive research we have conducted for this year’s pay and conditions

The demands on nurses are getting worse. If nurses don’t take the lead to act, who will? campaign in the public health system confirms this (see p16). The results of this research are scary. The demands on nurses are getting worse, with increased work loads, staff shortages and rising patient acuity. There is more aggression from patients and their families. Nurses voiced concerns about how these factors impacted on patient safety and the safety of nursing staff. Many nurses say patients are ‘falling through the gaps’ because nurses are too stretched to deal with patient needs. These problems won’t fix themselves. The people who should be taking responsibility won’t. The State Government is in total disarray. The state opposition’s health policies are about a return to the past. The area health services are completely focussed on squaring their ledgers. The media is more interested in using health as a political football rather than facilitating

a sober debate that will lead to constructive solutions. When it comes to health, these loci of power have proved to be impotent, if not destructive. If nurses don’t take the lead to act, who will? Nurses have been brave and effective as they defend our health system at a local level. But the problem is systemic and we have to defend the system as a whole. The public health system pay and conditions campaign will be an opportunity to make our voice heard and to take action. We will need to be thoughtful, organised and disciplined. Every nurse will have to take part. But if we don’t take advantage of the once-every-few-years’ opportunity that this campaign will give us, then when will we? We are at a tipping point and things cannot be allowed to go on as they are.n THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 5

LETTER of the month

L E T T E R S

Janet Sutherland

Thank you, Brett To Brett Holmes: I’d like to congratulate your Union for the excellent leadership and subsequent success of your campaign to retain public ownership and operation of Wallsend Aged Care Facility (WACF). Wallsend Branch office holders such as Louise Howell and Bernard Ayton worked tirelessly with other staff, residents, their families, friends and the wider communities. Throughout eight months of campaigning, your local activists not only maintained their own efforts, they expanded the support base from staff and residents to include the local Wallsend community and then all the other local Lower Hunter communities. I thought I was already too busy before I became part of this campaign but I can only feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the staff of WACF, an opportunity that has restated for me my delight in the human spirit. It is a delight that comes from working with people who respect human dignity and put that respect into practical activity. Janet Sutherland (Maclean), Immediate Past President Newcastle Trades Hall Council and Past Country Vice-President, NSW Teachers Federation

Mandy Short

Visits from NSWNA executive good for morale

Self-interest pervades NSW Government

I wish to write in support of the ‘Roadshow’ the NSWNA put on in the NCAHS in October last year. NCAHS has so many issues it can be overwhelming. We know we are not alone with these issues but with a third round of FTE cuts coming, morale is at an all-time low. The fact that Brett Holmes and Judith Kiejda came to the country just to listen was a big morale boost. I thoroughly applaud this initiative because getting the NSWNA executive on the streets from time to time is fabulous for the membership. It is also a wonderful recruitment opportunity. Mandy Short, RN, Coffs Harbour Hospital and Secretary and Delegate Coffs Harbour Branch

On behalf of the Wallsend Branch of the NSWNA, residents, families and friends, we extend our sincere thanks to all the delegates and the NSWNA who supported our motion, which highlighted our dismay regarding the dismissing of Sonia Hornery from her position as a Parliamentary Secretary for (as reported) her opposition to the Government on some issues such as the proposed privatisation of the Wallsend Aged Care Facility. This is not only an insult to her, it is a slap in the face to the whole Hunter community. Does the NSW Government really believe the function of an elected representative is solely to pass on messages from above? We believe our parliamentary system is predicated on the need for a two-way process so messages can be relayed both ways. Wallsend Aged Care Facility has successfully and unanimously had resolutions of support to remain a public facility, passed at the NSWNA Council of Delegates, NSW Legislative Council, NSW Annual State Labor Conference, Newcastle City Council, and Cessnock City Council. Ms Hornery has been a true representative of her electors – taking action to support others, not for her own personal gain. This makes me question, today in politics, are the rights and entitlements of the individual to personal fulfilment increasingly valued above the rights of the community as well as their responsibilities to the community as an elected representative? Self-interest in sections of NSW Government appears to be steadily replacing the notions of pride in work, professionalism and service to community as the dominant driving force in human political activity. Louise Howell, RN, and on behalf of Bernie Ayton, Colleen and Natasha Flynn and Debra Robbs, Wallsend Aged Care Facility Louise Howell won the prize for this month’s letter of the month, a $50 Coles Myer voucher.

Every letter published receives a 10-week 7-day trial subscription to the Herald! Subscribe to the Herald today to save 37% off the newsstand price and enjoy the convenience of the paper delivered to your home each morning. Visit www.subscribe. smh.com.au/lamp for more details.

Melanie Lind

Keep fighting for EN rights I recently went to the enrolled nurse forum at Camperdown. It was excellent to get together with the ENs and discuss the current relevant issues of scope of practice, the new direction of EN education and industrial action being undertaken by the NSWNA. It’s great to see the NSWNA fighting for EN rights. It’s time we had a voice and get the recognition we deserve. Melanie Lind, EN, Hornsby Hospital 6 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

Louise Howell

The letter judged the best each month will be awarded a $50 Coles Myer voucher, courtesy of Medicraft Hill-Rom. For details on the range of hospital beds, trolleys, mattress & care solutions, please visit www.medicrafthill-rom.com or call (02) 9569 0255 *Proudly Australian Made*

Got something to say?

Send your letters to: Editorial Enquiries email lamp@nswnurses.asn.au fax 9550 3667 mail PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450 Please include a photograph along with your name, address, phone and membership number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.

Supervision of students is a burden I have concerns regarding the clinical education/supervision of nursing and midwifery students. These concerns include the following: c that many clinicians lack training for the clinical education role and the subsequent quality issues this raises; c that registered nurses/midwives are expected/required to incorporate this responsibility and work into their already busy workloads; c there is a whole education sector that is employed to educate these students; c that students are practising on patients, often with minimal supervision, and at times with questionable levels of theoretical education; c that registered staff are responsible for the practice of the students. I believe it is timely to review the notion that registered staff are required to provide the clinical education and supervision of students under the relevant

ORGANISERS

– SECONDMENT POSITIONS

Do you want to be involved and make a difference? ‘While doing my secondment at the Association I developed my skills in interpreting awards, advocacy for members and negotiating with senior management. I have gained confidence in negotiating with management as well as understanding processes with Procedural Fairness, preparing statements other aspects involved in supporting nurses.’ I feel this is going to be of advantage in my role as a union activist when I return to the workplace. I have more confidence when advising and supporting members as a result of my time at the NSWNA in my secondment as an Organiser.’ Maureen Bunt

Professional Codes of Conduct. I believe it is unfair to all concerned. That is, registered staff, students and patients. I believe it is timely to review the nursing student clinical education model and to invite practising nurses and midwives, as the major providers of this service, to contribute to the discussion. Many of my co-workers have signed this letter [names are available on request] indicating their support that this issue be placed on the agenda for public discussion. Pamela Griffith, Midwife. Editor’s response: There are currently a number of reviews of clinical education occurring. In recognition of some of the factors you have identified, an increasing volume of work is being done both at state and national levels to improve clinical learning for students and ensure that their clinical experiences provide quality education opportunities. The National Health Workforce Taskforce is working to improve the organisation and management of clinical placements for all health disciplines across Australia in consultation with the health and education sectors. This has included increases in funding for clinical education. The NSW Nurses’ Association is seeking applications from our membership for Organiser positions on a secondment basis, located in our Camperdown office. These positions allow applicants to develop the skills in the following areas to take back to the workplace. The role is responsible for: c the development of strategies to recruit new members; c advocating on behalf of members and interpreting Awards; c participating in workplace campaigns c responding to workplace industrial issues; c interpreting and applying industrial instruments in both the public and private sectors; c liaison with all levels of management. To be considered for this role you need: c a recognised nursing qualification; c a current NSW driver’s licence; c excellent written and verbal communication skills; c negotiation and conflict resolution skills; c to be computer literate and selfconfident;

The NSWNA has also been working with the Nursing and Midwifery Office (NaMO) and others involved in clinical placements from both the university and service provider sectors and other key nursing organisations to implement solutions to the problems affecting all those involved in the clinical placements process. Other projects, not solely related to the clinical education review, are seeking to address some of the issues you have raised, eg. the Essentials of Care project and reviews of nursing models of care. These projects indicate that in a context of decreasing patient length of stay, increasing patient acuity and changing skill mixes, the once prevalent model of patient allocation often exacerbates rather than alleviates these issues. Increasingly, team-based and shared care models of care, which better accommodate varied skill mixes, including students, and provide mechanisms that allow improved management of nursing care in many current environments are being implemented. The wider view of the profession is that registered nurses and midwives, as leaders and managers of care, must not abandon their responsibilities to develop the next generation of nurses. Instead, strategies and mechanisms that assist registered nurses and midwives in fulfilling these responsibilities must be implemented so the development of students is no longer regarded as burdensome but is seen as rewarding. c to be able to travel regularly and a commitment to improving the working conditions for nurses and midwives and to the Trade Union movement; c an understanding of industrial, political and health issues. What is a secondment? c A secondment is an arrangement made with mutual consent of your current employer and the NSW Nurses’ Association c A secondment with the NSW Nurses’ Association is for a period of 12 months c You will continue to be paid by your current employer which ensures that you maintain your continuity of service for the purposes of leave accruals and increments c On completion of the secondment, you will return to your substantive position with your current employer For further enquiries and an application information pack, please contact Robyn Morrison, Employee Relations Coordinator, by telephoning 02 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (country callers).

Applications should be received by 12 February 2010 and addressed to: Robyn Morrison • Employee Relations Coordinator THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 7 PO Box 40 Camperdown NSW 1450

N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

THOUSANDS MORE NURSES

A YEAR NEED TO BE TRAINED ustralia needs to train 7,000 more nurses every year for the next 15 years, according to a shelved Government report, even though cash-strapped hospitals already struggle to give existing students crucial experience with patients, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The report, obtained by the newspaper under freedom of information laws, calls for a big increase in university places while also noting that institutions are unable to take many more students because they cannot provide vital hospital training. The report, which is produced by the joint State-Federal National Health Workforce Taskforce, forecasts how many extra places are needed each year to train enough nurses, doctors and other allied health professionals to serve the population by 2025. The report forecast a shortage next year of 11,822 nurses. Jill White, Dean of the Sydney Nursing School at the University of Sydney, said the Government had known for a while that universities were unable to take more students because of the lack of access to patients in the courses. ‘What we need to do is open up more clinical training places in the public and private sector,’ Professor White told the newspaper. She said it was likely the Government would fund the extra places suggested by its taskforce, knowing that the universities were unable to take up the offers because of the shortage of clinical placements in hospitals. ‘They’ll probably offer them knowing they won’t be taken up. It’s a significant frustration for everyone.’

8 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

‘Between the Flags’ observation chart to be standardised across NSW hospitals

Futuristic technologies to reduce nursing workloads

Following recommendations made in the Garling Report, NSW Health Minister Carmel Tebbut has launched a standardised observation chart with a colour-coded warning system, which is to be implemented at all NSW hospitals this year. Dubbed ‘Between the Flags’, the chart dictates exactly what action staff must take when a person’s vital signs fall within the ‘yellow’ zone, which indicates early deterioration and the need for a clinical review, and the more critical ‘red’ zone, which calls for a rapid response. The system uses five key measurements to monitor patients: blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and drowsiness. The Between the Flags system was first developed at Liverpool Hospital 20 years ago. However, despite widespread implementation of the system in the US and Europe, it was only adopted at a handful of hospitals in NSW, simply because of a lack of will. The 2008 Garling public hospitals inquiry found that deteriorating patients was a ‘prevalent’ problem. ‘Detection and management of deterioration in a patient’s condition by hospital staff can be problematic, particularly where the problems occur overnight when patients are under the care of junior clinicians who may lack the experience to deal with the problem or are reluctant to wake a consultant,’ Peter Garling, SC, said. NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda said, while the NSWNA thinks the system would promote patient care, we need to ensure enough appropriately qualified people are on the wards to read the charts.

An additional $7.4 million will be spent on state-of-the-art technologies at the new Canberra Women and Children’s Hospital, currently under construction, to help reduce the workload of its hospital staff. Nurses will be able to request medications via a mobile phone text message sent to robots which will then retrieve and dispatch the medications via a network of pneumatic tubes, with a text message returned to the nurse when the medication has arrived. Blood samples will be sent to pathology in the same way, with results sent via text message, and patients will also be able to send text messages to nurses. ‘Under our current system, if a patient rings the bell because they want a drink of water, a nurse has to go from wherever they are to that bed. Then the patient says, ‘I want a drink of water’, and the nurse has to go out and get that. Under this system, the patient would send a text saying they want a glass of water and the nurse only has to do one trip,’ ACT Health Minister Katy Gallagher told the Canberra Times. Other features include more single-bed rooms, wider corridors in anticipation of robots transporting linen and food to wards in the near future, venetian blinds encased in the windows to prevent the accumulation of dust and germs and five-star green technology such as water capture and recycling and advanced sun shading and glazing. Ms Gallagher said that the additions were inspired by a recent trip to Scandinavian hospitals last August, where such technologies are already deployed.

Clarification In an article published in the Dec 2009-Jan 2010 edition of The Lamp (‘Community nurses win paid travelling hours’, p22) it was stated that the Federal Court ruled that the employer (SOS) must enter into a new Agreement with the NSWNA before April 2010.

That statement is not correct. As part of a settlement of the Federal Court proceedings brought by the NSWNA against SOS it was agreed that the parties would negotiate a new Enterprise Agreement for employees to vote on and that this new Agreement would replace the existing SOS Nursing and Home Care Enterprise Agreement 2007.

ACADEMICS

CONDEMN MATERNITY

REFORM AMENDMENTS

enior midwifery research academics, including 19 professors and associate professors of midwifery, have signed an open letter raising serious concerns about the newly-proposed amendments to Health Legislation (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill and the Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill. Writing on the Crikey website, Professor Lesley Barclay, head of the Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health at the University of Sydney, and Sally Tracy, Professor of Midwifery Research at the University of Sydney, lambasted the amendments, calling them ‘ill-informed’ and ‘in conflict with current regulation of the practice of midwives’. As reported in the October 2009 issue of The Lamp, the amendments – pushed for by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) – tie midwives to working under medical doctors and effectively outlaw home birth. ‘We and our colleagues are surprised and disturbed that pressure from a union [AMA] rather than our medical colleagues has persuaded the Government to make changes that are not informed by evidence, but appear to be based on protection of income and power,’ Professors Barclay and Tracy said. ‘The proposed amendment creates a real risk that qualified, competent midwives will lose their licence to practise – at a time when we have acute shortages of qualified midwives in many areas of Australia.’

Centaur nurses commemorated

New appointment at CDNW

The NSWNA acknowleged the placing of a commemorative plaque on the Centaur wreck near Brisbane last month. Five NSW nurses – Helen Haultain, Myrle Moston, Evelyn King, Edna Shaw and Doris Wyllie – were among the 11 nurses and hundreds of seaman, medical staff and ambulance personnel lost when a Japanese submarine torpedoed the hospital ship off the Queensland coast on 14 May 1943. Of the 332 people on board only 64 survived, while 268 perished. The only surviving nurse, Ellen Savage, was also from NSW. NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda said the nurses are an inspiration to all nurses and did their profession proud. ‘They all sacrificed their own safety and comfort to accept the challenge of providing patient care in tough and demanding circumstances. That is what nursing is all about. In this case 11 of them, including five from NSW, lost their lives in the pursuit of that objective. ‘For 36 hours, the sole surviving nurse, Ellen Savage, also overcame her own injuries and pain to provide care for other survivors on the open seas,’ said Judith. According to the Australian War Memorial: ‘Although badly hurt herself, Sister Savage concealed her injuries and gave what help she could to the other survivors ... For her “conspicuous gallantry” Sister Savage was awarded a George Medal.’ Judith called on people to be inspired by the nurses’ bravery. ‘I hope that many people, especially young people looking to do something challenging with their lives, will look at the example of these brave nurses and consider following them into a nursing career.’

Professor Patrick Crookes has been appointed the new Chair of the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (Australia & New Zealand). Professor Professor Crooke, who is Dean, Patrick Crookes Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Wollongong, replaces Emeritus Professor John Daly from the University of Technology, Sydney, in the role.

Sister Ellen Savage was the only surviving nurse on the Centaur.

Charitable SSWAHS nurses Nurses working in the Sydney South West Area Health Service have raised thousands of dollars for charity by donating one dollar of their pay each week. The Workplace Giving Program has been running for a little over 12 months in SSWAHS workplaces and the funds raised thus far have gone to child immunisation clinics run by Médecins Sans Frontières in Chad and Ghana. All nurses and midwives are encouraged to make the small donation each week. However, the choice is kept confidential.

The funds raised thus far have gone to child immunisation clinics run by Médecins Sans Frontières in Chad and Ghana. ‘The program was a joint initiative between the Area Health Services and the nursing staff. We wanted to make a difference and we felt that making the donations a low weekly sum would make it more achievable,’ said Operations Nurse Manager at Canterbury Hospital Jennifer Cubitt. ‘The uptake has been a little slow so far, but a lot of nurses already donate money to other causes,’ said Jennifer. The donated money is managed by a steering committee, and all donations are tax deductable. THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 9

ARE YOUR WORKMATES OR FRIENDS MEMBERS OF THE NSWNA? Why not ask them and if they aren’t, sign them up. Like you, they need the security of belonging to a strong and dynamic union.

DRAWN 3 0 J UN E 2010

Not only will you be building your union by signing up a new member, you and a friend could win this fabulous Hong Kong holiday. The more members you sign up, the more chances you have to win!

THE PRIZE INCLUDES • Return airfares for two ﬂying Virgin Atlantic • Five nights’ accommodation at the Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel • Return Airport Express Link transfers • Delicious seafood dinner on Hong Kong’s Lamma Island • Explore the city with a 24 hour MTR rail pass. HURRY! Call the Association now for a recruitment kit and recruitment incentive scheme details. Ph: 8595 1234 (metropolitan area) or 1300 367 962 (non metropolitan area) or go to www.nswnurses.asn.au

10 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

N E W S I INN BBRRI IEEFF

DIVORCE RATES Report highlights

HIGH

AMONG NURSES urses and others who work in the caring professions are more likely to separate from their partners than those working in noncaring professions, according to research published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology. Linking occupations with divorce and separation rates, the study found that nurses face a 28% chance of their relationships ending prematurely. This compared with an 18% chance for journalists, 17% for librarians and dieticians, and 10% for dentists, pharmacists and chief executives.

’Those involved in the caring professions experience a high level of break-up.’ Dai Williams, a chartered occupational psychologist and member of the British Psychological Society, told Nursing Times the nature of the caring professions made it difficult for relationships to succeed. ‘Those involved in the caring professions experience a high level of break-up. This might be because they spend too long caring for other people at the cost of their own families, or because they are naturally sensitive people who are more vulnerable and sensitive in their own relationship.’ Agricultural engineers had the lowest chance of divorce at just 2%, while the highest were dancers and choreographers at 40%.

gender pay gap

The growing gap in pay between men and women is put under the spotlight in a House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment and Workplace Elizabeth Broderick Relations’ report. Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, welcomed its release, saying it yet again highlighted the urgent and overdue need to close the growing gender pay gap. ‘One of the most important reforms proposed in this report is the elevation of the principle of equal pay for work of equal or comparable value from a “good to have” to an “unambiguous obligation”,’ Commissioner Broderick said. She noted that the Making it Fair: Pay Equity and Associated Issues Related to Increasing Female Participation in the Workforce report provided further evidence of the systemic and worsening nature of the problem in Australia. ‘It is refreshing to see this report recognise the gender pay gap as systemic gender discrimination that has lifelong impacts,’ said Commissioner Broderick. ‘At its core the gender pay gap is overt and direct sex discrimination.’ Reforms proposed in the report include significant changes to Australia’s industrial relations system, gender equality legislation and gender equality mechanisms, as well as specific changes that could benefit women working in low-paid occupations. It includes recommendations for the introduction of a positive duty on organisations to respect and implement a woman’s right to equal remuneration and the obligation for organisations to report regularly and transparently on the gender pay gap.

Nurses shine in ethics ratings Nurses in the US have come out on top for the seventh year in a row in Gallup’s annual Honesty and Ethics of Professions survey. The USA Today/Gallup poll rates the honesty and ethics of workers in 21 different professions, with 84% of

Americans calling nurses’ honesty and ethical standards ‘high’ or ‘very high’. Meanwhile, on the local front, an independent national survey of more than 1,000 people, commissioned by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland, revealed that doctors and nurses are rated as Australia’s most trusted professionals. Just under half of those surveyed (46.76%) chose doctors as the most trusted professionals with nurses coming in second at 20.74%, except in Tasmania where nurses pipped them to the post.

Nurses prevent lethal prescribing mistakes Nurses, along with pharmacists, are regularly correcting doctors’ mistakes with prescribing medication, according to a study commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK. It found that 1,077 errors were detected in 124,260 medication orders checked on seven ‘census days’ in 19 acute hospital trusts in North-West England, a mean error rate of 8.9 errors per 100 medication orders. All grades of doctor, including consultants, made prescribing errors and the highest error rate (10.3%) was in foundation year two doctors. ‘Doctors relied heavily on nurses and pharmacists to identify and correct errors,’ the study said, with some junior doctors believing these ‘safety nets’ were so efficient they did not need to worry too much about their errors reaching patients.

Appeal for Haiti Following the devastating earthquake that hit the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, a city of three million people now live displaced, without adequate food, water and suitable shelter. At a recent meeting of the NSWNA Committee of Delegates (COD), delegates collected $1,500. Members can do their bit by donating to the relief efforts via Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA. All funds raised in the Haiti Appeal will be directed to relief efforts being undertaken by the Canadian Auto Workers and other Canadian unions. Contact Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA: 1800 888 674 or email: office@apheda.org.au More information can be found at the APHEDA website at www.apheda.org.au THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 11

C O V E R S T O R Y

Frustration sets tone for pay campaign ver summer, nurses and communities have combined across the NCAHS to say ‘enough is enough’ to the savage staffing cuts they believe are threatening patient safety.

Comprehensive research conducted by the NSWNA also reveals a clear message that staff shortages, budget cuts and increasing workloads are putting patient safety and nurse safety at risk. Throughout the state nurses are saying ‘enough is enough’ and things cannot be allowed to go on as they are. The NSW Public Health System Award expires at the end of June, which means the NSWNA will be running an important pay and conditions campaign this year. Members’ concerns about staff shortages, budget cuts and an unsafe workloads risk will be at the forefront of our pay campaign. We are continuing consultation with members, as we craft our claim for this year’s award. In this month’s Lamp we look at what nurses have been telling us so far with their actions on the ground and through the commissioned research. 12 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

Enough g North Coast nurses and community rally for safe patient care.

undreds of nurses and community members attended rallies at four major North Coast hospitals to protest against severe budget cuts across the North Coast Area Health Service. These budget cuts have resulted in the loss of hundreds of nursing and allied health positions, which nurses say is putting patient safety at risk. Rallies were held on 9 December at Lismore Base, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads Hospitals to highlight the alarming impact of savage staff cuts on patients and nurses. Gil Wilson, CNC and Branch Secretary at Lismore Base Hospital, said nurses took to the streets to show how bad things are in the NCAHS. ‘Things are so bad nurses called on the community to help. Due to savage budget cuts, nurses believe they do not have enough staffing to deliver a level of safe patient care,’ he said. ‘The NCAHS is putting budget over patient care. The cuts are really starting to bite. Workloads are heavier than ever and nurses are worried about patient safety.’

NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes (forefront, left) told Coffs Harbour nurses and community that the NCAHS is disgraceful.

is enough! ‘Things are so bad nurses called on the community to help. Due to savage budget cuts, nurses believe they do not have staffing to deliver a level of safe patient care.’ Gil Wilson, CNC and Branch Secretary at Lismore Base Hospital

The budget cuts have resulted in: a big reduction in community health services; c overcrowding and increased waiting times in local Emergency Departments; c a reduction in hospital bed numbers across the NCAHS; and c an increased need for patients to travel to gain essential treatment. NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes said: ‘So far the AHS has been able to reduce its staffing positions by 230 and it is working on removing another 170 positions. Directors of c

Nursing are struggling to keep up services now. The loss of more nursing positions will make things even worse. ‘For example, in community nursing, which was supposed to be strengthened with the introduction of the so-called surge beds, there are 30 vacancies at Coffs Harbour-Clarence alone. There is an estimated 80 to 100 community nursing vacancies across the entire Area Health Service. This is disgraceful given the assurances everyone was given when the hospital beds were reduced and replaced by these ‘surge beds’.

‘As for the surge beds, this idea has degenerated into nothing more than a straight bed cut in many cases. Surge beds are in place at Ballina, Macksville, Maclean and Murwillumbah, but they are struggling to find nursing staff to open them at short notice. Continued page 15 c THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 13

NURSES SHORT FILM

MAKERS Send your ﬁlm in by 26 February 2010

The closing date will not be extended Nurses Short Film makers are now putting the finishing touches on their films for selection and screening in the 2010 Nurses Short Film Festival. Audiences, particularly nurses and midwives, are eagerly waiting to see the films selected for screening in the 2010 festival. The 2009 films, many of them quite confronting and covering a wide range of issues, were screened across NSW and were a huge hit with audiences. The 2010 winners will be announced following the screening of the Nurses Short Film Festival to be held on the Monday 10 May 2010 at the large NIDA Parade Theatre, Kensington.

Don’t miss out! Details of how you can purchase your tickets to this gala event are available on our website www.nswnurses.asn.au

14 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

C O V E R S T O R Y

Enough is enough! ‘The reduction in community services also has a direct impact on Emergency Departments, with presentations increasing. This is especially true for mental health presentations. Many general patients are waiting on trolleys for up to 48 hours and mental health patients for up to 72 hours. ‘Local nursing leadership is also being lost at many facilities, with only one Director of Nursing over each of TweedMurwillumbah, Lismore-Ballina, GraftonMaclean and Port Macquarie-Wauchope. Kempsey will be the only site left with its own Director of Nursing,’ said Brett. NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda told nurses and community members at the Tweed Hospital rally she has a message for NCAHS management: ‘Enough is enough’. ‘We are not going to take this

constant erosion of our health service for another minute. How dare these bureaucrats make judgements based on the bottom line and not on clinical need. How dare they put patients at risk and expect nurses to front up to work every day and deliver safe patient care with fewer and fewer resources. ‘How dare they put in place initiatives such as surge beds where they effectively close local beds and hope against hope that should we need to open those beds they’ll be able to find suitably qualified nursing staff at a moment’s notice, and if they don’t find staff they just expect those already on duty to carry the load. ‘Nurses have been carrying this system for a decade or more but now we are entering seriously dangerous territory – positions have been cut left,

‘How dare they put patients at risk and expect nurses to front up to work every day and deliver safe patient care with fewer and fewer resources.’ NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda

right and centre – many of those are frontline positions. ‘Our members are increasingly concerned about their ability to continue to provide safe patient care with the current allocated resources,’ said Judith.n

Have your say on the disgraceful budget and staff cuts by the NCAHS on Nurses and community rally against budget cuts at Lismore Hospital.

www.nurseuncut.com.au THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 15

C O V E R S T O R Y

Kempsey nurses and community take to the streets.

Kempsey demands safe g Nurses and community members take to the streets; 5,000 sign petition demanding one more registered nurse per shift in ED.

SWNA Kempsey Hospital Branch has launched a campaign to demand one more Registered Nurse per shift for the hospital’s overloaded Emergency Department. Kempsey nurses took to the streets and called for public support for their case, after the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) refused for two years to address nurses’ concerns over inadequate staffing. The campaign was launched with a public rally on 26 November, and more than 5,000 Kempsey community members have signed a petition demanding one more Registered Nurse per shift in ED. 16 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

A candlelight vigil was held on 16 December and a public march on 27 January to highlight nurses’ grave concerns that the under-staffed ED poses a serious risk to patient safety and erodes their ability to deliver high quality care. ‘It’s bedlam all the time in ED; nurses have an incredible workload and are at breaking point,’ said Di Lohman, RN and Branch Secretary at Kempsey Hospital. ‘But our real concern is patient care and safety.’ ‘We’ve had a serious staffing problem in ED for two years, after the NCAHS increased beds but didn’t increase staffing. Last year we had 22,000 presentations, up from 16,000 in 2008, and an extra four beds were opened – but

we have had no extra nurses. There is no RN for triage,’ said Di. ‘We have high levels of Indigenous presentations at Kempsey – 14%, compared to the State average of 3%. Indigenous patients have more complex health needs than the general population. ‘We have higher trauma presentations than Port Macquarie Base Hospital, which has three times the number of nurses in ED,’ said Di. The dispute has been dragging on since the NSWNA initially took the NCAHS to the Australian Industrial Relation Commission over workloads issues two years ago. The NCAHS dragged the case on and on by demanding endless data and

Photo courtesy of Macleay Argus

Candlelight vigil for ’one extra RN per shift’.

staffing in ED ‘It’s bedlam all the time in ED; nurses have an incredible workload and are at breaking point. But our real concern is patient care and safety.’ Di Lohman, RN and Branch Secretary, Kempsey Hospital

‘Kempsey nurses working in ED have had enough. We have lost dedicated, qualified nurses. Nurses just can’t keep on working in such a stressful environment. ‘Kempsey is a busy regional hospital and we deserve to be resourced properly. ‘We are asking the community to get behind nurses; we’re asking them to write delayed responses. After months of frustration and delay the claim was so outdated the NSWNA withdrew its case from the Commission and the Branch took it to the community.

to the Health Minister, their local MPs, and NCAHS CEO Chris Crawford,’ said Di. At the time of printing, no response had been received from NCAHS CEO Chris Crawford and the NSW Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt to the public petition and hundreds of letters from the Kempsey community.n

Have your say on the campaign for extra staff for Kempsey ED on

www.nurseuncut.com.au THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 17

C O V E R S T O R Y

Research reveals unrelenting pressure g NSWNA research reveals a picture of issues and concerns for nurses, helping form priorities for our up-andcoming public health system pay campaign.

t’s going to be a big year for nurses and their Union as a pay and conditions campaign in our public health system looms and as we turn up the heat for a better deal for the aged care sector. Late last year the NSWNA conducted a series of focus groups, a comprehensive online survey of all members and Branch meetings to listen to your opinions on a

POSITION VACANT

PROFESSIONAL

OFFICER (MENTAL HEALTH) The NSW Nurses’ Association is a trade union, which represents the industrial, professional and legal interest of nurses and midwives in NSW. We seek a creative and self–motivated nurse for this permanent position who has experience in the mental health sector and is aware of the contemporary issues challenging nurses in this sector. 18 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

range of relevant issues from the impact of the global financial crisis on nurses’ lives to contemporary life at the coal face of the health system. Here is some of what you told us.

THE IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN Few nurses have experienced any personal impact from the economic downturn. Some nurses report extra household stress due to their partners losing shifts or jobs and have become more cautious about spending. Some older nurses have lost money on superannuation. In the workplace nurses recognise that the economic downturn had added to the financial pressure on the health system and as a result there are fewer available resources (both equipment and staff). Nurses say they face constant demands from management to meet shrinking budgets.

Essential Criteria The successful applicant should hold recognised qualifications in the field of nursing. You should possess at least five years’ experience, preferably at a senior level, in mental health and have an understanding of trade union issues. It is essential that you have the ability to network with key stakeholders in mental health at a senior level and be proficient in policy analysis, review, development and implementation and have demonstrated project management skills. The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate their ability to work independently as well as part of a team, be able to meet deadlines and manage several issues simultaneously. High level written and oral communication skills are essential.

c 54% of nurses feel they are coping on their current incomes, while 24% are finding it difficult, with only 22% claiming to be living comfortably on their current income. c There is pessimism about the year ahead with 40% of nurses believing their personal financial situation will deteriorate either a little or a lot within the next 12 months. On the other hand, over half believe the economy will improve. c Over three-quarters of nurses felt either fairly or very secure in their jobs. c 40% of nurses feel the economic downturn has made the NSWNA more relevant to them.

You must hold a current driver’s licence and be able to travel occasionally. You will be eligible for registration with the NSW Nurses and Midwives Board and possess postgraduate qualifications in nursing or relevant field.

The Application Process Please read the information below on how to apply for this position. Applications will only be accepted from candidates who follow this process.

How to apply for this position: Please email Robyn Morrison, Employee Relations Coordinator at rmorrison@nswnurses.asn.au or telephone (02) 8595 2138 to receive an Employment Application pack which includes an NSWNA Employment Application Form and a Professional Officer Position Description.

Applications should be received by 19 February 2010 to: Robyn Morrison, Employee Relations Coordinator NSW Nurses’ Association PO Box 40, Camperdown NSW 1450 or via email: rmorrison@nswnurses.asn.au

HOW & WHEN TO GET INVOLVED

The NSWNA will be holding several forums, meetings and training days throughout February for public health system manager members to have a say about the new award, or learn how to get involved more effectively. c c c c c

THE PRESSURE COOKER WORKPLACE

16 February, Forum for NUMs at NSWNA premises, 5pm. 17 February, Forum for NMs at NSWNA, 5pm 25 February, Forum for NMs at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, 5pm. 11-12, 24-25 February, 3-4, 11-12, 17-18 March, ‘Safe Patient Care and Your Workload’, Branch Official and Activist Training (BOAT). Organisers will also be visiting many public hospital facilities.

WORKLOADS THREATEN SAFETY

‘[If] you don’t have ‘If I could change the materials, you can’t anything it would be the do your job.’ nurse to patient ratios The demands on nurses are getting and the skill mix.’ worse with increased workloads, staff shortages and rising patient acuity. Nurses reported a rise in aggression from patients and their families and a focus on budgets and ‘task-oriented nursing’ rather than patient care.

‘If the health system was my husband I would have divorced him long ago.’ Nurses voiced concerns about how these factors impacted on patient safety and the safety of nursing staff. Many nurses say that patients are ‘falling through the gaps’ because nurses are too stretched to deal with all patient needs. The survey revealed staunch support for the NSWNA to be a strong voice for the nursing profession and as an advocate for adequate staffing levels and skill mix.

c 76% of nurses think it is extremely important and another 19% very important that the NSWNA is a strong voice for the nursing profession. c 72% thought it extremely important and another 20% very important that the NSWNA advocate for adequate staffing levels and skills mix. c Improved staffing levels is seen as the most effective way to improve workloads.

The research indicates that the current public health system workload tool is of limited effectiveness in dealing with workload issues. Only 12% of nurses know of the workload committee in their workplace achieving anything within the past 12 months; 27% were unsure if their workplace even has a workload committee. c 61% of all nurses surveyed believe that staffing levels are insufficient at their workplace. c Only 59% of nurses believe their workplace is safe or mostly safe given the staffing levels. c 28% of nurses believe that the skill mix was not good enough on most shifts and 58% of these felt that patients were either mostly or always unsafe.

WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR AGED CARE CAMPAIGN Aged care nurses feel under-valued by the public and the wider nursing profession. They do feel recognised by nursing home residents and their families. They stay in their jobs because they are committed to their work and care for their patients.

‘I love my job and I care about the people there. It’s my second home.’

c 90% of aged care nurses are aware the NSWNA has been running an aged care campaign. c Around two-thirds of aged care nurses feel the Because we care campaign has been effective in promoting the relevance of the aged care sector and improving recognition for aged care nurses. c 75% of aged care nurses believe that an Enterprise Agreement is extremely important or very important.

LOYAL TO YOUR UNION The survey indicates strong levels of interaction by members with the NSWNA and general satisfaction with the Union’s work and the level of communication. Relatively high levels of members had called the Association by phone (52%), spoken with an official from work (48%) or attended a workplace meeting (46%) in the past year. There was a high level of awareness and satisfaction with key NSWNA campaigns, with the Your Rights At Work the most popular.

c 37% of members thought it was extremely important and another 35% very important to belong to the NSW Nurses’ Association. c 77% of nurses believe their Union dues represent fair, good or excellent value for money. c 17% were extremely satisfied, 45% very satisfied and 28% fairly satisfied with the Your Rights At Work/Nurses Rights At Work campaign. c In the past year virtually all nurses (97%) have read The Lamp and 73% believe it to be extremely useful or very useful.n THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 19

A G E D C A R E

Community campaign saves nursing home g Government backs down on Wallsend privatisation

community campaign driven by nurses has forced the State Government to scrap plans to privatise the Wallsend Aged Care Facility near Newcastle. ‘To say we are very happy with the outcome is an understatement – we are ecstatic,’ said Louise Howell, RN and NSWNA delegate, at the nursing home. ‘This victory should give hope to other people in similar situations because it shows the community can make a difference if people believe in what they’re doing and don’t give up.’ The Government announced it would keep the specialist care facility in public ownership just before Christmas. It is still considering plans to privatise nine other homes. Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt said NSW Health had decided the Wallsend facility, and the Murrumburrah-Harden

nursing home in southern NSW, ‘did not meet all the evaluation criteria’ necessary for privatisation. However, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who broke the news to nurses and other campaigners, said: ‘It’s because of your assertiveness that the Government has listened to your concerns. You all deserve to give yourselves a big pat on the back and I’m very proud to make this statement.’ Louise Howell praised Ms Hornery for putting her political career on the line with her ‘unbelievably strong’ support for the community campaign (see box). Friends of Wallsend Aged Care Facility spokeswoman Janet Sutherland estimated that more than 20,000 people had supported the campaign in one way or another. A Newcastle resident and a former union leader, Janet is a veteran of a campaign to stop the closure of Wallsend Hospital in the early ’90s.

Though the hospital eventually closed, the site was kept for health services and the aged care centre was established, with a Hunter Area Health promise that the site would stay publicly owned and operated. Janet said the hospital was built on land donated by Newcastle Wallsend Mining Company with money raised by miners. ‘People feel very strongly about that Wallsend site because it belongs to us. It’s not something to be given away to a private provider,’ she said.

HOW THE CAMPAIGN UNFOLDED

’It became a huge campaign at a community level as well as a political level but it didn’t just happen overnight. The main thing is to make sure you have a core group of people to share the workload who believe that what they are doing is right. ‘We formed an alliance with “A Fair Go for the Hunter” – a coalition of five other community-based causes. That gave us a louder voice without losing our identity. ‘Once we made contact with one organisation we found they could put us in touch with plenty of others. ‘Once we gained momentum some of the radio stations came on board and were plugging us every other day. It was a domino effect.’ Louise said the need to keep the community informed was a key lesson from the campaign. Campaigners organised three community meetings, which took

suggestions from the floor and gathered contact details of hundreds of people willing to assist. ‘We set out tasks and goals based on community input and ideas and drew up action plans, stating what needed to be done, when, and by who,’ she said. ‘People were organised to drop flyers in letterboxes, collect signatures on petitions at shopping centres and write letters to media and MPs. ‘We had five different types of letters for supporters to sign and send to the Premier, Health Minister and other ministers. We got about 15,000 letters on different ministers’ desks in the past four months and bombarded politicians with emails, sometimes hundreds a day. ‘Families of residents were very important. They did a lot of work talking to local media, writing letters to the Premier and ministers. ‘We had t-shirts printed and set up

he Newcastle Herald described the campaign to stop the sale of Wallsend Aged Care Facility as ‘one of the Hunter’s most prolific and passionate’. NSWNA delegate at the facility, Louise Howell, RN, said: ‘The fact we had a really strong union base was vital – we couldn’t have done it without the Union’s strength, experience and connections. Special thanks to all the Union officials who helped, especially Brett Holmes, Ronelle Kiernan, Rita Martin and Nola Scilinato.

20 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

NSWNA Wallsend branch official Louise Howell, RN (forefront, left), presented Sonia Hornery, MP for Wallsend, with a petition demanding the protection of the district’s public nursing home from possible privatisation.

NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes said the Union’s branch at the nursing home had done a great job harnessing community support. ‘Residents of the facility need the high care that comes from the staffing ratios, breadth of staffing expertise and numbers that only a public operation can guarantee. There is currently no legislation that makes private providers have these safer staffing ratios and numbers,’ Brett said.

‘Wallsend residents have very special needs, including more than 20 young people with disabilities who need very individual and high-care services and care. There are elderly people too, with multi-faceted needs. There is also a psycho-dementia wing.

a website – www.save-wacf.com – where people could comment and contribute suggestions. ‘We held a picket line outside the facility for about 20 hours a week, with the aim of getting signatures on our petition – we eventually got more than 10,000 names. People would see our signs, stop, and take letters away to sign.’ Campaigners staged three rallies outside the gates of Parliament House in Sydney and organised a protest march to the office of the Minister for the Hunter in Newcastle. Nurses and relatives put their case to the Government’s ‘community cabinet’ meeting in Newcastle. The anti-privatisation campaign won support from four local councils, other unions, most local MPs and the NSW Greens which sponsored a successful motion in the NSW Upper House.

NURSES CONDEMN TREATMENT OF MP

‘The current services are flexible and adapted to these special needs. They are also free of charge to all residents. Most of the residents would have great difficulty finding a place in a private facility, let alone one that could provide the specialised quality care they need.’n

Have your say on the Wallsend win on

www.nurseuncut.com.au

meeting of more than 300 NSWNA delegates from across NSW voted to condemn the then Premier Rees for sacking Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery as Parliamentary Secretary. The Committee of Delegates’ resolution said Ms Hornery’s dismissal was punishment for her opposition to privatisation in the Hunter region, ‘particularly her strong and unswerving support to keep Wallsend Aged Care Facility in public hands’. The delegates said Ms Hornery should be rewarded for her efforts to represent residents of the facility who included the most vulnerable in the community. ‘Ms Hornery has worked tirelessly with the nurses at Wallsend, and the local community to oppose the sale of Wallsend Aged Care Facility. She is an extremely hard-working and

well-respected MP, and punishing her for standing up for the community she represents reflects poorly on this Government,’ the resolution said. Ms Hornery said she was delighted by the decision to keep Wallsend public and thanked fellow local MPs Matthew Morris (Charlestown) and Kerry Hickey (Cessnock) for their strong support in parliament on the issue. Louise Howell RN, the NSWNA delegate at Wallsend Aged Care Facility said: ‘Sonia paid the ultimate price for not towing the line within the Labor Party and standing up for what the community wanted.’ NSWNA organiser Rita Martin said Ms Hornery’s tireless work for the campaign contrasted with a lack of support from Newcastle MP and Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay, who refused to even meet with the Union. THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 21

A G E D C A R E

Lend Lease bargains new Agreement g Lend Lease Primelife signs off on new Enterprise Agreement.

SWNA members have approved a new Enterprise Agreement with Lend Lease Primelife that wins a raft of benefits including top pay increases for around 1,000 nurses in 13 facilities across NSW. One of the first Enterprise Agreements negotiated with a large, for-profit employer in aged care, the new Enterprise Agreement with Lend Lease Primelife is a major breakthrough for the aged care sector. To date, most not-forprofit employers in aged care have come to the bargaining table with the NSWNA to negotiate an Enterprise Agreement, but for-profit employers have lagged behind. ‘It’s an excellent achievement and Lend Lease Primelife will be seen by nurses as an employer of choice among for-profit employers in aged care,’ said NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda. ‘It will enable Lend Lease Primelife to retain highly skilled nurses.’ During the bargaining process, a

WHAT WE WON IN THE NEW LEND LEASE PRIMELIFE AGREEMENT c Total pay increase of 14.75%. c 3% wage increase backdated to 1 November 2009. c 3.5% wage increase October 2010. c 3.5% wage increase October 2011. c 4% wage increase October 2012. c Other allowances will increase in the same pattern as wage increases. c Part-timers can request a review of their minimum contracted hours. c Casuals cannot unreasonably be refused permanent employment after 26 weeks’ work.

number of surveys identified what was important to members. These were minimum part-time hours, casual conversion, and workloads. Through strong membership, the Association was able to achieve these outcomes during negotiations. The Agreement delivers an annualised average pay rise of 4.3% over the life of the Agreement, which is three years and five months. This compares favourably with recent public sector pay increases.

‘It’s about time the private sector gave a thought to benefits for staff that the public sector is already giving.’ Shereen Chand

Other improvements are relatively new to the aged care sector, including minimum part-time hours review, workload management and union training leave. ‘We are really excited about the good example this Agreement sets with the minimum part-time hours review, 22 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

c Process to manage workloads (can be referred to senior management if necessary). c Three weeks’ paid maternity and adoption leave and one week paid paternity leave. c Ability to purchase an extra four weeks of annual leave. c Paid union training leave. c Paid emergency services leave. c Salary packaging of superannuation.

casual conversion, the workloads clause, and paid trade union training leave,’ said Judith. Nurses at Lend Lease Primelife were previously covered under the Notional Agreement Preserving a State Award (NAPSA), so without a new Agreement they would have moved to the new Nurses’ Award 2010 that came into effect on 1 January 2010. ‘Compared to the Nurses’ Award 2010, there’s a huge difference in benefits,’ said Judith. ‘Nurses have been able to retain their conditions and allowances they had previously as well as improving in other areas,’ she said. Shereen Chand, an RN at Lend Lease Primelife’s Bass Hill facility, hailed the win. ‘It’s about time the private sector gave a thought to benefits for staff that the public sector is already giving,’ she said. ‘The new Agreement is a very good thing.’ For Shereen, the pay increase was the highlight of the Agreement. ‘That hasn’t happened for some time,’ she said. ‘We are already deprived of a few dollars up our sleeves from the public sector and other private companies, so we have been pretty behind. It’s a good win.’n

Paid parental leave for Living Care staff g NSWNA negotiates inaugural Enterprise Agreement at Living Care.

he NSWNA has negotiated the first ever Enterprise Agreement at Living Care’s eight aged care facilities in NSW, covering around 600 staff. The Agreement delivered a minimum 3% pay increase from 1 November 2009, with some nurses receiving more; and a 3% pay increase from 1 November 2010.

KEY BENEFITS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT c Minimum 3% pay increase from 1 November 2009. c 3% pay increase from 1 November 2010. c One-off bonus equivalent to $450 gross for full-time employees (pro-rata for parttime and casual staff). c 14 weeks’ paid maternity leave and one week paid paternity leave. c Faster salary progression of RNs through compression of the RN incremental scale. c Right for part-time staff to initiate a review of their hours and for long-term casuals to apply for permanency. c Process to identify and resolve workload issues. c Pay scale for EENs. c Improved long-service leave arrangements. c Casual loading increased to 20%. c Recognition of union representatives and the ability for them to undertake their union responsibilities in work time.

Other wins include a one-off bonus equivalent to $450 gross for full-time employees (pro rata for part-time and casual staff), 14 weeks’ paid maternity leave and one week paid paternity leave, a pay scale for EENs, improved rights for part-time and casual workers and recognition of union representatives’ role in the workplace. ‘We found the employer good to deal with. They were quite straightforward and accessible and didn’t pick fights where they didn’t need to,’ said NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda. ‘Staff are enjoying lots of improvements under the new Agreement,’ said Judith. ‘Staff are better off in regards to the pay increases and we are particularly pleased with paid parental leave entitlements, that part-time employees can initiate reviews of their hours, and that long-term casuals can apply for permanent jobs.’ Judith also praised activist members who took part in the negotiations. ‘This meant the people who worked there had a real say and involvement in determining their employment conditions,’ she said. One of those members was Allan Salway, an AiN at Living Care in Coffs Haven, near Coffs Harbour.

state award and we had no opportunity to raise matters with them about things that affected our employment. They would just say, “You’re covered under the award.” Now we have that opportunity.’ Allan said it was ‘definitely’ worth bargaining for the new Agreement. ‘Most of the employees didn’t know what an Enterprise Agreement meant for them, how you get one and hang on to it; now they do. The Union helped educate them. I believe all members and employees of Living Care will be better off.’ Members at other aged care employers would do well to push their employer to bargain for a good Agreement, Allan added. ‘We have learned so much by being involved. We now have first-hand knowledge of all the issues and are passionate about them.’ The two-year Agreement was voted on in November, with a whopping 89.5% of staff who voted, voting ‘yes’.n

‘I believe all members and employees of Living Care will be better off.’ Allan Salway

‘The Union was extremely good at organising surveys and getting feedback,’ he told The Lamp. ‘The new Agreement is a great step forward, especially considering Living Care has never had one. We used to be under the THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 23

A G E D C A R E

Public sector nurses join aged care campaign g Nurses at Nepean Hospital collected hundreds of Because we care postcards.

hen the NSWNA launched its Because we care campaign, it wasn’t just aged care nurses who took up the fight. Many of their colleagues working at public sector hospitals realised that the issues facing the aged care sector impacted on them – especially those working in the Emergency Department. Peter Mason, EEN at Nepean Hospital, and his fellow workers got involved with the Because we care campaign and in December delivered more than 500 campaign postcards to Federal MP for Lindsay, David Bradbury. 24 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

‘We put the postcards around the hospital and did a couple of runs at lunchtime on the wards,’ he told The Lamp. ‘We collected 540 postcards, bundled them up and presented them to David Bradbury. We got a commitment from him that aged care is high on the agenda for the Federal Government. Since then we’ve sent off another 70 and still have a box in the staffroom where people can return their signed cards.’ Peter said that treating aged care patients in their familiar environment is good for them and for public sector hospitals. ‘We are such a large hospital with a busy ED but we are not always the best

place for elderly people coming from aged care services. We believe there should be nurses in nursing homes and, wherever possible, patients should be treated there, in their homes. When older people become unwell and we pull them out of their nursing home, bring them into an ED, where there are bells and whistles going, the lights are never off, phones ringing, unfamiliar faces, constant noise and activity, this can increase someone’s confusion or distress levels. ‘This is especially the case for people who may have dementia or who rely upon routine and familiarity – they can become very confused. This can make it even harder to diagnose and treat the

Photo courtesy of Penrith Press

Peter Mason, EEN at Nepean Hospital, presented Federal MP for Lindsay, David Bradbury, with 540 Because we care postcards.

Report exposes problems in aged care g A report by Access Economics sets out urgent challenges facing the aged care sector.

‘We collected 540 postcards, bundled them up and presented them to David Bradbury. We got a commitment from him that aged care is high on the agenda for the Federal Government. Since then we’ve sent off another 70 and still have a box in the staffroom where people can return their signed cards.’ Peter Mason, EEN at Nepean Hospital

problem as the person might become more agitated, pull out drips and drains or try to climb out of bed. ‘Treating someone in their own environment, and making sure there are enough nurses in nursing homes to give this care – that is a much better solution for the aged care person and for the health system. ‘A properly funded aged care sector benefits everyone,’ Peter added. ‘I’d encourage all public hospitals to get on board with the Because we care campaign because it’s not just about our workloads, it’s about the aged care patients.’n

ow pay and excessive workloads are driving nurses out of the aged care sector, and if not adequately addressed, the result will be a severe drop in the quality of care for Australia’s ageing population due to extreme shortages of nursing staff. This is the conclusion of the Nurses in Residential Care report, which reflects the aims of the NSWNA’s Because we care campaign to improve funding, staffing levels and skill mix in aged care.

Low pay and excessive workloads are driving nurses out of the aged care sector, and if not adequately addressed, the result will be a severe drop in the quality of care for Australia’s ageing population. The report found that nurses working in aged care are paid at least 10% less than their counterparts in the public sector, with the gap worse in some

locations. Work intensity for aged care nurses has also increased, it noted – with 6.7 residents per nurse in 2007, up from 5.2 in just four years and projected to double to 12.1 in the next decade based on current trends. As well as each nurse being expected to supervise more residents and staff, sometimes across multiple locations, the numbers of nurses in the sector will not keep pace with the numbers of residents to 2020, the report found. In addition there will be a growing complexity of care required as the population becomes older with more chronic needs. Evidence shows that a higher nurse ratio in the staffing mix at aged care facilities offers a much higher level of quality care for residents, but ‘the combination of inequitable remuneration, increasing workloads and the frustration of compromised quality outcomes is driving nurses from the sector,’ the report noted. ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney praised the timely report. ‘This report endorses the way forward for aged care – closing the 10% pay gap for nurses and guaranteeing access to highquality trained nurses for residents by introducing minimum staffing levels,’ said Ged.n

UPCOMING CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES In March the NSWNA will be targeting two Federal electorates: Sharon Bird MP, member for Cunningham, which is in the Wollongong area; and The Hon. Anthony Albanese, member for Grayndler, around the Marrickville area.

hospital systems that aged care is everyone’s concern.

Our aim is to get the message out to the community and also to our colleagues in the public and private

Contact Stella Topaz at the NSWNA on 8595 1234 or email stopaz@ nswnurses.asn.au

We would like to hear from any members who can help with campaigning activities in the community, including stalls, especially during the fortnight from 15 March.

THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 25

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

2 0 1 0 NSWNA Edu Basic Foot Care for AINs – 1 Day

Legal and Professional Issues for Nurses and Midwives – ½ Day

Appropriate Workplace Behaviour – 1 Day

Target group: AINs n Monday 3 May 2010 Wagga RSL Club, Wagga Wagga n Monday 6 September 2010 Twin Towns Clubs and Resort, Tweed Heads Members $85 Non Members $150

Target group: RNs, RMs and ENs n Friday 9 April 2010 Shellharbour Resort and Conference Centre n Friday 14 May 2010 Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, Batemans Bay n Friday 28 May 2010 Ex services Memorial Club, Armidale n Friday 25 June 2010 Twin Towns Clubs and Resort, Tweed Heads n Friday 2 July 2010 SS&A Club, Albury n Monday 12 July 2010 Tradies, Gymea, Sydney n Friday 20 August 2010 Ex Services Club Coffs Harbour n Friday 15 October 2010 Wagga RSL Club, Wagga Wagga n Friday 5 November 2010 Panthers Club, Port Macquarie n Friday 26 November 2010 Panthers Club, Newcastle Members $39 Non Members $85

Target group: all nurses and midwives n Thursday 22 April 2010 Wagga RSL Club, Wagga Wagga n Thursday 17 June 2010 Panthers Club, Newcastle n Friday 27 August 2010 Wests’ Diggers, Tamworth n Friday 29 October 2010 Ex Services Club, Coffs Harbour Members $85 Non Members $170

Basic Foot Care for RNs and ENs – 2 Days Target group: RNs and ENs n Thursday 29 and Friday 30 April 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney n Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May Wagga RSL Club, Wagga Wagga n Thursday 3 and Friday 4 June 2010 Shellharbour Resort and Conference Centre n Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 August 2010 Panthers Club, Newcastle n Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 October 2010 Wests’ Diggers, Tamworth Members $203 Non Members $350

Enrolled Nurses Forum – 1 Day Target group: ENs n Friday 8 October 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $30 Non Members $50 26 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

Mental Health Nurses Forum – 1 Day Target group: all nurses and midwives n Wednesday 22 September 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $30 Non Members $50

Aged Care Nurses Forum – 1 Day Target group: all nurses n Friday 3 September 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $30 Non Members $50

Practical Leadership Skills for Nursing and Midwifery Unit Managers – 3 Days Target group: all N/MUM, CNS, CNC, Educators n Wednesday 31 March 2010 n Wednesday 28 April 2010 n Wednesday 23 June 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $250 Non Members $400

Policy and Guideline Writing – 1 Day Target group: all nurses and midwives n Friday 7 May 2010 n Friday 10 September 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $85 Non Members $170

ucation Calendar Review and Implementation of Guidelines and Policies – 1 Day

Leadership Skills for the Aged Care Team – 4 Days

Computer Essentials for Nurses and Midwives – 1 Day

Target group: all nurses and midwives n Friday 12 November 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $85 Non Members $170

Target group: all Aged Care Nurses n Thursday 1 April 2010 n Thursday 6 May 2010 n Thursday 8 July 2010 n Thursday 5 August 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $320 Non Members $480

Target group: all nurses and midwives n Tuesday 27 April 2010 n Tuesday 1 June 2010 n Tuesday 3 August 2010 n Monday 25 October 2010 Concord Hospital, Concord Members $85 Non Members $170

Drug and Alcohol Nurses Forum – 1 Day Target group: all nurses and midwives n Friday 19 November 2010 NSWNA, Camperdown, Sydney Members $30 Non Members $50

For additional courses or enquiries contact NSWNA Metro: 8595-1234 or Rural: 1300 367 962

Tax Invoice & Course Registration Form 2010

ABN : 63 398 164 405

To register complete this form and enclose cheque, money order or credit card details and return to: NSW Nurses’ Association, PO Box 40, Camperdown NSW 1450 or fax 9550-3667. Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Membership No Place of Employment_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Non Member Position: DON

NUM

AIN

OTHER___________________________________________________________

Address (Work or Home)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Post Code_______________________ Phone (work)______________________________________________ (home)_______________________________________________ (mobile)_______________________________________________ SEMINAR NAME

SEMINAR DATES

$ (INCLUDES GST)

TOTAL AMOUNT $ Amount $________________________________

Cheque/Money Order

Bankcard

Mastercard

Visa

Expiry date_____________ /______________ THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 27 Signature_________________________________________________________________________ Name of card owner if not your own__________________________________________________

A G E D C A R E

New aged care award cuts pay g Union acts to defend wages and conditions

he need for aged care nurses to negotiate Enterprise Agreements with employers is now urgent, following a pay-cutting decision by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Minimum wage rates for aged care nurses not covered by a collective agreement have been cut by up to $300 per week under a new national award drawn up by the Commission. The Nurses Award 2010 replaced most state-based awards for the aged care sector on 1 January. Under this new national award, different state-based pay rates are replaced by nationwide award rates. These new rates are significantly lower than rates

in some former state-based awards – especially NSW and Queensland. The national award is being phased in over five years. At the end of the phase-in period, the award pay rate for a first-year Enrolled Nurse in NSW will have dropped by $88 per week from $738 to $650. The rate for an eight-year Registered Nurse in NSW will fall by $294 per week.

residents by 2020. The sector is already short-staffed and this new award threatens to make the situation worse,’ she said. ‘It is now even more important and urgent for nurses to get union help to engage in collective bargaining for a better deal for their workplace.’

‘The only real protection for our members is collective bargaining for an enterprise agreement.’ NSW Nurses’ Association Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda slammed the new award as threatening to drive many nurses out of the aged care sector. ‘Australia faces a more than 50% increase in the number of nursing home

The Union asked the Commission to delay the introduction of the national award wage rates by two years, to allow more time to help members negotiate Enterprise Agreements. The Commission – ironically now

ENs EENs

Have you considered a career in Mental Health Fantastic career opportunities exist with Justice Health for Endorsed Enrolled Nurses and Enrolled Nurses at the Forensic Hospital Malabar. This purpose-built hospital is a 135-bed high security mental health facility, providing individualised quality care for patients while ensuring the safety of our staff and the community. Justice Health offers ﬂexible work options, salary packaging, education support, and self-development opportunities for staff. For an opportunity to tour our facility and have an interview, register for our Open Day on Tuesday, 2 February 2010. Bookings are essential.

For more information call our Recruitment Team on 1300 734 842 or visit our website www.jobsatjusticehealth.com.au

28 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

called Fair Work Australia – refused the Union request despite the Federal Government making a submission in support of the Union’s argument. News reports quoted Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, as promising that existing employees would not be worse off because, under new federal industrial law, no worker can be disadvantaged by the ‘award modernisation’ process. Ms Gillard said unions could apply to the Commission for an order to maintain employees’ ‘take home pay’ at existing levels. ‘In any case, a take-home pay order is not available to new starters who could legally be put on the new lower rate if they are not protected by an Enterprise Agreement,’ Judith said. She said the new award potentially applied to about 15,000 nurses including 10,000 in NSW. Most ‘not for profit’ aged care facilities are covered by Enterprise Agreements, which pay above-award rates. However, a significant majority of ‘for profit’ centres pay according to the award. Judith said the NSWNA would do everything possible to ensure members did not lose pay. ‘Under common law, no employer can legally reduce a worker’s pay without that worker’s agreement.

SAY NO TO A PAY CUT If you work in an aged care facility that does not have a collective agreement setting out your wages and conditions, then you are probably covered by the new national award. Therefore, you need to take steps to ensure you do not suffer any reduction in pay or other conditions. Your employer is not legally entitled to reduce your hourly rate of pay or your take-home pay unless you agree to a reduction. Nor can your employer unilaterally take away conditions you are contractually entitled to. If the employer tries to cut your pay, contact the NSW Nurses’ Association immediately on 8595 1234.

‘Therefore, as a first step, we advise members to respond in writing if their employer advises them that the new award has come into effect in their workplace (see box). ‘The only real protection for our members is collective bargaining for an Enterprise Agreement with guaranteed regular pay increases.’ Concern about the new award is not confined to union ranks. Already some employers have

If your employer sends you correspondence advising of the new award we recommend you write back saying: ‘I acknowledge that the new Nurses Award 2010 came into effect on 1 January 2010; however, I do not agree to any reduction in my hourly rate of pay or other terms and conditions of employment.’ This means the employer cannot claim that you have agreed to be paid less than what you are on now. The best way to protect existing wages and guarantee future pay increases is for you and your fellow nurses to join the NSWNA and get the Union’s help to bargain with the employer for a better deal.

expressed serious reservations about how the new award will impact on their payroll systems if workers doing the same job are paid different rates of pay depending on when they joined the facility. ‘Of course, it’s important to remember that employers are free to pay their employees more than the minimum award rates and the Association hopes sensible employers see the benefit in doing so,’ Judith said.n

The College of Nursing creating nursing’s future

Need help with your career? We’re right behind you! New distance education courses for Autumn 2010 The College of Nursing offers a large number of specialty subjects that have been developed at a postgraduate level, which upon completion attract credit into the College’s graduate certiﬁcate courses, and may attract credit within university programs. All distance education courses attract CPD hours. Audiometry nursing

Haematology nursing

Blood and marrow transplantation

Medical imaging nursing

Sexual health: Principles and practice

Symptom management in advanced disease states

Communication: Applied strategies for health care professionals

Many other subjects are available, please contact the College

CALL NOW! 1800 265 534 for your 2010 course handbook email: csc@nursing.edu.au web: www.nursing.edu.au When phoning please quote L1002

THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 29

‘Trust bank to look after me’ Online Savings Account • Government guaranteed • No hidden bank fees or conditions • No penalty fees for withdrawals • Great rates all the time Visit mebank.com.au/greatrate or call 1300 309 374

Your total deposits with Members Equity Bank (ME Bank) up to $1 million are guaranteed free of charge under the Australian Government’s Deposit Guarantee. The balance of your deposits over $1 million may be guaranteed upon request and a fee will be payable by you. This is general information only and you should consider if this product is appropriate for you. Terms and conditions available on request. Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679. 141651/1209

30 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

Q & A

ASK

JUDITH

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS AT WORK, NSWNA ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY JUDITH KIEJDA HAS THE ANSWERS.

Handling aggressive patients Swapping shifts Following on from advice in the Ask Judith column in the December 2009/January 2010 issue of The Lamp on managing aggressive patients after hours in a community setting, could you please provide me with some advice on how to handle these types of patients and relatives in public hospitals.

I work in the public sector and was rostered to work the afternoon shift and then the morning shift. During my afternoon shift my NUM asked me to stay back and do the night duty and said she would swap my morning shift for the night duty so she won’t have to pay me overtime. Can she do this?

All incidents need to be reported to the after-hours manager and incident reports completed. For patients who present an ongoing problem, a management plan should be developed and a risk assessment needs to be completed by the Occupational Health and Safety Committee in order to ensure the appropriateness of the plan for both staff and the patient. All staff need to comply with the plan. Should you feel it is required, and, depending on the severity of the incident and behaviour, you may also call security and/or the police. A risk management assessment of a particular area should also be completed in order to determine the appropriate level of security services that need to be provided. More information on what steps can be taken in order to prevent safety and security risks can be found in NSW Health Policy Protecting People and Property: NSW Health Policy and Guidelines for Security Risk Management in Health Facilities.

Clause 8 Rosters in the Public Health System Nurses’ & Midwives’ (State) Award contains provisions that allow alteration of a roster to enable the nursing service to be carried on where another employee is absent due to illness or in an emergency. So the NUM may be entitled to alter your roster but not in the way proposed. Despite the above provisions enabling the NUM to alter the roster, a change of the rostered morning shift to a rostered night shift would be a breach of the award requirement for a 10-hour break between each rostered shift. So any hours worked on the night shift would have to be overtime not ordinary rostered hours. Clause 25(ii)(a) of the Public System Nurses and Midwives (State) Award states that ‘all time worked by employees in excess of the rostered daily ordinary hours of work shall be overtime’. Therefore, the night duty shift should be paid at overtime rates because you are working beyond what your rostered shift is for that day.

You would still be rostered for the following morning shift. Clause 25(ix) states that you need to be allowed to have a minimum of 10 hours off duty without loss of pay between the end of your overtime shift and the commencement of your next rostered shift. This means that you need to be paid for your rostered morning shift at the base rate. Depending on when overtime finished, you may be required to come in and work the end of the shift after you have had a 10-hour break.

Medical certificate and pregnancy I am six months pregnant and working in a private hospital. I am applying for maternity leave and my employer has asked me to provide a medical certificate. Is this necessary given that I am obviously pregnant?

Yes, it is a requirement that each employee applying for maternity leave, either in the private, aged care or public sector, provide their employer, at least eight weeks prior to the commencement of leave, with a medical certificate certifying the expected date of birth. At the same time, employees should also notify their employer in writing of their intention to take maternity leave, the expected date of commencement of maternity leave and their anticipated date of return to work.n

Wondering how you can reach

over 52,500 nurses in NSW to advertise your product or service?

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The Lamp is the most direct and credible way to reach nurses in NSW. Mailed directly to residential addresses (97.4%), you can be assured your message will hit home.

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BECAUSE WE C

For The Lamp advertising enquiries contact: Patricia Purcell Tel: (02) 8595 2139 • 0416 259 845 • Email: ppurcell@nswnurses.asn.au The Lamp-quater.indd 1

9:44:41 AM THE LAMP21/1/10 FEBRUARY 2010 31

N U R S E S O N L I N E

What’s hot on Nurse Uncut g Nurse Uncut has really taken off and thousands of nurses are jumping online to have a say.

HOT TOPICS Workplace violence and nurses: Does it exist? Nurses’ jobs may entail caring for patients, but that compassion doesn’t necessarily extend to their colleagues. Why do so many nurses bully, victimise and intimidate others? Why isn’t there training in place to counter this psychological workplace violence? Have you been bullied or know someone who has? Join in the discussion and have your say.

How can I survive night shift? For some, night duty is perfect, especially if you’re bringing up young children and need to be at home before and after they go to school each day. Then there’s the bonus of penalty rates, of course. For others it’s a drag and something they dread. It can also take a toll on your health and mental wellbeing – and even on your marriage or relationship. What’s your experience of the ‘graveyard’ shift? Do you love night duty or hate it? Log on and get it off your chest!

Why choose aged care? Often a much maligned speciality, there is a perception that working in a nursing home isn’t as exciting as other areas or as technically skilled. But an aged care nurse needs to have a 32 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

comprehensive knowledge of patient care as residents are long term. This can also lead to deep bonds forming and many nurses find this speciality extremely rewarding. Do you have any questions about working in aged care? What are your thoughts or experiences of it? Tell us at Nurse Uncut.

Maternity leave benefit Australia is lagging behind other countries in terms of paid maternity leave. Depending on where they work, some nurses are entitled to paid leave while others are not. Should you have to forfeit your long-service or holiday leave if you choose to have a baby? Tell us what you think about paid parental leave.

LOOK WHO’S BLOGGING ON NURSE UNCUT Araceli M. Javier It was 1988 when I finished high school or secondary school in the Philippines. I’d always aimed to help my parents by finishing a course that could help me lift them from poverty. I wanted to go into the medical field. My eldest sister, who graduated a year ahead of me, had already chosen midwifery and I thought I should choose another course, so I decided on nursing. One factor that led me to choose nursing was I am a very shy person and I thought one way to overcome it is by choosing a course that demanded social interaction. And I wasn’t wrong. I love Nurse Uncut for this reason. It’s a place where I can write about things that matter to me. It’s like Big Brother’s diary room where I can vent and let out my opinions of what it’s like to be a nurse. I can freely talk more or less about my ideas to improve my profession as long as I don’t break any personal and professional boundaries. It’s a good therapy, too. It serves as an outlet to release the negativity of the profession but not resorting to aggressiveness or repression. As nurses, our days in the workplace are never the same. They can be good or bad, and having someone to talk to through the blogs and discussion on Nurse Uncut helps me approach things differently.n

WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT ... NURSE PRACTITIONERS

‘Lighting the Way’

‘A shortage of nurses, budget cuts, AiNs, EENS, increased patient acuity: Why can we not support the introduction of Nurse Practitioners to alleviate a sick system with no or little help in sight? There are more advantages than disadvantages. I think we need to voice our support for the introduction and support of NPs.’ – Schilderd

The Enrolled Nurse Professional Association of NSW : a voice for all Enrolled Nurses.

www.enpansw.org.au ‘Govts have not given this enough consideration, thought or planning re the end product. AND, yes, all of us are “products” even if we dislike the title. Based on my readings, the main intent was to attract NPs to rural or marginalised areas, in the same manner that is underway re GPs. Great to give more power, authority and legal loads to others. However, it would be the same as being fully trained to go the moon by NASA ... with one placement every three years!’ – Kbw

‘I also looked at working towards nurse practitioner in child and family health (there weren’t any when I looked at it). I approached nursing admin but found absolutely no support there! I approached a NP who was already practising and asked her to mentor me ... no support there! I looked at the Masters course and thought if I’m going to do a Masters I’d rather pay for something that is more meaningful and bound to get me somewhere. I don’t think the concept of NP is really understood yet – a bit like CNCs back in the 80s! – Patience

‘I have been looking into being a NP for a long time now. The lack of support I experienced was from my provider stating that they would not let me work for them as a NP. In the US this model has been very successful in all areas and they embrace NPs and the good work they do. Maybe the broader community needs to be educated more on this model and thus support will start to come through. I think they don’t understand what the role is about and in time it will be seen as a good answer to some of our health care issues.’ – Shoils

FOCUS : • to pursue the professional, career and educational interests of EN’s • support and advocate for Enrolled Nurses in the NSW Health sector. • yearly enrolled nurse conference for networking and information. • to promote extended roles through further education. Join this progressive organisation and participate in the enhancement of your career. Membership fee’s are tax deductible. Membership $30 per annum FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Phone: 1300 554 249 Forward cheque/ money order & details to : ENPA, PO Box 775 Kingswood 2747

Name: Address:

Work Place: Contacts: (H)

(W)

MOB

Email www.ajan.com.au/Vol27/Lim.pdf THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 33

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nnn%fiXe^\%ejn%^fm%Xl fi nnn%fiXe^\Ylj`e\jj%Zfd%Xl G% ') -*0* /),' 34 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

NURSING RESEARCH ONLINE

AJAN research highlights g The Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing aims to provide a vehicle for nurses to publish original research and scholarly papers about all areas of nursing. The latest edition of AJAN is available free online at www.ajan.com.au. The experience of socially isolated older people in accessing and navigating the health care system Moira Greaves, RN, BN, MHealth, PhD student and Professor Cath Rogers-Clark, Head, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland

This article reports findings from a study exploring the challenges experienced by socially isolated and unwell older people as they attempted to access the health-care system. Understanding the specific issues confronting these individuals would inform the development of more appropriate models of community-based aged care. This study was conducted in metropolitan Brisbane, with frail older people who were accessed via their GP service. Six participants who met pre-determined selection criteria were recruited to this longitudinal study and interviewed twice over a six-month period. The study found that fear emerged as a common experience embracing aspects of daily life such as depletion of social networks, being dependent on others, loss of mobility and diminishing ability to drive. Inadequate or unreliable public transport resulted in extended waiting times to attend medical appointments. Despite efforts to address the specific issues of frail older people living independently, this study highlights the suffering experienced by those who are socially isolated and lack the knowledge, skills, physical wellbeing and support to locate and access relevant health services. www.ajan.com.au/Vol27/ Rogers-Clark.pdf

Rethinking student night duty placements Dr Lisa McKenna, Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, and Ms Jill French, Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University

Student clinical placements principally occur over morning and afternoon shifts. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study that investigated experiences and Dr Lisa value of night duty placeMcKenna ments for undergraduate nursing students. Final-year students from one university were invited to participate in a two-week night shift Jill French placement. A qualitative approach involving focus groups with students and ward nurses, prior to and following the clinical placements was used. In addition, individual interviews were conducted with other key stakeholders from the university and health-care service. The study was conducted in one metropolitan public hospital in Victoria, Australia. A clinical teacher was employed by the university to provide student support during the placement. Three themes emerged from pre-placement interviews: nature of night shift, preparing to be a graduate, and change and adjustment. Postplacement interviews revealed the themes: time to learn and time to teach, adjusting, continuity and preparing to be a graduate. The study concludes that night duty placements offered a range of possibilities and challenges. They provided opportunities for skills consolidation, enhanced understanding of nursing work, and were perceived to contribute to readiness for graduate practice. Further research is needed to explore such placements on a larger scale. www.ajan.com.au/Vol27/ McKenna.pdf

Factors affecting sexual satisfaction in Korean women who have undergone a hysterectomy Mi Hae Sung, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Inje University, Korea, and Young Mi Lim, Professor, Department of Nursing, Yonsei University, Korea

This study was undertaken to examine the factors affecting sexual satisfaction in women who had undergone a hysterectomy. A descriptive correlational study was conducted. The model contained three stages including antecedents, interpersonal influence and outcome perception. The antecedents included perception variables (eg. negative body image and depression) and individual characteristics (eg. age, education, employment and physical state before and after the hysterectomy). Interpersonal influence focused on social support and the outcome perception variable was sexual satisfaction. The setting was a gynaecology outpatient clinic in a suburban general hospital in Korea. A total of 118 women who had had a hysterectomy participated. Results show spousal support and negative body image explained 30% of the variance in sexual satisfaction. Spousal support, as a mediating variable, was the highest factor predicting sexual satisfaction of women who have had a hysterectomy. Findings suggest the causal relationships of sexual satisfaction can guide researchers and gynaecology nurses to understand the relative strength of predictors for sexual satisfaction. Nurse Practitioners should play a leading role in assisting women who undergo hysterectomy to ensure they have emotional support from their spouse, as this can dramatically impact on their sexual satisfaction.n www.ajan.com.au/Vol27/Lim.pdf THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 35

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES

Thanks for working over Christmas

g Unions NSW shared some Christmas cheer with RPA nurses and thanked all nurses who worked over Christmas.

few days before Christmas, Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon put on his Santa hat to surprise the midwives and nurses at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s delivery suite with a special Christmas hamper. Part of the Better Services for a Better State campaign, the Christmas hamper was a way for Unions NSW to commemorate the hard-working nurses who worked throughout the Christmas holiday period while most of us kicked back and enjoyed festive cheer with our families and friends. 36 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

Midwives and nurses are among the 55,000 emergency workers in NSW who worked around the clock through the holiday season to help keep us in good health and safe from crime and from bushfires, or to help us when things go askew.

services workers while they are enjoying the festive season. The midwives on duty were delighted with the surprise visit and the recognition for their hard work, as well as the Christmas hamper – ‘especially the pudding and brownies’ – of course.

The Christmas hamper was a way for Unions NSW to commemorate the hard-working nurses who worked throughout the Christmas holiday period. ‘Emergency services workers sacrifice this special time of year to keep all of us in NSW safe. That’s why this year, unions, on behalf of all NSW workers and their families, would like to pay emergency services workers special thanks,’ said Mr Lennon. Mr Lennon told the midwives at RPA he hoped people would spare a thought for midwives and other emergency

‘Working through the Christmas and New Year period is a part of our job that we have to live with. Sometimes it’s hard to miss out on the special family events, and it’s hard on our families, too. It’s wonderful that Unions NSW is aware of the sacrifices we make,’ said Branch President and midwife on the labour ward O’Bray Smith, who accepted the hamper on behalf of her colleagues.n

Sydney Alliance assembles for civil society g NSWNA attends Sydney Alliance Assembly and commits to building a stronger society.

ost members join the NSWNA because they want to be part of an organisation that aims to build a better society that supports and protects its members. Many are involved in their local communities, churches and schools and play an active part in building stronger, healthier local communities and services. The NSWNA has joined Sydney Alliance to support members in their personal life as well as in their endeavours to contribute to better health and aged services for the whole community first in Sydney and then across the State. NSWNA officials and members joined 200 members from 22 union,

church and local community organisations at the inaugural Sydney Alliance Assembly on 2 December. At the Assembly, members came together and affirmed their commitment to a civil society and shared their reasons for being part of this inspiring organisation. Sydney Alliance draws on extensive overseas experience and evidence that shows how seemingly diverse groups can come together with common interests and achieve change that results in a better

TAKE PART IN SYDNEY ALLIANCE TRAINING Do you care about your local community? Do you want reliable public transport? Access to a decent health system? Educational and job opportunities for your kids or grandkids? Would you like a liveable wage?

in the areas of relationship building, community organising and leadership c Meeting interesting people from all walks of life c Making a difference on issues that are important to you.

If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of the above, you can help achieve these things by participating in the Sydney Alliance’s leadership development training in March.

The Two Day Alliance Institute course, which is an induction to the processes and community organising techniques used by the Sydney Alliance, is being held four times in March on the following dates:

The Sydney Alliance wants to involve people who care about their local community – whether that’s through their local faith group, school, union or other community organisation. Many of its members are not traditional activists. You don’t have to be active in the NSWNA, you just need to care about your community. Some of the benefits of completing the training are: c Developing your skills, particularly

c Wed 3 and Thurs 4 March c Thurs 4 March and Fri 5 March c Sat 13 and 20 March c Sun 7 and 14 March Locations to be confirmed. For more information on the Sydney Alliance, visit www.sydneyalliance.org.au If you’d like to take part in the training contact: Rita Martin, NSWNA Sydney Alliance Organiser, Ph: 02 8595 1234 or email rmartin@nswnurses.asn.au

society for us all. Similar overseas organisations that are more established, such as Sound Alliance in Seattle and London Citizens, have undertaken successful campaigns for change. For example, London Citizens has been successfully campaigning for affordable housing, a London Living wage and is building CitySafe Neighbourhood groups to tackle local crime. The goal of Sydney Alliance is to build a society where a culture of leadership and relationships helps regenerate our democracy and effects change, with the increasing strength of our voice holding accountable those in leadership positions in the market and governments. The first phase of Sydney Alliance is a three-year plan to train people and hold listening campaigns across Sydney, leading to the development of an agenda for the common good in 2011. In her address to the Assembly, Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda told members: ‘The NSWNA was keen to be part of an organisation that promised to give our members a better voice in their communities. ‘My personal experience with the Alliance has been very illuminating. I never dreamt as a trade union official that I’d ever be sitting in a room with religious and community groups such as the Jewish Board of Deputies and the Arab Council of Australia discussing issues of importance to each of our constituents that were identical. Everyone wants good health care, everyone wants affordable housing, everyone wants an efficient transport system and when we bring our common interests together in a group that truly represents the community we can achieve amazing outcomes. ‘We saw in the recent Your Rights at Work campaign the power that can be generated when people with like interests come together to make a difference,’ said Judith.n THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 37

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

New OHS laws threaten nurses’ safety g NSWNA campaigns to prevent degradation of nurses’ safety in new OHS laws.

he NSWNA has submitted a public response to the draft Model National OHS Bill, in which it expresses support for OHS harmonisation in principle, but voices concern and disappointment about the likely degradation of worker safety in NSW. Work-related injuries and disease currently cost Australia an estimated $130 billion per year, or 6% of GDP, considerably more than most other OECD countries. In 2007, the health and community services industry was second only to manufacturing in the number of injuries leading to time off work. ‘The harmonisation of OHS laws provides an opportunity to improve workplace health and safety standards nationally and reduce the burden of work-related injury and illness on the Australian community,’ said NSWNA OHS Officer Trish Butrej. ‘Unfortunately, the draft Bill appears to be heavily influenced by industry lobby groups, whose short-sightedness privileges the avoidance of workplace responsibility over embracing the need to lift their OHS performance, resulting in a Bill that threatens to reduce the standards of protection of NSW workers, and diminishes the ability of unions to protect members’ interests.’ Training for health and safety representatives under the draft Bill is only mandatory if the health and safety representative requests it, and there is no requirement to provide training to

OHS committee members. Furthermore, workers can be fined up to $300,000 and be jailed for up to five years for failure to protect themselves and their colleagues from workplace-related illness or injury, a penalty that is grossly disproportionate compared to those imposed on directors and corporations, whose maximum fine is limited to $3 million. Employers’ responsibilities under the draft Bill will be qualified by ‘reasonably practicable’ standards, including the duty to consult with employees on OHS and welfare matters. This will potentially put many nurses at a disadvantage, especially those who work as casuals or contractors, or who do shift work. There is also a risk that because ‘cost’ is included in the legislation as a consideration of what is ‘reasonably practicable’, employers will seek ways to avoid providing nurses with adequate security, equipment, safe staffing levels and a safe and healthy premises. ‘The NSWNA considers that the draft Bill goes against the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) directive that harmonisation should not reduce standards of protection, and we are concerned about how the draft Bill will affect Australian nurses,’ said NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes. Other concerning aspects of the Bill include the reversal of the onus of proof – which means it will now be up to prosecutors to prove that an employer did not do all that was ‘reasonably practicable’ to protect its workforce – and the loss of unions’ right to prosecute, despite ample evidence that this right has led to improvement in OHS standards since it was introduced in NSW in the 1940s.

‘We are concerned about how the draft Bill will affect Australian nurses.’ NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes

‘The NSWNA calls upon its members to write to their local parliamentary member to express their concern about this issue, and sign the ‘Don’t Risk 2nd Rate Safety’ petition on the ACTU website. It is still not too late to stop this draft Bill being legislated, but we must act now,’ said Brett Holmes.n

To sign the ACTU petition go to: www.actu.asn.au/Campaigns/HealthSafety/default.aspx

THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 39

Photo courtesy of the Daily Liberal

N S W N A M A T T E R S

NSWNA Branch News

ns get active in campaig g NSWNA members ate achievements. br le ce d an , ts es ot pr and

Photo courtesy of Manning River Times

Following a key recommendation of the Garling Report, clinical support officers are being welcomed in many NSW hospitals. Charlotte Orchard (right), nursing unit manager at Dubbo Base Hospital, said that clinical support officer Kirbi Hocking (left) has lifted the weight off many of her clerical duties, allowing Charlotte to spend more time supporting staff and patients.

Thirteen staff members at Manning Hospital have been awarded Recognition of Service Awards for 20 and 30 years of service. NSWNA member Patricia Kratz received an award for 30 years of service – she began working at the hospital in 1965. ‘I feel special, it’s good to be recognised for your efforts and time given,’ Patricia told the Manning River Times. From left is Lyn Gregory, Maria Olsen, Sandra Bevan, Alison Colvill, Patricia Kratz, Janet Westley, Carol Hawkins and Judy Lawrenson.

0 Bathurst local Arthur Nightingale signed a postcard to his local MP in support of the Because we care campaign.

1Kat Morcom and Chris Gullifer, AiNs from St Katherine’s Home, Bathurst, were happy to be a part of the Because we care campaign when the NSWNA set up a stall in Bathurst Mall. 40 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

Photo courtesy of Mark Logan, Central Western Daily Photo courtesy of Harden Murrumburrah Express

0Members at Orange Base Hospital dressed in pink to promote hand-washing. Additional disinfecting equipment has been installed at the end of each patient’ bed for doctors, nurses, family and friends to use. From left is Lisa Wells, Sue Lovell-Smart, Sandra Wharton, Katie O’Neill and Wendy Yeomans. 2Debbie Fitzpatrick (centre) received a certificate of recognition in the national HESTA nursing awards, after her colleagues at Murrumburrah Harden District Hospital (pictured) nominated her for ‘nurse of the year’ under the criteria of ‘an exceptional contribution to improving care/outcomes for patients’. Aside from her nursing duties, Debbie also does voluntary work providing support to local women diagnosed with breast cancer. Members of the Broken Hill Branch gathered for a photo during a recent NSWNA visit to services in the Greater West Area Health Service.

Members from the Menindee Community Health Clinic were happy to meet with organisers from the NSWNA during a recent visit. From left is NSWNA Officer Kerry O’Neill, RN Katrina Wilkinson, RN Susy Fisher, Nurse Practitioner Barbara Turner and NSWNA organiser Linda Griffiths. THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 41

L I F E S T Y L E

OUR REVIEWERS & TIPSTERS RECEIVE A DELIGHTFUL

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FOR UPLIFTING ENJOYMENT! Gifts so good, you won’t want to give them away. There is an ABC Shop near you. For locations visit abcshop.com.au or call 1300 360 111. Ask about our rewards program.

A Single Man g In A Single Man, Colin Firth delivers a devastating performance as a man mourning the loss of his longtime lover.

ulti-award winning fashion designer, Tom Ford, has ventured into the world of moviemaking and A Single Man, starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, is his directorial debut. Ford was moved by the honesty and simplicity of Christopher Isherwood’s book about George Falconer, a middle-aged British college professor struggling to find meaning in life after the untimely demise of his long-time partner, Jim. The film is set in Los Angeles in the early 1960s at the height of the Cuban missile crisis but there is not much evidence of this in the film. Rather, societal values of that era are represented in simplistic terms but the complexities of human relationships remain just as complex and fragile as they are today. The film focuses on a day in the life of Professor George Falconer as he struggles to come to terms with the loss of his lover, Jim, played by Matthew Goode, as well

GIVEAWAYS FOR NSWNA MEMBERS

PRECIOUS In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen pregnant with her second child is invited to enrol in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction. 42 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

as the manner in which he is summarily excluded by Jim’s family from any formal display of grief such as attending the funeral service. Homosexuality did not have the wide acceptance that it does today and so was not something that was openly flaunted. Although the film’s hero is gay, the film itself transcends sexuality. It is a film dealing with loss, grief, loneliness and re-awakening. It’s also a universal tale of coming to terms with the isolation we all feel at such times and the importance of living in the present. It is here that nurses will empathise and recognise situations that they deal with on a daily basis. The characters are people grappling to find meaning in their own lives. Despite the somewhat dark themes, the film is not dour and George’s restrained character is the perfect vehicle for Firth to display his consummate acting skills. His ability to telegraph with such finesse the emotions that George is experiencing on the roller coaster of grief is so outstanding it recently won Firth

Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic) at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and the Audience Award at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Selected to screen in ‘Un Certain Regard’ at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. www.iconmovies.com.au/precious Precious opens on 4 February. To win one of 25 double passes to Precious, The Woman with the Dragon

Review by Anni Cameron, Clinical Coordinator, Nursing Section, St George College of TAFE the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival. George is consoled by his closest friend, Charley (Julianne Moore), a ginloving, middle-aged beauty still burning a candle for George but also grappling with her own inner demons. However, it is Nicholas (About a Boy) Hoult’s character Kenny, a student also at a juncture in his life, who provides a pivot for George. He pursues him, facilitating a new perspective on life for George. The costuming and set design gives the film a real ’60s feel and Ford’s attention to detail throughout adds authenticity rather than relying on clichés. Silence is also used effectively to add poignancy as George struggles to cope, and the emotional effects of the film linger long after the film has ended due to such powerful performances.n A Single Man opens on 25 February.

Tattoo and A Single Man, email lamp@nswnurses. asn.au with your name, membership number, address and contact number. First entries win!

C O M P E T I T I O N

WIN A BREAK TO

The Woman with the Dragon Tattoo g A brilliant adaptation to the big screen of the best-selling book, The Woman with the Dragon Tattoo. Review by Susan Miles, RM, The Birth Centre, RPA Women and Babies

aving heard rave reviews by fellow book club members of The Woman with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson, I went along with a certain reserve to my first movie review at Fox Studios. The story is set in Sweden, where a journalist Mikael Blomkvist, just sent to jail for three months and given a huge fine for defamation (libel), is given a job by an elderly, wealthy industrialist. Every year, punctually around a certain date, someone anonymously sends the industrialist a framed pressed flower, something a favourite niece of his did for him till she disappeared at the age of 16 – 40 years ago. The industrialist is unsurprisingly convinced someone is trying to drive him mad, and that someone could only be the murderer of the girl. While no body was ever found, such a long absence can only mean murder, as he informs Blomkvist. Blomkvist undertakes the investigation into the unsolved, 40-year-old disappearance, with the help of Lisbeth Salander, a young woman with phenomenal cracking (computer hacking) skills and also a woman with a lot of secrets of her own, from an abused childhood with a rapist for a legal guardian – one who threatens her with forcible detention in a closed psychiatric hospital. Were not that all bad enough already, Blomkvist and Salander discover there is a chain of unsolved murders of young women – a serial murderer is at large somewhere. The evil nature of sociopathic murder is made clear: the murderer is no victim and not psychotic at all, but instead a murderer just because the person likes to murder, and likes power over the victims. My fellow reviewer and I wagged a boxing class to see the movie, but we felt like we had attended anyway, as we left wrecked after the emotional roller coaster we had been on. A wellmade film, that I am told stayed true to the book and is brilliant on the big screen, and worth missing a boxing class for ...n The Woman with the Dragon Tattoo opens on 25 March.

Port Stephens The Lamp is offering members the chance to win one of two great getaways in the beautiful area of Port Stephens.

PRIZE 1 A two-night break at Peppers Anchorage. Nestled between rugged bush and sea, the Peppers Anchorage boutique retreat offers luxury seaside accommodation in the beautiful region of Nelson Bay. From your private balcony or veranda you can take in the fantastic sea views, breathe in the clean sea air and feel the salty breeze. Take a cruise around Port Stephens bay and spot some of the local resident dolphins. Package includes: c Two nights’ accommodation in a deluxe Anchorage room; c Full hot and cold buffet breakfast; c Two-course dinner for two in Merretts restaurant. Valid: Sunday-Thursday excluding public and school holidays. Not valid with any special offer. Expires: 30 June 2010. Bookings: 4984 2555 or visit www.peppers.com.au/anchorage

PRIZE 2 A Super Short Break Package at All Seasons Salamander Shores Resort. Surrounded by beautiful waterways and landscaped gardens, the All Seasons Salamander Shores Resort offers a selection of 3.5 star seaview rooms with or without spas depending on your preference. Each room opens out to a balcony taking in the wonderful water views and magnificent gardens surrounding the property. Package includes: c Three nights’ accommodation midweek* in a seaview room; c Fully cooked buffet breakfast each morning; c Complimentary drink voucher for the Shoreline Bar. *Subject to availability Bookings: 4982 7210 or visit www.salamander-shores.com To enter this month’s competition, simply write your name, address, membership number and which prize you prefer to win on the back of an envelope and send it to: Port Stephens competition PO Box 40, Camperdown, NSW 1450

If two winners have the same preference, the first person drawn will get their choice of prize. THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 43

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1.Baici A, et al. Inhibition of human elastase from polymorphonuclear leucocytes by a glycosaminoglycan polysulfate. Biochem Pharmacol 1980; 29: 1723-1727. 2.Mitsuyama S, et al. Effects of glycosaminoglycan polysulfate on extracellular matrix metabolism in human cells. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1994. 3. Elling H. Drug Research 1987; 37(2): 212-213. 4.Ernst, et al. Efﬁcacy of homeopathic arnica: a systematic review of placebo-controlled clinical trials, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, 2008 Issue 1. 5.Homeopathic arnica for the treatment of soft tissue injury, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. www.cam.org.nz. 6.Is arnica a waste of money? www.nelh.nhs.uk. 7.Larrson, et al.FEBRUARY Percutaneous 44 THE LAMP 2010Treatment with a Mucopolysaccharide of Experimentally Induced Subcutaneous Haematomas in Man, Thrombosis and Haemostasis 1985; 53 (3): 343-345. 8.Mehta P, et al. Treatment of superﬁcial thrombophlebitis: a randomized double-blind trial of heparinoid cream. BMJ 1975; 3: 614-616. amba11145N/tl

B O O K S

NEW REFERENCE BOOK

Book me The Fibromyalgia Controversy By M. Clement Hall, MD), Prometheus Books (available through Footprint Books), RRP *$35.95 : ISBN 9781591026815 In The Fibromyalgia Controversy the author presents six fictional, though factuallybased case studies of typical patients from differing socio-economic backgrounds and describes the varying investigations, diagnoses and treatments they have undergone. Each of these case studies represents a composite of many years of clinical practice rather than one specific patient. By taking this unique approach, Dr Hall presents an objective overview of the fibromyalgia situation today in North America.

Leadership and Nursing Care Management (4th Ed.) By Diane L. Huber, Saunders Elsevier, RRP *$84.00 : ISBN 9781416059844 The 4th Edition of Leadership and Nursing Care Management represents today’s most current view of healthcare systems and the latest thinking about nursing applications of leadership and management principles. Thoroughly updated and revised, chapters include Cultural Diversity, Legal and Ethical Issues, Population-Based Care Management, and Marketing. It also offers expanded content on important issues such as case management and delegation responsibilities.

Lippincott’s Review Series: Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing/CD Rom (4th Ed.) By Ann Isaacs, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, RRP *$59.40 : ISBN 1582554544 Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing is the most comprehensive outline-format review of mental health and psychiatric nursing for undergraduate nursing students. Each includes NCLEX®-style questions with answers and rationales, and a comprehensive test and answer key appear at the end of the book. This thoroughly updated fourth edition includes a new, user-friendly, back-of-book CD Rom that contains over 200 additional multiple choice and alternate-format questions and a drop-down calculator.

Documentation in Action Edited by Springhouse, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, RRP *$75.95 : ISBN 1582554129 Designed for rapid on-the-job reference, Documentation in Action offers comprehensive, authoritative, practice-orientated, up-to-the-minute guidelines for documenting every situation in every nursing practice setting and important nursing specialties. Suggestions are given for avoiding legal pitfalls involving telephone orders, medication

WHERE TO GET THIS MONTH’S NEW RELEASES These books are all available on order through the publisher or your local bookshop. Members of the NSWNA can borrow any of these books and more from our Records and Information Centre. For borrowing information, contact Jeannette Bromfield, 8595 2175, jbromfield@nswnurses.asn.au or Cathy Matias, 8595 2121, cmatias@nswnurses.asn.au

Reviews by NSWNA librarian, Jeannette Bromfield.

PUBLISHERS’ WEBSITES c Lippincott Williams and Wilkins: www.lww.com c Mosby Elsevier: http://shop.elsevier.com.au c Springer Publishing: www.springerpub.com c Footprint Books: www.footprint.com.au

Mosby’s Pocket Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions (6th Ed.) Mosby Elsevier, RRP *$40.00 : ISBN 9780323052917 Mosby’s Pocket Dictionary is perfect for quick, convenient access to reliable information on changes in healthcare and technology, patient care, drugs and diseases. To reflect new developments in the many facets of health care, approximately 5,000 new entries have been added to this edition. Reference items are not available for loan but may be viewed by visiting the NSWNA Library.

reactions, patients who refuse care and much more. A section addresses computerised documentation, HIPAA confidentiality rules, use of PDAs, nursing informatics, and electronic innovations that will soon be universal.

Violence in the Emergency Department: Tools and Strategies to Create a Violence-Free ED By Patricia B. Allen, Springer Publishing Company, RRP *$53.00 : ISBN 9780862110596 Violence in the Emergency Department has been written to educate health-care professionals about ED violence to emphasise that this kind of violence poses a serious and real threat to personnel and facilities. The text delivers superior, readable, concise and useable content in digestible chunks that is supported through using exhibits, photos, charts and graphs. Personal case scenarios, anecdotes and research are used to help the reader understand the relationship between health-care, hospital environmental changes and ED violence.n *Price in Australian dollars at time of printing THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 45

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In Alaska, where the road ends………...the journey begins Do you want to discover the real Alaska and Canada ? Why not consider travelling the Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. The ferries provide a perfect opportunity to obtain a close up view of the stunning scenery and wildlife of this magnificent region. Many of the most scenic and interesting stretches of the Inside Passage cannot be accessed by large cruise ships, but are included on the ferry routes. There are many similarities between the Alaskan ferries and the Spirit of Tasmania. Whilst on-board, passengers have access to observation lounges, cafeteria style dining and free lectures from National Park Rangers. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, there is no ‘dressing up’ for dinner, and you may well find yourself chatting with a few of the local residents over a cup of coffee. Dawson City

You can discover the wilderness and wildlife of Denali National Park, whilst viewing the imposing sight of Mt McKinley the tallest peak in North America. In Western Canada visit the majestic mountain, tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls of the Rockies. Spectrum Holidays would be pleased to assist clients interested in travelling to Alaska and Canada. We are regular visitors and can offer suggestions and practical advice based on detailed first hand knowledge and experience. In addition, we are members of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, Alaska Certified Experts and Canada Specialists. Over the past fifteen years, we have organised individual and group tours for hundreds of clients. Tours can be developed for individuals, couples, groups of friends and Clubs. Copies of sample itineraries and estimated prices are available for anybody interested in obtaining more information.

Alaska Marine Ferry

One of the great advantages of travelling on the ferries is the flexibility to break your journey and stay in towns such as Wrangell, Petersburg and Haines. These are the ‘hidden gems’ of Alaska…….the undiscovered places which capture the imagination and remain long in the memory. Whilst in Wrangell, you can visit the nearby AnAn Bear Observatory with experienced local guides and safely view black and brown bears as they feed on salmon. You can also take day trips to the beautiful Stikine River or Le Conte Glacier where you can gaze at magnificent snow capped mountains, waterfalls, vivid blue icebergs and glaciers. People often combine the Inside Passage with tours of Western Canada, the Yukon and Interior Alaska. With a little bit of knowledge and imagination its easy to develop a fascinating itinerary which combines a voyage on the ferries with rail, coach self drive 46 THE LAMP or FEBRUARY 2010 tours of these surrounding areas.

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CRoSSWoRD

Test your knowledge in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nursing crossword.

6 7

8 9

11 12 13

22 23

ACROSS

1. 4. 6. 7. 9.

Where blood tests are conducted (9) Piece, bit (4) Intensive care, abbrev (1.1.1.) Type of arthritis (10) Close a container so air canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get in (4) Has oedema, enlarged (7) Sharp, recent (5) The second person pronoun (3) Alcohol (7) Seizure (3)

10. 12. 13. 14. 15.

17. 20. 21. 23. 25. 26.

Milk substitute (3) Joints of the legs (5) Surgically remove limb (8) Involuntary response to stimuli (8) Answer, reply (8) The capacity to retain facts and recollections (6) 27. Insect that can spread malaria (8) s

DOWN

1. 2. 3.

Worm, tick (8) Tremble, shake (6) Develop, mature (4)

4. 5. 8. 11. 16. 17. 18. 19. 22.

Heartbeat (5) Part of the brain (8) Spreading, getting worse (9) Hard part of the finger (4) Tight, stressed (5) Bone of the chest (7) Advantage (7) Bone of the lower back (6) Part of the germ that contains chromosomes (5) 24. Charges, costs (4) Solution page 49 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 47

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.FEJDBUJPO "ENJOJTUSBUJPO $PVSTF

North Adelaide, SA

9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12 March 2010 Surry Hills (Sydney), NSW

Priority Code: LA100

Great legal advice for Nurses Maurice Blackburn are proud to be the lawyers for the New South Wales Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association.

FOR ENROLLED NURSES

Free legal advice#

Conditions apply

Call the Association information line on 1300 367 962. Maurice Blackburn has ofďŹ ces in:

Registrations are now being accepted by TAFE NSW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Northern Sydney Institute for the Statement of Attainment in Medication Administration for Enrolled Nurses (entry conditions apply). Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible to apply to the NSW Nurses and Midwives Board for Endorsement to administer medications.

Venues:

Meadowbank, North Sydney, Northern Beaches

t XXX OTJ UBGFOTX FEV BV 48 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

GA2542807

Start date: February 2010 subject to demand

Sydney T (02) 9261 1488

Newcastle T (02) 4953 9500

New ofďŹ ces in: Parramatta T (02) 9806 7222

Canberra T (02) 6214 3200

Visiting OfďŹ ces Camperdown T (02) 9261 1488

Wollongong T (02) 9261 1488

Appointments for regional members can also be arranged.

www.mauriceblackburn.com.au

Diary Dates

DIARY DATES Conferences, seminars, meetings SYDNEY, HUNTER & ILLAWARRA Nurses Christian Fellowship, professional breakfast 13 Feb, 9am, Rydges Hotel, Cronulla. Contact: Jane, 9449 4868 ‘Cut to the Heart’ – RPA Cardiothoracic Surgery Seminar 15 February, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Contact: David Fulton, david.fulton@ email.cs.nsw.gov.au A.C.A.T Nurses Meeting 16 February, 1-2pm, Bankstown Hospital Contact: Wendy Oliver, 9722 7236, wendy.oliver@sswahs.nsw.gov.au Nursing and Midwifery Unit Managers Society NSW 2010 Super Session ‘Leading the Change’ 16 February, 5pm, NSWNA, 43 Australia St Camperdown. RSVP: 11 Feb to Lesley Saunders. Contact: 9715 1065, 0450 259 332, numsexecadmin@optusnet.com.au. The Mental Health Services 12th Summer Forum ‘The Right to Care That Works’ 18-19 Feb, Crown Plaza, Darling Harbour Contact: media@themhs.org/info@ themhs.org, www/themhs.org/summerforum/2010-summer-forum The Nepean Hospital Midwives 19th Annual Conference ‘Taking Midwifery to the Future – Attitudes, Practice & Environment’ 26 Feb, Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Contact: Murray Tonkin, 9673 1490, murrayt@aimhigherevents.com.au Nurses Christian Fellowship Workshop – ‘Infection, protection, defence, a response to HIV/AIDS’ 12 March, 7pm, 5 Byfield St, Macquarie Park. Contact: Diana, 9476 440

12th National Breast Care Nurses Conf. 18-19 March, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Coogee Cost: $525 (incl. gala dinner). Reduced rate for early bird and Breast Cancer Interest Group members. Contact: Kathryn Watts, 9900 7369, kwatts@matersydney.com.au, www.bcnc2010.registerevent.net Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses Assoc. NSW/ACT Chapter Study Day 26 March, 8am-4pm, the Epping Club Contact: Amanda Buzio, 9808 9687, Amanda.Buzio@royalrehab.com.au The Mental Health Services, 20th Annual Conference 14-17 September, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. Contact: media@themhs.org/info@ themhs.org, www.themhs.org/2010annual-conference

INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS Leadership & Practice Development in Health Conference: ‘Quality and Safety through Workplace Learning’ 19 March, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, TAS. Contact: Anna Boyes, (03) 6231 2999, anna@cdesign.com.au Australian Practice Nurses Association – 2nd Annual Conference 6-8 May, Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast www.corporatecommunique.com.au/apna 2nd International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector – ’From awareness to sustainable action’ 27-29 October, Amsterdam. Call for abstracts, deadline: 15 March. Contact: www.oudconsultancy.nl/ViolenceHealthsector/violence/invitation-viole.html

NSWNA events Safe Patient Care & Your Workload – 2 day Workshop 3-4 March, 11-12 March, 17-18 March, NSWNA, offices, Camperdown. Contact: Diana Modderno, 1300 367 962.

LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR? CONTACT OUR FLEETSALES SPECIALISTS ON:

02 9735 8498 OR nurses@gillenmotors.com.au PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

HAVE YOUR CAR SERVICED BY FACTORY TRAINED EXPERTS. EXPRESS SERVICE AVAILABLE.

TRUSCOTTS Established 1946

PH: 8799 7577

PH: 9735 8411

644 PARRAMATTA RD, CROYDON

76 PARRAMATTA RD, LIDCOMBE

Diary Dates is a free service for members. Please send diary date details, in the same format used here – event, date, venue, contact details, via email, fax and the web before the 5th of the month prior, for example: 5th of May for June Lamp. Send information to: Editorial Enquiries Email: lamp@nswnurses.asn.au Fax: 9550 3667 PO Box 40, Camperdown NSW 1450 Please double-check all information sent is correct. The Lamp cannot guarantee that the issue will always be mailed in time for the listed event.

Due to high demands on the page, some dates too close to publication or too far in the future may be cut. Only Diary Dates with an advised date and contact person will be published. Special Interest Groups Special Interest Groups is now part of Diary Dates. If you are a special interest group, you now must send information about your event as above. Diary Dates are also on the web – www.nswnurses.asn.au/events

Send us your snaps If you’re having a reunion, send us some photos and any information from the night, and we’ll try to publish them.

Reunions

The trouble with Tuesdays

Weeroona Nursing Centre Cowra Reunion - Past & Present Staff 20 March, Cowra Services Club Contact: Weeroona, 6342 3333, weeroona@nexon.com.au

You may be finding it hard to talk to our information officers on Tuesdays. This is because Tuesday is the one day of the week when all our staff are in the office for staff and team meetings. These meetings are essential for information distribution and planning activities. If at all possible, please don’t ring on this day as there can be considerable delays. But if you need urgent assistance, you will get it. Our information department receives approximately 900 calls per week, and the phones are ringing hot from 8.30am to 5pm. NSWNA Information Officers are available until 7pm. We are working hard to meet your needs and thank you for your patience. Call 8595 1234 (metro) or 1300 367 962 (non-metro).

Sydney Hospital PTS 752 Reunion June 2010. Contact: Jennifer Clarke, 0414 511 655, jenclarke58@bigpond.com/ Carol Campbell née Feather, 0418 433 152, lovelife@tpg.com.au Liverpool, Fairfield and Camden Hospitals PTS January 1978 Seeking interest. Contact: Katherine Collins, 0449 824 233, collinsk1712@yahoo.co.uk/ Facebook group ‘PTS 1978’

Other notices Labour Law Seminar Bargaining processes in the US, including the requirements to bargain in good faith. 4 Feb, 6-7.30pm (registration at 5.30pm), Sydney Uni New Law School Building, Eastern Ave, Camperdown. Free event, but registration is essential. Contact: 9351 0248, www.usyd.edu. au/news/law/457.html?eventcategoryid =41&eventid=4968 Standards Australia Draft standard on ‘Planning for Emergencies – Health Care Facilities’ open for public comment until 11 Feb. NSWNA invites members to comment at Standards Australia’s website: www.hub.standards.org.au/hub/public/ listOpenCommentingPublication.action

involved with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. This year the NSWNA and its members has been invited to get on board and participate in either or both: The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day on the 21 February where the Workers Out! crew will have a information stall at Victoria Park, Glebe. And The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, lend your support and march on the 27 February. Contact: Phillipe Millard at the Association ph: metro 8595 1234, rural 1300 367 962 or email: pmillard@ nswnurses.asn.au

Crossword solution

WorkersOut at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras WorkersOut! is a collective of Unions and Union members who identify as GLBTI working together to raise the profile and importance of union membership across the GLBTI community. Website: www. workersout.info/wout/aboutus For the past ten years a number of unions and their members have become THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 49

Family Planning NSW Nursing Scholarships

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Applications close 31 March 2010 These scholarships provide funding for a nurse/midwife to complete the Family Planning NSW CertiďŹ cate in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Nursing). Funding up to $6,000 will be awarded for tuition, travel and away-from-home living expenses.

Tony McGrane Scholarship Applicants must be a registered nurse/midwife with at least two years post-basic experience working in rural or remote NSW, Australian citizen or permanent resident and able to commence study in 2010.

McCarthy Green Scholarship for Nursing in

TAFE NSW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Northern Sydney Institute (NSI) in partnership with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) has developed a Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses.

Reproductive & Sexual Health in Aboriginal Communities Applicants must be a registered nurse/midwife with at least two years post-basic experience and be currently working in an Aboriginal community in NSW, Australian citizen or permanent resident and able to commence study in 2010.

Completion of the Bridging Course enables Enrolled Nurses to qualify for enrolment in the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing Degree at ACU.

GA2542810

Start date: 8 February 2010 Total hours: 120 (1 day per week) Location: North Sydney College with some laboratory sessions at ACU

Preference will be given to Aboriginal applicants.

For more information & Application Forms www.fpnsw.org.au or call 1300 658 886.

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Director of Nursing Services Garden Village Port Macquarie is seeking a Permanent Full time Director of Nursing Services for their Aged Care Facility at Port Macquarie, NSW. Enjoy our great regional coastal lifestyle while being professionally challenged, leading a team with a demonstrated record of providing excellence and innovation in Aged Care. Garden Village incorporates 142 bed High and Low care Residential Facility, and 180 I.L.Uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. To be successful in this role you will need: demonstrated residential aged care management experience (N.U.M experience, etc) RN/Bachelor of Health Science and registration with the NSWNMA exceptional knowledge of aged care accreditation, Aged Care Act and aged care funding. superior communication skills demonstrated experience in HR, financial management & CQI An attractive remuneration package including salary packaging offered to secure the right candidate. For Position Description contact:Tim Everson (02) 65828923 th Applications close on 19 February, 2010 with:General Manager Garden Village Port Macquarie 7 Garden Crescent Port Macquarie NSW 2444

50 THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010

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Can you tick all the boxes? Yes, my super fund: ✔ Has the best fee deal for funds open to the public1 ✔ Offers competitive and above median investment returns 2 ✔ Won the Best of the Best lowest cost super fund award two years in a row3 ✔ Is one of the ten largest funds in Australia4 ✔ Is a not for proﬁt fund that does not pay commissions to advisers.

If you can’t tick ALL the boxes, then maybe you should talk to First State Super today. To ﬁnd out more about First State Super, visit www.ﬁrststatesuper.com.au or call us on 1300 650 873. Consider the First State Super ABN 53 266 460 365 Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before deciding whether becoming a member of First State Super, or continuing your membership, is right for you. To obtain a PDS visit the website or call us. Issued by FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340. November 2009.

2 SuperRatings Pty Ltd ABN 95 100 192 283. The SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey uses crediting rate returns that are net of investment fees, tax and implicit asset-based administration fees. Explicit fees such as ﬁxed dollar administration fees, exit fees, contribution fees and switching fees are excluded. All net return information is sourced directly by the super funds. It is assumed net return calculations are based on hard close exit prices or comparable prices where a super fund does not calculate a hard close exit price. Results refer to annual returns to 30 June 2009 for First State Super’s High Growth, Diversiﬁed, Balanced, Capital Guarded, Australian Equities, International Equities, Property and Cash investment options. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 3 Money Magazine’s award covers funds with the lowest annual fees that receive employer contributions on behalf of members, and an account balance of $50,000. Funds are selected from SuperRatings’ rated Platinum and gold funds, must be public offer with more than $3 million in assets and have a minimum 5-year track record. First State Super winner 2008 and 2009. 4 SelectingSuper’s ranking of the Biggest Funds. First State Super was ranked 8th as at July 2009 in the categories ‘Super funds with the most members’ and ‘Super funds managing the most money’.

THE LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 51

TICKBOX_1109

1 SelectingSuper, a company of Rainmaker Information Pty Limited ABN 86 095 610 996, describes the best fee deal for superannuation funds as the best overall fees payable where overall fees are calculated for a member earning around $50,000 pa and who has $50,000 in their super fund’s default investment option and you can join as a private individual. The research dated June 2009.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Take a step into the future of health care Macquarie University Hospital (MUH) will open its doors in mid-2010 as the first university campus-based private hospital in Australia. Set in the expansive grounds of Macquarie University, amid one of the fastest growing areas of Sydney and conveniently placed within walking distance of the new Macquarie University underground train station, this 183-bed hospital combines state-of-the-art facilities with world’s best clinical practice. MUH will offer its patients the highest level of medical care through pioneering onsite medical imaging, fully integrated digital operating theatres, an innovative research base and medical teams comprised of professionals drawn from around the globe.

We offer fabulous Employee Benefits including: • • • • • •

Flexible working conditions Competitive remuneration packages Salary packaging Comfortable and sophisticated working environment Three campus-based child care facilities Extensive campus-based sports and fitness facilities

Make your mark with these brand-new positions The Hospital is now actively recruiting and is seeking forward thinking, dynamic and experienced professionals in a range of positions including:

NUM Neurosurgery/ENT (Theatre) Ref. No.: 1019 • Organise the neurosurgical and ENT theatres • State-of-the-art digital theatres • Intraoperative CT Scanner

NUM Orthopaedics (Theatre) Ref. No.: 1020 • Organise the busy orthopaedic theatre which is totally digital, fully equipped and technologically advanced • Complex orthopaedic surgical procedures

NUM Day Surgery/DOSA Unit Ref. No.: 1021 • Manage admissions and discharges from this 24-bed admission and 16-bay discharge area • Wide range of surgical patients

NUM Angiography Ref. No.: 1022 • Lead a team of 10 managing admissions and discharges from this 8-bed recovery unit • Management of the hospital’s 2 Angiography Rooms

NUM Oncology Day Ward Ref. No.: 1023 • Day-to-day management of the Hospital’s 15-bed day ward • Comprehensive oncology service including Gamma Knife • World’s best practice in cancer services

NUM Anaesthetics/PACU Ref. No.: 1024 • 12 digital operating theatres including Intraoperative Angiography and CT capability • Complex surgical procedures including neurosurgery, cardiac and general surgery

NUM Ward 1 (Ortho/Neuro/Plastic Surgery) Ref. No.: 1025 • Leading a team of 25 within this 31-bed ward including 23 single rooms with ensuites • Totally digital patient record and nurse call system

NUM Ward 2 (General and Medical) Ref. No.: 1026 • Leading a team of 25 within this 31-bed ward • Totally digital patient ward and nurse call systems

NUM Gen/Gynae/Urology/Plastics (Theatre) Ref. No.: 1027 • Fully equipped digital theatre • Wide range of surgical procedures • Working alongside Sydney’s leading specialists

NUM Cardiac/Vascular (Theatre) Ref. No.: 1028 • Intraoperative angiography • Fully equipped digital theatres

Registered Nurses Ref. No.: 1031 • Opportunities for Wards (surgical and medical), Operating Suite, ICU/CCU, Angiography, Endoscopy and Day Oncology • Sydney’s newest and most technologically advanced private hospital

CRICOS Provider Code 00002J

Applications will only be accepted via the Hospital’s online system. To view these positions in detail please visit ‘Job Opportunities’ at www.muh.org.au. Should you have any further enquiries, please contact Macquarie University Hospital on (02) 9850 4028. Macquarie University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity and social inclusion. We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians; people with a disability; those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and women (particularly for senior and non-traditional vacancies).

Macquarie University Hospital difference

52 THEready LAMP FEBRUARY 2010 the Get to notice