Record DeCeMBer 2013 -...

Palliative CareMembers winpage 5

agenCy nursesWages repaidpage 7

your Careergrad updatepage 7

DeCeMBer 2013

Record

ANF becomes ANMF and more .... year in review pages 8 - 12

www.anmfvic.asn.au2 on the record December 2013

Lisa Fitzpatrick, State Secretary

Pip Carew, Assistant Secretary

Paul Gilbert, Assistant Secretary

ANMF (Vic Branch)540 Elizabeth St, Melbourne Vic 3000Phone 9275 9333 Fax 9275 9344Info Line 9275 9300 (metro) 1800 133 353 (regional)Membership 9275 9313Library 9275 9391ANMF Education Centre 9275 9363Website: anmfvic.asn.au Facebook: facebook.com.au/respectourwork Twitter: @ANMFvicbranchEmail: [email protected]

On The RecORd is the official publication of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). OTR is published monthly.

Your ANMF

Special Interest Groups

advance Care Planning sigInq: Kathryn Whiteside Kathryn.

[email protected]

Community Health nurses Inq: Giancarlo Di Stefano 0448 754 945

[email protected]

Complementary therapies Inq: [email protected]

Day surgery sigInq: Chris Guidotti

[email protected]

Diabetes nurse educators sigInq: Catherine Wallace-Wilkinson [email protected] 0411 557 631

enrolled nurses sig Inq: Carole de Greenlaw [email protected]

immunisation nurses sigDate: Monday 24 February 2014Time: 6 - 9.30pm Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneInq: Vikkie Coghlan 0400560605 or [email protected]

injured nurses’ support groupDate: 17 December 2013Time: 11 amVenue: ANMF 3rd Floor BoardroomInq: Annie Rutter 1300 760 602

vic ass Maternal & Child Health nursesInq: Helen Watson 0419 103 795 [email protected]

Medical imaging nurses assocInq: Deborah Shears [email protected]

Mental Health nurses sigInq: Carole de Greenlaw [email protected]

nurses for ContinenceInq: Christine Sumper

[email protected]

orthopaedic nurses’ assocInq: Meinir Griffiths 9342 8417 Rita Moreno 9345 5303

Palliative Care sigDate: Monday 17 February 2014Time: 6.15 - 8.30pmVenue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneTopic: Member meetingInq: Lyndsay Cassidy

[email protected]

Preadmission nurses groupInq: Kate Hussey [email protected]

safe Patient Handling Date: Thursday 21 February 2014Time: 9am - 2.30pm Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneInq: Stephen Morley smorley@

bendigohealth.org.au

victorian school nursesInq: Gina Harrex 0401 717 352

vic assoc of research nursesInq: Gabriel Silver [email protected]

vic Midwifery Homecare sigDate: Wednesday 22 January 2014Time: 10 am - 12 md Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneInq: Carolyn Barker

[email protected]

vic Perioperative nurses’ groupDate: Saturday 29 March 2014Time: 7.00am–5.00pm Venue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneTopic: VPNG SeminarInq: www.vpng.org.au or contact [email protected]

vic urological nurses societyInq: Ros Lawrence [email protected]

Visit www.anmfvic.asn.au/interestgroups for all upcoming ANMF (Victorian Branch) Special Interest Group news, events and meetings. Go to the ‘calendar view’ to see what’s on each month.

FRONT COVER: New signage has gone up at ANMF House at 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.PHOTOGRAPH: Les O’Rourke

stoP Press ANMF donates $20,000 to Typhoon Haiyan AppealTyphoon Haiyan’s devastating impact affecting millions of people across the Philippines is incomprehensible. The health impact caused by immediate injuries and a lack of food, clean water, shelter and infrastructure has

overwhelmed people whose communities, homes and lives have been shattered by this extreme weather event.

ANMF (Vic Branch) extends its sympathy to all those affected by this terrible event and has made a $20,000 donation to the

Red Cross to help people affected by the typhoon.

We encourage members, where they are able, to consider making a contribution to the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal at www.tiny.cc/typhoonappeal

www.anmfvic.asn.au on the record December 2013 3

Prison nurses take protected industrial action

Secretary’s report

Know your entitlements ...............................................................4Christmas, New Year and Australia day public holidays

OTR diary .......................................................................................4

Upcoming ANMF events

News .......................................................................................... 5-7Members win classification improvements • Maribyrnong City Council members win improvements • Injured employee protections• Unpaid wages claim resolved• Renovation health and safety risks resolved• ANMF finalises ? agreements • Information for graduate nurses and midwives • Barwon Health aged care nursing hours dispute • Community opposes nursing home sale • ANMF (Vic Branch) Christmas and New Year closure

2013 year in review ................................................................ 8-12

2014 ANMF Job Rep, OHS and HSR training program .............13Information about February and March Annual Regional Seminars and introductory and advanced courses

ANMF Education Centre course program ...........................14-15

Inside this edition

NAPTHINE GOVERNMENT

Aged care sell off about cost cutting not patient care

Lisa Fitzpatrick, State Secretary

Job Rep/HSR annual regional seminarsBullying and Harassment - what you need to knowDon’t miss this new advanced level training program developed to provide Job Reps and HSRs with a greater understanding of bullying and harassment issues as well as clear guidance about your role when members bring these issues to you.

RTS01/14 4 February Ballarat RTS02/14 6 February Echuca RTS03/14 11 February GeelongRTS04/14 13 February Warrnambool RTS05/14 20 February LatrobeRTS06/14 26 February WangarattaRTS07/14 4 March MilduraRTS08/14 6 March Bendigo

Training program 9.30 am - 3 pmRegional Seminar 3.30 pm - 4.45 pm‘Happy Hour’ 4.45 pm - 5.45 pm

See page 13 for registration details

The announcement that Western Health’s Reg Geary House, a 30-bed nursing home in Melton South, will close next year is the latest in a long list of public aged care nursing home closures and privatisations. At the time of print members meetings were scheduled and ANMF will be calling on nurses and midwives to help save this important local health service.

Under the Napthine Government’s watch, public nursing homes have closed in Point Lonsdale, Koroit, Kyneton, Melbourne, Williamstown and Rosebud.

Members also will be aware of the ANMF and community campaign to protect nursing home residents living in Barwon Health nursing homes - Wallace Lodge in North Geelong and Alan David Lodge in Grovedale - where it wants to cut 324 nursing hours each week.

Monash City Council has also decided to get out of the business of caring and voted last month to sell its highly regarded nursing homes - Monash Gardens and Elizabeth Gardens - despite a significant community campaign to save these important public assets.

In June this year, The Age revealed the Napthine Government’s secret plan to sell its 25 metropolitan nursing homes to save $75 million. The plan was buried in the 2012-2013 Budget Update papers. It affects about 1000 people living in nursing homes and could mean up to 700 nurses are made redundant as a result of the significantly lower staffing in private and not-for-profit nursing homes.

The government says it will not sell off its regional nursing homes. However, the government is squeezing health network budgets until they are forced to close their ‘unviable’ nursing homes.

While everyone is talking about the growing needs of the ageing population, governments are unwilling to fund nursing homes with minimum nurse resident ratios.

Public nursing homes ratios are morning shift: one nurse to seven

residents, afternoon shift: one nurse to eight residents and night shift: one nurse to 15 residents. Nurses employed in public nursing homes have been very clear about the need to improve minimum ratios in their workplaces. Private and not-for-profit nursing homes commonly have one nurse for 20, 30, up to 60 residents.

Private employers make profit by employing less nurses and paying lower wages.

Improving nursing care for the elderly, and increasingly younger adults, is a complex area. The Federal Government is responsible for the aged care laws that allow providers to staff according to whatever they consider “appropriate”. Sadly this didn’t improve under the previous federal government and is unlikely to improve under the new Abbott Government which tellingly does not have an aged care minister.

The data reveals a picture of private aged care that we should all be concerned about and that politicians should be fixing. The number of nursing home patients has increased 16 per cent between 2005 and 2011. Over that same six years the number of nurses caring for nursing home residents fell by five per cent. This cannot be attributed to a shortage of nurses. Nursing home employers are choosing to employ cheaper carers (now 70 per cent of the workforce), who are not required to have qualifications relevant to caring for patients with dementia and behavioural problems, multiple chronic conditions or who require palliative nursing care.

If the Napthine Government is only focused on the budget bottom line you can see why it is so keen to sell or close its better staffed nursing homes. However, the question is - is care going to be better in a nursing home that has less qualified nurses, more unqualified carers and pays its staff less?


NewsKnoW your entitleMents

Understanding Christmas, New Year and Australia Day public holidays Alison O’Gorman, Information Officer

Each year presents new challenges in determining which festive season public holidays apply to which employees, none more so than when public holidays fall on weekends, as is the case with Australia Day on 26 January 2014.

To determine the entitlement, it is necessary to consider the wording in your workplace agreement (where one applies), the Modern Award (where no workplace agreement applies), and the National Employment Standards (which apply to everyone regardless of your workplace agreement status). These complexities mean we can only give general advice.

Victorian public holidays 2013-2014Christmas Day - Wednesday 25 December 2013

Boxing Day - Thursday 26 December 2013

New Year’s Day - Wednesday 1 January 2014

Australia Day - Sunday 26 January 2014*(Actual Day)

*Day in lieu - Monday 27 January 2014 (Other Day)

Public sectornurses, enrolled nurses, midwives and mental health nurses: Australia Day, 26 January 2014, falls on a Sunday (referred to as the ‘Actual Day’), and a day in lieu has been determined under Victorian law as Monday 27 January 2014 (called the ‘Other Day’).

Those who work on the ‘actual day’ will receive public holiday and weekend penalty payments for that Sunday. If you work on the ‘other day’, but not on the ‘actual day’, you receive public holiday penalties for the Monday. If you work on both, you would only receive penalty rates for the ‘actual day’.

Principles for payment – working on the dayPublic sector: Registered and enrolled nurses, midwives and mental health nurses working on the public holiday receive double time for each hour worked (plus the Saturday/ Sunday loading if applicable).

Private acute and private aged care:Healthscope and Ramsay enterprise agreements closely mirror public sector entitlements. Other private hospital and aged care employers may differ. Please check your enterprise agreement.

Commonly registered nurses receive double time (and a minimum five weeks annual leave), while enrolled nurses and personal care workers receive double time and a half (with a minimum four weeks annual leave per year).

The same ‘rostered off’ principles usually apply in aged care as in the private sector referred to below.

Principles for payment – not working on the dayFull-time registered and enrolled nurses, midwives and mental health nurses who are rostered off on the public holiday receive a day’s ordinary pay for that day.

When an employee would normally work on the public holiday, but is not required, they are entitled to ordinary pay for the day.

Public sector part-time nurses and midwives receive a pro rata payment based on what a full-time employee would receive.

Private hospital and aged care sector part-time employees receive the full day’s pay, but only if they would ‘ordinarily’ work on that day of the week. As a general rule, if you work more often than not on that day over the preceding 26 weeks, you are entitled to payment.

Employees under the Nurses Award 2010 or the Aged Care Award 2010The National Employment Standard (NES) requirement means that where “an employee is absent from his or her employment on a day or part-day that is a public holiday, the employer must pay the employee at their base rate of pay for the employee’s ordinary hours of work on the day or part-day. If the employee does not have ordinary hours of work on the public holiday, the employee is not entitled to payment under the NES. ANMF Information Line: 9275 9300 or 1800 133 353 (regional toll free).

ANMF (Vic Branch) AGM 10 December 2013, 5.30pmCarson Conference Centre, ANMF House, MelbourneMembers are invited to attend the ANMF (Vic Branch) annual general meeting for an update on your union. Copies of the annual report 2012-2013, including financial statements, will be available. Call Lindy Williams on 9275 9321 to register your attendance (for catering purposes).

Mental Health Act Implementation Forum18 March 2014Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, MelbourneThe implementation of the new Victorian Mental Health Act will mean significant changes to health services. Find out about the key changes and what it means for mental health nurses, their patients and clients.

2014 ANMF (Vic Branch) Health and Environmental Sustainability Conference5 March 2014Carson Conference Centre, ANMF House, MelbourneThis informative program will include international guest speaker, nurse academic and environmental health advocate Professor Barbara Sattler from the University of San Francisco. Register online at www.tiny.cc/14sustconf

OTR Diary

www.anmfvic.asn.au on the record December 2013 5www.anmfvic.asn.au

NewsPalliative Care nurses

Classification improvement winanthony stafford, organiser

Palliative care nurses at a not-for-profit health service have secured improved classifications, on call allowances and wages after taking unprecedented protected industrial action.

The Banksia Palliative Care Service dispute in late October centred on nursing classifications, with management offering the palliative care nurses a 3A classification instead of the more appropriate 3B, which is more common for nurses with their specialist nursing qualifications and experience.

Historically the nurses were classified at 3B, but over the last five years Banksia Palliative Care Services management had classified any new palliative care nurses at 3A. The pay rate difference between the two classifications is between $21 to $40 per week, or up to $2000 per year, depending on the level of experience.

Members began industrial action on 22 October and it was lifted the following day when they voted to accept an improved management offer. The nurses’ industrial action included paperwork bans that affected funding, wearing campaign materials including T-shirts and stickers and distributing information to clients, their families and visitors.

The in principle agreement provides an additional 3A year level. The third year 3A increment exists in no other agreement and is comparable to the 3B classification nurses were seeking in recognition of their speciality palliative care nursing skills and knowledge.

The agreement also includes a new and significantly increased on call allowance payment structure back paid from 1 October 2012. The four-year agreement also includes a 12 per cent wage increase with three per cent back pay from 1 October 2012 and subsequent increases on 1 October 2013, 1 October 2014 and 1 October 2015.

Industrial action is only ever considered once all avenues of negotiations are exhausted. It is always difficult for nurses to take industrial action to ensure their skills and knowledge are recognised appropriately and even more so when their patients require palliative care. Congratulations to these members for courageously taking a stand to ensure this important work is valued and thank you to the patients, their friends and family who offered their support.

Maternal anD CHilD HealtH anD iMMunisation nurses anD Breast FeeDing suPPort MiDWives

Maribyrnong City Council members win improvementsCynthia salmons, organiser

Maribyrnong City Council maternal and child health and immunisation nurses and breast feeding support midwives have secured improved wages and conditions following eight days of protected industrial action.

Nurses voted to lift their action following Maribyrnong City Council improving its wage offer from 9.6 per cent to 10.2 per cent.

Other improvements include:• additional leave days based on

continuous service• a new third level experience and pay

increment• new classifications for immunisation

nurses and breastfeeding support midwives

• improved classification for enhanced maternal and child health nurses

• certainty around professional

development leave entitlements (five days)

• introduction of team leaders• administration time.

The industrial action included a ban on wearing council uniforms or council-designated clothing, wearing campaign materials including T-shirts and stickers and distributing campaign-related information to clients and speaking to media.

Congratulations to members for their resolve in seeking improved wages that reflect the value of the preventative

and primary health care they provide to infants, children and mothers.

Photo: Union members at the Maribyrnong City Council rally in October.

Photo: Palliative care members meeting with ANMF Industrial Officer Megan Reeve (far right) and Organiser Anthony Stafford.


Private anD not-For-ProFit nursing HoMes

ANMF finalises agreements for more than 300 nursing homes

Leigh Hubbard, Senior Industrial Officer

ANMF continues to finalise enterprise agreements for nurses and personal care workers employed in private and not-for-profit nursing homes.

At the time of print agreements for 222 aged care networks (out of 367) and 55 stand alone nursing homes (out of 170) had been finalised - including Adventcare, Churches of Christ, Benetas, Blue Cross, Abbeyfield Mortlake and a range of others. Ballots are expected to start this month in some facilities.

The next round of providers are proving more difficult to get to the bargaining table and reach agreement particularly in relation to our wage claim of a minimum of 14 per cent over four years plus catch up to standard rates or high care rates where appropriate.

Members employed in nursing homes where your employer has not reached an agreement are encouraged to contact their ANMF Organiser (phone 9275 9333) and set up a staff meeting to call on your employer to negotiate improved wages and conditions with the union.

The mobile billboard campaign continued through November with the ‘Don’t turn your back on aged care’ signs visiting those nursing homes where negotiations have been difficult or members were participating in a ballot to vote on taking protected industrial action.

All members are encouraged to voice their support for this campaign at www.facebook.com/respectourwork , @ANMFvicbranch and by wearing T-shirts available from your Organiser.

NewsProPoseD WorKPlaCe inJury laWs

Employee protectionsZoran Bukarica, OHS OfficerANMF together with other Victorian unions has secured improvements to a revision of accident compensation and insurance laws after highlighting the negative impact of changes on injured employees such as nurses and midwives.

The Victorian Government has consolidated two pieces of legislation - the Accident Compensation Act 1985 (covering workers compensation) and the Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993. At the time of print the Upper House had passed the Workplace Injury, Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill 2013 and is expected to become operational mid next year.

The Napthine Government had promised the simplification of the laws would not result in changes to injured employees’ benefits or employers’ premium calculation. However, the bill’s first reading revealed detrimental changes to injured employee benefits.

ANMF, along with other unions, wrote to the WorkCover Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips advising of the impact of the changes on injured employees which resulted in amendments to the Bill before it was passed in the Lower House.

MerCy Mental HealtH

Renovation health and safety risks resolvedYiota Paraskevopoulos, ANMF Graduate OHS Officer

Health and Safety Reps employed at Mercy Mental Health have recently resolved significant risks to staff and clients caused by demolition and building noise.

Members working at the Saltwater Clinic, which was operating normal hours during the renovation work, reported physical symptoms such as headaches due to excessive and persistent noise and frustrating communication problems. The noise and chaos also exacerbated the symptoms of some clients visiting

the clinic. In addition, two of the three emergency exits were blocked during the works.

The Health and Safety Reps had been actively involved in consultation with management, builders, architects and WorkSafe to try and eliminate the hazards. WorkSafe had advised that decibel readings were sitting at a constant 70 to 75 range throughout the day with intermittent spikes to 90. In response, the Deputy HSR kept a log of the noise levels during the day and all staff were encouraged by their direct line manager to complete VHIMS reports to document incidents and symptoms to highlight the issues to Mercy Health management.

ANMF contacted Mercy Health

concerned about the symptoms staff and clients were experiencing as a result of the noise, encouraging them to act immediately. Management responded quickly and effectively by organizing all demolition works to take place between 6am and 10am and changing the clinic’s opening hour to 10am with no reduction in pay.

All employers are required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to provide a working environment that is safe for employees.

Congratulations to the Health and Safety Reps, active members and Mercy Hospitals Inc for working together to resolve the issues to restore a safe and healthy workplace.


NewsCoDe Blue MelBourne nursing agenCy

Unpaid wages claim resolvedBarry Megennis, Industrial Officer

ANMF (Vic Branch) has successfully appealed a Federal Government department’s decision not to pay agency nurses more than $110,000 in unpaid wages

The nurses were affected by the August 2011 collapse of the Code Blue Melbourne Nursing Agency which owed more than $17 million dollars to creditors.

At a creditors’ meeting after the collapse, members were uncertain whether they would be able to recover

their unpaid wages. These concerns were realised when the Department of Education and Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) rejected their claims for unpaid wages based on a determination that nurses employed by Code Blue were sub-contractors rather than direct employees.

Following further legal advice from ANMF (Vic Branch) solicitors, the union lodged appeals on behalf of members and, after many months of reconsideration, DEEWR upheld the claims and paid out over $110,000 in unpaid wages to ANMF members in Victoria.

graDuates

Information for graduate nurses and midwivesAbbey Kink, Graduate & Final Year Student Support Officer

Each year in Victoria more than 2000 student undergraduate nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives successfully complete their nursing and midwifery studies, register and start a graduate program.

ANMF recognises that supporting these new graduates nurtures the individual nurse or midwife’s professional development and develops a strong future nursing and midwifery workforce.

Watch out for ANMF’s graduate nurse and midwife information sessions at health facilities where we outline the member services and benefits, the enterprise bargaining process that will determine your wages and working conditions and the professional and industrial support we provide to new graduates. These sessions are usually conducted as part of your orientation period and will be advertised at your workplace, at www.anmfvic.asn.au, ANMF’s enewsletter and the via facebook.com/respectourwork.

Missed out on a graduate program?ANMF is concerned about the increasing shortage of nurse/midwife graduate places and continues to lobby federal and state governments to increase the number of graduate positions. If you have not received a graduate year program offer through Computer Match, visit www.tiny.cc/gradinformation for details about what you can do to secure employment.

Enrolled nurse programsHealth services are starting to recognise the benefits of offering a graduate program for enrolled nurses. Further information about the limited number of programs and places is available at www.tiny.cc/gradinformation

Let us knowIf you are a graduate nurse or midwife please notify ANMF membership on 9275 9313 so you will receive information relevant to your graduate year.

BarWon HealtH

Aged care nursing hours disputeAt the time of print ANMF was preparing to attend Fair Work Commission arbitration hearings into Barwon Health’s plans to cut 324 nursing hours per week from its two nursing homes. ANMF, members, residents and their families have strongly opposed the plan to cut 176 nursing hours at Wallace Lodge in North Geelong and 148 hours at Alan David Lodge in Grovedale. Both nursing homes have been staffed above public sector aged care nurse resident ratios since they were first opened because of the patient needs, building’s size, geographical layout and health and safety concerns.

nursing HoMes

Community opposes saleSelling publicly owned nursing homes is on the agenda of the Victorian Government and some local governments. ANMF has supported the high profile grassroots community campaign to save two nursing homes owned by Monash City Council – Monash Gardens and Elizabeth Gardens. In a narrow vote last month, of four votes to five, the council decided to sell the nursing homes. ANMF and its members had called on the council to show leadership and keep the well respected health facilities in public hands.

BranCH neWs

Office closureThe ANMF office will be closed on Friday 13 December from 12.15pm for the office Christmas celebration. The office will also be closed over Christmas and New Year from 1pm on Tuesday 24 December 2013, and will re-open on Thursday 2 January 2014. During this time an ANMF Officer will be on call (except on public holidays and weekends) for urgent matters such as a member being dismissed.

In brief


2013 Year in review2013 began with nurses and midwives rallying to stop $107 million in public hospital funding cuts and maintained a hectic pace negotiating members’ wages and conditions across the state, protecting patient care and ramping up the campaign calling on the Napthine Government to reduce and prevent violence in hospitals through implementing the 39 recommendations from the 2011 parliamentary inquiry…

Victorian public hospital funding cutsBy early 2013 the state and federal governments’ damaging funding dispute had resulted in announcements of significant funding cuts with the potential to impact on elective surgery, bed closures and a potential reduction in staffing hours.

ANMF (Vic Branch) worked quickly to examine conflicting information from the state and federal governments to establish who was responsible for the Victorian hospital funding cuts, meeting with both the federal and state health ministers and writing to the Victorian and Australian Auditors-General asking for a full investigation into the matter. Independent advice revealed Federal Government funding had steadily increased, but was swallowed by progressive State Government cuts. It was acknowledged that while the federal government’s readjustment of the budget was legitimate under its agreement with the state government, the retrospective nature of the cuts was unwise.

As part of the public campaign to stop the funding cuts and maintain safe patient access to quality care in the Victorian hospital system, ANMF and other unions held a number of rallies. In February hundreds of nurses and midwives protested in Melbourne and, as a result of the ongoing campaign the then Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek reinstated $107 million directly to hospitals and ANMF (Vic Branch) lobbied hospitals to ensure any announced changes would not proceed or would be reversed.

Industrial newsThe Branch has been focused on negotiating 236 enterprise agreements covering 537 private and not-for-profit nursing homes. ANMF and members have reached in principle agreements at more than half of the workplaces. The campaign has comprised significant logistical organisation with multiple members meetings at each individual workplace, negotiations and ballots for protected industrial action. The year also saw a steady flow of negotiations for new agreements for members from prison nurses and maternal and child health nurses to palliative care nurses.

Aged care wages and conditionsBy April unions, aged care employers and the Federal Labor Government had finalised that the $1.2 billion Aged Care Compact money could be accessed through EBAs to ensure all aged care workers’ wages were increased. By the September federal election the Coalition had revealed it would remove the quarantine around the money and as a consequence many employers reduced their wage offers.

Negotiations for wages and conditions for nurses and personal care workers employed in Victoria’s 537 private and not-for-profit nursing homes began in early 2013. By the end of the year ANMF had negotiated more than half of the agreements.

These agreements include wage rises of between 14 and 17 per cent over four years. The higher end of the wage increases were being secured at facilities where members had indicated through protected industrial action ballots that they were willing to take action.

During September, October and November the ANMF ‘Don’t turn your back on aged care’ campaign billboards visited more than 50 private and not-for-profit nursing homes involved in enterprise bargaining negotiations. The billboard visits coincided with members voting in protected action ballots, the start of protected industrial action or when employers were refusing fair wage increases that would address the average $170 a week wage gap between private aged care nurses and public aged care nurses.

Aged care is expected to be an issue in 2014, because as part of the Napthine Government’s ongoing budget cuts, health facilities have commenced selling their public nursing homes. Privatising these nursing homes will mean staffing levels will be cut and patient/resident care will potentially be compromised.

From top: nurses and midwives’ February rally to stop the Victorian Government’s hospital budget cuts; ANMF (Vic Branch) staff with the aged care campaign billbboards; ANMF ran a newspaper campaign to stop Barwon Health cutting nursing hours from its aged care facilities; the aged care billboard.

Support uS onfacebook.com/respectourwork

@ANMFvicbranch #respectourwork #agedcare

Sign the online petitionto Premier Dr Denis Napthine and Barwon Health CEO Prof David Ashbridgewww.tiny.cc/barwoncuts

Email us to be involved in community [email protected]

Write letterSthe Age – [email protected] Sun – [email protected] (no attachments)geelong AdvertiSer – [email protected]

CAll tAlkbACk rAdioAbC – 774 call 1300 222 774 or SMS 0437 774 7743AW 693 – call 9690 0693 or outside Melbourne 13 13 3295.5 k-roCk FM – call 03 5223 1955bAy FM – call 03 5229 2939

anmfvic.asn.au

bArWon heAlth Stop Cutting nurSing CAre!

it could affect you, your parents, your loved ones...

Protect the standard of patient care at Geelong’s public nursing homes.

www.tiny.cc/barwoncutsThe number of nurses matters. Please support our campaign to stop Barwon Health cutting 324 nursing hours (almost nine nurses) a week at McKellar Centre’s Wallace Lodge and Alan David Lodge.

ANF0

41/1

009

The ANMF (Vic Branch) is receiving many letters from the residents and their families of Wallace Lodge and Alan David Lodge. They do not want Barwon Health to cut 324 hours of nursing care each week. We have arranged for the printing of their letters to help the Geelong community understand the detrimental impact of Barwon’s cuts on the safety and quality of care they or their family members receive.The author of this letter is a resident of Alan David Lodge. It is printed with her permission.

Authorised by Lisa Fitzpatrick, ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary, Oct 2013.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing, as a (young) resident of Alan David Lodge, to protest the cuts that Barwon Health are making to

its nursing hours. These vital 324 hours (approximately 9 nurses), provide quality care to the residents of both

facilities, whilst also maintaining the highest of safety standards (through reasonable nurse to patient ratios).

I recently partook in an interview regarding this matter a week ago, as part of an article in the Herald Sun;

http://tiny.cc/bhc_hs

My name is Kirrily Hayward, am 25 years old, and a current resident of Alan David Lodge. I have been here

roughly 9 1/2 months now, due to a long term chronic pressure wound. I also have Spina Bifida (wheelchair

user). With this severe wound, I do not have the confidence at the moment to be able to look after myself at

home, deal with wound and resulting health condition all in one.

On a typical day, I need assistance with showering, medication, wound dressings and monitoring of said

wound, and wholistically, my general health and wellbeing, for any sign of deterioration. Also, during this time, I

have had psychosocial burdens to overcome, of which the nursing staff (and many allied health/medical staff,

a few in particular) have also played a great role in supporting. Particularly being one of the few (yet one too

many, unfortunately) young people within aged care generally across Barwon Health. So much more needs to

be done in this area also.

During the time I have been here, I have experienced nothing but sheer professionalism, compassion,

kindness and the high level care that is currently required, to assist in overcoming this health condition, on the

path to being independent again. In saying this also, this hardworking nursing team are already overworked

and under resourced. Why would you want to cut further staff from already depleted resources, hence putting

safety at risk?

The proposed cuts, leave plenty for the imagination, in a facility of a high care nature. Many of these residents

depend upon nursing staff for daily care needs; which may include, showering, wound dressings, medications

along with other activities of daily living to assist them.

My personal concern is that if there is not sufficient trained medical nursing staff, that my chronic wound, could

have the potential to worsen, at risk of infection, and ultimately, my health deteriorating to the point where I

cannot do anything for myself. My goal at this point, is to get this wound healed, my health improved and a

slow transition back to a home environment. The chances of this will be heavily jeopardised, if I (and others) in

the same boat do not have the care/staff we need.

I want Barwon Health and the current Napthine government to reassure myself, and the many residents/

patients that they will not treat us, the public, like a number, rather to treat us with the respect, dignity and

healthcare we citizens (in this case aged care recipients) deserve. I urge both parties to rethink this decision.

Retain adequate nursing hours, sufficiently qualified staff and maintain safe ratios, to ensure we, the public get

the care we need and deserve.

In Solidarity,

Kirrily Hayward

www.anmfvic.asn.au on the record December 2013 9www.anmfvic.asn.au

2013 Year in reviewBudget cuts in public aged care at Barwon Health have led to management plans

to slash 324 nursing hours per week at two nursing homes. In September ANMF ran a public campaign opposing the cuts and referred the matter to the Fair Work Commission. However, it could not be resolved through conciliation and at the time of print the matter was awaiting arbitration.

Prison nurses campaignMembers employed in 11 privately-managed prisons across Victoria took industrial action in June as part of their campaign to improve wages and working conditions which were well below health industry standards.

Action included administrative bans, wearing campaign materials and speaking with the media and took place at Melbourne Assessment Prison in West Melbourne, Beechworth Correctional Centre, Dhurringile Prison in Murchison, Langi Kal Kal Prison in Trawalla, Marngoneet Correctional Centre in Lara and Tarrengower Prison in Maldon. Members also participated in two-hour stop work rallies outside Barwon Prison in Lara, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Ravenhall (this rally included Melbourne Remand Centre nurses), Hopkins Correctional Centre in Ararat and Loddon Prison in Castlemaine. The action was suspended in late July and negotiations between ANMF and prison operator GEO Care Australia began in the Fair Work Commission on 31 July. Shortly after, members voted to accept a new agreement ending a 20-month campaign.

ANMF has also negotiated improved wages and conditions for maternal and child health, immunisation and breastfeeding nurses employed by local councils.

Seated emergency patients - casey ed modelIn 2013 ANMF supported members during the consultation and trial phases for a new model of assessment and treatment in the Casey emergency department that effectively attempted to remove patients from the waiting room. The consultation phase required ANMF and members to examine staffing, clinical and patient care and workplace safety issues. ANMF is now actively participating in this 12-month trial and continues to liaise with Casey Hospital nursing staff and management to ensure staff and patient safety is maintained.

Professional NewsIssues impacting the professions of nurses and midwives have been central to our activities in 2013 with multiple reviews on the agenda including of nursing and midwifery practice and education. Of particular importance is the extension of the HAN pilot projects, a Victorian inquiry into Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), review of the prescribing practices of nurses and midwives, and introduction of expanded roles for nurses and midwives, for example carrying out x-ray services in small rural health services. ANMF (Vic Branch) is watching these changes carefully as it is critical that nurses and midwives are properly prepared for any new or expanded roles and that they are not used as a cheaper substitute for other registered practitioners.

State Government’s nursing and midwifery advisory committeeANMF (Vic Branch) represented members on the Victorian State Government’s nursing and midwifery advisory committee which, despite being announced in June 2011, was not formed by the Government until April 2013. The committee has met twice and is working on a number of issues including the disparity between the number of undergraduate nursing and midwifery places and graduate nurse/midwife programs in Victoria.

health Assistant in nursing pilot programsThe State Government announced three health assistant in nursing pilot programs at Eastern, Monash and Barwon Health. Although currently in addition to nurse/midwife to patient ratios, ANMF is concerned that the Napthine Government’s announcement is a further step in its bid to cut the health budget by abolishing nurse/midwife to patient ratios through the substitution of registered and enrolled nurses with health assistants. Disappointingly, speaking at the 2013 Annual Delegates Conference Health Minister David Davis was unwilling to rule out the inclusion of health assistants in nursing as part of ratios. The pilots are due to start in early 2014 and ANMF (Vic Branch) will continue to be involved in the progress of the study and report to ANMF members through members meetings and ANMF publications.

From top: Prison nurses employed in GEO Australia managed prisons taking protected industrial action at the Hopkins Correctional Centre and the Melbourne Assessment Prison; Banskia Palliative Care Service nurses meeting prior to taking protected industrial action over their speciality nursing classification; ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick launching the union’s campaign calling on the Napthine Government to stop hospital violence.


2013 Year in reviewnMhPV Funding extended for two yearsANMF (Vic Branch) lobbied the state and federal governments and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to extend funding for the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria. In September the NMBA decided to continue funding the program until June 2016. Funding was due to run out in June 2014. This is a welcome decision because the program provides support, advice, referral, case management, rehabilitation and return-to-work programs specifically for nurses and midwives and student nurses and midwives who have an alcohol, drug or mental health issue. (If you or a colleague needs support visit www.nmhp.org.au or call 9415 7551.) The second NMHP and ANMF Nurses and Midwives Wellness Conference was held in May with more than 900 attending to discover practical ways to achieve a healthier work/life balance.

MidwiferyAnMAc reviewThroughout 2013 ANMF was involved in representing midwives in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council review of the standards and criteria for the accreditation of midwifery courses leading to registration which were previously set in 2010. ANMF (Vic Branch) has been actively involved in the review making submissions to the review in July and November and attending forums along with ANMF members and Job Reps. The key areas of concern are the requirement for student midwives to attend an increased number of births and participate in a large number of ‘follow through journeys’ and ensuring a postgraduate pathway into midwifery remains. coroners court casesANMF has attended coroner’s hearings and assisted members in some circumstances where the death of a baby has occurred. Victorian and interstate coroners have made recommendations relating to communication between hospitals and women and also between private practice midwives and hospital staff.

Keeping maternity care safeConcerns about the capacity of Victorian maternity services has also been an ongoing issue. ANMF has been working with Job Reps to identify services not rostering enough midwives for the number of beds available and working with health services on the redesign of services to increase capacity. ANMF believes it is imperative to continue to grow the midwifery workforce and to ensure that appropriate managerial and consultant classifications are incorporated in the planned service expansion budgets.

Alternative models of care and an increased emphasis on services provided out of the hospital (antenatal clinics and domiciliary home visits) can create some improvement in physical capacity, but can only be implemented safely if improved staffing levels and a professional career structure are in place to support this growth.

Ind/IMd celebrationsIn celebration of International Midwives Day and International Nurses Day, ANMF held a members-only seminar titled ‘The mental health care of the woman in the perinatal period’. The seminar showcased successful interdisciplinary collaboration in regional Victoria and gave nurses and midwives an opportunity to celebrate the work that they do together. The seminar was well attended and received positive feedback.

Mental HealthMhnIPThe May 2013 federal budget included an announcement of more $23.8 million of 2013- 14 federal funding for the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP). The announcement followed ANMF lobbying of the Federal Mental Health Minister about the impact of the program’s funding freeze on people living with a mental illness missing out on nursing care. MHNIP is an important community program accessed by 60,000 Australians and Victorian MHNIP services account for 49 per cent of the national initiative.

Mental health nurse membership triplesANMF (Vic Branch) mental health nurse membership increased by 290 per cent in five years reflecting the increased ANMF dedicated mental health nursing resources focusing on the industrial, professional and health and safety issues of mental health nurses.

From top: NMHPV CEO Glenn Taylor receives a funding boost for this unique health program; former Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek speaking at the NMHPV and ANMF Nurses and Midwives Wellness Conference; Prof Phillip Darbyshire at the ANMF Professional Issues in Practice Conference discussing the UK Mid Staffordshire hospitals inquiry; Nursing and midwifery speakers at the ANMF International Midwives and International Nurses Day seminar.


2013 Year in reviewMental health public sector eBAThe 2012-2016 Public Sector Mental Health Agreement and Forensicare Agreement were approved and came into effect in late 2012. From early 2013 employers started paying wage increases – back dated to 31 March 2012 and the $1000 Continuing Professional Development allowance to employees (pro rata for part time). In addition the new enrolled nurse career structure took effect.

community health service mental health agreementsIn June 2013 the Enterprise Agreements for community health service mental health nurses were finalised, reflecting the same benefits as the 2012 public sector outcome with wage increases backdated to March 2012 and March 2013, the 2012 $1000 continuing professional development (CPD) allowance payment and the first 2013 $450 CPD instalment.

The lengthy delay was the result of the Victorian Government’s refusal to include these services in the public sector Mental Health Agreement, finalised in December 2012. ANF was forced to negotiate three separate agreements for public sector mental health nurses employed at the Ballarat, Grampians and Inner South Community Health Services which included the same results ANF achieved in the public Mental Health Agreement.

Health and environmental sustainabilityIn response to the resolution passed at the 2012 Annual Delegates Conference, that the ANMF become more active on climate and health issues, the union initiated a number of activities relating to health and environmental sustainability in 2013.

The inaugural 2013 Health and Environmental Sustainability Conference included presentations from Climate Commissioner Professor Tim Flannery, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Professor Kate Auty and nurse academic Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone. ANMF members and Job Reps gave powerful presentations on the physical and mental health impacts of the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires and 2011 floods. The 2014 conference will include a keynote address from eminent nurse academic Professor Barbara Sattler and presentations from ANMF members and Victorian health services on practical initiatives such as reducing hosptial clinical and general waste, renewable energy programs in community health and water efficiency in the renal dialysis unit.

In addition to the conference, ANMF has been visiting health services and meeting with members to hear about their initiatives. Nurses and midwives are in a position to influence environmental sustainability in health care and ANMF (Vic Branch) is helping members to gain the support they need to make a practical difference at work.

EducationThe ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre has had a busy year this year with enrolled nursing students recently graduating from the ANMF Education Centre’s Diploma of Nursing course ready to enter the profession. ANMF Education Centre enrolled nursing courses are designed to ensure new enrolled nurses are work ready, with extensive clinical experience and the support they need to succeed in this demanding and highly rewarding career. The education centre also offered hundreds of face-to-face professional development programs for ANMF members.

Occupational health and safetyThe ANMF OHS unit has maintained a frantic pace throughout 2013 launching the occupational violence campaign – Nurses say no to violence. The campaign called on the Napthine Government to address the rising levels of violence within Victoria’s hospitals and encouraged members to report incidents.

Monash Health, amongst other health services, had staff safety issues relating to occupational violence requiring the action of members and Health and Safety Representatives. With the assistance of the HSR, members at Dandenong Hospital were able to compel management to establish a system of Code Grey. The HSR was a vital part of the solution and highlights their role in identifying and raising safety issues and holding employers accountable for their legislative obligations. Members who do not have an HSR at work are encouraged to begin the election process. The OHS unit also assisted in the Casey ED new model of care, as well as with many other workplace safety issues.

From top: the former Climate Commission Chief Commissioner Professor Tim Flannery spoke at the ANMF’s inaugural Health and Environmental Sustainability Seminar; Fifty-four enrolled nursing students graduated from the ANMF Education Centre’s Diploma of Nursing; the ANMF Health and Safety Conference; The ANMF’s popular Final Year Nursing and Midwifery Student Study Day.


Branch newsOHS events included the eighth annual ANMF Health and Safety Representatives

Conference and HSR training in Melbourne and rural and regional centres, the Working Hours, Shifts and Fatigue Seminar and the Prevention of Workplace Bullying Seminars. The OHS unit also launched a comprehensive bullying guide for members available on the ANMF website.

Graduate nurses and midwivesANMF has worked hard on behalf of graduate nurse and midwife members, supporting them with the transition to working in Victoria’s busy and challenging health system.

Early this year ANMF campaigned nationally to improve the significant underemployment of nursing and midwifery graduates which resulted in the government funding 150 additional graduate positions. Despite successfully lobbying for additional graduate places much more needs to be done for registered nurse, registered midwife and enrolled nurse graduates. ANMF also visited a number of Victorian hospitals offering enrolled nurse graduate programs which importantly assist graduate enrolled nurses consolidate their learning and further develop clinical skills.

Branch newsAnF name change After 25 years as the Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) we changed our name to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). The union has existed since 1901 under various names and was first known as the Victorian Trained Nurses’ Association. The new name is a reflection of the recent evolution of the midwifery profession, education and registration. The name change was supported by Job Reps at the 2012 Annual Delegates Conference and required a Federal ANF Council vote and approval through the Fair Work Commission .

Planning for current and future member needsANMF membership has passed 67,000 and it has been a staggering rise over the past 10 years since we had 38,831 members in 2003. The Branch continues to identify the needs of the increasing membership and planning for additional staff. Late 2012 ANMF purchased properties at 529 – 541 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne opposite our current office. As membership grows this significant investment will enable staff, services and the Education Centre to expand and remain close to the central business district, where it is easily accessible for metropolitan and regional members.

2013 Annual delegates conferenceThe 21st Annual Delegates Conference celebrated the important work of ANMF Job Reps and provided inspiring workshops and presentations. The conference attracted another new record attendance with 550 Job Reps, including 117 first time delegates and 223 representing members from regional Victoria.

Strengthening the relationship with international nursing unionsAdvancing, improving and securing nurse patient ratios was high on the agenda during ANMF (Vic Branch) Assistant Secretary Paul Gilbert’s attendance and presentation

at the National Nurses Union’s three day conference and international nurses meeting in San Francisco. The meeting formed Global Nurses United to work together to protect, patients, communities, work, health, environment and planet.

From top: Another record Job Rep attendance at the Annual Delegates Conference; and new ANMF House signage after the historic name change; Paul Gilbert speaking at the San Francisco Golden Gate rally.


Program 1: Introduction to industrial relations and the role of the Job Representative (3 days)All Job Reps who have not attended training or attended training more than three years ago are strongly encouraged to attend this three-day introductory program. You’ll gain confidence in your role, learn when to ask for help and find out what resources are available to you from the ANF to assist you in the role.

Melbourne programs (9.15am - 4.30pm daily)M08/11 December 6, 7 & 8

2011 EBA: RESPECT OUR WORK

Do you have Job Reps at your workplace?

Every ward/unit should have at least two Job

2014 Introduction to Industrial Relations and the Job Representative Role www.anmfvic.asn.au/jobreps/Job Rep training programs, provided free to Job Reps, are designed to build your knowledge and confidence in your important role in the union. Details regarding leave entitlements and provision

of accommodation and meals are included in the registration brochure and at www.anmfvic.asn.au. All Melbourne-based programs are held at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Regional program venues are

What will I learn in the Introductory Job Rep program?This program is held over three consecutive days and will focus on: • the role of ANMF and unions• your role, rights and responsibilities as an

ANMF Job Rep• the Fair Work Act and your rights at work• what to do when you don’t know what to do• finding out who, what, where and how to

access ANMF resources • identifying the roles and responsibilities of

ANMF staff and officials• a problem solving process to address

workplace issues• the principles of natural justice,

procedural fairness and the

Five-day Initial HSR OHS Course (WorkSafe approved)This course relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, and is designed to equip elected HSRs and Deputy HSRs with an understanding of the OHS regulatory framework. It is also designed to provide participants with the skills required to implement effective hazard control strategies in the workplace.

Course 1: 12, 13, 14 March, 27, 28 MarchCourse 2: 4, 5, 6 June, 19, 20 June Course 3: 3, 4, 5, 18, 19 September Course 4: 10, 11, 12 Nov 4, 5 DecemberTime: 9am – 5pm each dayVenue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth St, Melb Cost: $750 (payable by employer).Register online: www.tiny.cc/14hsr5day

One-day HSR OHS Refresher Course (WorkSafe approved)This one-day refresher course relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, and is designed to refresh HSRs’ knowledge and understanding of the OHS regulatory framework. It is also designed to provide participants with the skills required to implement effective hazard control strategies in the workplace.

Metropolitan courses:Course 1: 20 March Course 2: 23 July Course 3: 29 OctoberTime: 9am – 5pmVenue: Carson Conference Centre, ANMF

House, 540 Elizabeth Street, MelbCost: $250 (payable by employer). Register online: www.tiny.cc/14hsr1met

ANMF OHS courses cater for the health sector, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing.

ANMF Health and Safety Reps are urged to attend the approved training course, which relates to nursing and provides up-to-date

information about your industry.Subject to consultation with the

employer, HSRs have the right to choose the five-day initial HSR OHS course they will attend provided it is a WorkSafe approved course.

2014 Occupational Health & Safety Training www.anmfvic.asn.au/ohs/

NEW: 2014 Advanced Job Rep & HSR training and Annual Regional Seminars www.anmfvic.asn.au/ohs/

disciplinary procedure • your role in representing members and

helping members to help themselves• building and unifying workplace

membership.

Melbourne courses: 9.15am – 4.30pm daily. M01/14 25, 26 & 27 MarchM02/14 13, 14 & 15 MayM03/14 3, 4 & 5 JuneM04/14 22, 23, 24 July M05/14 26, 27 & 28 AugustM06/14 30 Sept, 1 & 2 October M07/14 2, 3 & 4 December

Regional courses: 9.15am - 4.30pm daily.R01/14 Geelong 8, 9 & 10 AprilR02/14 Ballarat 27, 28 & 29 MayR03/14 Echuca 29, 30, 31 July R04/14 Latrobe 12, 13 & 14 AugustR05/14 Wangaratta 21, 22 & 23 OctoberR06/14 Bendigo 11, 12 & 13 NovemberR07/14 Warrnambool 25, 26 & 27 November

Regional program venues are notified with your registration confirmation.

Contact Aoife Ni Dhalaigh on 03 9275 9333 or [email protected] for more information or register online: www.tiny.cc/14jrintro

notified with your registration confirmation. Paid training leave applies where eligible.Course and registration information is available

at www.anmfvic.asn.au/jobreps/ or call Aoife Ni Dhalaigh on 9275 9333 for a registration.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must not obstruct or prevent an HSR from attending an approved course of their choice; to do so may constitute an offence under the Act. Requests to attend training must be made at least 14 days before the course

Regional courses:Course 1: Latrobe 21 MayCourse 2: Bendigo 13 August If you would like us to consider presenting a course in your area, please email a request.Time: 9am – 5pmVenue: Notified on registration confirmation.Cost: $250 (payable by employer). Regional courses are subject to a minimum number of 10 participants per course.Register online: www.tiny.cc/14hsr1reg

Seminars (ANMF House)

Prevention of Workplace Bullying: 2 April Working Hours, Shifts and Fatigue: 17 July Prevention of Workplace Bullying: 16 October

Conferences HSR Conference (ANMF House): 25 June ANMF Nurses & Midwives Conference (MCEC, South Wharf): 11 & 12 September.Contact the OHS Unit for further information on 9275 9333 or

[email protected]

The new advanced level training program, Bullying and Harassment - what you need to know, has been developed to give Job Reps and HSRs a greater understanding of bullying and harassment issues as well as clear guidance about their role when members bring such issues to them.

Job Reps and HSRs who undertake this training will be able to:• identify and define what is and isn’t

workplace bullying • understand their role in dealing with these

issues in the workplace• understand the legal obligations of the

employer to address such issues• have the opportunity to examine and apply

their learning to some case study examples• receive a range of resources, information

and materials relevant to the issue. This training will be combined with the Annual Regional Seminars which include an update on ANMF (Vic Branch) activities. This is an opportunity to meet elected officials, your ANMF Organiser, other Job Reps and HSRs in your area as well as join us for a complimentary ‘happy hour’.

Paid training leave applies where eligible.

Training program 9.30 am - 3 pmRegional Seminar 3.30 pm - 4.45 pm‘Happy Hour’ 4.45 pm - 5.45 pm

RTS01/14 4 February Ballarat RTS02/14 6 February Echuca RTS03/14 11 February GeelongRTS04/14 13 February Warrnambool RTS05/14 20 February LatrobeRTS06/14 26 February WangarattaRTS07/14 4 March MilduraRTS08/14 6 March Bendigo

Contact Aoife Ni Dhalaigh on 03 9275 9333 or [email protected] for more information or register online: www.tiny.cc/14advjrhsr


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anMF education Centre phone: 9275 9363email: [email protected]

the anMF (vic Branch) education Centre, anMF (vic Branch) registered training organisation (rto 3601), nursing laboratory and library are located near the Melbourne CBD at anMF House, 540 elizabeth street, Melbourne.

visit www.anmfvic.asn.au/education for information about these and more upcoming courses.

*nB: listings with an asterisk (*) may interest midwives

all nurses, Midwives, ains & PCas*HltCPr211a Perform CPrCPD: 4 hours9 December, 9am-1pm, presenter Sandy WillisThis course is a refresher in Basic CPR, and includes Australian Resuscitation Council updates. Participants receive training in management of an unconscious patient and CPR. Suitable for maintaining first aid CPR which should be updated annually. Member $70, non-member $95, Job Rep/SIG member $65

all registered & enrolled nurses*Managing difficult peopleCPD: 6 hours26 February, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Brendan ScullyThis seminar addresses techniques that nurses and other healthcare professionals may utilise to manage difficult people and tense situations.Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

*Depression & anxiety – recognising the symptomsCPD: 6 hours28 February 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Helen ReevesThis workshop will cover core knowledge and skills for staff employed within health services. The focus of this workshop will include the exploration of depression and anxiety, regarding the aetiology, and bio-psychosocial principles of intervention. Participants will gain practical skill and knowledge acquisition that is transferable to the workplace.Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

*law & ethics for registered & enrolled nursesCPD: 12 hours6 & 13 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Jenny PoulterThis two-day course is designed to reacquaint nurses with the fundamentals of law and the legislation that impacts on nursing practice. It will outline the legal precepts, documents, scope of practice of registered and enrolled nurses in light of the recent regulatory changes. It will also focus on the legal and ethical principles of nursing practice. (There will be a take home project to complete at the end of the course.)Member $320, non-member $390, Job Rep/SIG member $290

aCFi for registered and enrolled nursesCPD: 6 hours7 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Margaret LangThis seminar explores all Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) business rules, a comprehensive breakdown of the 12 ACFI questions and a practical review of compiling and completing the ACFI answer appraisal pack.Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

*venepuncture, conducting a 12-lead eCg & contemporary pathology collectionCPD: 6 hours12 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Kate PotterThis new workshop delivers a comprehensive one-day program relating to venepuncture techniques and conducting a 12-lead electrocardiogram. A range of practical training aids for blood collection is provided, and the program allows participants to undertake practice of the relevant techniques under guided supervision in a simulated clinical environment. It is a must for nurses who are required to perform phlebotomy and undertake 12-lead ECG recording as part of their role.Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

*stress vulnerability & management for health professionalsCPD: 6 hours28 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Helen ReevesThis new seminar focuses on identifying and implementing appropriate strategies to manage work-related stress.Member $160, Non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

registered nursesManaging the deteriorating patientCPD: 6 hours9 December or 27 March 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Lynn MurrayThis workshop will review and explore the challenges of these patient situations and focus on the knowledge and skills required for safe practice.Member $150, non-member $185, Job Rep/SIG member $140

*iv cannulation for registered nurses & midwivesCPD: 6 hours21 February, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Emily LuchiniThis seminar focuses on the process and procedure for inserting peripheral cannulae in the adult patient. The program includes anatomy, insertion sites and cannula selection and techniques, infection control, common problems and corrective action. Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

*Foundations of pharmacology and medication administration for registered nurses & midwives9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Jennifer IrwinFridays: 28 February; 7, 21 and 28 March.This four-day course revises the underpinning knowledge of pharmacology and medication administration for registered nurses. Topics include pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and adverse drug reactions. Common medications will be revised using a systems approach. Legal aspects of medication orders and professional issues including preventing medication errors will be explored. Medication administration via the enteral, topical and parenteral routes will be reviewed. There will be nursing laboratory sessions to cover practical aspects of medication administration, including the intravenous route. This short course is suitable for registered nurses who wish to update their knowledge base and nurses returning to practice in both the acute and non-acute sector.Member $620, non-member $760, Job Rep/SIG member $580

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visit www.anmfvic.asn.au/education for information about these and more upcoming courses.

all nurses and midwives are required to undertake 20 hours of continuing professional development each year as part of the requirements to re-register with the nursing and Midwifery Board of australia. For information visit www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au

Significant discounts on many courses (excluding government-funded courses) are available to anMF members, Job reps and anMF special interest group members. Courses may be tax deductible. ask your tax consultant for advice.

MiDWives*obstetric emergenciesCPD: 6 hours27 February, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Tracey GraingerFor midwives working predominantly in the birth centre this seminar is designed to increase your knowledge base and awareness of potential obstetric emergencies and their management. This one-day program will empower the knowledge behind your current practice and to encourage discussion around practical strategies and interventions for real world situations.Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

*Hypertensive disorders in pregnancyCPD: 6 hours18 March, 9.30am-4.30pm, presenter Tracey GraingerThis seminar is designed to give midwives a greater understanding and knowledge base of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The seminar will have a practical and contemporary focus to assist midwives in managing the realities of this condition.Member $160, non-member $195, Job Rep/SIG member $150

new entrantsHlt51612 Diploma of nursing (enrolled/Division 2 nursing) (subject to skills vic funding)

Course commences Monday 3 March, 2014Applications close Friday 7 February, 2014

Applications are invited from people interested in undertaking the ANMF (Vic Branch) Education Centre’s next Diploma of Nursing on a full-time basis. Find out more by registering for an upcoming information session. This qualification will provide the nursing skills and knowledge to be eligible to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for registration as an enrolled nurse. The course includes medication administration units (4 routes) and intravenous medication (5th route) and leads to exciting enrolled nursing opportunities across the health care sector including acute, palliative care, rehabilitation, aged care, operating theatres and oncology.

Application forms are available on request by calling 9275 9363 or emailing [email protected] or online www.anmfvic.asn.au/education

Information sessions The ANMF Education Centre recommends all interested students attend an information session at ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Carson Conference Centre, Level 7, Melbourne. Register online at www.tiny.cc/dip14Friday 6 December, 2013, 2 pm – 4 pmWednesday 22 January, 2014, 2 pm – 4 pm

Entry level criteria applies. This course has been approved by the former Nurses Board of Victoria and is therefore recognised and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Satisfactory completion of this course will allow application to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for registration as an enrolled nurse (formerly known as Division 2 RN). However, interested applicants must note that the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has implemented a new English Language Standard. More information regarding the English Language Standard for Registration can be obtained from the NMBA by visiting the AHPRA website www.ahpra.gov.au

INTERESTED IN A NURSING CAREER?9275 [email protected]/diploma14

EDUCATION CENTRE

For more events and courses visit www.anmfvic.asn.au

Are you on track to meet your CPD hours?All nurses and midwives have to meet their minimum continuing professional development obligation for registration renewal by 31 May 2014. Plan your CPD now to avoid the rush. Register now for upcoming conferences and seminars at ANMF.

2014 ANMF Health and Environmental Sustainability Conference5 March, 8.45am - 4.30pm, CPD: 7 hoursCarson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneAn informative program with international guest speaker - nurse, academic and environmental health advocate Professor Barbara Sattler from the University of San Francisco. ANMF members and health networks will present practical and achievable environmentally sustainable projects at work and in the community. Register online www.tiny.cc/14sustconf

Prevention of Workplace Bullying Seminar2 April 2014, CPD: 6 hoursCarson Conference Centre, ANMF House, 540 Elizabeth St, MelbourneA solution-oriented seminar which provides participants with an opportunity to work with their workplace policies and procedures. Includes an overview of OHS, EEO, anti-discrimination and other relevant legislation, employer and employee duties and responsibilities, legal precedents, legal avenues and processes for addressing different types of bullying and harassment. This seminar is aimed at all nursing and midwifery levels and will address the needs of both employees and employers. Register online: www.tiny.cc/14bulsem

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