lamp the
magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association
volume 68 no.1 February 2011
A historic
win
2011
Do you know a remarkable nurse? Recognise the outstanding efforts of a remarkable nurse by nominating them in one of three categories:
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Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Limited ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235 249 Trustee of HESTA Super Fund ABN 64 971 749 321. 2 THE LAMP february 2011
About The Lamp
c o n t e n t s
s
Cover story
lamp the
A historic win
magazine of the NSW Nurses’ Association
12 15 15 16 19 20 25
volume 68 no.1 February 2011
Time to vote on ratios and pay offer The offer on pay Improved staffing for ED The offer on ratios More power to control workloads Bed closures won ratios Widespread media and community support
Cover
A HISTORIC
WIN
Aoife O’Mara, RN, Inpatient Adult Acute Mental Health; NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes; Barbara Daly, ED, NUM; and Sarah Neas, CNS, Medical and Surgical Ward from Prince of Wales Hospital. Photography by Sharon Hickey.
Obituary
8 Because we care Day of Action: 14 February 8 Workers rally for equal pay test case 9 Unions show support for Julian Assange 9 ACTU calls on employers not to scrap parental leave schemes 9 Overturning of penalties against former James Hardie directors condemned 10 ANF leadership elected for four years 10 Nurses welcome national women’s health policy 2010 10 APHEDA supports Palestinian health project 11 Nominations open for Hesta Nursing Awards 11 Donate to flood victims
43 Sister Alison Bush, AO: a legend in her own lifetime
Notice 44 2011 NSWNA Election Of General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and Councillors (21)
Regular columns
26 2011 NSWNA Education Calendar 29 Local Health Networks now operating
5 Editorial by Brett Holmes 6 Your letters to The Lamp 34 Ask Judith 35 Nursing research online 36 Nurses online 40 At the movies 45 Books 47 Our nursing crossword 49 Diary dates
Aged care
Competition
30 A year of big wins for aged care nurses
31 Win tix to Theatre Kantanka’s Missing the Bus to David Jones
Because we care 32 Because we care year in review
Special offers
Fighting fit nurses
40 Win 25 double passes to Certified Copy and 10 double passes to 127 Hours
38 Getting fit together
8
20
32
NSWNA communications manager Noel Hester T 8595 2153 NSWNA communications assistant Janeki Chellam-Rajendra T 8595 1258 For all Lamp editorial enquiries, letters and diary dates: Editorial Enquiries T 8595 1234 E lamp@nswnurses.asn.au M 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 The lamp produced by Sirius Communications T 9560 1223 W www.siriuscommunications.com.au Press Releases Send your press releases to: F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au
News in brief
Professional issues
Contacts NSW Nurses’ Association For all membership enquiries and assistance, including Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office. Sydney Office 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) F 9662 1414 E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au W www.nswnurses.asn.au Hunter Office 120 Tudor Street Hamilton NSW 2303 Illawarra Office L1, 63 Market Street Wollongong NSW 2500
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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 Richard Noort, Justice Health Advertising Patricia Purcell T 8595 2139 or 0416 259 845 F 9662 1414 E ppurcell@nswnurses.asn.au Records and Information Centre – Library To find old articles in The Lamp, or to borrow from the NSWNA 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.
&
WIN
Credit: Tourism Queensland
GO DIRECT DEBIT a 5-day holiday to Port Douglas staying at the Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Start paying your NSWNA fees by Direct Debit for the chance to win a five-night stay at the luxurious Peninsula Boutique Hotel in Port Douglas. The fabulous Direct Debit prize includes return flights for two from Sydney to Cairns, return transfers from Cairns Airport with Exemplar Limousines and Coaches, five nights in an ocean view suite at the Peninsula Boutique Hotel, full buffet breakfast daily, daily room service, complimentary pool/beach towels and guest laundry facilities, PLUS a special bonus dinner in Peninsula Boutique Hotel’s Hi Tide Restaurant, Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise for two with Poseidon Outer Reef Cruises, and a Daintree Cape Tribulation Day Tour for two with Tony’s Tropical Tours. The 4.5-star Peninsula Boutique Hotel is the only hotel in Port Douglas with beach and ocean views. Exuding luxury, romance and tropical ambience, Peninsula Boutique Hotel offers the travel connoisseur a perfect blend of relaxation, intimacy and unobtrusive personalised service. Visit www.peninsulahotel.com.au for booking and information. Please note that the Peninsula Boutique Hotel is a children-free style accommodation.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WIN 2 Cancel your payroll deductions and start paying your fees through direct debit and you will go into the lucky draw and/or 2 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 into the lucky draw and/or 2 Sign up a new member using the direct debit method of paying their fees, and you and the new member will go into the lucky draw. 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.
4 THE LAMP february 2011
Image supplied by Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree unless otherwise noted.
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.
s
e d i t o r i a l BY BRETT HOLMES GENERAL SECRETARY
A historic win g We are on the cusp of winning nurse-to-patient ratios in NSW. This is a momentous achievement and NSWNA members are to be congratulated.
N
SW public health system nurses are on the cusp of joining Victoria and California with the power to enforce nurse-to-patient ratios. It is a mo mentous achievement. It wouldn’t have been achieved without the resolve and commitment of our membership. Unquestionably the statewide strike of 24 November and the bed clo sures were pivotal in forcing the Government and NSW Health to finally offer ratios as an award entitlement. I am extremely proud of what you have all done, not only to make your working lives and the lives of nurses who follow us better but also because of the massive effort you have made to provide a better health system for the citizens of NSW.
Ratios plus good pay rises add up to an attractive package We didn’t get everything we wanted but what we did win is formidable. We won the power of ratios! If approved by a vote of NSWNA branches the new agreement would see ratios recognised as equivalents to Nursing Hours Per Patient Day (NHPPD) in the award. This is a position the Government and NSW Health resisted with all their might for many years. In many areas the equivalent ratios in the offer are better than Victoria. This means more nurses will be employed in the NSW public health system to care for patients. On top of ratios we have won reasonable pay rises of 3.9%, 3% and 2.5% over the next three years. The first rise will be backpaid to the first full pay period in July 2010. Another pay rise will begin in July this year. This will give some respite to nurses
What we have won in this campaign is a solid platform that we can build on in the future. from the ever-increasing costs-of-living and some economic security for the next few years. There are no big strings attached. The Department withdrew its obnoxious trade off on workers compensation. The pay offer is untouched by the addition of ratios. The removal of the sock and stocking allowance is still part of the offer. But we must keep this in perspective. The additional funding for extra staff amounts to over $180 million per year. The sock and stocking allowance is worth $6 million a year.
There is still work to do Of course we haven’t won ratios or set NHPPD in every specialty in this bargaining round and I understand that this is very disap pointing for nurses working in these areas.
I can assure nurses working in community health and community mental health where we are yet to win a mandated staffing mechanism that we will continue to fight for better staffing for you by whatever means and through whatever channels are available to us. In the meantime we should resolve to limit the services to what can be safely provided by the available staff. If there is no funding available for extra staff there should be no extra services. A significant achievement in our negotiations has been the beefing up the language in the workloads clause which will give us much more scope for the enforcement of safe staffing. Our capacity to close beds and limit community based services that developed during the campaign will be an additional tool to enforce safe staffing levels in the future.
Where to from here and the consequences The ratios and pay offer now goes to a vote of the public health system branches. The vote will take place in February. There are some possible scenarios we must consider. There is a NSW state election to be held in March. A new government would not be bound to honour this offer unless it is embedded in the award and legally enforceable before the election. If the offer is rejected our campaign would have to start again from scratch against a new government, which could take years and hold up any pay increases. What we have won in this campaign is a solid platform that we can build on in the future and I would urge you to vote ‘yes’ to the offer and ratify this historic achievement.n THE LAMP february 2011 5
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Ted Moxon
Calling for ratios a long time It might be of interest that I was involved in Court action in the ‘70s representing the interests of the Association in a manning dispute at Rozelle Hospital. We were to lose 22 odd positions from our establishment and took the Government to Court with Justice McCelland presiding (he led the Callan Park Royal Commission). Our argument was based on nurse to patient ratios based on the American model and established ratios at Rozelle Hospital as well as safety issues. The end result was that we got all the staff positions reinstated but lost the case by default. As a result of this case no precedent on ratios was established in determining staff establishments. Immediately after the case the Government changed the way staffing was funded to a global budget concept, shifting the responsibility of staffing to the local hospital. The consultative approach to staffing was abolished. We won but lost! Transcript of the case is in the Court records. Ted Moxon, NE
Never so proud to be a nurse I attended the strike meeting on 24 November along with many colleagues from Gosford Hospital. I have not felt proud to be a nurse since I started 34 years ago, but I did on this day. It was heart warming to see so many nurses in one place, passionate about their jobs and the need to be able to do that job safely. I have seen so many good nurses leave because they could not give their best due to their high patient ratios, and I know of many who are looking forward to returning when we win the fight. I am looking forward to the future, knowing that I will only have four patients to look after for the rest of my nursing career. I have waited a very long time! I will have time to care for those patients adequately and safely. I will have time to listen to them, instead of backing away from them, knowing I have many other things to do. I will have time to 6 THE LAMP february 2011
help educate and support our new grads as I should be able to. I will have time for basic hygiene tasks that sadly I have had to take shortcuts on. I will have time to safely observe my patients, do their obs more frequently and give their meds on time. I will leave the ward feeling satisfied and not feeling badly for the things I didn’t get time to do. I will be able to sleep at night with a clear conscience. Lastly, I will look forward to going to work, instead of dreading it. If we all stick together and support each other we will get our ratios! Leigh Armstrong, RN
Train guards support nurses in ratios campaign I am writing to you to show my support for the nurses of NSW in their campaign for safe patient care. This letter has also been sent to the NSW Premier and Deputy Premier and Minister for Health. I am a train guard for RailCorp and our Union members of the RTBU are going to show their support for the nurses of NSW in the way of emails. We have all used the public hospital system at some time in our life and the dedication and care shown by the nurses to their patients is outstanding. We are concerned that the nurses are being hampered in doing their job by having too many patients to care for at a given time. The point of the NSWNA’s campaign is purely to provide better health services to the patients of NSW and this is being hampered by cost cuts from the Government. We members of the RTBU hope you can see the error of your ways and correct this abysmal situation that the nurses find themselves in, which has forced them to take their current industrial action. Bruce C. Gale, RailCorp train guard, Liverpool
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*
letter of the month Ratios are essential for new grads I’m a new grad nurse at a surgical ward. Currently, we get one nurse to five to six patients. This can often get out of hand, such as yesterday. I had six patients: c Two post-operative with drains, pain, nausea, drips, bloods, antibiotics and at least hourly observations; c One from ICU who required frequent monitoring, change of CVC lines, PCA, and at least hourly obs; c One self-caring patient with IV antibiotics; c Two bed-bound elderly patients, who required pressure area care and were also incontinent. Needless to say I was run off my feet; there was no time for a break and although there was some help from other staff, they were often too busy to lend a hand. My room of four was the focus and much of the work here was under control. Unfortunately, my two bed-bound patients in the other rooms were left wet with little pressure area care delivered for some time until I could get to them. And that truly saddens me. It’s not because I don’t care, but because there is just too much going on. And I know from stories I heard at the strike that this is common. And it’s much, much worse in other places, especially in rural EDs. This means that patients aren’t getting the safe care and monitoring they need. Lack of pressure area care directly leads to an increased stay in hospital. Lack of monitoring leads to missing the early detection for crucial intervention. Not only that, but when other more experienced staff are busy there is no time for them to educate me. I fear that in this sink or swim environment many new grads won’t last, and our skills will not be filled to potential as there is no time for simple education. We need the ratio of one to four for the patients and the future of the workforce. Patrick Maxwell, RN, Gosford Hospital Patrick Maxwell won the prize for this month’s letter of the month, a $50 Coles Myer voucher.
Got something to say?
Send your letters to: Editorial Enquiries email lamp@nswnurses.asn.au fax 9662 1414 mail 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 Please include a photograph along with your name, address, phone and membership number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
One to four ratios helped me remember why I love nursing Over the holiday period I worked six days in a row from Christmas afternoon. While it seemed very noble to work while the rest of my friends went to the movies and the beach, it was this week that I rediscovered why I chose this profession in the first place. The ward was quiet with only the very ill patients left. Even with minimum staffing, each nurse was able to care for four patients. The difference that the one to four ratio made was incredible. On Christmas Day I was able to take some long-term patients, who had not breathed fresh air for more than a fortnight, out into the garden. They were still talking about it three days later. Another day an old lady confided that she would love someone to help her wash and style her hair. Normally spending half an hour with bobby pins and hair spray would be enough to jeopardise the whole day’s program but with fewer patients I could help her and her thrill at having a nice hairdo was heart-warming. In fact, all across the ward, work was being carried out in a quiet, efficient, thorough and friendly way. Bells were answered immediately, patients’ requests for extra tissues and bottles of water were met promptly, there was time to sit with the confused patients and time to help fill in patients’ menus so that they got the food they liked. The most noticeable thing was how quickly the patients responded to such optimal care. Some of the patients who had been languishing in hospital for weeks with a series of serious and miserable complications suddenly turned the corner. They relaxed under unstressed and holistic care and regained confidence that their needs would be met. In many cases this reduction in anxiety was enough to improve their overall condition out of sight. The relatives relaxed as well after seeing that the nursing staff had time for their loved ones. Where patients did become symptomatic their impending pulmonary oedema, infection or DVT was identified quickly and treatment was initiated so rapidly that the complication was fixed before it had really begun. The staff got their breaks and we finished work on time each day. Morale was high and, most importantly for me, I remembered why I chose my job. As I prepare to dive into another year
of delivering babies and caring for the sick and dying, I hope that collectively the nursing profession can find a way to make the wider community understand how important the one to four staffing ratio campaign will be for nurses and patients alike. I hope that there will be a way to convince the decision-makers that nursing is a job worth doing thoroughly in order to garner the support that we need and to stop young professionals like myself from ever losing faith in the wisdom of our career choices. Elizabeth Matters, RN/RM
Clarification sought on who can carry drug keys I wish to query the response given in the December 2010/January 2011 issue of The Lamp under the Dear Judith section, ‘Can ENs carry drug keys?’ I would like this issue clarified as I am led to believe by my employer this may be incorrect as many aged care facilities, in particular those classified as low care with ageing in place, come under Federal legislation that allows care workers including Cert. IV, ENs and RNs to not only carry drug keys but administer most S8s when they have been prepacked, for example, via the Webster system. J. Craig, RN Editor’s response: Thank you for your letter. The response in the Dec/ Jan Lamp doesn’t fully answer the question ‘Can ENs carry the drug keys?’, as it only relates to ‘Nursing Homes’ as defined in the Public Health Act 1991. (Also Note: The Act quoted should have read the 2008 Regulations of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966.) While most aged care facilities in NSW are Federally funded and operated, nurses and care staff must observe all relevant Federal and State legislation. Also, RNs and ENs must uphold professional standards required by their regulation body, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). There are different requirements for the storage and administration of medications in hostels than for nursing homes. Legislation specifies that in a nursing home only an RN can carry the keys to stored S8s, which often includes shared stock. In a hostel, medications are held in containers or dose administrations aids (DAAS) specifically labelled for each resident, and the keys to the safe storage area for these can be carried by any nurse, AiN or care worker. AiNs or care staff cannot give medications from any shared stock in any setting, and it is illegal to hold any shared stock of S4s or S8s in hostels.
Every letter published receives a 6 month weekend subscription to the Herald, valued at over $114! Subscribe to the Herald today to save 41% 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.
The trouble with Tuesdays
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).
In terms of RNs and ENs giving medications from DAAs, legislation does not prevent this, but RNs and ENs must also operate within their professional scope of practice, which includes to their level of education and authorisation by the NMBA. ENs without endorsement are not authorised to give medications, EENs are not authorised to give S8s, and both RNs and EENs must ensure that they can verify every medication they give, including if from a DAA. Each facility must ensure they have appropriate policies in place to support safe medication practices. If an RN or EN considers a medication policy or practice unsafe or inappropriate, then they must bring this to the attention of their employer and/or the relevant authority. The NSWNA is holding a series of Seminars on ‘Medications in Aged Care’ – see education calendar on page 26. THE LAMP february 2011 7
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Because
we care
Day of Action:
14 February
T
his Valentine’s Day, the NSWNA, along with the ANF, will be asking the Prime Minister to show some love for older Australians by putting real funding towards delivering quality aged care. Branches will be hosting morning and afternoon teas in a range of nursing homes across Australia, with Federal MPs and Senators, as well as community stalls in shopping malls. The Because we care petition calling on the Productivity Commission to recognise the crisis in staffing levels, skill mix and wages in aged care and to make recommendations to fix these issues in its report to the Federal Government will be signed by staff, residents, families and the general public on the day. A draft report released by the Commission on 21 January ignored key workforce issues faced by the sector, so it is essential that aged care nurses take action to ensure their voices are heard and that the final report recognises that proper staffing levels, and skill mix and wages are crucial for providing a good standard of care for older Australians. The NSWNA is calling for members to volunteer to stand outside the Productivity Commission’s premises on the day of the hearings in Sydney on 28 March.
If you would like to host a nursing home event or community stall on 14 February and/or attend the Commission’s hearings in March, please contact Stella Topaz at the NSWNA on 8595 1234. 8 THE LAMP february 2011
Workers rally for equal pay test case
The ASU says that on average women earn 18% less than men, and women have to work 66 days more a year just to earn the same income.
NSWNA members joined hundreds of workers in rallies across the country on 15 December last year in support of the test case by the Australian Service Union (ASU) for equal pay under Labor’s new workplace laws. The Pay Up – No More Lip Service campaign is a push from the ASU aimed at helping to close the gap between women’s and men’s pay in Australia. The union had threatened to strike after the Federal Government released its submission to Fair Work Australia citing budgetary concerns in regards to the case, but it was called off after Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans wrote to the ASU stating support for the case. The union is seeking a pay increase for the female-dominated social and community sectors.
The union is seeking a pay increase for the female-dominated social and community sectors. Having secured the support of the Federal Government, the union is now focusing its attention on State and Territory Governments, which employ large numbers of community workers, as well as to employer groups opposed to the case. Workers marched from Town Hall to the office of employer group Employment First, which the union said has argued that the wage increase is unnecessary for the sector. The outcome of the case is expected after April this year.
www.newmediadays.com / Peter Erichsen
ACTU calls on employers not to scrap parental leave schemes
Unions show
support for
Julian Assange
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ikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief Julian Assange has been presented with his Media Alliance union card, confirming that he is a member in good standing with the Australian journalists’ union, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance. Last month Assange’s Melbourne lawyer Rob Stary QC accepted Mr Assange’s new media card from ACTU President Ged Kearney at a ceremony in Melbourne outside the offices of The Age. Media Alliance Victorian Branch Secretary Louise Connor said that Mr Assange had contacted the Alliance in November, just as the ‘cablegate’ story began to break, to explain that his credit card had been cancelled and that he may not be able to pay his union dues. Ms Connor says it was decided that his union fees should be waived. ‘We’ve drawn up a new union card for him and offer him the full support of his union and professional association.’ Ged said Julian Assange and WikiLeaks deserve our support. ‘WikiLeaks is simply performing the same function as media organisations have for centuries in facilitating the release of information in the public interest. Mr Assange’s rights should be respected just the same as other journalists,’ she said.
Employers should not use the Federal Government’s paid parental leave scheme, which came into effect on 1 January, as an excuse to cut existing parental leave entitlements from their employees, the ACTU has warned. ‘The Government scheme should operate alongside or on top of employer schemes that are already in place,’ said ACTU President Ged Kearney. ‘Unions are concerned by reports of cases where some unscrupulous em ployers are trying to cut back on their existing parental leave entitlements. ‘This is simply not on and unions will be working hard to ensure employers do not get away with this. ‘We don’t want to see the rights and entitlements of new parents undermined. The new parental leave should be on top of any current payments or leave that employers provide their workers. ‘Instead of seeing some unethical employers use the government scheme to cut their existing payments we’d like to see decent employers “top-up” the government scheme so women earning above the minimum wage receive full income replacement,’ said Ged. The Government’s scheme provides new parents with 18 weeks’ pay at the Federal Minimum Wage (currently $569.90 a week) – or just over $10,000.
Overturning of penalties against former James Hardie directors condemned The decision by the NSW Supreme Court to overturn bans against former directors of construction firm James Hardie has been lambasted by unions. ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said it was an insult to the memories of the thousands of Australians killed by
asbestos-related diseases that the seven former directors are now free to go back into business. The decision by a three-person panel means that bans and fines imposed on former chairwoman Meredith Hellicar and directors Michael Brown, Michael Gillfillan, Martin Koffel, Dan O’Brien, Greg Terry and Peter Willcox have been overturned.
‘James Hardie has a moral and legal obligation to compensate asbestos victims.’ ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence
Justice Gzell of the NSW Supreme Court last year fined each of the directors $30,000 and disqualified them from acting as company directors for five years after finding that they approved misleading and deceptive statements about the company’s ability to meet its asbestos compensation liabilities. ‘It’s a black day for justice when the people at the helm of a company which was responsible for one of Australia’s worst corporate crimes get off scot free,’ Mr Lawrence said. ‘Australia has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world, and the death toll continues to rise. The original financial penalties were not enough for the outrageous breaches of trust that the court at first instance found were committed by these directors. ‘But the appeal body’s decision to over turn the fines and the bans sends the wrong message to corporate Australia and is a slap in the face of the families of the victims of James Hardie’s deadly asbestos products.’ Mr Lawrence said the court decision was the latest setback for James Hardie victims and their families following the company’s recent announcement that its Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund would run out of money within 12 months. This has forced the Federal and NSW governments to come up with a $160 million bail-out package to cover the compensation shortfall. ‘James Hardie has a moral and legal obligation to compensate asbestos victims,’ Mr Lawrence said. ‘Unions are determined to hold James Hardie to account and ensure that James Hardie fulfils its responsibilities towards people who have contracted diseases from its asbestos products.’ THE LAMP february 2011 9
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ANF
leadership elected for four years
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ee Thomas will hold the position of Federal Secretary at the ANF for the next four years after being elected unopposed in December. ‘It is an honour to represent Australian nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing. I am humbled and inspired by the support this endorsement signals,’ said Lee. ‘The ANF’s vision for change in aged care, achieving MBS rebates and PBS subsidies for Nurse Practitioners and strong leadership in the debate over national health-care reform has resonated with our members.’ Also elected unopposed were ANF Assistant Federal Secretary Yvonne Chaperon, ANF President Coral Levett and ANF Federal Vice President Paul Nieuwenhoven. The ANF will continue to pursue its agenda of improving the lives of its members while lobbying to reform the health sector. This includes ramping up the Because we care campaign, lobbying all MPs and Senators about the need for health-care delivery to be equitable and fair, including the needs of indigenous and rural Australians.
10 THE LAMP february 2011
The PFS mobile medical clinic van has been regularly shot at by the Israeli army forces while doing its rounds of the local villages. The fundraising appeal is raising money for PFS to purchase a new vehicle.
Nurses welcome national women’s health policy 2010
APHEDA supports Palestinian health project
The ANF has welcomed the release of the Gillard Government’s National Women’s Health Policy 2010. ‘All women in Australia, regardless of their age and background, welcome a long-term plan for women’s health which takes into consideration the varying health needs across the female population in Australia,’ said ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said. A crucial component of the National Women’s Health Policy 2010 is the recognition that all women in Australia, including those who live in large cities and in regional communities, must have access to the right health care at a time in their lives when they need it most, said Lee. ‘Nurses and midwives are at the forefront of healthcare delivery in our hospitals and in our communities and we see the effect of chronic disease first hand. Any improvement that helps to reduce chronic illness in women in Australia will reduce the burden on family, friends, frontline nurses and mid wives, not to mention growing health budgets in Australia.’
Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA has launched an appeal to purchase a replacement mobile medical clinic for its partner Patient’s Friends Society (PFS) in Jenin, West Bank. The current vehicle was significantly damaged by the Israeli army in 2007 and is on its last legs. Patient’s Friends Society provides mobile health services to 10 villages in the Jenin area, reaching around 80,000 Palestinians. Often PFS operates the only medical service available in the villages. The PFS mobile medical team visits each village once a week. The team consists of a gynaecologist, health workers, a laboratory technician and a driver. The team carries with them medicines, ultrasound equipment, medical instruments, blood testing equipment, and an electrical generator, as electricity supply in the villages is regularly interrupted. The mobile clinical services are parti cularly important for women’s health needs, with the medical team providing not only home visits and close care of women during pregnancy and childbirth, but also education on family health-care issues. Call 1800 888 674 to donate or visit the APHEDA website at www.apheda.org.au.
Exceptional nurses, midwives, personal care attendants and AiNs will be honoured in the annual Hesta Nursing Awards. Their efforts will be recognised in three award categories: Nurse of the Year, Innovation in Nursing or Graduate Nurse of the Year. Patients, carers, nursing colleagues and nurses themselves can nominate an inspira tional nurse who has demonstrated specific qualities in one of the three categories. Finalists in the three award categories will attend a gala dinner at Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex. Winners will be announced at the prestigious event on Thursday, 12 May 2011. Prizes include travel vouchers and money towards further education. Nominations close on 28 February 2011. Visit www.hestanursingawards.com for more information on how to nominate.
Photo courtesy of Ursula Skjonnemand.
Nominations open for Hesta Nursing Awards
Donate to flood victims The ANF, on behalf of nurses, midwives and AiNs in Australia, sent deep sympathies to those experiencing hardship and tragedy in Queensland and Northern NSW from the floods. ‘The images and stories coming from the flood-affected areas have touched a nerve with all Australians. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see so many lives lost and homes destroyed,’ said ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas.
‘Our colleagues and members of the ANF are among those affected and our thoughts are with them at this time. ‘While money won’t be the only necessity in these areas, people will need to rebuild and financial support will certainly assist in this process. The ANF encourages everyone to donate to the flood relief appeals.’ To donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal in Queensland call 1800 219 028 or go to www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html
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Our Industry Super Fund! THE LAMP february 2011 11
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‘Getting the 1:4 will make a big difference come winter time when you get staff out sick and they don’t get replaced so we often work 1:5 or 1:6.We’re a very high acuity ward.With ratios, we’ll have more time to complete everything we need to do.’ Sarah Neas, CNS, Medical and Surgical Ward
‘It’s really important to have ratios in acute mental health because, if you’re short-staffed and there’s an incident on the unit, you risk putting patients, staff members and visitors at risk and it’s hard to promote patient safety.’ Aoife O’Mara, Inpatient Adult Acute Mental Health, RN 12 THE LAMP february 2011
‘The 188 [extra ED] FTEs will make a huge difference in the delivery of care.The real benefit is that it’s care that’s being delivered on a one to one level, so it guarantees that resources are always available when you need it most.’ Barbara Daly, ED, Nurse Manager
Time to vote on ratios and pay offer g Negotiations with NSW Health were close to being finalised at the time of printing The Lamp and NSWNA public health system members will now vote on their final offer.
N
SWNA Council has recommended a ‘Yes’ vote in support of an offer from NSW Health that will see nurse-to-patient ratios embedded in the public health system award, along with pay rises of 3.9%, 3% and 2.5% between now and July 2013. NSW would join Victoria and California with the power to enforce mandated nurse-to-patient ratios. NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes says the outcome, while not perfect, is still a formidable achievement on the part of NSWNA members. ‘Let’s be clear – the NSW Government
‘Our campaign was decisive in forcing the Government to recognise ratios as equivalent to Nursing Hours Per Patient Day and provide them in the Award.’ NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes
and NSW Health have always baulked at the idea of nurse-to-patient ratios. But now because of the resolute action of our mem bers in the NSW public health system that resistance has been broken down,’ he said. ‘Our campaign, in particular the strike on 24 November and the subsequent bed closures and reduction in services, was decisive in forcing the Government to recognise ratios as equivalent to Nursing Hours Per Patient Day and provide them in the Award.’
What we have won Ratios have been won for surgical/medical wards, palliative care, rehabilitation and acute adult inpatient mental health. In many of these areas the ratios in the offer are better than Victoria. Ratios do not apply across all ED areas. However, after listening to ED nurses, the Department of Health agreed to increase staffing for resuscitation beds with 188 FTE dedicated additional resus nurses for specific EDs in level 4 to 6. There are no mandatory face to face arrangements for community health clients in community health and community mental health. Victoria and California also failed to win ratios in these areas in their decades of struggle for safe staffing arrangements. There will, however, be a change in the wording of the workloads clause for these areas. References to ‘principles and guidelines’ have been removed and replaced with ‘staffing arrangements’. NSWNA Assistant Secretary Judith Kiejda says this is significant. ‘It will provide a much better mechanism for the enforcement of safe staffing,’ she said. In operating theatres, the 2008 Standards of the Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (ACORN) will be incorporated into the award. Birthrate Plus has also finally been agreed on.
vote on ratios and pay offer The vote on the Government’s offer will take place during February. Branches will need to meet to vote on the package. Branch secretaries will receive via email and post an information and voting instructions kit. It will also be posted on the NSWNA website.
How the ratios will work Ratios will be embedded in the award and recognised as equivalents to Nursing Hours Per Patient Day (NHPPD) (see table p.15).
There is a commitment to replace unplanned leave with ‘like with like’ in the award ie. an RN should be replaced by an RN. On medical/surgical wards the award will guarantee as a minimum standard, 6 NHPPD in peer group A hospitals, 5.5 NHPPD in peer group B hospitals, and 5 NHPPD in peer group C hospitals. A typical pattern then becomes 1:4 on morning shifts, 1:4 with an in charge on afternoon shift, and 1:7 on night shift for peer group A hospitals. For peer group B hospitals the ratios are typically 1:4 on morning shift, 1:5 plus additional hours to be available for in charge dependent on patient numbers on afternoon shift, and 1:7 on night shift. For peer group C hospitals the ratio is typically 1:5 on morning shift, 1:5 on afternoon shift, and 1:7 on night shift plus additional hours to be available for in charge dependent on patient numbers. See overleaf for a full table of the NHPPD, with conversions into ratios for the different peer group hospitals and a comparison with Victoria. In peer group D1a and D1b Communi ty Acute hospitals and F3 Multi Purpose continue to page 14 THE LAMP february 2011 13
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Details of the pay offer c 3.9% back paid to last July 2010. c 3% from July 2011. c 2.5% from July 2012. c An EEN Thereafter would get around $1,340 in backpay, an RN8 around $1,920 and a NUM2 around $2,523 before tax.
Key points of the agreement c Ratios will be recognised as equivalents to Nursing Hours Per Patient Day (NHPPD) in the award. c In many areas, the ratios in the offer are better than Victoria. c The offer on ratios is in addition to the pay increases and there is no trade off for ratios. c On top of ratios there are pay rises of 3.9%, 3% and 2.5% before July 2013. The first rise will be backpaid to the first full pay period in July 2010. Another pay rise will begin in July this year. c The Department has withdrawn its contentious trade off on Workers’ Compensation. c The only trade off – which is for the pay increase – is the sock and stocking allowance. This would be removed in July 2011.
Time to vote on ratios and pay offer
From page 13
‘I have been really impressed with the activism shown by NSW nurses during this dispute with the State Government. Closing hospital beds is never easy, particularly when patients miss out on services, but your determination to put patient safety first and manage your own workloads has succeeded.Well done, this is a very significant victory for you and your patients.’ Lee Thomas, Federal Secretary, Australian Nursing Federation
Services the new award would improve the skill mix if the hospital has acute beds and a level 2 or above ED. There would need to be two RNs at all times while the ED is open. This issue has been a major concern for our members in these hospitals, so this is a major win for those members. This is to ensure that if an RN is required in ED there will also be an RN on the ward. The addition of this extra RN will occur progressively as nursing vacancies arise, so no EN or AiN will lose their job. In in-patient adult acute mental health wards there will be 6.0 hours for those wards in general hospital facilities (this provides an equivalent ratio of 1:4 morning, 1:4 afternoon and 1:7 night shift), and 5.5 hours for specialised mental health facilities (this provides an equivalent ratio of 1:4 morning, 1:5 afternoon and
1:7 night shift), with additional hours available for in charge shifts.
What all this adds up to On current estimates of numbers required to delivered the ratios and staffing offer, the Government would employ around 1,400 additional FTE positions at a cost of over $180 million. The funding allows for 82% of these new staff to be RNs. The implementation of these new staffing arrangements would be rolled out over 2¼ years until June 2013. There is a commitment to replace unplanned leave with ‘like with like’ in the award ie. an RN should be replaced by an RN.n Details of the finalised pay and ratios offer will be available on the NSWNA website prior to the vote.
‘The most significant hurdle is having the Government concede that minimum enforceable ratios should be included in an industrial instrument. Once you have achieved this you can protect nursing hours and budgets, and protect and improve ratios with each subsequent campaign. ‘NSW nurses and midwives now understand the collective strength that is in their hands through bed closures, and have utlised that strength to achieve mandated minimum ratios and protections in a range of areas. I am confident that patients in NSW health services will soon see the benefits that stable staffing levels bring.’ Paul Gilbert, Acting State Secretary, ANF Victoria 14 THE LAMP february 2011
The offer on pay g Here are typical examples of what the proposed pay offer means. Classification
Draft Weekly Rate Effective 1.7.09 ($)
Draft Weekly Rate Effective 1.7.10 ($)
Draft Weekly Rate Effective 1.7.11 ($)
Draft Weekly Rate Effective 1.7.12 ($)
Pay Increases 2009-2012 ($)
% Increase 2010-2012
Enrolled Nurse 1st year
835.60
868.20
894.20
916.60
81.00
9.7%
EN Thereafter
909.50
945.00
973.40
997.70
88.20
9.7%
Enrolled Nurse – 1st year Medication Endorsement
854.10
887.40
914.00
993.20
82.80
9.7%
EEN Thereafter
928.10
964.30
993.20
1018.00
89.90
9.7%
Registered Nurse/Midwife: 1st year
947.50
984.50
1014.00
1039.40
91.90
9.7%
4th year
1106.00
1149.10
1183.60
1213.20
107.20
9.7%
8th year
1330.60
1382.50
1424.00
1459.60
129.00
9.7%
Clinical Nurse/Midwifery Specialist: Grade 1, Year 1
1384.70
1438.70
1481.90
1518.90
134.20
9.7%
Grade 2, Year 2
1536.20
1596.10
1644.00
1685.10
148.90
9.7%
Nursing/Midwifery Unit Manager: Level II
1748.40
1816.60
1871.10
1917.90
169.50
9.7%
Clinical Nurse/Midwifery Consultant: Grade 1, 2nd year
1698.60
1764.80
1817.70
1863.10
164.50
9.7%
Nurse/Midwifery Managers: Grade 3, 2nd year
1868.50
1941.40
1999.60
2049.60
181.10
9.7%
Improved staffing for ED Negotiations by the NSWNA, including a delegation of ED nurses that met with NSW Health officials, have achieved improved staffing in Emergency Departments. Designated nurses for resuscitation beds will be employed and rostered as follows in certain Emergency Departments in recognition of their combined role delineation and Urgency Disposition Group (UDG) – a measure that weights attendances for triage category mix and patient disposition. These increased staffing levels will be progressively implemented by June 2013, according to a timetable agreed between NSW Health and the Association. Adult/mixed Emergency Departments with a role delineation of Level 6 and Urgency Disposition Groups (‘UDG’) of 45,000 or more.
Three designated nurses for resuscitation beds on two shifts and two designated nurses for resuscitation beds on the third shift.
Adult/mixed Emergency Departments with a role delineation of Level 6 and UDG of less than 45,000.
Two designated nurses for resuscitation beds on two shifts and one designated nurse for resuscitation beds on the third shift.
Adult/mixed Emergency Departments with a role delineation of Level 3, 4 or 5 and UDG of more than 45,000.
Two designated nurses for resuscitation beds on two shifts and one designated nurse for resuscitation beds on the third shift.
Adult/mixed Emergency Departments with a role delineation of Level 4 or 5 and UDG of more than 25,000 and less than 45,000.
One designated nurse for resuscitation beds on each of three shifts per day.
Specific hospitals in these categories will be listed in information to be sent to NSWNA members prior to voting on the offer. THE LAMP february 2011 15
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The offer on ratios nursing specialty
Offer as NHPPD
General Medical and Surgical wards Peer Group A
6 hours – Nursing hours per patient day
Principal Referral Hospitals
Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified.
Peer Group B
5.5 hours – Nursing hours per patient day
Major Metropolitan and Major Non – Metropolitan
Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified.
Peer Group C
5 hours – Nursing hours per patient day
District Group Hospitals
Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified.
Peer Group D1a and D1b
Skill mix offer: If the hospital has acute beds and has a level 2 or above ED, it will have 2 RNs at all times while ED is open. Second RN may be NUM/NM as long as they are on site.
Community Acute Hospitals, and F3 Multi Purpose Services
To be implemented by natural attrition as staff leave the facility. No existing EN or AiN will lose their job.
Palliative Care units 6 hours – Nursing hours per patient day. Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified. Applies to designated whole units only.
inpatient mental health Inpatient Adult Acute in general hospitals
6 hours – NHPPD Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified.
Inpatient Adult Acute in specialist mental health facilities
5.5 hours – NHPPD Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified.
Rehabilitation Specialist Brain and Spinal Injury Units
6 hours – NHPPD Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified.
General Rehabilitation Units
5 hours – NHPPD Note: NUM is in addition to the NHPPD specified. Applies to designated whole units only.
This table is a summary only. Refer to complete details in proposed Award clause on website. See the full list of hospital peer groups and Emergency Department levels at www.nswnurses.asn.au 16 THE LAMP february 2011
Offer as equivalent Ratios
Ratios in Victoria
AM 1:4
Level 1 Hospitals
PM 1:4 + in charge
ND 1:7
Note: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers.
AM 1:4 + in charge
AM 1:4
Level 2 Hospitals
PM 1:5 + in charge
ND 1:7
PM 1:4 + in charge ND 1:8
Note: NUM may work as the in charge.
Note: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers.
AM 1:4 + in charge PM 1:5 + in charge ND 1:8
AM 1:5
Level 3 Hospitals
PM 1:5 + in charge
ND 1:7
Note: NUM may work as the in charge.
Notes: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers.
AM 1:5 + in charge PM 1:6 + in charge ND 1:10
Not able to be directly converted.
Other Hospitals Aged Care & Acute Care
Note: NUM may work as the in charge.
Acute care beds: AM 1:6 + in charge PM 1:7 + in charge ND 1:10 Note: NUM may work as the in charge.
AM 1:4
PM 1:4 + in charge
ND 1:7
AM 1:4 + in charge PM 1:5 + in charge ND 1:8
Note: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers.
Note: NUM may work as the in charge.
AM 1:4
There is no mental health ratio in Victoria.
PM 1:4 + in charge
ND 1:7
Note: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers. AM 1:4
PM 1:5 + in charge
ND 1:7
There is no mental health ratio in Victoria.
Note: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers.
AM 1:4
PM 1:4 + in charge
ND 1:7
Note: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified.
AM 1:5 + in charge PM 1:5 + in charge ND 1:10 Note: NUM may work as the in charge.
Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers. AM 1:5
PM 1:5 + in charge
ND 1:7
Notes: NUM is in addition to the ratios specified. Hours available for in charge vary according to patient numbers.
AM 1:5 + in charge PM 1:7 + in charge ND 1:10 Note: NUM may work as the in charge. GEM beds: AM 1:5 + in charge PM 1:6 + in charge ND 1:10
There are many more details that make up the total offer and the Award clause will make them legally enforceable. The full proposed Award details are on the NSWNA website. There will be progressive implementation between March 2011 and June 2013. THE LAMP february 2011 17
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NSWNA President Coral Levett
This is a very good offer ‘It’s a very good offer. I’m pleased the Government finally realised that what we were telling them was true and we needed extra staff. The 1,400 odd extra full time nurses will be well utilised in the NSW public health system,’ said NSWNA President Coral Levett. ‘There are also good outcomes for EDs and general wards that we’ve been working towards for a long time. ‘Even though we didn’t get ratios for all specialties we did change the language in the award to increase our ability to enforce safe staffing. Under this arrangement nurses will have more control over the level of services they can provide.’ Coral says it was members’ action that was decisive in winning a constructive offer from the Government. ‘Bed closures were crucial to securing this. Nothing was really happening before the closures happened. Closing the beds made the Government focus on a serious offer.’
18 THE LAMP february 2011
NSWNA Councillor Kerry Rodgers
Ratios in the award is a great win NSWNA Councillor Kerry Rodgers says that overall she is satisfied with the offer and most areas will achieve a positive outcome. ‘The offer is very good in the majority of areas, particularly for hospital ward areas and acute mental health inpatient units. The ratios achieved as a result of the intense negotiations are better in many instances than those currently in place in Victoria. It’s very pleasing that the Government is finally using the same language as us, and ratios, as well as Nursing Hours Per Patient Day, will be written into the award – this is a great win. ‘As a perioperative nurse I’m happy that the Government finally agreed to write the ACORN 2008 Staffing Standards for operating suites into the award as ACORN is the national professional body representing perioperative nursing and is recognised internationally as a foundation member of the International Federation of Perioperative Nurses (IFPN). I know that this was a particularly hardfought battle by the NSWNA.’
More power to control workloads g Determined action has won a stronger mechanism to enforce safe staffing in Community Health and Community Mental Health.
W
hile the Govern ment’s offer on nurse-to-patient ratios is an excellent achievement that will benefit the majority of public health sector nurses, the offer does not include maximum, mandated face to face client hours in the areas of community and community mental health. The NSWNA has fought hard over the past few weeks and has achieved significant improvements for these important nursing areas. NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes said, ‘As a result of our determined negotiations and rallies by members across the state, the NSWNA has achieved a gain by improving the wording in the workloads clause to make
this a much better mechanism for the enforcement of reasonable staffing. ‘Our experience in closing beds and services was an important part of the campaign. We now know we have a better tool to enforce safe staffing into the future, irrespective of whether we have ratios in a certain specialty or not.’ The NSWNA will also look at all other avenues before the next Award campaign to improve staffing including through the role of the Federal Government in these areas. ‘It’s very disappointing the Government refused our claim in community and community mental health. But no where else in the world has anyone won ratios in these areas, including Victoria and California,’ said Brett. ‘Even without maximum face to face hours there is now plenty of scope to control workloads. For nurses on the
ground we need to be firm in our position that if there is no money for extra staff there shouldn’t be any extra services.’ Lilian Booth, an RN at Orange Community Health agrees. ‘In Community Health there are always things that you can not do and by not doing them you get through to your manager that you haven’t got enough staff. Not everything we do is urgent.’ Lilian says it is disappointing that Community Health and Community Mental Health didn’t get maximum, face to face client hours but it is still a good stepping stone. ‘I’ve been working in nursing for 40 years so I would have been surprised if they caved in and gave us everything at once. It’s a start and a huge improvement. Any mandated staffing level is better than what we’ve got.’n
On 24 January, nurses working in community health and community mental health held lunch-time rallies to show how passionate they are about the need for improved staffing for safe patient care. RNS Branch community nurses
Queanbeyan Branch community nurses
Mount Druitt Branch community nurses THE LAMP february 2011 19
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Bed closures won ratios g 573 beds closed at 68 hospitals forced the NSW Government to start negotiating on ratios.
I
n January, public health sector members closed 573 beds in nonemergency areas at 68 hospitals as part of industrial action to pressure the NSW Government to make a genuine offer for nurse-to-patient ratios and better skill mix. The action resulted in a constructive offer on ratios by the Government on 12 January. As elective procedures recommenced after the Christmas-January shutdowns, Branches progressively started shutting one in four beds and reduced clinic appointments and home visits. By 12 January NSWNA members had closed 573 beds at over 68 facilities across NSW. Throughout the bed closure plan all patients who required emergency care were provided with that care. NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes said the decision to close beds
was not made lightly by the Association and members. ‘Members were forced as a last resort to take this serious industrial action after negotiations with the Government stalled in December. ‘This action was about showing the State Government just how serious nurses and midwives are about this important patient-care reform,’ said Brett. ‘With the closure of almost 600 beds at 68 facilities, the Government felt the pressure members have exerted. It is only your action that resulted in a reasonable offer,’ said Brett Holmes. Unlike Victoria, the NSW industrial relations system requires that industrial action be lifted in order for any further negotiations to occur. NSWNA members started re-opening closed hospital beds on 13 January while the NSWNA Council and Committee of Delegates considered the offer.n
A little daunting but we achieved results Alanna Man is a new grad RN at RPA Hospital and was previously an EN for four years. Closing beds was the first major industrial action that Alanna had taken part in – and she found it both daunting and exciting. ‘It sent a strong message that we’re serious when we close beds. It’s important to stand up for what we believe in. We didn’t do this lightly, we did it because it was best for the patients,’ said Alanna. ‘The public and patients were supportive. The patients were very understanding. They under stood we were doing it for them not for ourselves. ‘There was a tremendous feeling of 20 THE LAMP february 2011
camaraderie – especially at the strike meeting in Homebush. We might be working in different regions and different nursing areas but were all trying our best to deliver safe patient care. I really felt the value of being part of the union. We stuck together for something we believe in and now we can see the results. Taking action brought all nurses across the state together.’ As a new grad, Alanna was pleased to be part of the discussions and action. ‘It made me feel part of the team and I felt proud to be part of the Union,’ she said. ‘Closing beds was serious action and it was daunting to take it on, but we achieved results quickly.’
Bed closures showed we are passionate about ratios Jan Dilworth, CNC and Branch Secretary at RPA, said it was a ‘difficult decision’ for Branch members to close beds. ‘Nurses are very passionate about their patients and anything that could have an impact on patients is always uppermost before consideration would be given to taking strike action. However, when the Branch Delegates discussed the likelihood of strike action to the members they overwhelmingly voted yes at the Extraordinary meeting,’ said Jan. ‘This showed how very strongly members feel about the importance of ratios and this campaign. It was important that we made the Government sit up and take notice. I think the Government thought that nurses wouldn’t be so proactive. However, they underestimated how passionate we are about ensuring safe patient care and having patient/staff ratios.’ Jan’s main role is as a Registered Midwife and she is pleased that the Birthrate Plus tool will finally be introduced. ‘The RPAH Branch has been quite persistent in asking where this tool is as it’s long overdue and maternity units need it. We need safe patient care for mothers and babies,’ said Jan.
THE LAMP february 2011 21
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Members stuck together and closed beds at John Hunter Hospital. Elizabeth Brace, RN, was part of the action.
Bed closures win ratios Coffs Harbour Community Nurses supported the One2Four action plan by cancelling one in four patient visits and non-urgent new referrals. ‘We started with 16 services being cancelled on 10 January and went up to 36,’ said Carolyn Guichard, Nurse Educator and Branch Official. Front row, left to right: Carolyn Guichard, Tracy Glenn, RN, Michelle Johnson, RN, and Mel McCosker, RN. Second row, left to right: Debbie Wilson, EN, Amanda Hawkins, RN, Leanne Bacon, RN, Christine McMillan, RN, Jenny Green, RN, Gaynor Boyd, RN. Third row, left to right: Kay Chandler, Jodie Butler, RN, Patti Condon, RN, Heather Pirie, RN, Rowena Vanderpoel, Sheryl Bowen, RN. Back row, left to right: Mary Boyce, RN, Iain Bennett, RN, Jose Guichard, RN, Anne Sneesby, Gurdeep Singh, RN, Jane Reynolds.
22 THE LAMP february 2011
Nurses from Ward N2F, Acute Stroke/OPERA at Nepean Hospital (from left to right): Shaleshni Kumar, EN, Kylie Lockwood, RN, Fiona Bennett, EN.
Tamworth Base Hospital put signs in their parked cars where the public could clearly see them to get the message out. ‘Some members kept the signs in their cars when they went down the main street and got a lot of positive responses from the community who are supportive of the issue,’ said Gerard Jeffrey, CNS, RN and Branch Official.
Nurses from Ward 3S, Plastics/ Neurosurgical/ENT/Trauma Ward at St George Hospital prepared for bed closures (from left to right): Ling Lou, RN, Mere Verebalavu, Maria Pefani, EN, Anissa Curran, RN, Rui Wang, RN. One of the first hospitals to close beds, Wollongong kept 35 beds closed throughout the weeks of action. ‘We have really bad ratios here. Some days there are eight patients to one nurse. A lot of us who went on strike decided to go ahead with closing beds. It’s not about the pay rise for us, but about safer patient care,’ said Lisa Morrissey, RN.
The Urbenville Multi-Purpose Service is located on the far north coast and was affected by the recent flood crisis, with surrounding communities and even doctors cut off from the facility. Despite their stressful circumstances, members at the facility closed three beds. ‘We felt strongly about supporting the industrial action and letting the public know we are supportive of the resolution passed by the Union,’ said Gail Card, CNS and Branch Official. From left to right: (front row) Elizabeth Smith, RN, Dot Lyons, EN, Sherry Matherson, EN, Kelvin Fraser, EN, Jenny Collins, RN; (middle row) Gail Card, RN and Branch Official, Susanne Reynolds, EN and Branch Official, Jeanette Coonan, RN; (back row) Joy Walsh, EN, Kathy Goldthorpe, AiN. THE LAMP february 2011 23
Nurses see it all. Now they can tell it all. WRITE IT. SHOOT IT. SEND IT.
The 2011 Nurses’ Short Film Festival. Showing at the Randwick Ritz Cinema, Monday 9 May 2011. Entries close 25 February 2011 Enter now for your chance to win
$5000
for full details of the 2011 film festival and to check out the 2010 finalists’films: www.nswnurses.asn.au The NSW Nurses’ Association Short Film Festival is proudly sponsored by: 24 THE LAMP february 2011
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Widespread media and community support There was widespread community, patient and media support for the Oneto-Four campaign action to close beds. The AMA put out media statements in support of our campaign. All TV channels also ran supportive stories, and positive coverage appeared in statewide, local and regional newspapers.
THE LAMP february 2011 25
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p r o f e s s i o n a l i s s u e s
Basic Foot Care for AINs - 1 Day Target group: AINs n Friday 20 May 2011, Tamworth n Monday 12 September 2011, Wagga Wagga Members $85 Non Members $150
Basic Foot Care for RNs and ENs - 2 Days Target group: RNs and ENs n Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May 2011, Wagga Wagga n Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 June 2011 NSWNA, Waterloo n Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 August 2011, Newcastle n Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October 2011, Armidale Members $203 Non Members $350
Aged Care Nurses Forum - 1 Day Target group: all nurses n Friday 21 October 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $30 Non Members $50
26 THE LAMP february 2011
2011 NSWNA Education Ca
Computer Essentials for Nurses and Midwives - 1 Day Target group: all nurses and midwives n Monday 11 April 2011 n Tuesday 3 May 2011 n Wednseday 22 June 2011 n Monday 11 July 2011 n Tuesday 9 August 2011 n Monday 5 September 2011 All at Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick Members $85 Non Members $170
Stress Management for Nurses and Midwives - 1 Day Target group: all nurses and midwives n Monday 21 March 2011 n Monday 8 August 2011 All at NSWNA, Waterloo Members $85 Non Members $170
CPD workshop for ENs - 1 Day Target group: all enrolled nurses n Wednesday 9 March 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo n Wednesday 30 March 2011, Wagga Wagga n Friday 8 April 2011, Tamworth n Wednesday 13 July 2011, Penrith Members $60 Non Members $170
Mental Health Nurses Forum - 1 Day Target group: all nurses n Wednesday 21 September 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $30 Non Members $50
Practical, Positive Leadership - 3 Days Target group: all N/MUM, CNS, CNC, Educators n Wednesday 2 March 2011 n Wednesday 13 April 2011 n Wednesday 25 May 2011 All at NSWNA, Waterloo Members $250 Non Members $400
Leadership Skills for the Aged Care Team - 4 Days Target Group: all Aged Care Nurses n Monday 7 March 2011 n Monday 4 April 2011 n Monday 9 May 2011 n Monday 20 June 2011 All at NSWNA, Waterloo Members $320 Non Members $480
Drug and Alcohol Nurses Forum - 1 Day Target group: all nurses n Friday 24 June 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $30 Non Members $50
A alendar Policy and Guideline Writing - 1 Day
Appropriate Workplace Behaviour - 1 Day
Target group: all nurses and midwives n Friday 25 March 2011 n Friday 3 June 2011 All at NSWNA, Waterloo Members $85 Non Members $170
Target group: all nurses and midwives n Wednesday 20 April 2011, Wagga Wagga n Thursday 19 May 2011, Coffs Harbour n Thursday 2 June 2011, Newcastle n Thursday 4 August 2011, Armidale n Thursday 25 August 2011, Albury Members $85 Non Members $170
Review and Implementation of Guidelines and Policies - 1 Day Target group: all nurses and midwives n Friday 11 November 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $85 Non Members $170
Enrolled Nurses Forum - 1 Day Target group: all enrolled nurses n Friday 4 November 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $30 Non Members $50
Student Nurses Forum - 1 Day Target group: all student nurses n Friday 8 July 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $30 Non Members $50
Medications in Aged Care - 1 Day Target group: RN, EN, AIN n Monday 14 March 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo n Wednesday 25 May 2011, Penrith n Friday 17 June 2011, Ballina n Monday 20 June 2011, Port Macquarie n Friday 5 August 2011, Batemans Bay Members $75 Non Members $170
CPD workshop for RNs - 1 Day Target group: all registered nurses and midwives n Wednesday 16 February 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo n Tuesday 29 March 2011, Wagga Wagga n Thursday 7 April 2011, Tamworth n Wednesday 15 June 2011, Coffs Harbour n Wednesday 6 July 2011, Penrith Members $75 Non Members $170
l a n o i t i d d a r o F s e i r i u q n e r o s course NSWNA contact Metro: 34 8595 12 or Rural: 7 962 6 3 0 0 3 1 Legal and Professional Issues for Nurses and Midwives - ½ Day Target group: RNs, RMs and ENs n Friday 15 April 2011, Shellharbour n Friday 13 May 2011, Armidale n Friday 27 May 2011, Penrith n Friday 1 June 2011, Newcastle n Friday 1 July 2011, Albury n Friday 29 July 2011, Dubbo n Friday 12 August 2011, Coffs Harbour n Friday 9 September 2011, Wagga Wagga n Friday 16 September 2011, Tamworth n Friday 30 September 2011, Port Macquarie Members $39 Non Members $85
Nurse Practitioner Forum - 1 Day Target group: all nurses n Friday 19 August 2011, NSWNA, Waterloo Members $30 Non Members $50
THE LAMP february 2011 27
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. Not only will you be building your union by signing up a new member, you and a friend could win this fabulous holiday on Lord Howe Island. The more members you sign up, the more chances you have to win! The prize* includes a seven-nights’ stay with meals at Pinetrees Lodge, return flights for two on Qantaslink from Sydney, airport transfers on Lord Howe Island, and some activities.
28 THE LAMP february 2011 *
Conditions apply.
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of world-heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Enjoy great food, good accommodation and outstanding hospitality at the historic Pinetrees Lodge. Pinetrees Lodge is situated on one of the prime aspects of Lord Howe Island as it has unsurpassed access to the lagoon. Cycling, reading, birdwatching, scuba diving, surfing, swimming and bush climbing – it’s up to you! And if you believe your cardiac health is up to it you can always attempt the challenging climb up Mt Gower. We have been told that this climb is worth every strenuous step as the views from the top are incredible.
So, if you are up for this sort of holiday where you will enjoy uncomplicated days, crystal clear waters and uncrowded and unspoilt beaches, make sure you ask the nurses and midwives you work with if they are members of the NSWNA!
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 DRA
WN 30 JUNE 2011
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p r o f e s s i o n a l i s s u e s
Local Health Networks now operating g At the beginning of January this year Local Health Networks came into operation, replacing the existing area health services.
T
recruitment into any new structures or roles created as a result of LHNs and Clinical Support Clusters (see box below) is likely to occur by 1 July 2011. The DOH reiterated that the objective
of the overall placement and recruitment process was to place as many employees as possible in a job, and that for most staff no tangible change will occur in their job or activities.n
Clinical Support Clusters
he NSW Health Service underwent another shakeup at the beginning of 2011 as Local Health Networks (LHNs) came into existence on 1 January. Regardless of the change, which sees LHNs replace the previous area health services, the Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that all staff will continue to remain employees of NSW Health. At a Peak Health Industrial Consultative Committee meeting held on 9 December 2010, public health unions were provided with an update regarding the progression of LHNs by the DOH. In addition to Chief Executives being appointed to the LHNs, a number of second-tier positions will be required, in order to establish greater autonomy and decision-making. It is hoped the second-tier positions for each LHN will be in place by later this month, after which placement or
Clinical Support Clusters were set up in November last year, each with a Chief Operations Officer (COO). The Clusters’ roles are to support and assist LHNs to progressively transition to full operation; to preserve and support the ongoing development of clinical networks; and to enable LHNs to receive support and access expertise without the need to hold this technical support within every network — thus avoiding an increase in the number of bureaucrats, as required by the National Health Reform Agreement signed between the Commonwealth and the State. There are three Clinical Support Clusters, each of which is linked to a group of LHNs to provide expert clinical support, expertise and advice.
They are:
Northern Cluster
COO Nigel Lyons (formerly Chief Executive of Hunter New England AHS). Supporting the Central Coast, Hunter New England, Mid North Coast, Northern and Northern Sydney LHNs.
Western Cluster
COO Mike Wallace (formerly Chief Executive of Sydney South West AHS). Supporting the Far West, Western, Nepean Blue Mountains, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and Sydney LHNs.
Southern Cluster
COO Matthew Daly (formerly Chief Executive of Northern Sydney, Central Coast AHS). Supporting the Illawarra Shoalhaven, Murrumbidgee, South Eastern Sydney and Southern LHNs.
THE LAMP february 2011 29
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a g e d c a r e
A year of big wins for aged care nurses February 2010 Members at Lend Lease Primelife won a total pay increase of 14% over three years in one of the first Enterprise Agreements negotiated with a large, for-profit employer. Three weeks’ paid maternity and adoption leave and paid union training leave were among the other benefits.
July 2010 Staff at Living Care’s eight aged care facilities in NSW celebrated their inaugural Enterprise Agreement, which saw them gain a minimum 3% pay increase over two years, nine weeks’ paid maternity leave and a process to identify and resolve workload issues.
More than 26 for-profit employers adopted the first ever ‘template’ Enterprise Agreement negotiated by the NSWNA in June. The agreement, which was signed
November 2010 After rejecting a sub-standard agreement in July, members at Bupa finally secured a good outcome, with a pay increase of 3.5% over three years and reinstatement of previously lost allowances and conditions.
30 THE LAMP february 2011
October 2010 After an initial bumpy start, negotiations between the NSWNA and Riviera proceeded smoothly to deliver a high-quality Enterprise Agreement. Nurses at the employer’s 14 facilities in NSW were ‘thrilled’ with much improved conditions, particularly a process to fix workload issues.
Three years of campaigning paid off for members at Domain, as the for-profit provider offered its first Enterprise Agreement, which saw pay rises of 3.7% in 2011 and 2012.
g 2010 saw some great wins for aged care members in securing Enterprise Agreements that offered good pay and conditions. The Lamp takes a look at some of the highlights.
c o m p e t i t i o n
WIN tix to Theatre Kantanka’s
MISSING THE BUS TO DAVID JONES The Lamp is offering NSWNA members the chance to win one of 12 double passes for the 8pm performance of Theatre Kantanka’s Missing the Bus to David Jones on Saturday, 26 March, at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. It’s not often that you see older people rocking out to the soundtrack of Trainspotting on stage. In Missing the Bus to David Jones, nursing homes are the unlikely focus of this cutting-edge piece of physical theatre. This finely observed and brilliantly devised production shows us life behind the swinging doors and beige walls of this hidden universe. It’s a bit crazy, and well, quite frankly, surreal. But there’s a whole lot of beauty here too.
off by employer body the Aged Care Association of Australia (ACAA), serves the whole of the for-profit sector and by July covered 78 residential aged care facilities owned by 26 employers.
September 2010 By September, the number of for-profit employers who had signed up to the ACAA template increased to 40.
August 2010 Members working at Bupa’s 21 facilities in NSW took a stand and voted overwhelmingly to reject a sub-standard agreement offered by the company.
Featuring Theatre Kantanka’s trademark visual and physical performance style, Missing the Bus to David Jones is a humorous and uplifting show that finds celebration where you might least expect it. 22 March - 2 April 2011 Tue-Sat 8pm, Wed 11am, Sat 2pm To enter this month’s competition, simply write your name, address and membership number on the back of an envelope and send it to: Missing the Bus to David Jones competition 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 Please note: only one entry per member will be accepted.
Special offer for NSWNA members NSWNA members can purchase tickets to Missing the Bus to David Jones at the special price of only $34. To book, phone 9351 7940 or visit www.seymourcentre.com Quote ‘Industry offer’. Offer valid until 22 Feb 2011, but book early to get good seats.
THE LAMP february 2011 31
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Because we care
Year in review g 2010 was an important year for aged care, with many aims of the Because we care campaign progressed. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.
n February 2010
n april 2010
Nurses took the aged care reform debate to Canberra. Members and nursing home residents travelled to Parliament House to deliver the message to the Federal Government to make Budget 2010 the aged care Budget. NSWNA representatives delivered bundles of Because we care Budget 2010 postcards to MPs.
The Federal Government announced $700 million for more aged care beds, followed by an announcement that aged care workforce issues would be included in the Productivity Commission’s review of the sector.
n march 2010
n may 2010
The ANF and NSWNA launched a TV ad campaign to put pressure on the Federal Government to deliver funding to aged care. The ads were filmed in NSW, with the message presented by a family member of a nursing home resident.
The Because we care campaign achieved a major win, with the Rudd Government allocating $130 million to initiatives that would improve the skill level of aged care nurses and explore setting up a national licensing system for AiNs and care workers. Of this funding, $60 million was set aside for education initiatives, enabling 50,000 aged care workers eligible for incentives from 1 July to improve their skills.
The Quality Aged Care Action Group (QACAG) attended a Seniors’ Week event at Bennelong, where they presented then Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew with 1,700 pink ‘Dignity and Respect’ postcards for her to pass on to then Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot. 32 THE LAMP february 2011
At a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting on 19 April, aged care was named as being
A new aged care Nurse Practitioner scheme was announced in the Budget: $18.7 million to be made available from 1 July to fund 25 NPs covering 100 nursing homes.
The NSW NA would lik e to say a big ‘thank yo u’ to mem bers in aged care who keep the secto running u r nder grea while lob t pressure bying for change o of the res n behalf idents. W e also com the comm mend unity and nurses in sectors w other ho suppo rt the cam and the th paign e Quality Aged Care Action Gro up for the ir hard w at numero ork us comm unity events an d lobbyin g activities .
n August 2010
n October 2010
The ANF submitted an extensive report to the Productivity Com mission Inquiry, recommending an overhaul of the aged care sector nationally, especially around good models of care, staff ratios and skill mix, staff recruitment and retention, licensing of AiNs and the improvement of the aged care complaints system. QACAG also put in a submission after meeting with the Commission, and focused on the experiences of its members in NSW, many with direct experience of aged care services for themselves or their relatives, or having worked in aged care.
A petition was started on the Because we care website and in paper form, with the aim of collecting 20,000 signatures nationally in support of the ANF’s submission to the Productivity Commission. This will be presented to the Commission during the process of it preparing its final report to the Government.
n September 2010
included in the Federal Government’s sweeping reforms of the health sector to receive additional funding. Members and NSWNA officers attended the Community Cabinet held in Bennelong and were able to direct questions at then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd about aged care, and subsequently had meetings with the Federal Treasurer and Minister for Ageing.
The NSWNA held an Aged Care Forum with updates about bargaining, national registration and the Because we care campaign. Specialist guest speakers covered topics including the roles and responsibilities in medication duties for nurses and care staff, challenges of attracting new graduate nurses into aged care, and the unique issues of gay and lesbian nursing home residents.
A report by National Seniors Australia, The Future of Aged Care, warned that unless the aged care system undergoes major reform it will be crippled by burgeoning costs and eventually become unsustainable.
The ANF submitted a supplementary submission to the Productivity Commission to specifically detail the ongoing work of the Because we care campaign. It outlines the rationale, aims and key activities of the campaign and summarises the findings from focus groups, research and consultation.
Kevin Rudd chats with George Forbes House resident Mary Primmer, aged 99.
The ANF co-ordinated an event at a nursing home in Queanbeyan to tie in with the Budget and International Nurses’ Day. Several NSWNA aged care members were present and able to speak directly with former Prime Minister Rudd and key MPs. THE LAMP february 2011 33
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Q & A
ASK
JUDITH
when it comes to your rights and entitlements at work,
nswna assistant general secretary judith kiejda has the answers.
Insurer refuses to pay I injured myself at work and made a Workers’ Compensation claim that was accepted by the insurer. Now, the insurer is refusing to pay some of my medical expenses. What do I do?
You should immediately contact the NSWNA and we will refer you to our solicitor who specialises in Workers’ Compensation law to assist you in having the decision reviewed.
Shift altered to enable 10-hour break I work in a public hospital and often have to work back to complete my work. Management are happy for us to do this, and we have the option to be paid overtime or take time in lieu. Recently our NUM has said that if we work back we may have to start our next shift later if we are on day shift as we are not getting our 10-hour break. Can she change our start time like this?
Under the Public Health System Nurses’ (State) Award, nurses are entitled to have a 10-hour break between shifts as set out in Clause 25 Overtime (ix)(a)(b). If this break is not given, then the nurse is entitled to be paid the second shift at overtime for the entire shift. If your NUM is asking that you take the break, this should not alter your start and finishing time for the purpose of payment. So, while you may be asked to start later, you should be paid as if you started and finished at your normal time. However, under Clause 25 (ix)(c) the requirement for an employee to have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before or after overtime shall be reduced to eight hours in the following circumstances: (i) where it is agreed between the employee and local nursing management;
34 THE LAMP february 2011
(ii) where an employee has exchanged the shift rostered before or after the overtime period with another employee.
Contract increased to actual hours worked I am an EN in a public hospital contracted to work 16 hours per week. I have always worked in excess of this, yet when I ask my NUM to formally increase my hours she told me that I need to apply for vacancies when they come up. Can you advise me if she is correct?
Your employer must not unreasonably refuse your request to increase your permanent hours. Under the Public Health System Nurses (State) Award, clause 29 Part 1 Permanent Part-Time Employees(xii) provides: Permanent Part-time (PPT) employees may elect to increase their contracted hours to reflect the average of the actual hours worked per fortnight in the preceding 12-month period (except in circumstances where the PPT engagement has been specifically for the purpose of temporarily backfilling a position where the substantive occupant has been on extended leave). The employer will not unreasonably withhold agreement to this request. In addition, the NSW Health Policy Directive PD2008_045 Recruitment of Nurses and Midwives – Framework relevantly provides at clause 5: Where a part-time employee requests an increase in his/her contracted hours, or to convert to full-time status, the public health system entity is to expeditiously review whether the employee’s request should be accommodated having regard to required nurse staffing resources and skill mix. If the public health system entity concludes that such a request can be met there is no requirement for any additional recruitment/interview process over and
above that already undertaken for initial appointment to the position. If the extra hours you have been working are not as a result of backfilling an employee on extended leave (annual, long service, sick or maternity leave), and therefore expected to return to their position, you should ask your NUM to provide detailed reasons for refusing your request to increase your contracted hours and seek advice from NSWNA.
Longer travel to temporary workplace I am employed at a NSW health facility in NSW, and my employer has asked me to temporarily report to duty to a place of work other than my regular place of work. The other facility is further away from my home and it takes me up to half an hour extra to get to and from work each day. Do I have any entitlement to be paid for my travelling time?
Yes. The Public Health System Nurses’ (State) Award clause 20. Mobility, Excess Fares and Travelling (ii) (a) provides: Where an employee is directed to report for duty to a place of work other than the employee’s accustomed place of work, the employee shall travel to and from the alternative place of work in the employer’s time for those periods in excess of time normally taken to travel to and from the accustomed place of work. This means that if it normally takes you 30 minutes to get to work, and it is now taking you 60 minutes then your employer must pay you for an extra 30 minutes at the beginning and end of each shift. Alternatively, your employer could pay you for your regular shift length and allow you to commence 30 minutes later and finish 30 minutes earlier than your regular start and finish times.n
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nursing research online
Latest nursing and midwifery research g The latest edition of the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing continues to provide a forum for new nursing and midwifery research. It is available free at www.ajan.com.au. End of life clinician-family communication in ICU: a retrospective observational study – implications for nursing Melissa Bloomer, Monash University; Dr Susan Lee, Monash University; Professor Margaret O’Connor; Vivian Bullwinkel, Monash University.
The objective of this study was to identify practice issues that influence end-of-life communication and care of patients and families in the intensive Melissa Bloomer care unit (ICU). There are two parts to this study. The first part related to all of the patients who died in the ICU in one calendar year, a total of 97. The second part Dr Susan Lee of this study related to a random selection of 25% of these patients, a total of 24. This study showed that death in the ICU was often anticipated, and that while Prof. Margaret communication between O’Connor family and medical per sonnel was evident in the medical record, the involvement or occurrence of com munication between the nurse and the family was not recorded, and that nurses were included in only 25% of formal family meetings. While this study confirmed that death is often predicted for critically ill patients, and opportunities for communication with the family or next of kin assists to achieve consensus on end-of-life decisions, the involvement of nurses, as primary care givers, is not well represented in the medical record,
thus undermining the importance of the nurse’s role in direct patient care that extends to the family in the ICU. http://ajan.com.au/Vol28/ 28-2_Bloomer.pdf
Nursing care of older patients in hospital: implications for clinical leadership Kathleen Milton-Wildey, University of Technology, Sydney; Professor Louise O’Brien, Charles Sturt University.
This study investigated how nurses managed the care of acutely ill older patients in acute hospital settings. Twenty-seven Registered Nurses caring for patients who were Kathleen Milton- aged 65 years and older Wildey were recruited from five acute medical and surgical units across two public hospitals. Three themes were identified from the data analysis: being informed about care; limiting care; Professor Louise and rationalising actions. O’Brien Nurses articulated they understood that quality care was important, but care was limited and interventions were prioritised. The participants blamed health services, lack of clinical leadership, patients, other nurses, and themselves. These findings have implications for issues of professional agency and clinical leadership. While there is a need for good clinical leadership that is aligned with em powerment to exercise professional agency, speculation about how the dynamics within the units in this study developed and were maintained needs further consideration. http://ajan.com.au/Vol28/ 28-2_Milton-Wildey.pdf
The effectiveness of a follow-up program on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors for hypertensive patients Zohre Irmak, Mugla University; Gulsen Duzoz, Mugla University; Inci Bozyer, Mugla University.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a follow-up program on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients. This study was conducted at the Hypertension, Obesity and Diabetes Centre of a State Hospital in Turkey. An education program was imple mented with hypertensive patients whereby patients were monitored each month for a total of six times following an initial appointment. Follow-up by nurses included checking weight and blood pressure (BP), reviewing of diaries, education, counselling or referrals to other disciplines. Patients’ BP and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at the baseline and six months later. The findings were then compared to evaluate the effects of intervention on the patient’s BP and cardiovascular risk factors. After intervention there was a significant decrease between the mean systolic BP and diastolic BP when compared with the baseline. BMI was decreased from 29.6±3kg/m2 to 29.3±3kg/m2 (p=0.033). Total cholesterol did not change. Triglycerides decreased. However, LDL cholesterol increased and HDL cholesterol decreased. The authors conclude that to manage hypertension and to reduce cardiovascular risk factors a program is needed and should be implemented that includes anti hypertensive treatment options, lifestyle changes and lipid-lowering drug therapy. The long-term effects of such a program should be monitored while implementing.n http://ajan.com.au/Vol28/ 28-2_Irmak.pdf THE LAMP february 2011 35
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n u r s e s o n l i n e
What’s hot on Nurse Uncut g Nurse Uncut has proved to be an important tool in the NSWNA’s campaign for ratios. The forums and blogs have been red hot with members saying One2Four is the way to go. Other topics discussed include tips for dealing with needle-phobic patients, drug cupboard key requirements, nurses’ thoughts for the victims of the Queensland floods, and tributes flowed for murdered nurse Bob Fenwick. Read all the latest happenings at www.nurseuncut.com.au.
Hot topics www.nurseuncut.com.au/how-donurses-deal-with-needle-phobe-patients
As nurses, a part of our every day job is to inject or give needles to patients – so what do you do when your patient is terrified of needles? Needle phobia can be defined as a fear of sharp objects such as pins or needles. Believe it or not, it is now
recognised by doctors as a very real condition. Needle phobia mostly affects children but it’s not uncommon to see a grown man (or should we say tough Aussie bloke!) faint at the sight of the dreaded needle. Read the tips at Nurse Uncut.
Who carries the drug key at your work location? www.nurseuncut.com.au/who-carriesthe-drug-keys-at-your-work-location
Recently, in The Lamp, in the ‘Ask Judith’ column, there was a very controversial topic. An EN asked, if she was allowed
to carry the drug keys for the Ward. Of course, Judith provided the correct legal position in her response. So, at your workplace, what types of situations have you been placed in? See readers’ experiences at Nurse Uncut.
Queensland floods: Our thoughts are with them www.nurseuncut.com.au/queenslandfloods-our-thoughts-are-with-them
A first-class health service needs first-class professionals like you. WA Health has a vast range of employment opportunities. We have 111 different places to work across WA and 2.3 million customers. To find your opportunity, visit www.health.wa.gov.au
36 THE LAMP february 2011
DOH 11941 DEC’10 THE LAMP
Tips for dealing with needle-phobic patients
The recent Queensland floods will go down in our history as one of the most devastating natural disasters in living memory. Members offer their thoughts to the families of those who have lost loved ones, who are waiting to hear if relatives and friends are still alive, and to those who have lost everything they own. Read the full story at Nurse Uncut.
Tributes flow for Bloomfield nurse www.nurseuncut.com.au/tributes-flowfor-bloomfield-nurse
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of 63-year-old nurse Bob Fenwick who died after the horrifying attack at Bloomfield Hospital last month. Mr Fenwick has been hailed as a hero after he rushed to the aid of 20-year-old nurse Emily Pritchard who was allegedly being attacked by a patient at Bloomfield Hospital in Orange on Wednesday, 5 January. Mr Fenwick was a respected senior staff member at the Bloomfield Hospital, and was the acting Nurse Unit Manager at the time of the attack. Read the messages of sympathy at Nurse Uncut.n
What nurses are talking about? One2Four – The Safe Way to Patient Care Nurses have jumped on Nurse Uncut to discuss the One2Four campaign in a specially dedicated forum at: www.nurseuncut.com.au/forum/component/option,com_ccboard/ Itemid,24/forum,13/topic,576/view,postlist You don’t need to register to leave a comment. It’s open to everyone. The comments below reflect the passion expressed by many nurses:
‘We need nurse-to-patient ratios ... There’s also no point in having more training places at universities for nurses if there are limited new graduate positions for them to go into.’ ‘I worked on a hugely busy cardiac lung ward with heart lung transplant patients among others. I would have 10 patients on a night duty. This was terrifying. If ONE patient started deteriorating the others would be neglected.’ ‘If staffing ratios proposed by the NSWNA are not looked at seriously and eventually implemented NSW can kiss the health service goodbye.’
Issues in nursing – nurses attacked at Bloomfield www.nurseuncut.com.au/forum/component/option,com_ccboard/Itemid,24/ forum,13/topic,602/view,postlist/#ccbp3481
‘There is a great need for supporting of our colleagues when such a tragedy occurs, for the staff that are dealing with the tragic loss of their workmate and the physical and psychological injuries that will remain with the unit staff involved and I’m sure it will continue for a long while. We also need to ask our health department for safer working environments, and proper review of safety standards. It’s very frightening to know that there are poor and few safeguards for nurses working in health-care facilities nationwide.’ Visit our forums and www.one2four.com.au and show your support!
The College of Nursing creating nursing’s future
Advance your career with a College of Nursing Graduate Certificate BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW 1800 265 534 (1800 COLLEGE) www.nursing.edu.au When phoning please quote LAMP0101
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F i t n u r s e s
Getting fit together g Team sports are a great way to keep fit and enhance your social life.
Hockey keeps Louise jolly and fit
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ouise Vincent, NUM at the orthopaedic unit at Gosford Hospital, has been playing hockey since high school. She’s now 50. ‘It was one of the sports offered in my first year in high school so I took it up and haven’t stopped playing since,’ she told The Lamp. ‘I enjoy being part of a team – it’s competitive as well as being fun. I’ve made a lot of long-term friendships through the game and it gives me a reason to keep fit. As well as regular exercise, hockey involves both upper and lower limb muscle groups as well as hand–eye co-ordination.’ For Louise, a team sport like hockey is more appealing than going to the gym. ‘Being a team sport there’s more incentive to maintain fitness so as not to let the rest of the team down,’ she said. ‘There’s also a great social side to the game as well.’ Outdoor training for Louise and her team takes place every Saturday with one session during the week indoors. ‘Indoors is a bit more social so we don’t train till State Championships are around in February,’ she said. ‘Indoor is held in the off season to keep fitness levels up for the main winter competition.’ Talking of competitions, Louise has been on the winning team many times over the past few decades. ‘I have represented the Central Coast at the Veterans State Championships since I was 35. There’s been a fairly consistent group in the same team for a lot of those years and we’ve won more finals than we’ve lost.’ When asked what her proudest moment in hockey has been, she said: ‘A couple of years ago I stood in as goalkeeper in our Div 1 team – I normally play on the field – for two years running and both years we went through and won the grand final. Also, playing in the World Gay Games in Sydney in 2002. There was still the leftover vibe from the 38 THE LAMP february 2011
Louise Vincent has played hockey since high school.
2000 Olympics and the hockey matches, along with a lot of other sports, were held at the Olympic venue. It was fantastic.’ In addition to hockey, Louise also walks whenever she can and takes the stairs, rather than the lift at work. She is of the firm belief that keeping fit is important. ‘I’ve always enjoyed sport and believe life is more enjoyable when you’re fit and healthy. It helps me in my work as a nurse because it makes the workload easier to manage and helps you mentally as well. I’m a NUM so I work Monday to Friday now, but when I used to do night duty I’d feel very energetic
the morning after the shift and I’d usually run home from work, then collapse and go to sleep. Being fit helps you wind down and get over the shift.’ And while Louise has been playing sport all her life, she says it’s never too late to start, no matter what age you are or what level of fitness you are at. ‘Take it slowly and you won’t regret the benefits it brings to both your working life and social life,’ she advises. ‘It helps you cope with the ageing process and allows you to be more motivated to participate in other activities. There’s a great feeling of camaraderie in a team sport.’n
Carol Taylor (second from front) and the Dragons Abreast Sydney team took part in the Chinese New Year Festival in November 2009.
Enter the dragon
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n 2006, Carol Taylor, a CNC at RPA Hospital, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly after having her lymph nodes removed, she took up dragonboat racing. ‘I found out that if you took up some form of exercise, such as dragon boating, it will help reduce lymphedema if you use the muscles,’ she told The Lamp. Carol is part of a national organisation called Dragons Abreast Australia, which is comprised of breast cancer survivors and their supporters. Dragons Abreast teams from across the country meet to compete against each other, increase their fitness – and have fun. According to Dragons Abreast, dragonboat racing is an aquatic sport in which a 12m-long, canoe-like boat, wide enough to sit 20 people, two abreast, along with a sweep to steer the boat and a drummer, is paddled over a course of approximately 500m in length. During races a dragonboat will feature the head and tail of a dragon, a mythological creature regarded by the Chinese as having dominion over the waters and exercising control over rainfall. Carol is part of the Sydney team of Dragons Abreast, which has over 100
members, including supporters such as a husband or close friend. They train at Black Wattle Bay three times a week, including Saturday mornings – and are a very mixed bunch. ‘We’ve got people in our team ranging from the young, who’ve just been diagnosed, those who are in the middle of chemo with no hair, to people who are 76,’ she said. ‘Some like the sport so much they have continued on with it after surviving breast cancer.’ Because of the large numbers in the team, members are divided into streams. Carol is in the ‘serious’ division. ‘Some people like me who want more and paddle hard are now in what’s known as “the squad”’. And the social benefits to a team sport are as important as the fitness aspect. ‘We have a lot of social networking, so if someone is feeling down there’s a network to connect with,’ said Carol. ‘Once we’ve finished paddling on Saturdays we go out for coffee, chat, we have dinners, plus there’s a theatre group and a craft group. It’s much bigger than just the sport.’ While Carol started dragonboat racing as a way to keep her body fit and strong, her competitive spirit was sparked, so much so that she tried out for
and succeeded in securing a spot in the NSW State dragonboat racing team. ‘I’m crazy, I want more!’ she laughed. ‘I love the challenge, it keeps me fitter and gets me out more.’ Once Carol got a taste for winning there was no holding her back. ‘We went to Queensland, for a State versus State competition. We were in the lead, but the person at the back, who is the sweep, lost it. Luckily they let us paddle in a heat again and we came second. Then in the finals we won giving us the Australian title,’ she recalled. Carol’s latest bid is to win a place on the National team, the Auroras, and to this end she’s training hard. ‘I have a gym at home – I’ve got a cross-trainer, a rowing machine, treadmill and a bike. They are taking on the best people from each State for a competition that will be held in Tampa, Florida in 2011.’ But you don’t have to take an all-out approach to dragonboat racing to reap the fitness benefits. ‘It helps me in my work as a nurse, as doing exercise releases a lot of frustration,’ said Carol. ‘I encourage people to get motivated. Everyone has family commitments and there’s always something going on in your life, but once you start exercise and get the adrenalin going it’s wonderful.’ Visit www.dragonsabreast.com.aun THE LAMP february 2011 39
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127 Hours
g Not for the faint of heart, but an inspiring story about endurance of the human spirit.
Our reviewers and tipsters receive a delightful ABC Classics CD 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.
Review by Wayne Lynch, RN, Kirketon Road Centre and CNC, Concord Drug Health Services
127
Hours is adapted from the autobiography Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston, whose story, if not name, is chillingly well known. Man canyoneering in Utah in 2003, pinned by falling boulder for five days, facing sure death, amputates forearm with dull knife to escape.
Watching Danny Boyle’s film is like a Luna Park ride. First excitement (locations, cinematography and music), followed by trepidation and nausea (marooned with dawning realisation limb has to go) and a strong desire for it to come to an end. That may not sound like fun, but Danny Boyle (heir apparent to Orson Welles’ storytelling mantle with Slumdog Millionaire) directs James Franco (on
screen the whole time) looking the goods and carrying the film; rough, tough (like real people, not Hollywood buff) with wrinkles! If Psychiatric Nursing has one cardinal lesson, it’s the appropriate use of detachment – just what a person needs to saw an appendage off, and the point of the film. With more blood in this penultimate scene than St Vincent’s Hospital ED on a Saturday night, the welcome flashbacks and surrealism leaven the necessary gore. Not a movie for the faint of heart, but an inspiring story about endurance of the human spirit, with shots of the real Aron at film’s end.n www.foxsearchlight.com/127hours In cinemas 10 February
giveaways for NSWNA members CERTIFIED COPY A sensation at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, where Juliette Binoche won the Best Actress award, Certified Copy is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed 40 THE LAMP february 2011
filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami (Ten, Taste of Cherry). This is the story of a meeting between one man and one woman, in a small Italian village in Southern Tuscany. The man is a British author who has just finished giving a lecture at a conference. The woman, from France, owns an art gallery. This is a common story that could happen to anyone, anywhere. In cinemas 17 February The Lamp has 25 double passes to
Certified Copy and 10 double passes to 127 Hours. To enter, email lamp@ nswnurses.asn. au with your film preference, name, membership number, address and contact number. First entries win!
Another Year g A film that touches the heart of human existence. Review by Stephanie Gray, RN, Australian Red Cross Blood Service
A
nother Year by director Mike Leigh deals with the piercing truths about the joys and sorrows that unfold over the changing seasons and moods of a 12-month period. This film is a typically plaintive, melancholy examination of a London couple blessed with contentment that eludes some of their closest friends. Jim Broadbent gives an outstanding performance as Tom, a geologist who is never happier than when pottering around their allotment with his beloved wife, Gerri (Ruth Sheen), a counsellor. Tom and Gerri are the kind of couple who seem perfectly matched, sitting together in comfortable silence, but their friends are a different matter. Mary (Lesley Manville) is a 50-something divorced woman and is a walking disaster area. She puts on a brave front showing laughter and quick remarks and says she is happy and contented but this conceals a heart mired in misery. She is incessantly perky but lonely. Mary relies on Tom and Gerri’s friendship the same way a cold traveller takes sanctuary in front of a warming fire. The walking wounded who cluster around Tom and Gerri also include Tom’s childhood friend Ken (Peter Wight), who comes to visit for the summer. Ken is in even worse shape than Mary – drinking heavily, smoking incessantly and overweight. He drowns his sorrows in anything alcoholic that comes to hand. Winter is the bleakest time of all as Tom, Gerri and their son Joe (Oliver Maltman) travel to Derby for the funeral of Tom’s sister-in-law. His older brother Ronnie (David Bradley) is virtually mute with grief and he too comes into the London home of Tom and Gerri for solace. Another Year may sound like a profoundly miserable film but it is more like a film that refuses to sugar-coat reality. We all know people who are lonely, unhappy, dysfunctional and unfulfilled. A patient of Gerri’s is asked how happy she is on a scale from 1 – 10. She says ‘one’. It is within that context that Tom and Gerri’s happiness becomes a thing to celebrate. They are the heart and soul of a film that really gets under the skin of human existence.n In cinemas 27 January THE LAMP february 2011 41
N
ot everyone with impaired vision is a dog person; a guide dog may just not suit the lifestyles of some people. For them, guide canes and electronic aids such as talking GPS devices, that don’t need feeding or walking, may make perfect sense. Everyone’s different. That’s why here at Guide Dogs we provide a wide range of free mobility advice and equipment, as well as training in their use, that are designed to suit all types. Even cat lovers. To find out how Guide Dogs NSW/ACT helps people with impaired vision get around safely, call 1800-GUIDEDOGS or visit guidedogs.com.au today.
42 THE LAMP february 2011
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A legend in her own lifetime Sister Alison Bush, AO • 1942-2010
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lison was the first Aboriginal midwife to be based at a major maternity hospital in NSW and for eight years played a leading part in setting up a national maternity health-training program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. Alison was also pivotal in providing a link between the Women’s Health Service and other Aboriginal initiatives within Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS) and was dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes of women, in particular indigenous women during their pregnancies and early years of childcare. Alison began her professional career at Marrickville Hospital in 1960 and, following further studies in midwifery at Canterbury Hospital and infant welfare in New Zealand, Alison came to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1969. Alison worked in the labour ward at the nearby King George V Hospital for many years, during which her reputation as an avid supporter for the indigenous population and teacher of the cultural awareness required when working with pregnant women was developed. Alison was cognisant of the opportunity working with antenatal women provided, as she was able to assist with the broader social needs of these women. In 1993 Alison became the Aboriginal
Liaison Midwife and apart from her midwifery role began working with all hospital departments and community agencies promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity. Alison broadened her role over the years to include mainstream clinical areas and supported many country clients arriving at RPAH for care. Alison gave freely of her time and was readily acknowledged as the ‘face’ and ‘voice’ of indigenous matters. Sister Bush, as she liked to be called, became a member of the Health Advisory Council for SSWAHS and was in demand for her expertise and support within the hospital, the broader community and professional associations, both medical and midwifery Alison received many awards and accolades for her work. She accepted these with her usual quiet manner and calm smile and said, ‘I just hope I can make a difference.’ These prestigious awards included: c Honorary Fellowship of the FRACOG c Distinguished Nursing Service Award RPAH
c The Pamela Powers Nursing Service
Award RPAH c Honorary Fellowship of the NSW
College of Nursing c An Officer in the General Division of
the Order of Australia c Centenary of Federation Medal c Inducted into the Aboriginal Hall of
Fame: NSW Health Awards. Alison was well known to many but remained a loyal and endearing member of the RPA women and babies team and often shared her passion for cricket and golf, not to mention jokes and 1960’s music. A very humble and private person, Alison was proud of her indigenous heritage but equally at home in western culture. She will be remembered for not only her contribution to health care but her uniqueness as an individual. Alison cannot be replaced but her memory will last and many anecdotes recounted as so often happens with legends.n From Sister Bush’s friends and colleagues at RPAH
Vale Bob Fenwick The NSWNA, along with nurses across the country, is in shock at the death of psychiatric nurse Bob Fenwick who was stabbed by a patient at Bloomfield Hospital after coming to the aid of a colleague. We offer our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and colleagues. An obituary will appear in next month’s issue of The Lamp. THE LAMP february 2011 43
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2011 NSWNA Election Of General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and Councillors (21) Pursuant to the Industrial Relations Act 1996, and the Regulation thereunder, the Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales will be the Returning Officer for the 2011 election of the Council of the New South Wales Nurses’ Association.
Nominations Nominations in writing are invited on and from Wednesday 23 February 2011 for the following positions: General Secretary (1 to be elected) Assistant General Secretary (1 to be elected) Councillors from the Committee of Delegates (21 to be elected) All persons who are financial members of the Association at the date of calling of nominations (ie: Wednesday 23 February 2011) and who have been continuously financial for the preceding two years shall be eligible to nominate for election to the offices of General Secretary or Assistant General Secretary. Candidates for the positions of Councillor are required to be Delegates to the Committee of Delegates elected in accordance with the Rules of the Association as at the calling of nominations. Note: A person may nominate for one position only. Nomination forms and Statutory Declaration in Support of Candidature forms may be obtained from the New South Wales Electoral Commission, telephone (02) 9290 5947 or from the New South Wales Electoral Commission’s website, www.elections.nsw. gov.au or from the New South Wales Nurses’ Association, 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo 1300 367 962.
Close of nominations Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer, New South Wales Electoral Commission not later than Noon, Monday 2 May 2011. They may be hand delivered to the New South Wales Electoral Commission, level 25, 201 Kent Street Sydney; posted to po Box 693 Grosvenor Place, nsw 1220; or faxed to (02) 9290 5292. Any defect in a nomination must be rectified by the candidate
prior to the close of nominations. A candidate may only withdraw his/her nomination in writing so as to be received by the Returning Officer prior to the close of nominations. Should more than the required number of nominations be received a draw will be conducted to determine the order of candidates’ names on the ballot paper at the New South Wales Electoral Commission at 11.00am, Tuesday 3 May 2011. Candidates or their representatives are invited to witness the draw.
Voting If the election is contested, a postal ballot will be conducted to close at Noon, Tuesday 21 June 2011. All members of the New South Wales Nurses’ Association financial as at Noon, Monday 2 May and entitled to vote will be sent a ballot paper on Monday 23 May 2011. The poll will close at Noon, Tuesday 21 June 2011 and be counted at 9.00am, Wednesday 22 June 2011. The method of voting to be observed for this election will be optional preferential for the positions of General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary and multi-optional preferential for the position of Councillor. The result of the election will be posted on the New South Wales Electoral Commission’s website, www.elections.nsw.gov.au Members should ensure that the Association is aware of their current residential address as voting material will be posted to each member’s residential address. Any enquiries concerning this election should be directed to Karen Whale at the New South Wales Electoral Commission, telephone (02) 9290 5947 or 1300 135 736. NOTE: The NSW Nurses’ Association has indicated that it proposes to publish details in support of candidature in respect of each candidate in the May issue of The Lamp. No information in respect of candidates will be sent with electoral material. Colin Barry, Returning Officer
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b o o k s
NEW REFERENCE BOOK
Pregnancy and Parenting After Thirty-Five: Mid Life, New Life
Book me Legal Aspects of Pain Management (2nd ed.) By Bridgit Dimond, QUAY Books, RRP *$61.88 : ISBN 9781856423953 The main aim of Legal Aspects of Pain Management is to bring an understanding of the law relating to the management of pain to the many health professionals, including their managers and their tutors in an easyto-read, succinct way. The legal facts are presented in a simple, jargon-free style and includes a questions and answers section at the end of each chapter, which helps reenforce understanding of the topic.
Key Concepts in Palliative Care Edited by Moyra A. Baldwin and Jan Woodhouse, SAGE Publications (available through Footprint Books), RRP *$58.95 : ISBN 9781848608719 Key Concepts in Palliative Care is aimed at a variety of practitioners working both within and outwith the speciality of palliative care. Fifty concepts are organised in alphabetical order, starting with a definition of the concept
within broad parameters and within the context of palliative care. Next, key points associated with each of the concepts are listed, concluding with a practical application of the concept illustrating its relevance to the palliative care practice. Readers are finally guided to extend their palliative care knowledge with reference to related concepts and further literature.
Lippincott’s Photo Atlas of Medication Administration (3rd ed.)
By Pamela Lynn, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, RRP *$22.95 : ISBN 9780781769235 Lippincott’s Atlas of Medication Administration 3rd edition is a concise, user-friendly pharmacology text that presents difficult concepts in a condensed, scientific style. Organised by body system, it features abundant line art and tabular information to summarise pertinent concepts.
General Practice Nursing By Lynne Walker, Elizabeth Patterson, William Wong and Doris Young, McGraw Hill, RRP *$100.00 : ISBN 9780070276949 General Practice Nursing is the first Australian textbook developed specifically for practice
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. Disclaimer: Some of the items featured in Book
Me are based on information received and have not been independently reviewed.
Publishers’ websites c Elsevier Australia: www.elsevierhealth.com.au c John Hopkins University press: www.press.jhu.edu c McGraw-Hill: www.mcgraw-hill.com.au c Footprint Books: www.footprint.com.au c Lippincott Williams and Wilkins: www.lww.com c QUAY Books: www.quaybooks.co.uk
By Michele C. Moore and Caroline M. De Costa, John Hopkins University Press (available through Footprint Books), RRP *$43.99 : ISBN 0801883210 Pregnancy and Parenting after Thirty-Five covers the full spectrum of motherhood in late life, from the possibility of Caesarean section to the awkwardness of being the oldest mum at school meetings. Drawing on the experiences of real women who have gone through midlife pregnancy, Moore and de Costa have created a valuable resource that will help other women do so realistically and with confidence. One of the few books devoted to prospective mothers over 35, this one also includes information on surrogacy, adoption, and the first few months of motherhood. nurses. The first three parts of this text feature chapters on professional issues, fundamentals and clinical skills and mana gement in practice nursing. The final section presents ideas on how practice nurses can contribute to the strengthening of primary health care provision in Australia by building capacity in leadership, education and research. Overall, the textbook provides practice nurses with information on a range of clinical and professional topics in a concise, easy-to-read format.
Understanding Pharmacology: Essentials for Medication Safety By M. Linda Workman, Linda LaCharity and Susan C. Kruchko with Jennifer Ponto, Elsevier Saunders (available through Elsevier Australia), RRP *$61.00 : ISBN 9781416029175 Understanding Pharmacology : Essentials for Medication Safety has been developed with four main focus areas that include such topics as why specific drugs are prescribed as therapy for health problems; how different drugs work to induce their intended responses; what critical actions and assessments to perform before and after administering drugs and which points are most important to teach patients about their drug therapy.n *Price in Australian dollars at time of printing THE LAMP february 2011 45
Super Members Home Loans Home ownership just became easier for NSWNA members with the Super Members Home Loan*. y The choice of a Standard Home Loan, Ultimate Offset Account or Interest Only Investment Loan. y Discounts of up to 0.45% p.a. off the Members Equity Home Loan range. y Variable, fixed or split loan options with the Standard Home Loan, Ultimate Offset or Interest Only Loan. y No application or account keeping fees. y Split or top up your home loan without paying bank fees and charges y A free redraw facility. y Member Banking Mobile Managers who will meet you at a time and place that suits you.
If you’re a member of the NSWNA, ME Bank is your bank. 177958/1210
To find out more about the benefits of banking with ME Bank, call 1300 309 374
If you’re a member of a union *The Super Members Home Loan range is only available to members of eligible super funds and unions. See mebank.com.au for eligible super funds and unions. Fees and
charges apply. Terms and conditions available on request. Applications are subject to credit approval. Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679.
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Crossword Test your knowledge in this month’s nursing crossword. 1
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1. A loss of cognitive ability beyond normal ageing (8) 9. Edema of the bulbar conjunctiva (9) 10. Embedding the blastocyst in the uterine endometrium (8) 11. Any defect, especially of the eye (8) 12. Rickets (8) 13. A measure of plasma insulin concentration (1.1.1) 14. A skin condition marked by presence of boils (12) 15. Ribonucleic acid (1.1.1) 16. A non-invasive medical imaging technique used to visualise body’s internal structure (1.1.1) 19. Adequate intake (1.1) 20. A doctoral degree for physicians (1.1)
30
31
21. A taste which remains in the mouth after eating or drinking (5.5) 23. Hordeolums (5) 25. Relating to the abdomen (9) 26. Loss of the ability to name objects or recall names (6) 27. A yellow bile pigment that forms as a product of haemoglobin (9) 28. Relating to a rib (6) 29. Biconvex transparent body situated behind the iris in the eye (4) 30. Street name for methylenedioxy methamphetamine (7) 31. A nurse classification (1.1.1)
s
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down
1. Shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp (8)
2. Australia’s publicly funded universal health care system (8) 3. Of or providing nourishment (8) 4. The excretion of inositol in urine (10) 5. A body of cell nucleus that is a bearer of genes (10) 6. Obstruction of a vessel by an embolus (8) 7. The osmotic concentration of a solution (10) 8. A disease caused by Ascaris roundworm (10) 17. Without fever (8) 18. Exercise to improve cardiovascular and respiratory fitness (8) 19. Position of the body and limbs (8) 22. A skin eruption caused by the itch mite (7) 23. Relating to sensation (7) 24. To extract a hair (7) Solution page 49 THE LAMP february 2011 47
The AusTrAliAn BreAsTfeeding AssociATion presenTs
Breastfeeding:
TogeTher we do BeTTer
‘Lighting the Way’
seMinAr series | progrAM 2 Sydney
wed 16 March
8.45 am
Lisa Marasco Exploring the tangled web of insufficient milk supply 9.45 am Dr James McKenna Evolution, science and culture in relationship to breastfeeding, cosleeping and SIDS. Prevention: never sleep with baby? Or keep me close but keep me safe? 11.20 am Gillian Opie Biotics: Pre, pro or both? 12.20 pm John Senior Vitamin D 2.10 pm Lyn Craig (Sydney), Ellen McIntyre (Adelaide), Sara Javanparast (Perth) The breastfeeding and working mother: effective support through breastfeeding-friendly childcare and workplaces 2.25pm Lisa Marasco Exploring galactagogues and milk supply 3.20 pm James McKenna Humankind’s oldest and most successful sleeping arrangement; mother/baby co-sleeping with breastfeeding in evolution and in laboratory (an evidence-based perspective)
online seMinArs register for the on-line seminar and access all the information and speakers from program 1 (dr Alison stuebe, david clark, dr foteini hassiotou, professor lesley Barclay) and program 2 (above) right from your computer screen. The online seminars can be viewed at your convenience from your home or workplace. for more information go to www.events.lrc.asn.au
The Enrolled Nurse Professional Association of NSW : a voice for all Enrolled Nurses.
www.enpansw.org.au
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
regisTrATion
Name:
live seminar: $180 ($160 ABA/lrc subscribers) Register for a live seminar and get access to the online seminars for only $50 extra! Earlybird registrations close 5 Feb All other registrations close 9 March To register go to www.events.lrc.asn.au
Address:
Please check www.events.lrc.asn.au for further details This program is supported by funding 48 THE LAMP february 2011 from the Australian government
Work Place: Contacts: (H) MOB
(W)
Diary Dates
DIARY DATES
Conferences, seminars, meetings SYDNEY, Hunter & Illawarra Medibank Better Health Branch Meeting 24 February, 1pm and 18 May, 1pm Contact: vickib8@bigpond.com A New Direction for Change Management 1 March, Brisbane; 2 March, Sydney; 4 March, Melbourne; 8 March, Hobart; 10 March, Adelaide; 11 March, Perth. Contact: www.changechampions.com.au Ausmed Conference • ‘The Management of Persistent Pain – incl. Advanced Cancer Pain’ 2-day seminar: 3-4 March, Quality Hotel Cambridge, Surry Hills. • ‘Trauma & Emergency Nursing Skills’ 2-day seminar: 28-29 April, Quality Hotel Cambridge, Surry Hills. Contact: (03) 9375 7311 or www.ausmed.com.au Care of the Deteriorating Patient – 2-day seminar 23-24 March, Wests Mayfield, Newcastle Contact: Critical Care Education Services (03) 9390 8011 or info@criticalcare.edu. au or www.criticalcare.edu.auu
Interstate and overseas Ausmed Conference Guidance for Infection Control 7 March, Hotel Ibis 15, Melbourne Contact: (03) 9375 7311 or www.ausmed.com.au The Frontiers of Pain – Australian Pain Society 31st Annual Scientific Meeting 12-16 June, Darwin Convention Centre, NT. Contact: (02) 9954 4400, aps2011@ dcconferences.com.au, www. dcconferences.com.au/aps2011 The Future Role of Support Workers and Assistant Practitioners – 2nd National Conference 30 June, London Contact: www.mkupdate.co.uk to see complete listing of events, dates and venues in the UK. 12th International Mental Health Conference 24-26 August, Radisson Resort, Gold Coast Contact: www.anzmh.asn.au/ conference2011 for full details
Reunions
Lidcombe Hospital 2011 Reunion 20 February, 12noon, Carnarvon Golf Club, Nottinghill Road, Lidcombe (across from hospital) REGIONAL Cost: $25 (venue, meal), 150 seats. Please bring memorabilia ANCAN/CFA Continence Education Contact: Bernhard Racz, 0414 227 045, Day ‘All Things Down South’ bnamedia@msn.com or Alan Dawes, 18 March, Batemans Bay Soldiers Club 0423 456 402, aldawes51@yahoo.com.au Contact: Marilyn Woodcock, 8741 5699 1 12/22/10 10:21Google AM Page 1 Hospital or Facebook/ ’Lidcombe or11-CPI-ADS-LA110_Layout Cheryl Meade, 9570 1273
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 50 O’Dea Ave, Waterloo NSW 2017 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. Reunion 2011’ (www.facebook.com/#!/ event.php?eid=160333213980632) Note: on the day, Australand will give access to the historic site ONLY between 2-2.45pm. No-one is allowed on the renovation site in high heels!
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. March. Venue: TBD Contact: Patsy Sullivan, psu34047@ bigpond.net.au or Maria Hulme (née Honner), hulme@internode.on.net St Vincent’s Hospital Darlinghurst 1971 (a combined reunion for all 4 PTSs) 11 June. Venue: TBD Contact: Cathy Bone, 0427 248 583, pcsmith@tpg.com.au/ Anthea Mortimer, aandrhalpin@bigpond.com/ Julie Biber, jmcleay@gmail.com
Hospital Staff from Manning Rural Referral Hospital (Taree) 26 March, 11am-5pm, Taree Wingham Race Club, Bushland Drive Taree Cost: $30 per person. RSVP: 12 March Contact: Merle Wright, 6552 2956 Dubbo Base Hospital Graduate Nurses Reunion 26 March, 2pm, DBH Cafeteria for afternoon tea. NO dinner to be held. Groups to arrange own dinner. Cost: donation of $20 pp for the afternoon tea and fund the placing of names on the Memorial Board in the Chapel. Contact: Contact Bev Ferrari, 6882 4224, johnno_bevo@yahoo.com.au/ Rae Willing, raeandjohn@ozemail.com.au
Crossword solution
St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, March 1978 PTS, 30-Year Reunion
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8–11 March • North Adelaide, SA 15–18 March • Brighton-le-Sands (Sydney), NSW Priority Code: LA110
THE LAMP february 2011 49
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Join our University Community Study Nursing at Notre Dame To find out about our courses; Visit: nd.edu.au or Call: (02) 8204 4404
PEPPERS ANCHORAGE, PORT STEPHENS From $185* per night in an Anchorage Room On the shores of beautiful Port Stephens, Peppers Anchorage is all about ocean views, nautical pursuits and the award winning Merretts Restaurant. Designed with togetherness in mind, this boutique seaside resort is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few days away as a couple or family. Experience Peppers. Call 1300 987 600 or visit peppers.com.au/anchorage * Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid for sale and travel to 31/8/11. Block out dates and minimum stays apply. For full terms and conditions visit peppers.com.au
Arts & Sciences • Business • Education Law • Medicine • Nursing • Philosophy & Theology
Family Planning NSW Nursing Scholarships Applications close 31 March 2011
105761 PeppersAnchorage Lamp Mag ad 84x124.indd 1
These scholarships provide funding for a nurse/midwife to complete the Family Planning NSW Certificate 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 for the Tony McGrane Scholarship must be a registered nurse/midwife with at least one year postbasic experience working in rural or remote NSW, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and able to commence study in 2011.
McCarthy Green Aboriginal Scholarship Applicants for the McCarthy Green Scholarship must be a registered nurse/midwife with at least one year post-basic experience and be currently working in an Aboriginal community in NSW, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and able to commence study in 2011. Preference will be given to Aboriginal applicants.
For more information & Application Forms www.fpnsw.org.au or call 1300 658 886.
50 THE LAMP february 2011
16/12/10 11:18
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Drake Medox offers $500 cash for every new nurse who sign ups with us and refers to this ad*
Looking for more rewarding career in nursing? Join Drake Medox! You work hard as a nurse, taking care of everyone around you. You’ve been over-worked and undervalued for too long. Drake Medox is a nursing agency that takes care of you with competitive pay and work flexibility to suit your lifestyle. Register with us and after 100 hours* we’ll reward you with $500 cash. That’s right - a $500 cash bonus! Call us today on 1300 360 070 or visit www.drakemedox.com.au for some of the best nursing opportunities, and of course to find out more about your $500 bonus! * Terms and conditions apply. Refer to www.drakemedox.com.au for the promotion details.
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†Nurse’s pack is free with all new cars purchased during the months of February 2011/March 2011. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 1 Offer for Micra ST Manual. *Demo Kia Rio S MY11, 5 door, manual. #SI manual hatch. ^SI manual. MD20305 4993-FP YPA
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Consider the applicable First State Super ABN 53 226 460 365 Product Disclosure Statement before deciding whether to become a member of or continue your membership. To obtain a copy visit the website or call us. Issued by FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340. September 2010. 1 SelectingSuper, a company of Rainmaker Information Pty Limited ABN 86 095 610 996, describes the best overall fees payable for super funds open to the public where overall fees are calculated for a member earning around $50,000 pa who has had $50,000 in their super fund’s default investment option. Retirement fund fees describe the best overall fees payable, where overall fees are calculated for a member with an initial deposit of $100,000 and receives 12 monthly pension payments all invested in the fund’s default investment option. Research dated June 2009. 2 Neither FSS Trustee Corporation nor First State Super is responsible for any advice given to you by Q Invest Limited ABN 35 063 511 580 AFSL Number 238274 trading asLAMP FSS Financial 52 THE februaryPlanning. 2011
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