InTouch - Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation · InTouch Best Practice ... enormous loss...

InTouch

www.anmfsa.org.au Protecting Developing Empowering

News from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA Branch)

May 2012

Lets Celebrate!

Help our

Nurses

To Helpyou

Authorised by Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars CEO

/ Secre

tary, A

NMF (

SA B

ranc

h)

In this Issue

Best practice - Compassion in Care

2

8

7

Aged Care Crisis: put reform First

Nursing/Midwifery shortage Crisis: Its time for action

PP53

0028

/001

92

Membership direct: Tel: (08) 8334 1902 Toll Free: 1800 809 642 Email: [email protected] Website: www.anmfsa.org.au

For advertising and magazine enquiries, contact Julie Livesey on 8334 1940 oremail [email protected] No. 1039-006 Authorised by Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars, CEO / Secretary, ANMF (SA Branch).

All rights reserved. Material in In Touch is copyrighted and may be reprinted only by arrangement with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA Branch). Although all accepted advertising material is expected to conform to the ANMFs ethical standards, such acceptance does not imply endorsement. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ANMF.

In Touch is proudly produced by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA Branch) and the Australian Nursing Federation South Australian Branch, 191 Torrens Road, Ridleyton SA 5008

Printed - Printak Pty Ltd

Cover: Kate Oats, Midwife with Stacey Papagni and baby Layla

InTouch

Best Practice - Compassion in Care

InTouch May 2012- 2

I still have a hand-painted vase that a residents family gave to me following her death. It is made of clear glass over-painted with pale pearlescent flowers and golden swirls. I cherish this vase because of what it represents.

It is not the material value of the vase - which is likely not high - but the fact that it represents the value of the care we provided. That the family felt that we had genuinely valued their mother, consistently treating her with the care and compassion she needed and deserved during her life, and in her death.

It was also a recognition that whilst the death of their mother was an enormous loss for their family, the nursing team was also grieving, having become like members of her extended family over many years.

Whilst we dont always have the privilege of forming strong bonds that emerge in knowing our patients for many years, there is nonetheless an importance in remembering that every person we care for is a son, daughter, mother, father, grandmother or grandfather to others. Just as we would take an active interest in and advocate for our own family members to ensure that their care was optimal and consistent with best practice, ultimately, it is also our responsibility to fulfil that role for all our patients and residents.

Critically, we dont always recieve the support and resources we need in order to achieve these objectives. Indeed, it was this very issue - the growing gap between the needs of our patients and the resources we were provided that did not permit us to deliver care with compassion - that led me to not only join the ANMF (SA Branch), but to become an activist. I have since been an active member for more than 13 years.

It is with the thought of care and compassion in mind, that I continue to be committed to ensuring that our professions can achieve these objectives.

How does the ANMF undertake this work? In a host of ways including by lobbying at all levels of the health and political system for the financial, physical and human resources that should be made available, by mounting research based cases for safe staffing levels and appropriate skills mix of nursing staff to provide care and through projects such as those to secure the future nursing and midwifery workforce, and by ensuring employment of graduates and professional development to meet the needs of not only todays clients but the needs of those in the future.

In my view, these outcomes are fundamental to ensure that the community can be assured of positive health care in the future.

This edition once again features real, practical examples of advocacy in action. For example, recognition for public holidays (p4); increasing pressure to achieve outcomes in Aged Care (p8-9); advocacy for nursing and midwifery employment (p6-7); and promoting the professions for IMD/IND (p3) and their rights to speak up (p14).

I am particularly pleased to announce that we have successfully reached an agreement with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) for the ANMF (SA Branch) to implement the internationally recognised Nursing Best Practice Guidelines and Best Practice Spotlight Organisation initiatives, which is a profession-led and profession-driven initiative to support best practice in Australia (p13). I encourage you and your worksite to get involved!

Much remains to be done. However these actions and initiatives represent significant progress and potential for real and effective outcomes. Outcomes that will enable us, as professions, to provide care with compassion.

Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth DabarsCEO / Secretary

InTouch May 2012 - 3

Let

s Ce

lebr

ate:

Inte

rnat

ion

al N

urs

es a

nd

Mid

wiv

es D

ays

Workplaces will show their respect for International Midwives Day on May 5 and International Nurses Day on May 12 by hosting a range of celebrations. The ANMF assists workplaces to celebrate by providing stickers, balloons and posters (as featured above).

Strathalbyn and District Health Service will hold a BBQ lunch, nurse awards and a bed-making competition.

Maitland Hospital will also have a staff BBQ lunch, and a foyer display celebrating the work of nurses and midwives.

An afternoon tea and raffle for nurses will be run at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre. BUPA Woodville (Aged Care) will host a celebration lunch for all nurses on May 12.

At the AM Ramsay Village (Aged Care) in Port Augusta, therell be a special morning tea and lunch, and a display of past and present uniforms and headwear.

Morning tea will be provided at Ian George Court (Aged Care) Brompton, as well as residents giving staff Thank You cards and chocolates.

At St Raphaels Home for the Aged, Lockleys, therell be a special BBQ with residents and family to celebrate the occasion. At Victor Harbors Ross Robertson Memorial Care Centre, therell be an opportunity to buy a cake for all staff, and balloons and posters will be put up.

Lyell McEwin Hospital will also celebrate both days in recognition of the tremendous contribution nurses and midwives provide to the health and wellbeing of those individuals who access the hospital and associated health services.

On Friday May 4th at 2pm, therell be a guest speaker in the Main Lecture Theatre. Bernadette Cummins, Midwifery Project Officer - Nursing and Midwifery Office, will present The Eligible Midwife in SA.

On Thursday May 10th therell be the inaugural Lyell McEwin Hospital and Flinders University Practice Development Symposium from 9am 4.30pm. The keynote speaker will be Dr Cheryle Moss, Associate Professor Nursing, Research and Practice Development, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University.

Lyell McEwin Hospital Nursing/Midwifery Directors will be serving lunch at the annual soup kitchen day. Lunch will be provided to all LMH Nursing and Midwifery staff in the Courtyard Caf, which is becoming a Lyell McEwin Hospital tradition.

Throughout the week a display of nursing/midwifery memorabilia, including uniforms, will be on show to celebrate the history of nursing and midwifery at Lyell McEwin Hospital.

The ANMF (SA Branch) will also build on the success of our initiative to invite politicians to workshadow the professions by inviting high-profile politicians to a number of worksites. These events will be profiled in the next edition.

Recognising celebrating midwifery Midwives Day

Nurses Day Recognising

celebrating nursing


learning @ your library

The above titles may come in very handy if you are feeling technologically challenged, or have an interest in widening your knowledge.

All texts are written in easy to understand language, technical explanations are minimal, and there are plenty of photos to assist with the learning process.

If you would like to borrow any of the above titles please contact the library on 8334 1969, or at [email protected]

The library catalogue is also available from the home page on the members website http://www.anmfsa.org.au or a direct link from http://bookmark.anmfsa.org.au/ check out other available resources

Theres good news for nurses, midwives and personal care assistants, with the State Government announcing two new part-day public holidays.

Agreement was reached on a compromise deal in State Parliament on 21 March 2012, to secure the passage of the Public Holidays/Shop Trading Hours reform package.

The compromise was for the public holidays to start at 7pm on Christmas Eve and

Public Holiday Win

learning @ your library

Above: Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars with Robert Brokenshire, right above: with John Darley, Independent and right below: with Tammy Franks, Greens SA

New Years Eve, rather than 5pm.

The ANMF (SA Branch) campaigned with a range of other organisations to achieve the excellent result.

The ANMF (SA Branch) has been lobbying hard for movement in this area for more than a decade, said CEO/Secretary Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

This is the first time that a government of any political persuasion has not only listened, but acted on this issue.

The new laws mean members in all sectors, whether public or private, and in all classifications of nurse, midwife and personal care assistant, will be compensated for being away from family and friends when working on Christmas or New Years Eve.

In offering a 24/7 service, the nursing and midwifery professions are accustomed to working when other people are enjoying time with family and friends, and fulfilling other including

religious and spiritual commitments, said Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

We are pleased that there has been movement to fill the gaps in the current arrangements, when working late at night on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve.

The ANMF (SA Branch) will continue to advocate for further improvements into the future.

The above titles may come in very handy if you are feeling technologically challenged, or have an interest in widening your knowledge.

All texts are written in easy to understand language, technical explanations are minimal, and there are plenty of photos to assist with the learning process.

If you would like to borrow any of the above titles please contact the library on 8334 1969, or at [email protected]

The library catalogue is also available from the home page on the members website http://www.anmfsa.org.au or a direct link from http://bookmark.anmfsa.org.au/ check out other available resources


Locum support for Nurses and Midwives in rural and remote Australia to relieve staff

on short term leave.

Secure locum support for the new financial year.

NEW

AUSTRA

LIAN

GOVERN

MENT PR

OGRAMM

EGet your leave

requests in now!

FUNDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Apply online: www.nahrls.com.auFreecall 1300 NAHRLS (1300 624 757)

Nurses and midwives are being slapped with a 40 per cent increase in registration fees.

In its March newsletter, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) announced the hike of $45, taking the registration fee to $160. The increase has been approved by the Health Ministers in each state and territory of Australia.

The ANMF (SA Branch) vehemently opposes the increase.

In 2010, the first year of the National Scheme, the National Board set the registration fee at $115, based on the best available financial information. The Board said it didnt increase its fees until now to minimise the impact of the National Scheme on transitioning registrants, and to provide time to assess the new environment and build a three year strategic plan. It said once that National Scheme was in place, it became clear there was an obligation to review the fees so it could meet the more stringent requirements of the National Law.

The National Board said the new registration fees will enable it to provide a robust

regulatory framework that protects the public.

When a South Australian State Board administered the fees, the charge in 2007 and 2008 was $115.

The ANMF (SA Branch) supports self-funding, but doesnt think the increase is justifiable.

We believe that any increase shouldnt exceed the growth in CPI or wages growth, said CEO/Secretary Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

One of the proposed benefits of moving from State to National Registration was increased efficiencies and economies of scale.

We see no evidence of those being implemented by the NMBA or their secretariat, the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

In addition, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) receives direct payment from training organisations who are seeking accreditation for nursing and midwifery programs of study. That cost implications of accreditation and monitoring should be factored into that payment to ANMAC.

All members are being urged to send your message of opposition to the registration fee hike to the NMBA and Health Minister. Its important that you contact their offices directly.

Contact the NMBA Online:www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.

au click onto Contact Us to lodge an online enquiry form

Telephone:1300419495(withinAustralia)+61 3 8708 9001 (overseas callers)

Mail:MsAnneCopeland,Chair,Nursingand Midwifery Board of Australia, GPO Box 9958, Melbourne Vic 3001

Contact the Minister for Health, Hon John Hill Online:[email protected]

Telephone:0884636270

Mail:GPOBox2555AdelaideSA5001

ANMF (SA Branch) has also developed an on-line petition that members can access via the ANMF website at: www.anmfsa.org.au and add their support to.

Registration Fee Hike: Fight Back


6 The Advertiser www.adelaidenow.com.au Tuesday,

March 6, 2012

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6 NEWS24-hour news updates adela

idenow.com.au

Bossesat FairWorkinvisiblePATRICK LION

SYDNEY

You havesix months towork on theperception and

visibility of this

group.


visibility of this

group.

BOSSES from the na-

tions industrial umpire

have run into trouble in

their own workplace,

with Fair Work Austra-

lias top executives told

to walk around their

office more after staff to

make their leadership

more visable.Internal documents

also suggest they attend

more staff meetings and

become more involved

in the day-to-day office

business in a bid to solve

their visibility problem.

In a set of talking

points drawn up after a

major study at FWA

which has been criti-

cised over the pace of its

controversial three-year

investigation into Labor

MP Craig Thomson the

executive group was told

its performance in rela-

tion to leadership has

rated low. By contrast,

the overall workforce

was rated positive.

Areas of concern in-

cluded showing trans-

parency in decision-

making and listening to

other opinions.

The executives who

included recently pro-

moted general manager

Bernadette ONeill

were told that some for-

mal programs were un-

derway to help but that

they should do more to

improve their standing.

You have six months

to work on the percep-

tion and visibility of this

group, the document,

dated March 30, 2011,

said. Ms ONeill said her

executive has since

taken steps to communi-

cate better with staff.

Nursing crisis looms

as shortage forecastHEALTH

REPORTER

JORDANNA

SCHRIEVER

AUSTRALIA will be short of

31,000 nurses within 50 years,

a workforce report has found.

The report, prepared by

Monash University, found a

crisis in the attraction and

retention of nurses as the

nations population grows.

The study surveyed 640

nurses across Australia to

identify the perceived issues,

finding 15 per cent expected

to leave the workforce within

12 months.It found 38 per cent of

survey respondents had high

to very high levels of burnout

and stress.

Almost half of the survey

respondents felt they had no

say in how their work envi-

ronment was being run.

Australian Nursing and

Midwifery Federation state

secretary Elizabeth Dabars

said nursing was a rewarding

career but that many nurses

felt increasingly burdened.

When nurses are not sup-

ported to provide quality care

that meets their professional

standards . . . the nurses see

this as unsatisfactory and feel

despondent about their ability

to provide that care, she said.

She said the projected

shortages, if not immediately

addressed at university train-

ing and post-graduate level,

would intensify pressure on

the existing workforce.

It is critical for the future

of patient care, and therefore

the community, that we do

have sufficient numbers of

nurses into the future.

Ms Dabars said previous

projections had found the

state would be short of 4000

nurses by 2020.

They had also found that

the average age of a nurse in

SA was 45-plus.

Aged-care nurses would be

particularly needed to cater

for the ageing population but

she said the sectors remuner-

ation did not match its need.

Opposition Health spokes-

man Martin Hamilton-Smith

called for a formal response

to the report when Parliament

sits again next week.

SA Health chief nurse and

midwifery officer Lydia

Dennett did not comment on

future shortages.

But she said there was no

existing shortage.

Health Minister John Hill

said the nations ageing work-

force presented challenges to

all states.But he said SA was the most

attractive place for nurses.

We are rebuilding or refur-

bishing every one of our

metropolitan and general

country hospitals as well as

building the new RAH, which

will be Australias most ad-

vanced hospital, he said.

MATERNITY LEAVE

Airline sued

over job lossA FORMER Virgin Blue execu

-

tive told a Brisbane court yester-

day she had been distraught to

lose her job after having allegedly

been told she was a square peg

they were trying to fit intoa

round hole.Kirsty Aitken, a promotions and

sponsorship specialist, main-

tained she had no warning she

would be made redundant in 2010

after having worked part-time

during her maternity leave.

I was in tears, Ms Aitken said

in the Federal Magistrates Court

at the start of a five-day hearing.

Ms Aitken and her colleague,

former public affairs officer

Leonie Vandeven, have sued the

airline, alleging they were experi-

enced professionals improperly

terminated as a result of their

pregnancy or maternity leave.

They seek substantial damages.

ARSON FEARS

Suspicious fires

damage homes

SUSPICIOUS fires have damaged

two properties at Semaphore

Park.Fire first damaged an unoccu-

pied Ibis Court home about

9.45pm on Sunday.

Residents in the street attemp-

ted to extinguish the fire until

firefighters arrived and investiga-

tors are yet to rule out the fire

was deliberately lit.

A firebug then torched a couch

on the front porch of a Plover

Grove house about 11.50pm on

Sunday.The fire spread from the couch

into the front room of the house

before the homeowners doused

the flames.Anyone with information about

either incident should contact

BankSA Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or online at

www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au.

Page 23

Did you know...

Comedian Eddie Ifft

is a Taylor Swift fan.

FUEL COSTS

LPG prices hit

new recordLPG prices have skyrocketed

,

pushing the price at some sub-

urban fuel retailers as high as

91.9c per litre the highest on

record.BP On the Run in Angas St, city,

had Adelaides cheapest LPG last

night at 79.2 cents per litre, ac-

cording to RAAs FuelWatch

website.On Sunday, several Caltex out-

lets lifted their prices to 91.9c/l

and yesterday they were still

hovering around 88c/l. The 2011

average LPG price was 64.5c/l.

RAA senior analyst Chris West

said Middle East tensions and

energy demand in Asia had

boosted commodity prices.

The international commodity

price for LPG has reached a new

historic high, increasing by 48 per

cent in the last five months, he

said.

MINE ROW

Brown takes

on PalmerGREENS leader Bob Brown wi

ll

hand back the Living National

Treasure certificate he received

in 1998 if recent recipient Clive

Palmer is allowed to builda

coalmine in a Queensland nature

reserve.Senator Brown says the 8000ha

Bimblebox Nature Refuge in cen-

tral Queensland is at risk from the

planned extraction of coal by Mr

Palmers company Waratah Coal.

Its full of rare and endangered

birds, orchids, animals, reptiles,

plant life and its a national

treasure, Senator Brown said

yesterday.We may dispute whether I am,

we may dispute whether Clive is,

but theres no disputing that

Bimblebox is a national treasure

and has been recognised as such

by the federal government.

If it goes, I go too.

State will be safer as our population ages

CRIME CRYSTAL BALL

CRIME RATES 2051 COMPARED TO 2004

Male criminals

Against property down 19 per cent

Against the person down 17 per cent

Fraud and misappropriation down 16 per cent

Sexual offences down 6 per cent

Robbery and extortion down 19 per cent

TOTAL DOWN 18 PER CENT

Female criminals





Source: Australian Institute of Criminology

TELL US: Does age really slow you down?

adelaidenow.com.au

From Page 1

She found while there

were 18,108 arrests dur-

ing 2004, there would

be only 14,996 in 2051

an 18 per cent reduction.

For females, the 2004

figure of 4673 would

drop to 3817 in 2051

also an 18 per cent fall.

The figures take ex-

pected populat ion

growth into account but

assume people will not

b e c o m e m o r e

criminally minded be-

tween now and 2051.

The most significant

decreases would be in

crimes popular with

people under 24, an age

group which will de

decimated in SA in the

coming decades due to

the ageing population.

There would be

across-the-board re-

ductions in the number

of offences in 2051 com-

pared to 2004.These include prop-

erty crimes (14,057

fewer offences) crimes

against the person

(6159), robberies (320),

and fraud and misap-

propriation (2021).

The bad news is sex-

ual offences would drop

only by 6 per cent, or

97 offences, due to the

ageing population be-

cause there were few

young offenders in this

category and offenders

often continue to repeat

the offence well into

their older years.

Sexual offences are

committed by young

people but it is not

something people grow

out of unfortunately,

Ms Rosevear said.

She said the findings

undermined the claims

of police forces that

spruiked reduced crime

figures in populations

which were ageing, be-

cause their claims did

not take into account

the natural decline

caused by ageing.

She said demographic

causes for reduced

crime rates were often

ignored by authorities.

For example, she said

p o l i c e m i s t a k e n l y

thought a large re-

duction in crime rates in

New York during the

early 1990s was due to

a zero tolerance ap-

proach, before similar

reductions were ob-

served in other parts of

the United States and

credited to the liberal-

isation of abortion 20

years earlier which

resu l ted in fewer

unwanted children

being born.Im not saying it isnt

necessary but while we

have criminal justice

agencies making their

changes and we are put-

ting more police on the

streets, we cant say that

all the reduction in

crime is because of

this, Ms Rosevear said.

There is a case to

show that there are

demographics under-

lying crime trends

which create a more

accurate impression.

This information

should be useful for

police, criminal courts

and prisons for policy-

making about the num-

ber of people who are

likely to come into con-

tact with them in the

future, Ms Rose-

vear said.


March 6, 2012

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SYDNEY


visibility of this

group.


visibility of this

group.

BOSSES from the na-
















In a set of talking


major study at FWA











was rated positive.





other opinions.

The executives who



Bernadette ONeill






You have six months






executive has since





REPORTER

JORDANNA

SCHRIEVER

















and stress.
































nurses by 2020.



SA was 45-plus.














future shortages.


existing shortage.













MATERNITY LEAVE

Airline sued


-























ARSON FEARS

Suspicious fires

damage homes





9.45pm on Sunday.

















Page 23

Did you know...

Comedian Eddie Ifft


FUEL COSTS

LPG prices hit


,





















said.

MINE ROW

Brown takes


ll























CRIME CRYSTAL BALL


Male criminals







Female criminals







adelaidenow.com.au

From Page 1




be only 14,996 in 2051







pected populat ion



b e c o m e m o r e


tween now and 2051.



crimes popular with


group which will de




There would be





erty crimes (14,057


against the person

(6159), robberies (320),


propriation (2021).











their older years.

Sexual offences are

committed by young




Ms Rosevear said.









the natural decline

caused by ageing.


causes for reduced





thought a large re-


New York during the




reductions were ob-





years earlier which

resu l ted in fewer

unwanted children









crime is because of


There is a case to

show that there are

demographics under-

lying crime trends

which create a more


This information








future, Ms Rose-

vear said.

Attracting and retaining nurses/midwives is emerging as a crisis as Australias population grows.

A workforce study by Monash University surveyed 640 nurses/midwives to identify the perceived issues. It showed Australia will be short of 31,000 nurses within 50 years, and 15 per cent planned to leave the workforce within 12 months.

The study also showed that 38 percent of respondents

Attracting and Retaining Nurses and Midwives: The burden of burnout

professional standards, they see this as unsatisfactory and feel despondent about their ability to provide that care, said Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

She said the projected shortages needed to be immediately addressed at university training and post-graduate levels or pressure would be intensified on the existing workforce.

Its critical for the future of patient care, and therefore

had high to very high levels of burnout and stress, and half felt they had no say in how their work environment was being run.

CEO/Secretary of the ANMF (SA Branch), Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars was interviewed by The Advertiser. She said nursings a rewarding career, but many nurses/midwives felt increasingly burdened.

When nurses/ midwives are not supported to provide quality care that meets their

the community, that we have sufficient numbers of nurses and midwives into the future, she said.

Previous projections had found the state would be short of 4,000 nurses by 2020, and the average age of a nurse/midwife in SA was 45-plus. Aged care nurses would be particularly needed to cater for the ageing population, but the sectors remuneration didnt match its need.

Article courtesy of The Advertiser



March 6, 2012

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idenow.com.au


SYDNEY


visibility of this

group.


visibility of this

group.

BOSSES from the na-
















In a set of talking


major study at FWA











was rated positive.





other opinions.

The executives who



Bernadette ONeill






You have six months






executive has since





REPORTER

JORDANNA

SCHRIEVER

















and stress.
































nurses by 2020.



SA was 45-plus.














future shortages.


existing shortage.













MATERNITY LEAVE

Airline sued


-























ARSON FEARS

Suspicious fires

damage homes





9.45pm on Sunday.

















Page 23

Did you know...

Comedian Eddie Ifft


FUEL COSTS

LPG prices hit


,





















said.

MINE ROW

Brown takes


ll























CRIME CRYSTAL BALL


Male criminals







Female criminals







adelaidenow.com.au

From Page 1




be only 14,996 in 2051







pected populat ion



b e c o m e m o r e


tween now and 2051.



crimes popular with


group which will de




There would be





erty crimes (14,057


against the person

(6159), robberies (320),


propriation (2021).











their older years.

Sexual offences are

committed by young




Ms Rosevear said.









the natural decline

caused by ageing.


causes for reduced





thought a large re-


New York during the




reductions were ob-





years earlier which

resu l ted in fewer

unwanted children









crime is because of


There is a case to

show that there are

demographics under-

lying crime trends

which create a more


This information








future, Ms Rose-

vear said.


March 6, 2012

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idenow.com.au


SYDNEY


visibility of this

group.


visibility of this

group.

BOSSES from the na-
















In a set of talking


major study at FWA











was rated positive.





other opinions.

The executives who



Bernadette ONeill






You have six months






executive has since





REPORTER

JORDANNA

SCHRIEVER

















and stress.
































nurses by 2020.



SA was 45-plus.














future shortages.


existing shortage.













MATERNITY LEAVE

Airline sued


-























ARSON FEARS

Suspicious fires

damage homes





9.45pm on Sunday.

















Page 23

Did you know...

Comedian Eddie Ifft


FUEL COSTS

LPG prices hit


,





















said.

MINE ROW

Brown takes


ll























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future, Ms Rose-

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Nursing/Midwifery Shortage Crisis:Its time for action

In a new yet-to-be released study by Health Workforce Australia, commissioned for state and federal governments, figures predict a workforce gap by 2025 of between 80,000 and 147,000 nurses/midwives across Australia. The study shows that nursing graduates need to be boosted by between 85 and 158 per cent or 8,000 to 14,700 newly qualified nurses/midwives to increase self-sufficiency and meet future demand.

The story was reported in The Age newspaper, and ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars was interviewed about the study on ABC Radio 891. She said shes looking forward to seeing the report once its released.

These figures are very disturbing, but theyre not new. The ANMF has been raising this issue for years. Its time for action, not more reports, said Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

SA Health has done its own projections, and predicted a shortage by 2020 of 4,000 nurses/midwives. The ANMF (SA Branch) said thats a gross underestimation, with the likely figure by 2025 to be between 8,000 and 14,000 in South Australia.

A temporary oversupply of nurses/midwives entered the SA workforce 12-18 months ago, and the ANMF (SA Branch) lobbied the then Chief Executive of SA Health on how to deal with the issue. SA Health was employing 80 per cent of graduate nurses, and now employs just 50 per cent. Its significant because graduates need to do professional graduate training programs in order to assist them to transition into professional practice.

As a result of persistence, SA Health agreed to work jointly with ANMF to handle oversupply and the future nurse/midwife shortage. The ANMF has been pressing SA Health to release its report and implementation plan.

This is of very serious concern. Theyre failing to act on this issue while we watch the future workforce fade away, said Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

Theres also a need to transition the vast skill base of senior nurses before they retire, to up skill new nurses.

The ANMF (SA Branch) will continue to pressure SA Health to release its findings so that immediate steps can be taken to ensure a buoyant and sustainable nursing/midwifery workforce.

The ANMF (SA Branch) wants swift action to alleviate a looming nursing/midwifery shortage crisis.


The release of staggering figures has further highlighted the need for urgent reform in aged care, with a focus on better wages and conditions for workers.

The National Aged Care Alliance recently launched the Australians Deserve to Age Well campaign. Figures show South Australia will need an almost 80 per cent increase in the number of aged care beds and community care places by 2027, or see a crisis for the states older residents.

There are currently about 185,000 people aged over 70 in South Australia. Over the next 15 years, that will increase to more than 313,360, placing huge pressure on an already struggling aged care system.

The ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary, Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars recently joined the chiefs of the Council on the Ageing SA, and Aged and Community Services SA & NT Inc, (pictured above) to push the Government to take immediate action to plan for the future of all Australians and fix the system.

Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars spoke at a packed media conference, and said wages and conditions for aged care workers, including nurses and assistants in nursing, must be significantly improved.

Aged care workers are highly valued by older people and their families, yet attract some of the lowest wages in the country, said Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

The fact is we have very high staff turnover because of poor wages, and have trouble attracting new workers to the industry. Our current workforce fear for the future, wondering who will care for the frail and elderly.

Its predicted by 2050, almost one-quarter of Australians will be 65 or older. To maintain current levels, South Australia will need to provide at least 15,541 extra beds and aged care service packages in 2027. Thats a 78 per cent increase on what is currently provided.

Ian Yates, Chief Executive of Council on the Ageing SA, said aged care workers are fed up with low wages and poor conditions, and thats contributing to the dire situation.

Add to this the increasing prevalence of people living with dementia expected to almost triple in SA by 2027 as well as a declining aged care workforce, and you have a recipe for a real crisis, said Ian Yates.

The ANMF (SA Branch) has called for aged care reform to be top of the agenda for the 2012 Federal Budget.

The Gillard Government prides itself on tackling the big issues and instituting reform where its needed. Aged care more than fits the bill. Budget 2012 must be the aged care budget, said Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars.

The ANMF will continue to pressure the Government for action.

Aged Care Crisis: Put Reform First and Do It Now


Working in Aged Care: The Veteran Nurse

For 30 years, Glenys McNamara has worked in aged care.

At 62, shes cut back on her hours, and works three nights a week.

The contact with residents is whats kept her in aged care for three decades.

Thats where I get my satisfaction. To look after

Theo Kapentanos has been an aged care worker for nearly a year, with five months left to complete his Enrolled Nursing Diploma at ANMEC.

A full-time dad with two children, Theos working life before aged care included the Army, then being a ticket inspector on trains.

In the lead up to the forthcoming Federal budget ANF and other members of the National Aged Care Alliance continue to press for allocations to be included in this years budget to begin the process for reforming the aged care sector.

A large sign asking local Federal MPs, Steve Georganas and Kate Ellis to actively support funding for aged care reform in this years budget has been erected on the ANMF building at Ridleyton. Meetings with both of them will be held to lobby for a budget commitment in 2012.

Working in Aged Care: The Student Nurse

someone even if they cant verbally express that, you know youve done your job well and provided the care they need, said Glenys.

Glenys said a lot has changed and there are challenges particular to working in aged care. The work is more demanding and commands greater levels of responsibility than in the acute sector. She said residents tend not to stay as long in hospital as they used to, which leaves their increased care needs resting on the shoulders of nurses and care workers.

And staffing levels dont cover needs.

We need to secure an increase in nursing numbers and skill

levels so that older Australians can receive quality care. We also need to close the wages gap so nurses and care workers are paid appropriately, and encouraged to work in this very important area in the future, said Glenys.

Glenys said the introduction of excessive documentation has taken away time from resident care. She said documentation is often done after her shift finishes, because shes run out of time. Her job satisfaction has suffered because she feels rushed.

Residents needs have increased, and its a juggling act between where the highest needs are and shifting staff around to accommodate those needs, said Glenys.

I care about the elderly and it really upsets me if theyre not getting the care they deserve.

As a Registered Nurse on night shift, Glenys is responsible for 100 residents and six staff, including 2 Enrolled Nurses and three care workers. She said they do a good job. And theres a need for more intensive education. She said some come to their jobs after short training courses, and require more specific education in resident and nursing care.

A lot can be improved to encourage and retain staff in aged care. The contact with residents is enormously rewarding, and aged care offers many opportunities for nurses that they dont get in other areas.

He describes working in aged care as a contrast he loves.

I wish Id got into the industry a lot sooner. Sometimes I get goose bumps, I can feel the residents appreciation. Its really nice, said Theo.

As a care worker, Theo helps with daily activities such as getting residents ready in the mornings, and assisting them with their

personal hygiene. As an Enrolled Nurse, hell enjoy greater responsibilities.

One of the challenges he faces is the need for more staff, so that carers can spend more time with residents.

Its very rushed where we have to get the residents ready, get everybody in the activities room by a certain time, and then we wont

speak with them until 2 or 3 hours later for lunch, said Theo.

He said the hourly rate is lower than what he could get as a garbologist. But its the positive energy that counts the most for him.

Its a great feeling, Ive never experienced this. It takes a special heart to work in nursing, and I love it.


The personal rewards are what have kept Mount Gambiers Maxine Bowden a nurse for more than 40 years.

A registered nurse and midwife 61 year-old Maxine began her career in February 1949 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). From the age of five, she knew she wanted to be a nurse. She said the idea might have come from watching nurses who worked for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Oodnadatta, in the far north of SA, where she grew up. Maxines parents worked at the aerodrome. As a child, Maxine watched RFDS nurses take care of her little brother when he had pneumonia and was flown to Port Augusta for treatment.

She said in those days, females werent encouraged to study because the expectation was theyd get married and have children. But Maxines determination to become a nurse never wavered.

Four decades: A labour of love for Mt Gambier nurse

I had to work hard, I wasnt the brightest spark in the fire but I was very good practically, said Maxine.

Maxine muses about starting at the QEH during times that were very strict. Nurses had to know every patient, offer the utmost respect to their seniors, and do a lot of equipment cleaning. Maxines day started at 6am and finished at 3.30pm, and then there were lectures after hours. She lived in the nurses home. To move out into a flat, nurses needed permission from their parents.

We could be responsible for 32 lives but you werent allowed to look after yourself, Maxine joked.

Life has taken Maxine to Bordertown, Freeling and Mount Gambier, where shes lived for the past 28 years. She works at Mount Gambier Private Hospital.

One of the biggest changes shes noticed is that nursing is now considered a profession rather than a semi-profession. She said nurses and midwives command a lot more respect, and have become confident at speaking up. With the days of remaining silent and simply doing what they were told by doctors long gone, Maxine said nurses and midwives now have every right to object when necessary.

I really admire the young people who stand up for themselves. When I was young, we were seen and not heard, she said.

Another significant change Maxine has noticed is that patients are spending less time in hospital. With the growing use of keyhole surgery, many people go home the same day, rather than spending up to a week in a hospital bed.

Maxine is mentor to the students and graduates from

over the South Australian border and also from Adelaide. With Uni SA and Tafe campuses in Mount Gambier, many new nurses gain experience at the local hospital. Maxine said she learns as much from teaching them as they do from her.

After 43 years of nursing, Maxine said its the gratitude of patients and their families thats so satisfying for her. She has felt privileged and honoured to care for terminally ill patients especially, and appreciates her involvement in helping to keep them comfortable and die with dignity.

The motto shes lived by is to treat people the way shed like to be treated.

Maxine works eight days a fortnight at Mount Gambier Private Hospital, and happily picks up other shifts when required. She plans to continue working as long as shes healthy and can get up and help people.


The ANMF (SA Branch) is expecting positive progress to address the long term car parking problems at the Womens and Childrens Hospital (W&CH).

The ANMF has been pushing for creative solutions to address the issues, with staff frustrated with long queues to access the on-site car park and numerous problems with on-street parking.

Not only are there regular long queues to get into the multi-storey hospital car park on Kermode Street, but if there are no spaces available, staff park on the street. That raises safety and security concerns.

Available parking on the land-locked W&CH site has been an issue for more than a decade. Given the Government is proposing to build a $500-million Adelaide Stadium in the area, the ANMF believes its time for creative solutions to be considered.

The ANMF (SA Branch) has written to State Government and Opposition representatives, presenting the idea that they capitalise on this opportunity by building an

With the flu season rapidly approaching, the ANMF (SA Branch) is a partner in a campaign encouraging people to get an influenza vaccination.

SA Healths Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paddy Phillips, said its important that people protect themselves and their families from the virus.

Influenza is a serious illness, causing around 20,000 hospitalisations and between 1,500 and 2,000 deaths in Australia every year, Professor Phillips said.

Vaccination is the best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and also helps stop the spread of infection in the community.

Those most at risk from complications associated with influenza are pregnant women, people aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. The vaccine is available free for all people in these high risk categories.

Jenny Taylor, the RDNS Immunisation Coordinator, highly recommends that all health care workers get vaccinated to protect themselves and their patients.

Good news expected for Womens & Childrens Hospital Car Parking

Protect yourself this winter

underground car park at the northern end of the parklands, near St Peters Cathedral. It could service the W&CH and Adelaide Oval.

Concerns have also been raised with the Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood and the W&CH CEO, Gail Mondy.

Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars and ANMF Manager Industrial and Education Services, Rob Bonner recently met to discuss the car parking issue with representatives including Gail Mondy, CEO of W&CH, CEO Adelaide Oval Stadium Authority, Leigh Whicker, Managing Director of Mott MacDonald, David Johnson and Adelaide City Council representatives.

It was a very positive meeting, and the ANMF is expecting to hear back from the team with some alternative car parking options.

Members will be kept informed of progress.

People need to understand that there are different strains of the flu so its important to get vaccinated every year, she said.

She said in 2010, when the swine flu emerged, the uptake of vaccinations increased considerably, with 76 per cent of RDNS staff vaccinated. She also said while there can be side effects from the vaccination, such as muscle aches, theyre easily relieved by Panadol.

SA Health will soon launch an advertising campaign which will run until June. It was first launched in 2009 to encourage up-take of the flu vaccination to help keep South Australians healthy, and reduce the pressure places upon health services during winter. Its been an extremely successful campaign, with SA Health distributing more vaccinations to GPs to administer to the over 65s than before. The number increased from nearly 229,700 in 2008, to more than 304,100 in 2011.

The ANMF (SA Branch) is a proud partner in the 2012 campaign with our logo featuring on the campaign materials.

Attendees at recent meeting to discuss car parking options including Elizabeth Dabars, Leigh Whicker, David Johnson and Gail Mondy.


A team of three Flinders Medical Centre nurses is achieving enormous success using a program to help people with borderline personality disorder.

The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness approaches. Its designed for people with self-harming behaviours, such as suicidal thoughts and attempts. The program focuses on validating

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clients and how theyve coped in their lives so far, and working towards change, to help them create a life worth living.

Co-ordinator Karen Braithwaite, a registered mental health nurse with a certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, has been running the program, now based at Marion GP Plus, for the past two-and-a-half years. Its had permanent funding for six months.

Ive always been interested in working with people with personality disorders. I think theyve never really been treated effectively or respectfully, and thats not criticising workers, its just that nobody knew what to do, said Karen.

I was invited to a study group in 2004 and heard about DBT, and was motivated to get it up and running.

The program is intensive, with participants signing a contract for 12 months of therapy and a skills training group once a week.

Its a lot of work for people. We talk to them as if theyre doing a course, they really have to commit to this, its their life, their project, said Karen.

Thereve been excellent outcomes, with a significant decrease in depression, anxiety and stress, and improved self-esteem. Theres also been a marked reduction in presentations to emergency departments.

We had one client who had 97 bed days prior to the program, which we worked out would have cost about $82,000.

Continued page 13


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During the 12 months of the program, he was admitted to hospital just once, for three days. And in the 12 months since hes been involved, he hasnt been to hospital at all, said Karen.

The man has since re-engaged with his family, moved into an independent unit, and is managing his own finances.

Two other part-time nurses work with Karen, and demand for the DBT program is growing. Right now, the capacity is for a group of eight people. Some clients are on the waiting list for around 18 months.

What stops it growing is the organisation saying there no more money. We rely on people who are released from their teams, plus volunteers, said Karen.

She wants to develop a business plan to increase the service. The ANMF has also offered assistance in lobbying to improve funding to this important program.

Ive been in mental health for 33 years, and the huge thing I noticed is that I regained my empathy and my passion. Im highly motivated and enthusiastic about this program, said Karen.

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the ANMF (SA Branch) to implement the internationally recognised RNAO Nursing Best Practice Guidelines (BPS) and Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO) initiatives.

With funding support from the Department of Health and Ageing (SA) the initiatives will be implemented during a three year period.

In March 2012, Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars and Rob Bonner travelled to Canada as part of the International Staffing Study Tour and met with Doris Grinspun, Executive Director and Irmajean Bajnok, Director, International Affairs & Best Practice Guidelines. The BPSO Contract was signed with the Canadian Minister of Health.

BPSOs develop creative strategies for successfully implementing nursing best practice guidelines resulting in Hubs of Nursing Excellence. This international initiative is nurse-led and nurse-driven. Its aim is to implement a series of guidelines which provide nurses with the latest research in patient care, thus enabling and supporting best practice in South Australia.

As part of the BPSO Project, each year two sites will be selected from those nominated, to pilot a minimum of three best practice guidelines developed by the RNAO, as well as being assisted to become an accredited Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO). The best practice guidelines will be relevant to the selected hospital/health site and address areas identified for performance improvement, ensuring alignment with SA Health, SA Health Reform Principles, Local Health Network (LHN), and Local and National Safety and Quality strategic directions.

The BPSO Pilot will commence in July 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2014. Currently the BPSO Project Officer is being recruited and will undertake RNAO BPSO Training in Canada in July 2012. A BPSO

Champion Network will be established as part of the project and will be provided with support and consultation from RNAO experts.

Governance of the project includes the establishment of a BPSO Project Board Steering Committee Chaired by Rob Bonner, the BPSO Advisory Group which includes nominees from ANMF, SA Health, Adelaide University Sector and pilot sites (following selection) and site based BPSO Implementation Committees will be established.

Other sites may participate in the BPSO/Guidelines Program but are not eligible for funding assistance from the SA Health grant program.

If you require any further information or clarification regarding the BPSO Project, please do not hesitate to contact Jenny Hurley, Professional Officer, ANMF on 8334 1937.

Top: Elizabeth Dabars with Doris Grinspun, CEO of the RNAO (centre) and Deb Matthews, Canadian Minister of Health at the signing of the BPSO contract

Below: Elizabeth Dabars & Rob Bonner with members of the RNAO Executivecelebrate the signing of the BPSO contract.


Premier Jay Weatherill has publicly confirmed his support for Unions, after hearing about an ongoing issue relating to Union participation involving the ANMF (SA Branch) and the Country Health SA Local Health Network (CHSALHN) and the lack of transpare

InTouch - Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation · InTouch Best Practice ... enormous loss...

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Transcript of InTouch - Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation · InTouch Best Practice ... enormous loss...