Support for Junior Mental Health Nurses Armband Protest Widens

WORKPLACE AGED CARE MENTAL HEALTH REGULARS VIOLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS ‘Shocking tales Your rights and entitlements at work p.35 Armband of neglect’ Bob’s legacy: support for Nurse Uncut – your stories p.36 protest widens junior mental health nurses What nurses and midwives said p.37 page 12 page 18 page 22 Nursing research online p.39

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 76 NO. 11 DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

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Contacts NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association For all membership enquiries and assistance, including The Lamp subscriptions and change of address, contact our Sydney office. Sydney Office 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 (all correspondence) T 8595 1234 (metro) 1300 367 962 (non-metro) VOLUME 76 NO. 11 F 9662 1414 E [email protected] DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 Join the health fund that’s all about you. W www.nswnma.asn.au Hunter Office 8–14 Telford Street, Newcastle East NSW 2300 Nurses & Midwives Health is dedicated to caring for the carers. And as a member of NSWNMA, you’re eligible to join! NSWNMA Communications Manager Janaki Chellam-Rajendra 1300 367 962 When you’re a member, you’re part of our family. So that’s why your family members are also welcome to join us. T For all editorial enquiries, letters and diary dates T 8595 1234 E [email protected] 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017 Produced by Hester Communications T 9568 3148 Press Releases For your free, side-by-side comparison, and our latest offers, Send your press releases to: visit or call F 9662 1414 E [email protected] nmhealth.com.au 1300 344 000 Editorial Committee Brett Holmes, NSWNMA General Secretary Judith Kiejda, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary O’Bray Smith, NSWNMA President Eligibility criteria and conditions apply. Nurses & Midwives Health Pty Ltd ABN 70 611 479 237. Michelle Cashman, Long Jetty Continuing Care A Registered Private Health Insurer. NMH-NSWNMA-11/19 Richard Noort, Justice Health Liz McCall, Byron Central Hospital 8 Diane Lang, South East Regional Hospital, Bega Valley COVER STORY Town fights to keep nurses, doctors Printed by A man’s death throws the spotlight on a Ovato Print Pty Ltd 37-49 Browns Road, Clayton VIC 3168 rural hospital starved of resources. Advertising Danielle Nicholson T 8595 2139 or 0429 269 750 F 9662 1414 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE REGULARS E [email protected] 12 Armband protest widens 5 Editorial Information & Records Management Centre Nurses don grey armbands and badges To find archived articles from The Lamp, or to to highlight workplace violence as survey 6 Your letters borrow from the NSWNMA nursing and health 26 Competition collection, contact: Adrian Hayward, Coordinator. reveals the problem is commonplace but 28 News in brief T 8595 2175 E [email protected] under-reported. The Lamp ISSN: 0047-3936 32 NSWNMA Education WORKPLACE VIOLENCE General Disclaimer 35 Ask Judith The Lamp is the official magazine of the NSWNMA. 14 Violence widespread but under-reported 36 Nurse Uncut More than a quarter of NSWNMA members Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and 37 Facebook not necessarily those of the NSWNMA. Statements of were physically assaulted in a six-month period. fact are believed to be true, but no legal responsibility is 39 Nursing Research Online accepted for them. All material appearing in The Lamp AGED CARE and Professional Issues is covered by copyright and may not be reproduced 18 ‘Shocking tale of neglect’ Crossword without prior written permission. The NSWNMA takes no The Aged Care Royal Commission 41 responsibility for the advertising appearing herein and it 43 Book Club does not necessarily endorse any products advertised. has delivered a scathing indictment of Australia’s aged care system. 45 At the Movies Privacy Statement 46 Diary Dates The NSWNMA collects personal information from MENTAL HEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS

members in order to perform our role of representing WORKPLACE AGED CARE MENTAL HEALTH REGULARS VIOLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS Bob’s legacy: support for junior Your rights and entitlements at work p.35 ‘Shocking tales 22 Armband of neglect’ Bob’s legacy: support for Nurse Uncut – your stories p.36 their industrial and professional interests. We place protest widens junior mental health nurses What nurses and midwives said p.37 page 12 page 18 page 22 Nursing research online p.39 great emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the mental health nurses privacy and security of your personal information. Up to 20 mental health nurses will have Personal information is protected under law and the opportunity to take part in a mentoring THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION can only be released to someone else where the law program in 2020, named in honour of Bob VOLUME 76 NO. 11 DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 requires or where you give permission. If you have concerns about your personal information, please Fenwick, a mental health nurse who tragically contact the NSWNMA office. If you are still not satisfied died in a workplace incident in 2011. that your privacy is being maintained, you can contact the Privacy Commission. NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM 24 The virtuous circle Subscriptions for 2019 The Lamp spoke to Catherine about how Free to all Association members. Professional members can subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate of $30. the new graduate program works, and how TENTERFIELD Individuals $84, Institutions $140, Overseas $150. it helped her build her nursing career. FIGHTS TO KEEP NURSES Print Post Approved: PP100007890

69,008 Avg Net Distribution per Issue On the cover The Lamp is independently audited under the AMAA's CAB Total Distribution Audit. Stacey Butler and Kimberley Druitt Audit Period: 01/04/2018 - 31/03/2019 Image by Sharon Hickey

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 3 Registered Nurses working in OPPORTUNITY FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT NSW Public Mental Health Services What is it? The Program aims to encourage less experienced mental health nurses to take the opportunity to be mentored by a more experienced colleague, assisting them to achieve their mental health professional practice goals. BOB FENWICK Who can apply? Any registered nurse currently working in NSW public mental health services is MENTORING eligible to apply. Mental health nurses with less than two years’ experience or working in NSW rural and remote areas as well as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurses currently working in mental health are all strongly encouraged to apply. GRANTS What will each mentoring grant include? n Matching with a mentor in a Local Health District (LHD) other than their own for PROGRAM up to five consecutive days to pursue their mental health areas of interest. n Being provided with travel, accommodation and meal allowance, while remaining a fully paid employee of their regular mental health service during their placement. Seeking mentors for the Program Can help If you are a senior mental health nurse, you can help build the specialty of mental towards your APPLICATIONS OPEN health nursing by nominating yourself to become a mentor. Simply use the Mentor CPD hours 1 FEBRUARY 2020 Details Form or contact the Program Manager for more information. CLOSE 15 MARCH 2020 How do I apply? More detailed information about the Program (including a video interview of past Applications are open to registered nurses who participants) can be found on the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association website want a unique opportunity to further their mental www.nswnma.asn.au health nursing career by participating in this innovative Program. 2020 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2020. If you require more information contact the Program Manager by email: [email protected] or contact Matt West on 1300 367 962.

Reproductive and sexual health for everyone, everywhere. Family Planning NSW delivers reproductive and sexual health education for nurses and midwives. Our highly popular education program will enable you to step up to the next stage of your career or to advance your skills.

2020 Education Program “The structure of the learning was comprehensive Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) Insertion and Removal Training for Nurses and Midwives and done really well in an easy to follow format. ASHFIELD: 30 Jan, 20 Feb, 23 Apr, 18 June, 16 July, 20 Aug, 29 Oct, 3 Dec The course resources provided have supported me DUBBO: 7 March in my own clinical environment. So lucky to have experienced your knowledge.” Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinical Accreditation Program –Participant, Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) ASHFIELD: 10-11 Feb NEWCASTLE: 21-22 July Insertion and Removal Training Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinical Forum for Health Care Professionals DUBBO: 7 March Visit www.fpnsw.org.au for Reproductive and Sexual Health Professional Development Day for dates, course information and to Nurses and Midwives ASHFIELD:4 | THE LAMP 22 DECEMBER May 2019 /JANUARYNEWCASTLE: 2020 4 Sept register your place in our courses. EDITORIAL Brett Holmes GENERAL SECRETARY Defending our right to speak and be heard NSW nurses and midwives are respected and trusted by the community and should not be silenced for standing up for patients and our precious health system.

Our democratic right to campaign ‘All we seek is a fair and democratic on behalf of our patients is under threat. electoral system where our voices will be On two occasions over the last two years the Berejiklian government heard on the issues affecting healthcare has attempted to muzzle our voice in NSW.’ through legislation or regulation. The first time it was stymied by a High Court decision that deemed its law restricting our right to that “it was clear what this law is through its wages policy. campaign as unconstitutional. doing but one does not know why The right to a voice in the public A Joint Standing Committee of the it is doing that other than to shut domain on issues that impact on NSW parliament is now conducting down … protected speech”. our members and the community an inquiry into the 2019 NSW state Its decision confirmed our right to is now of critical importance. election. While such an inquiry keep the people of NSW informed The NSWNMA has been left with is routine following an election, about issues around patient safety no option but to campaign on we feel compelled to challenge in our public health system. issues like ratios and patient safety important restrictions on The NSW government during elections when political campaigning by third parties that subsequently circumvented parties are more likely to listen to the NSW government introduced this ruling by introducing a the voices of their constituents. Reproductive and sexual by regulation prior to the election. regulation just prior to the March OUR REASONABLE In May 2018 the state government state election that introduced an RECOMMENDATIONS health for everyone, brought in an electoral law that electoral funding cap of $1,288,500 severely limited our capacity to and a stringent definition of In our submission to the everywhere. campaign by: election expenditure. parliamentary inquiry we have • Reducing the expenditure cap The regulation remains valid until recommended an electoral expenditure cap of $2 million with Family Planning NSW delivers reproductive and sexual to $500,000 for third party 31 December this year. campaigners (read unions) annual indexation for third party health education for nurses and midwives. Our highly A DANGEROUS EROSION OF OUR campaigners. This would allow • broadening the definition of DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS us to adequately campaign on our popular education program will enable you to step up to electoral expenditure so it even issues using television advertising. the next stage of your career or to advance your skills. captured our everyday staff and These draconian measures are travel costs as part of the cap and damaging for our democracy. We have opposed the restrictions that make it unlawful for us to • making it unlawful to act in In a submission to the campaign with other unions or concert to campaign on member parliamentary inquiry we have 2020 Education Program civil society organisations and issues with other unions and argued that “as part of our we have argued that electoral “The structure of the learning was comprehensive or civil society organisations to democracy it is essential that in Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) Insertion and Removal expenditure should not include and done really well in an easy to follow format. exceed the cap. the lead up to elections our voices Training for Nurses and Midwives and those of other campaigners be expenses that are part of the day to The NSWNMA with other unions ASHFIELD: 30 Jan, 20 Feb, 23 Apr, 18 June, 16 July, 20 Aug, 29 Oct, 3 Dec The course resources provided have supported me heard in amongst those of political day running of the union. challenged the constitutional in my own clinical environment. So lucky to have parties and powerful media All we seek is a fair and democratic DUBBO: 7 March validity of this legislation in the organisations. The expenditure electoral system where our experienced your knowledge.” High Court. cap must be fair to enable us this voices will be heard on the issues

Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinical Accreditation Program In an important decision, the opportunity to be heard and to affecting healthcare in NSW. –Participant, Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) High Court agreed with us that ASHFIELD: 10-11 Feb NEWCASTLE: 21-22 July participate in the public debate”. If we are unable to have our Insertion and Removal Training the law was invalid because it This is all the more so because the voices heard then we may have burdened “the implied freedom of Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinical Forum for Health Care Professionals state government has previously no choice but to form a political communication on governmental rolled back our industrial right party ourselves – a motion that was DUBBO: 7 March and political matters, contrary to of access to the NSW Industrial democratically endorsed by the Visit www.fpnsw.org.au for the Commonwealth Constitution”. Relations Commission and 2019 Annual Conference. n Reproductive and Sexual Health Professional Development Day for dates, course information and to The High Court also agreed with us restricted our bargaining rights Nurses and Midwives ASHFIELD: 22 May NEWCASTLE: 4 Sept register your place in our courses. THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 5 YOUR LETTERS Have your Say

LETTER OF THE MONTH Making outlaws of those who care Gladys Berejiklian and her cronies are trying to shut us down! THIS CHRISTMAS The NSW Government has introduced a bill to the NSW Parliament GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE that significantly infringes on everyone’s

● Support Breast Cancer Trials Research right to peacefully protest! ● Stay Organised ● Keep Healthy Called the “Right to Farm” Bill, the legislation will unjustly punish citizens for THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT, STOCKING FILLER OR SECRET SANTA “unlawfully entering and disrupting on $ inclosed lands”. Inclosed lands is defined 18.95 from so broadly it will outlaw peaceful protests Newsagents, Woolworths & in any enclosed area, including schools, womenshealthdiary.com.au breastcancertrials.org.au offices, ports, banks and even public land. The bill also introduces a new offence that would make it an offence to organise a peaceful protest. MEMBERSHIP The bill has nothing to do with farming. If this bill passes it would prevent peaceful actions by students, unions, refugee FEES 2020 supporters, knitting nanas, farmers, and NSW Nurses & Midwives’ Association other environmentalists, who are standing – in association with the Australian up and fighting for climate action. Nursing & Midwifery Federation Skye Romer EDITOR’S NOTE Year Quarter Month Fortnight The Right to Farm Bill has passed Registered Nurse & Midwife parliament and received assent. It was $783.00 $195.75 $65.25 $30.10 subject to amendment to narrow its scope Enrolled Nurse to farming land/industry and preserve $665.00 $166.25 $55.42 $25.58 union rights. Assistant in Nursing+ & Assistant in Midwifery $548.00 $137.00 $45.66 $21.06 Letter of Undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing /Midwifery or Diploma of Nursing^ the month $274.00 $68.50 $22.83 $10.52 The letter judged the best each month will win a $50 Coles Group & Myer gift card! Membership fees are tax deductible +Trainee AIN’s have fees waived for the duration of their traineeship Union Shopper offers ^Students working in a nursing role undertaking fulltime studies members BIG savings on in an undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery a wide range of products! or Diploma of Nursing for the duration of the bachelor/diploma unionshopper.com.au *All membership fees 1300 368 117 include GST ABN 63 398 164 405 6 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 Union Shopper Letter of the Month.indd 1 23/02/15 11:53 AM YOUR LETTERS

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: Editorial Enquiries EMAIL [email protected] fax 9662 1414 MAIL 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo NSW 2017. WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED? Please include a high-resolution photo along with your name, address, Join NSWNMA Activist Facebook page: https://www. phone and membership number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space. Anonymous letters will not be published. facebook.com/groups/nswnmaActivists/

“Devastating” cuts to Cardiovascular Pill testing is harm violence prevention training nursing is a joy minimisation I am a CNS currently working in I have worked as a As a public health academic of over 25 an Emergency Department in a cardiovascular RN years, specialising in health promotion Regional LHD in a lower socio- ever since I started as well as alcohol and other drugs economic area. Because we have high my nursing career. (AOD), I am a passionate advocate of incidence of violence and aggression It has always been harm minimisation. A brief reminder from our patients, our LHD decided so challenging – harm minimisation has been a they would train our staff in PMVA and rewarding. key policy of the Australian state (Prevention Management of Violence Preparing my and federal governments since 1985 & Aggression) also known as VPM patients as they go for their heart and aims to reduce the harm caused (Violence Prevention Management) surgeries, and encountering them by AOD by considering the health, in some other LHDs. again as they come back to the social and economic consequences The idea behind this course is to cardiac ward from ICU a couple of AOD on individuals and the wider attempt to recognise and de-escalate of days before they are discharged community. It is strongly supported a situation before it gets out of hand. is always rewarding. It gives me a by scientific evidence. Pill testing fits A well-controlled and de-escalated sense of pride being part of the all these criteria. Pill testing allows situation has better outcomes for all health care team involved in a people to be aware of the content of involved, including the patient, nurses, patient’s road to recovery. illegal drugs, allowing them to make surrounding patients and relatives. At the same time being a patient’s informed choices. PMVA training is invaluable to our advocate is not only rendering nursing According to the position statement staff who have any contact with care but emotional care as well, as of the Drug and Alcohol Nurses’ patients and at times are in the some patients struggle to recover as Association of Australasia (2019): firing line and end up in aggressive expected and need supplementary Pill testing has been shown to change or violent situations. Budget cuts support as they strive to come back the black market. Products identified made effective in early October 2019 to their daily routine of life. It makes as particularly dangerous that (without warning) meant that the me appreciate my role being a nurse subsequently became the subject of PMVA trainers now no longer have and as that person in whom patients warning campaigns were found to funding to train staff. trust and confide as they convey leave the market. (abridged) their thoughts and apprehensions. From October through to December It can be challenging at times when Margie Harris 2019, 40 per cent of courses have you feel and see the patients’ and been cancelled and there has been a their families’ frustrations. I admire significant reduction of up to 60 per their family and friends for their love, cent of courses booked in for next support and care when at times days year due to the availability of nurses are rough for their patients. being released and paid to train UPDATED NSWNMA these courses. Only 25 per cent of It is always with a sense of fulfilment PRIVACY POLICY current trainers have been approved and the passion of being a nurse that makes my heart beat faster and makes The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ to continue training next year and Association takes seriously its me smile every time I see a patient most of those at reduced frequency. obligations to adhere to the Privacy being discharged with their family This will have a devastating effect on Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and training our staff how to de-escalate and happily excited going home. At the Australian Privacy Principles. and keep safe in volatile situations. To the end of the day, I go home to my We update our Privacy Policy from think this happened during Safe Work family grateful that I am lucky to be time to time to ensure transparency Month for nurses – feeling deflated in a profession that I love and enjoy, around how our activities and and very unsafe at the moment. and to be in a specialty area that is privacy governance reflect these my pride and joy. regulations. The Privacy Policy on Kelly Falconer Jocelyn Lee our website was last updated in October 2019. We also update our Social Media Terms of use from time to time. Please check our website to see the If there’s something on your mind, send us a letter and have latest: www.nswnma.asn.au your say. The letter of the month will WIN a gift card.

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 7 COVER STORY

Town fights to keep nurses, doctors A man’s death throws the spotlight on a rural hospital starved of resources.

No doctors at Tenterfield Hospital ‘We have warned for years that under- this weekend; HNEH says it will manage situation.’ – Tenterfield staffing can be fatal and we need to ‘Star, Friday 25 October. fight to make this hospital safe again.’ ‘Patient dies while no doctor present at Tenterfield hospital.’ – — Stacey Butler Tenterfield Star, Tuesday 29 October. The above headlines bracketed the death of a male patient who went before a new emergency department man died. into cardiac arrest at the hospital on opened and was done without any The nurses received telephone Sunday 27 October. consultation or risk assessment for help from a Narrabri doctor and remaining staff. The hospital, in the northern subsequent assistance from Armidale New England region, had no doctor The NSWNMA’s Assistant General and Tamworth, but technology “can’t from Tuesday to Monday because the Secretary Judith Kiejda voiced her replace the physical presence of a usual medical officer was on leave concerns after the cut. medical officer or additional skilled and HNEH could not find a locum. “The LHD has a duty of care to nurses,” Brett said. Only two nurses – an agency ensure the hospital is safely and “We don’t know whether it would registered nurse and an enrolled appropriately staffed at all times. have changed the outcome, but nurse – were on shift when the man Unless a modest increase in nursing it would have made it a much easier died. Paramedics were called in to staff occurs quickly, nurses will situation to manage with another work on him. be forced to work in isolation, with pair of skilled hands.” no capacity for relief or assistance The hospital was “unable to He said it had been “very tough” if two nurses are required for a provide sufficient clinical resources on staff – and was compounded by medical procedure,” Judith said in a to manage the rapidly deteriorating having to deal with a bus crash the media release. patient” a spokesperson for Hunter next day in which almost 20 students New England Health told the Star. TECHNOLOGY IS NOT AN and teachers were involved. The patient’s death followed ADEQUATE SUBSTITUTE “It is no wonder our members months of community protest over NSWNMA General Secretary are on edge and the community HNEH’s decision to cut staffing to Brett Holmes told the Star is on edge.” two nurses on day shift. that two nurses had been on duty He said paramedics “did a great The cut was imposed shortly in an unfamiliar, new ED when the job when they got there after being called from theirs homes” but the

8 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 COVER STORY

STACEY BUTLER AND KIMBERLEY DRUITT WERE OVERWHELMED BY THE SUPPORT FROM THE TENTERFIELD COMMUNITY

incident “demonstrated the reason RESIDENTS SHOW SUPPORT “Even if we get staff for the you need three nurses on duty: FOR NURSES crossover shift, that won’t solve trying to manage a critical incident In August, Tenterfield residents the problem; we need an on-call,” with two nurses, particularly when rallied at a local park in support Kimberley said. it progresses to cardiac arrest, is of nurses. In September, about 200 extraordinarily difficult”. The crowd heard reports of many residents gave nurses a standing “Even when you might have missed meal breaks and difficulty ovation at a community health a doctor on the phone, you need even finding time for a toilet break, forum on hospital staffing. more than two pairs of hands to long waits in emergency while staff “It made us all cry – it was a lovely undertake resuscitation. were busy elsewhere, nurses lifting gesture,” said RN Stacey Butler. “The fact that the district knew heavy patients single-handedly, She said paying an on-call there was no doctor and did not or and returning home at the end of a allowance was an insignificant cost could not add additional nursing shift exhausted and fraught. to support nurses with extra staffing staff to give that extra support is Speakers said understaffing had in busy periods. very disappointing.” ‘poisoned’ the work environment “We have warned for years that Since the staff cut, the NSWNMA to the extent that potential recruits understaffing has to be fixed and we has been campaigning for three are turned off and agency staff don’t need to fight to make this hospital staff on each shift – or two plus an want to return to the hospital. safe again.” n on-call nurse as a minimum – to Following the rally, and manage the 18-bed ward and ED. intervention by the NSWNMA, The hospital has been hit management introduced a cross- by a wave of retirements and over shift from 11 am to 7.30 pm, to STOP PRESS resignations. Five registered cover meal breaks. nurses are reported to have However, attempts to recruit Meetings have been held with resigned this year solely due to staff to fill the crossover shift have the NSW Health Minister and excessive workloads. so far been unsuccessful. Hunter New England LHD Chief The hospital had only three RN Kimberley Druitt said with Executive, Michael DiRienzo, with permanent RNs – including one on only two nurses on shift, staff were neither giving any commitments long-term leave – and six permanent often forced to work alone or leave to improve staffing, despite the part-time ENs when The Lamp went the ward unattended – and the new to press. ED is even more isolated from the tragic outcomes. wards than the old one.

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 9 COVER STORY

‘Save our hospital – and our town’ Tenterfield residents urge Berejiklian government reverse cuts to nursing hours.

esidents of the New England ‘Without doctors on site at hospitals, town of Tenterfield, population 4000, have nurses are under too much pressure sent two delegations to RSydney to plead with the NSW Health and patients are at risk.’ — Kate Washington Minister, Brad Hazzard, to intervene to save Tenterfield Hospital – and the town itself. Health services have badly out of the minister's office with an lurch,” he said. deteriorated as a result of cuts agreement and time frame regarding NO SHOW FROM THE LHD to nursing hours and difficulty doctors and nurses, and cross- in finding doctors to work at the border transfers. Senior management of Hunter New England Local Health District hospital (see story page 8-9). More than 200 Tenterfield (HNELHD) sent an apology, Residents have demanded that residents attended a public meeting saying “no appropriate senior staffing levels return to three nurses in November. on each shift. representative” was able to attend Speakers included NSWNMA the meeting due to bushfires. The second delegation met Mr General Secretary Brett Holmes. Hazzard at Parliament House in “That left everyone in Tenterfield He told the meeting that as a Memorial Hall on the same page, full November, following a delegation to result of staff cuts, nurses were the minister in September. of praise for their nurses but labelling “going above and beyond” what they HNELHD the worst in the state,” the The second delegation comprised are required to do. Tenterfield Star reported. State Labor MP Janelle Saffin and “HNELHD have them on a ‘guilt’ Tenterfield deputy mayor Greg Sauer. The Star said staffing levels are roster, unwilling to leave their “the crux of the matter”. Ms Saffin said she wanted to walk community and colleagues in the

10 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 COVER STORY

‘The government gave a commitment to deliver 5000 nurses and midwives to public hospitals in NSW. Well, they can start in Tenterfield.’ — Janelle Saffin

The paper said the dire state of the local hospital threatened the town’s future. ‘Angry and scared’ “With known incidences of people looking to relocate from the town they love to other The NSW Opposition renewed its calls for an urgent centres purely due to the lack of independent inquiry into rural and regional health medical services in Tenterfield, after the Tenterfield Hospital death. the growth or even maintenance of population levels could be Opposition rural health spokeswoman Kate Washington at stake. said people in these areas were “angry and scared” “There's little consolation in about their healthcare. the fact that Tenterfield is just one of a number of small towns “Without doctors on site at hospitals, nurses are under throughout the state suffering a too much pressure and patients are at risk,” she said. health service crisis. “The others are keeping a keen Local Labor MP Janelle Saffin said she supported the watch on what a consolidated NSWNMA’s call to return the Tenterfield roster to 3-3-3. action from the Tenterfield “The Liberal-National Government gave a commitment community on the health department can achieve.” to deliver 5000 nurses and midwives to public hospitals The paper said the meeting in NSW. Well, they can start in Tenterfield, with the 3-3-3,” heard “horror stories of patients she said. with life-threatening conditions waiting many hours” to be transported for treatment. n

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 11 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Armband protest widens Nurses don grey armbands and badges to highlight workplace violence as survey reveals the problem is commonplace but under-reported.

rally of NSWNMA ‘We are recruiting more members, we’re members at Blacktown Hospital has called for more active on social media and nurses stronger measures to Atackle workplace violence. contact us more readily about problems The rally coincided with the we sometimes aren’t aware of.’ — Michael Clarke release of a NSWNMA survey, which shows violence towards nurses is widespread but under-reported (see page 14). Blacktown branch president In just one three-week period Christine Boxsell said staff chose there were eight assaults on staff For the second year running, to wear grey armbands “in the in an eight-bed specialised aged Blacktown nurses, doctors, allied hope that we never have to wear care unit. health staff and cleaners wore grey black ones. armbands to highlight violence in The unit adjoins the aged the workplace. “The armbands get people talking care ward and is accessed with a about the issue,” she said. “The swipe card. Nurses at other NSW hospitals public ask what the armband is joined the armband protest on 30 “On occasions we have had to put for and we tell them that violence October, with many nurses also three or four violent people in the towards health workers is an wearing “Stop Violence” badges. unit together and they tend to feed increasing problem. off one another,” Christine said. The NSWNMA’s Blacktown “With October being national branch started the grey armband She said a NSWNMA safety Safe Work Month, it is a perfect protest last year after a nurse inspection of the facility helped opportunity to bring the issue to suffered knife wounds to her wrists the branch to identify a need for the public.” and arms when attacked by a patient more nurses and security staff, in a medical ward tea-room. NEW MODEL OF CARE improved staff training and greater involvement of allied health staff. The branch successfully moved a FOR DEMENTIA NEEDED resolution at a NSWNMA Committee The branch has also responded A branch meeting resolved to of Delegates meeting calling for to the growth of dementia-related keep the connecting door unlocked grey armbands be worn statewide to violence by pushing for safer staffing, and opened. At the request signify that health care staff will not better training and improved of management, negotiations tolerate workplace violence. security measures in 2019. immediately commenced.

12 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Negotiations resulted in rostering of extra security staff and an additional nurse on every shift, to maintain at least three nurses on duty Incident reporting still takes at all times. too long And more staff received training in managing and de-escalating violent behaviour. Blacktown Hospital nurses are exper-iencing a new incident “We had nurses in that unit being sexually harassed and nurses and security guards being reporting system being trialled in Western Sydney hospitals. punched in the stomach,” Christine said. However, the new system called IIMS Plus is just as time “It was a terrible time, but it seems to have consuming as the old version, said Blacktown branch settled down a lot. president Christine Boxsell. “The response from management has been “We know hospital staff under-report issues, not just at pretty good, and we continue to have regular Blacktown, and that’s something we need to change,” meetings with them to try to keep on top of she said. the issues.” “IIMS Plus was introduced because people were having The branch argues a new model of care is trouble reporting incidents using the old one. needed for dementia sufferers. “The new version does give you the option of asking for “We need a more holistic approach to care for email feedback, which is an improvement. people with dementia rather than putting them “However, it takes just as long to complete as the old behind locked doors,” Christine said. n one did. “We need a system that’s simple to navigate and input data. Safer Work Safer Care Resources Many staff often don’t report verbal abuse because they don’t think it’s worth the time, but ongoing verbal abuse The NSWNMA has produced a number of from patients or family members of patients can take a toll. resources for our anti-violence campaign to “Nurses don’t often have time left at the end of the day, ensure every nurse and midwife in the state so they find themselves sitting in front of the computer in is safe at work. You can download them at: https:// their own time having to log an incident. It just discourages www.nswnma.asn.au/safer-work-safer-care/ people from reporting violence.”

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 13 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Violence widespread but under-reported More than a quarter of NSWNMA members were physically assaulted in a six-month period.

ore than one-third of More than a quarter (26.5 per cent) NSWNMA SURVEY NSWNMA members did not were victims of physical assault, 11.2 ON WORKPLACE report episodes of workplace per cent had been threatened with a VIOLENCE violence in the six months weapon and 2.73 per cent had been Mbefore a union survey was taken. sexually assaulted. Only 62.78 per cent of 497 members Three-fifths of members (59.91 93% answered ‘Yes’ when asked, “Have you per cent) said unsafe staffing levels of NSWNMA members reported all violent incidents?” were a contributing factor in work- experienced verbal The survey was conducted in related violence. aggression and threats the lead-up to national Safe Work Month The biggest risk factors were at work in October. “behavioural conditions” (64 per cent) NSWNMA General Secretary and “providing care to people who are in Brett Holmes said members in the distress, afraid or ill” (61 per cent). 26% public health system had repeatedly One in four nurses (24.84 per cent) were victims of told the union that reporting said lack of training in de-escalation physical assault systems were inadequate and open strategies contributed to violence to manipulation. at work. Worse, members had complained “From Narrandera in the state’s south 11% that managers instructed them not to to Ballina in the north and everywhere in had been threatened report issues, Brett said. between, nowhere is excluded from these with a weapon “Vital changes to transparency issues,” Brett said. around reporting and support “Our mental health nurses at from management are urgently needed,” sites such as Cumberland Hospital in 60% he said. Sydney’s west continue to be treated said unsafe staffing levels were a contributing factor Ninety-three per cent of NSWNMA like punching bags, yet issues such as in work-related violence members experienced verbal aggression working in isolation or faulty personal and threats at work in the six months duress alarms still remain. prior to the survey. “It’s become a very sad situation and More than half (50.55 per cent) one the Berejiklian government must were on the receiving end of physical start taking responsibility for, otherwise intimidation and almost 28 per cent had nurses and midwives will continue to been spat on. walk away from the profession.” n ‘Vital changes to transparency around reporting and support from management are urgently needed.’— Brett Holmes

14 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Weakened regulator would put nurses at risk There’s a move to downgrade SafeWork NSW despite over 13,000 injuries to nurses every year.

proposed restructure of ‘The safety of NSW workers SafeWork NSW would put nurses and other cannot be mixed up with liquor workers at greater risk Aof serious injury and death, the licencing or the welfare of NSWNMA has warned. greyhounds’ — Brett Holmes SafeWork’s job is to regulate workplace health and safety in NSW. However, there is a move within injuries are serious, resulting in five The NSWNMA understands the the state government to merge its or more days off work,” Brett said. agencies affected by this proposal functions with other agencies. He said the union was concerned include SafeWork NSW, Fair Trading It is happening without con- by a statement of Ms Rose Webb, NSW, Liquor and Gaming NSW, the sultation with unions, who seek Deputy Secretary, Better Regulation Office of Responsible Gambling, to improve workplace safety and Division, during a parliamentary Office of Racing, the Long Service represent sick and injured workers. hearing about the proposed new Corporation and Subsidence The NSWNMA has called on operating model for the Better Advisory NSW. the government to maintain Regulation division. “The Association is extremely SafeWork NSW as a separate Ms Webb said: “I think regulatory concerned that any attempt to merge independent entity to ensure worker theory suggests that you can do these these agencies will dilute specialist safety is not downgraded. things two ways. You can bundle skills and that without a specialist General Secretary Brett Holmes your people together by the piece of work health and safety regulator, raised the issue in a letter to the legislation they are administering workers in NSW will be at increased Minister for Better Regulation and and have all the range of regulatory risk of death and serious injury,” Innovation, Kevin Anderson. functions, from complaint taking and Brett said. Brett told Mr Anderson the health engagement right up to prosecution, Brett said the proposal fails to care sector has the highest rate of all in one bundle, or you can say that take into account the detailed serious injuries of any industry. there are regulatory abilities and knowledge of workplaces and Nurses, personal care workers professional skills in people doing industries required for SafeWork and employees in aged care compliance work, or audit work or NSW to be effective. and disability have the highest inspection work or prosecution work, “The safety of NSW workers number of compensation claims of and you put the people that have that cannot be mixed up with liquor all occupations. professional skill together. Then licencing or the welfare of they apply those skills across a range greyhounds” n “We are still seeing over 13,000 of legislation. We are moving to that injuries every year. Alarmingly, second model.” nearly half (43 per cent) of all these

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 15 SAFE STAFFING

Grafton floats community campaign Residents of the Clarence Valley in the Northern Rivers region learn that their hospitals are dangerously understaffed – and that nurses want solutions fast.

etired nurse Stuart Garland ‘We want the community to feel that was initially pleased when his 96-year-old mother had if they come to our hospital they will surgery for a fractured hip at RGrafton Base Hospital in 2018. be looked after properly.’ — Remana Harris The surgery went well. But from then on, “the care went downhill”, Stuart said in a letter to Grafton’s Daily Examiner in November. They handed out flyers The branch calculates that 39 advertising a community rally in nurses have left Grafton’s ICU in the “The nursing staff were doing support of safe staffing. last three years and some have not double shifts and were almost a been replaced. nurse down on every roster,” he said. “We were cheered, applauded and thanked for our work. It was lovely,” Hospital records obtained by “Basic general nursing care” said Remana Harris, president of the the NSWNMA showed that Grafton could not be met. The stress level NSWNMA’s Clarence Valley branch. hospital’s ICU had been hit by seven of the nurses was “palpable and resignations since March 2019. ongoing”. Before launching the community campaign, 22 branch members Advertising had failed to fill any of Stuart said he and his brother attended a campaign training session these vacancies as of mid-November. raised concerns with senior facilitated by the NSWNMA. “We’re working in unsafe management who assured The branch, which covers Grafton conditions at the moment,” Remana them the nursing shortage was being said. “We are worried about patient addressed. Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital, wants the Local Health safety and we want the community to “That was more than 12 months District and the state government to feel that if they come to our hospital ago. It appears no progress has been urgently fund additional staffing. they will be looked after properly. made to improve nursing numbers,” “Across the whole hospital, people Stuart said. For Grafton hospital, the branch is calling for one extra registered who leave have not always been He noted that Grafton nurses nurse in the emergency department replaced. Many staff are disgruntled had recently launched a community across each shift. and have left to work at other campaign for safe staffing. hospitals in the region. It is also seeking an in-charge “So, it can be easily presumed nurse who is not allocated a patient “In the ED at Maclean Hospital, that chronic understaffing is load in the general wards across each the night shift has just one RN the gold standard set by the shift, and more support for nurse and one doctor, who does the NNSWLHD (Northern NSW Local unit managers, particularly in the whole hospital. That often leaves Health District).” paediatric ward. one RN alone in ED. The after-hours manager also takes a patient load Dressed in their scrubs, and For Maclean Hospital, the branch at night.” carrying banners and placards wants an additional RN in the ED calling for nurse-to-patient ratios, at night, and for their night duty During the last state election about 30 Grafton nurses formed a in charge nurse to be without a campaign, the Liberal/National ‘walking float’ in the city’s Jacaranda patient load. government promised to fund 5000 Festival parade in November. extra nurses.

16 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 SAFE STAFFING

‘I am concerned about the numbers of nurses at the hospital and what they have to deal with on a daily basis.’ — Chris Gulaptis MP

From this number, Maclean Hospital is supposed to get an extra nurse on two wards. Nothing extra is allocated for the ED. MP says ‘short-term fix’ needed Grafton is not even mentioned in the government’s numbers. The National Party member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, has acknowledged the need for a short-term fix for staffing said branch members approached hospital shortages plaguing Grafton and Maclean Hospitals. management about their concerns several “Obviously I am concerned about the numbers of nurses months ago, but the ongoing issues remained. at the hospital and what they have to deal with on a daily He said members tried to raise concerns via basis … We need something in the short term,” he told the the reasonable workload committee process, Daily Examiner. covering both hospitals. Mr Gulaptis said he would take to parliament a petition “However, that committee hasn’t met for months, leaving these issues to go unresolved,” calling for urgent staffing improvements. He would also raise Brett said in November. nurses’ concerns with the Northern NSW Local “We’ve had reports of excessive workloads Health District. and fatigue setting in. Many of the local “I will certainly go back to the LHD with their concerns nurses are forced to work with poor skill mix because I am concerned about it and I think they need profiles and are also working short staffed to be addressed,” he said. because colleagues who take unexpected leave The petition was initiated by the NSWNMA’s Clarence are not replaced. Valley branch and signed by over 500 residents. “We also know many of the nursing staff are The petition says nurses face unsafe staffing levels on a often working through their meal breaks, due daily basis, resulting in excessive workloads, questionable to short staffing. skill mix profiles and avoidable risks to patient safety. “They’re also being asked to work large amounts of overtime, which is unsustainable.”n The branch is continuing its community campaign and hopes to get 10,000 signatures.

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 17 AGED CARE

‘Shocking tale of neglect’ The Aged Care Royal Commission has delivered a scathing indictment of Australia’s aged care system.

Cruel and harmful”; “We owe it to strangers. “unkind and uncaring”; “a We owe it to future gen- ‘Just another body “sad and shocking system erations. Older people deserve that diminishes Australia as a so much more.” to be washed, fed nation”. Aged care is “designed This is what royal around transactions, not and mobilised’ commissioners Richard Tracey* relationships or care” and and Lynelle Briggs think of “minimises the voices of people Australia’s aged care industry. receiving care and their loved EXTRACT FROM THE ROYAL COMMISSION Their interim report ones” the report says. INTERIM REPORT: released on 31 October describes The workforce is “under- aged care as “a shocking tale paid, undervalued and “We have heard countless stories of neglect”. insufficiently trained”. about how much people grieve It calls for a “fundamental And the system’s regulatory for all they have lost when they overhaul of the design, model “does not provide arrive in residential care. objectives, regulation and transparency or an incentive “They become ‘just a resident’, funding of aged care”. to improve”. just another body to be washed, It finds the aged care system The report calls for an fed and mobilised, their value “does not deliver uniformly safe immediate funding increase defined by the amount of funding and quality care, is unkind and for high-need, in-home they bring with them. uncaring towards older people care recipients. and, in too many instances, it “They become infantilised, lose It also calls for urgent autonomy, and are prevented neglects them.” action on the use of chemical from making decisions or doing It goes on: “This cruel restraints in residential aged and harmful system must care and on getting 6000 young physical things that were routine be changed. We owe it to our disabled people out of nursing when they lived at home, on parents, our grandparents, our homes as soon as possible. the grounds that they ‘could partners, our friends. hurt themselves’. “They lose their basic rights to take risks, to choose what to ‘This cruel and harmful system do in their day, to live a life must be changed.’ — royal commissioners as close as possible to their previous home and community. There is no joy in this.”

*Commissioner Tracey died three weeks before the interim report’s release. He has been replaced by Tony Pagone QC.

18 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 AGED CARE

Vindication for witnesses who exposed truth The royal commission has confirmed the evidence of NSWNMA members who spoke out about unacceptable working and living conditions in nursing homes.

n May 2019, NSWNMA mem- ‘Surely Australians will wake ber Susan Walton took the brave step of giving evidence to the up now to what is happening Aged Care Royal Commission Iabout her work as an assistant in to their loved ones, and force nursing (AiN). the politicians and government She told the commissioners what it was like to work at a chronically to do something.’ — Susan Walton understaffed nursing home. Each AiN/CSE (care support employee) had the impossible task of adequately caring for 40, often family members, staff members, royal commission report under the infirm, residents while on night shift. and “everybody else who appeared at carpet, just like they have with all the “You cannot continue to treat the commission, and told the truth other reports. our elderly residents like this; staff about what is really happening in “Surely Australians will wake up and residents need more support,” aged care today”. now to what is happening to their she said. Federal Minister for Aged loved ones, and force the politicians “One person to 40 residents, Care, Richard Colbeck, said the and government to do something. it does not work, you can’t do it; government was shocked by the royal “We all need to keep talking, we you need ratios in aged care now,” commission’s findings. need to keep this going, keep the she said. Susan says politicians shouldn’t spotlight shining, keep it going in Her employer is one of the largest be shocked. the media.” aged care operators in NSW. She has “We have had numerous reports, Susan said the government and been an AiN at the same facility for inquiries and complaints on providers should be held account- over 10 years. the crisis in aged care over the last able for how billions of dollars of Soon after the hearing, The Lamp 10 years. public subsidies and residents’ fees asked Susan if she feared reprisals “In the lead-up to the state are spent. for speaking out. “If you tell the truth and federal elections, the nurses’ After the interim report was about what is happening, you can’t union and their members publicly released, Susan said “nothing has get into trouble,” she said. campaigned extremely hard for changed” at her facility. On 31 October, Susan’s changes in aged care. “Staff and residents continue stance was vindicated when the “State and federal politicians to suffer from a shortage of staff royal commission delivered its have known exactly what has been and not being able to help our interim report. going on, but they have all decided to elderly residents with all their Susan said she was grateful put their blinkers on and ignore this. everyday needs.” n the commissioners had listened to “Surely they can’t sweep the

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 19 AGED CARE

Act now on aged care, Morrison told Nurses, doctors call for immediate action on workforce improvements – starting with publication of staffing ratios.

ustralia’s peak nurse and ‘We simply cannot allow the government doctor organisations want the federal government to to continue to sit idly on the sidelines and immediately require nurs- Aing homes to publish their staffing watch the extent of this suffering unfold.’ ratios and show how they are spend- — ANMF and AMA ing public funds. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and lacks key skills. Australian Medical Association It said services must have the (AMA) urged the government to start right number of staff with the right Read the report making workforce improvements skill mix. before the royal commission’s final The commission said its report due in late 2020. The Interim Report of final report would include the Royal Commission In a joint statement, the two recommendations on workforce organisations said systemic, chronic issues such as attraction and into Aged Care Quality understaffing was the basis of many retention; education and and Safety can be of the problems being exposed across training; choosing the right downloaded from: the aged care sector. staff; remuneration and careers; “We can’t wait for the continuity of care; and staffing levels https://agedcare. Morrison government to act on and staff mix. royalcommission. recommendations of the royal “The government can start gov.au/publications/ commission to stop the suffering of on this immediately by requiring our elderly,” the joint statement said. aged care providers to publish the Pages/interim-report. “We simply cannot allow the staffing ratios in their facilities and aspx government to continue to sit idly on to transparently report on their use the sidelines and watch the extent of of publicly funded subsidies,” the this suffering unfold.” ANMF/AMA statement said. The commission’s interim “The government can then report released in October 2019 said determine where additional the aged care workforce is under funding is needed and ensure that it pressure, under-appreciated and is provided.” n

20 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 AGED CARE

Complaints put facility back on track Developments at a Mudgee nursing home show aged care workers can get better staffing and other improvements if they are prepared to speak up.

n NSWNMA member who ‘The inspectors talked to staff, residents complained to the aged care regulator about an under- and management and found out exactly staffed nursing home has Awelcomed improvements that came what was going on.’ after the facility was sanctioned. Jane*, an assistant in nursing, wrote to the Aged Care Quality and cuts to try to reverse its poor a lot of change,” Jane said. Safety Commission early in 2019. financial performance. “Since then, Pioneer House has She described the impact of Counsel assisting the royal reversed the staff cuts and most cost-cutting on residents and commission, Peter Gray QC shifts are fully staffed – though it is staff of Pioneer House, a not-for- said there was ongoing conflict hard to find skilled staff in a rural profit facility at Mudgee in central between the CEO/DON and the chair area like ours. western NSW. of the board. “We have a new DON, who Her letter was prompted by staff “The chair was concerned is fantastic. cuts that included the loss of one AiN about ongoing staff issues raised “Recommendations for better on morning and afternoon shifts and with him about lack of support recreation have been put in place, one enrolled nurse on morning shift. from management. And the DON and residents are happier and She believes other staff also wrote regarded this as interference,” Mr more engaged. Gray said. to the quality commission. “We now have a spare minute to “We were chronically under- STAFF QUEUED TO SEE actually talk to the residents, and staffed and had no time to look after INSPECTORS more time to do their care properly. the residents properly,” she said. The board’s chair, Allan “More needs to be done about “Management also cut funding Codrington, said sanctions cost the food but they are having to recreational officers, which the facility about $934,000 in lost residents’ meetings about it meant residents were not always revenue, because it couldn’t accept and are talking to the kitchen encouraged to leave their rooms and new residents, and fees to experts as well.” activities became very limited with required for re-accreditation. She said her experience scarce resources. Jane said that when quality shows aged care workers can get “Residents were bored, depressed commission inspectors visited the improvements if they are prepared and cranky. facility, “staff were queueing at the to speak up. “These people were in my care yet door to talk to them”. “The residents mostly can’t or my hands were tied because there “The inspectors talked to won’t speak up for themselves, and was not enough staff to do the work.” staff, residents and management it’s not fair they have to put up with The quality commission found the and found out exactly what was terrible treatment. facility did not meet accreditation going on.” “I think it’s part of our duty of standards and the Department of The quality commission care to make sure they are looked Health imposed sanctions for six recommended improvements and after properly. months. They were lifted in August. Pioneer House was required to “If management refuses to do it, In November 2019, the Aged appoint a nurse adviser and improve they need to be held to account.” n Care Royal Commission heard staff training. *Name changed on request that Pioneer House imposed staff “It was great because it instigated

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 21 MENTAL HEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS

Bob’s legacy: support for junior mental health nurses Up to 20 mental health nurses will have the opportunity to take part in a mentoring program in 2020, named in honour of Bob Fenwick, a mental health nurse who tragically died in a workplace incident in 2011.

he NSW Minister for Mental Health, Bron- wyn Taylor, recently A positive rural experience for a metro nurse paid tribute to Bob in a Tspeech to Parliament. 2019 grant recipient Aislynn sure there is a nurse representative at “Bob was posthumously Kearney, an RN at Nepean meetings and that meetings happen, awarded an Australian bravery because when you work in a really award for saving the life of a junior Hospital in Penrith, spent busy environment meetings can get nurse in the incident,” she said. five days with Warren Isaac, cancelled.” The Minister said Bob was a clinical nurse consultant passionate about supporting Warren Isaac: “Although we are on other nurses, and the award, with 38 years’ experience at a smaller scale than Sydney, we have funded by the NSW government the Tablelands Mental Health a huge scope of practice, everything and administered by the Service in Armidale. from crisis and assessments, acute NSWNMA since 2011, is designed follow up and assertive outreach, and to help junior mental health Aislynn: “I work in a standard mental attempting to reduce the impact of nurses “expand their professional health ward in a metro hospital, so mental health problems and keeping support networks” and going into a community in a rural area people out of hospital. “increase their knowledge, their is very different: we’d be driving for an competence and their confidence “I try to introduce the mentee to a hour to do a home visit. in mental health nursing”. variety of clients so they can see that “One of the things that was really The program pairs junior there are clients in rural areas just as nurses with senior mental beneficial for me was learning by complex as those in city areas, and health nurses or clinicians in a watching Warren, just the way that that you can have a very satisfying setting different to their usual he engaged with consumers: even career in these areas helping the workplace. The scholarship pays when they weren’t interested or clients. Aislynn got to see the impact of for the mentee’s travel, meals and were hesitant to engage he would the drought because we were travelling accommodation, and funds their still manage to reassure them, build through very dry country. It is affecting workplace to cover their absence. rapport and let them know that if they the whole community in many different didn’t want support now, he would be ways, because we’ve got famers, there in the future. businesspeople and nurses who are “There are lots of challenges in involved in farms … There is a real Armidale, but the team works really increased risk of suicide. well because of those challenges. I’ve “I make a point of passing on particular been using the experience to guide skills and knowledge. I love promoting my own professional practice, and the New England area because it has I’ve also been working with my clinical helped me to have a really satisfying NUM to increase engagement with career and terrific quality of life.” the multidisciplinary team, making

22 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 MENTAL HEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS

‘Aislynn got to see the impact of the drought. It is affecting the whole community in many different ways.’— Warren Isaac

WARREN ISAAC AND AISLYNN KEARNEY

A placement full of insight

Meggy Stevens, an RN country areas, because we know at Manning Hospital, that migration is starting to flow on Hunter New England to country areas as well, and I know the experience has made me more LHD, was mentored rounded as a clinician.” by Abiegail Koroma, a Abiegail: “I’ve been in mental nurse working in child and health for the last ten years, and adolescent mental health I believe it is important to share at Liverpool Hospital. your knowledge with junior nurses to be able to make a difference. In ‘I know the experience Meggy Stevens: “Compared Western Sydney there are a lot has made me more to where I live, Liverpool is so of migrants, and there is a stigma multicultural. And you’ve got around mental health and isolation rounded as a clinician.’ people from war-torn countries, and people find it hard to talk — Meggy Stevens people with a lot of traumatic about mental health issues. backgrounds. I was able to show Meggy a “Most clients had a background transcultural mental health service where English was not a first providing a holistic mental health How to apply language, so interpreters were approach. Coming as a migrant used quite a bit and you really from Sierra Leone in West Africa To be eligible, nurses must be had to be on your toes, you had has given me a lot of insight currently working in a public to closely watch the client, the and a better understanding to mental health service in NSW and interpreter and the support person demonstrate a lot of empathy for able to complete the mentorship because you are relying on looking people who don’t speak English between May and July 2020. at their body language and tone of and come from low socio- Applications will be available voice to get the full story, because economic backgrounds. on the Association website from things can get lost in translation. I think it is quite important to 1 February and close in March. “Abiegail had experienced a encourage nurses and expose country that had been at war them to the opportunities out www.nswnma. and had civil unrest so she was there. Managers also need to insightful around a lot of the stuff be aware of this program and asn.au/education/ I was seeing. It is great to be able encourage nurses at the beginning scholarships to bring this experience back into of their career to apply.”

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 23 NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM

The virtuous circle

After graduating in 2012 as a registered How would you describe the things they have said that stick in my mind. nurse from the new graduate program? University of The thing about the new graduate How did the year help Newcastle, Catherine program in any hospital is that you transition into the you’ve got a different role to more role of a nurse? Ivanfy spent a graduate experienced nurses: you’re not year at the Mater expected to be an expert nurse When I did my new graduate year, I knew I wanted to be an intensive Hospital Newcastle straight away, but you are supported to get those skills over the year. care specialty nurse, but they don’t let you do that as a new grad because rotating through The Mater was really good and let us it is a bit too acute; you need to build medical toxicology, choose two out of three rotations. I fundamental skills first. The rotations chose to do a rotation in a medical oncology and post- I did really helped me with my goal: toxicology ward, which is also the toxicology ward gave me quite surgical wards. Just combined with geriatric patients and good grounding and skills in managing seven years later she is dementia patients. I also did a rotation confused patients, which you do get a in the surgical ward and in oncology. mentoring graduates lot in ICU, and the surgical ward helped herself as a clinical What were some of the things as well because of things you are nurse educator at that made your new graduate managing post-surgery in ICU. And the program so successful? Mater intensive care deals with lots of Westmead Hospital. oncology patients, so that was really The Lamp spoke to They say that the new graduate year helpful in building my career as an is one of the hardest years in nursing intensive care nurse. Catherine about how because you don’t have the skills yet, the new graduate so you have to start from scratch, but What did you do after the program works, and meeting all the experienced nurses graduate program? along the way that helped me get In my second year after my new how it helped her build those skills and accrue the little bits her nursing career. grad program, with the guidance of of knowledge to be the best nurse Joanne Turdue (mentor), I was able you can be, was just really good. I still to move into intensive care. So over keep up with the nurses who mentored the last couple of years I have been me when I was starting out. There are specialising in that area. Just over a

24 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM

CATHERINE IVANFY

year ago I transitioned to nurse Keep an open mind because you education at Westmead, and will see things that will be quite Apply for a having a foundation in all of the confronting that you don’t expect place in the new skills I developed in my graduate to see. Don’t be too harsh on year helped me to do that. At yourself: the new grads are the graduate program: Westmead they have opened up baby nurses, so you can’t expect to a mixed medical ward, so it does have the same skills as someone everything, but because of my who has been doing nursing for Final year nursing students background in intensive care I can eight years or 20 or 30 years. They can apply for the 2021 Grad manage a wide variety of patients, say it takes someone three months Start program through NSW so I found it easy to transition. to get used to a new workplace so Health. Visit www.health. that is the first quarter of your new nsw.gov.au/nursing/ Can you describe your graduate rotation. employment and look out work now as a clinical Be friends with your other new nurse educator? grads, be a good team member for the 2021 application with them because they are the when it becomes available. I support the new graduate nurses ones who will support you through when they come out, so one of NSW Health says “GradStart the first year. And don’t compete my priorities is making sure they with each other: everyone is going is highly competitive and it have fundamental skills to be to have a different experience and is anticipated that more good nurses, and then move on to everyone is going to go through whatever speciality they want to. I people will apply than there different wards at a different also support other nurses on the are positions available, pace. Try to soak up the education ward to gain higher and more acute so it is important to be well and just try to have some fun and skills. Having a really good CNE enjoy learning. prepared and organised.” makes the difference between you Everything you see in the work- getting the skills and struggling to place will teach you a lesson www.health.nsw. get the skills. so just try to learn a lesson from gov.au/nursing/ What are some tips or each clinical experience you employment tricks you could give have, and from patients and someone starting their other staff interactions. new graduate program?

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 25 COVERCOMPETITION STORY

1 SHREK 3 UNWIND AT THE LUXURIOUS 5 DREAMWORKS ANIMATION: THE MUSICAL HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY THE EXHIBITION + FORREST HOTEL SHREK THE MUSICAL, Located adjacent to & APARTMENTS STAY PACKAGE based on the Oscar®- winning Darling Harbour in the DreamWorks film, brings the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Located in a quiet street in Merry Christmas hilarious story of everyone’s Hyatt Regency Sydney Canberra’s garden district, favourite ogre to life on the stage. is Australia’s largest Forrest Hotel and Apartments is from the NSWNMA upscale hotel perfectly situated just a stone’s throw away Join Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey suited to those seeking from major tourist attractions. as they set off on a quest to rescue the a weekend away. Family owned and operated, Wishing all our members a Merry Christmas beautiful Princess Fiona from her Forrest Hotel & Apartments are tower, guarded by a fire breathing Within walking renowned for their hospitality and offering you the chance to be part love-sick dragon. Add the vertically distance to theatres, and you will enjoy all the of this year’s Christmas giveaway. challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang museums, galleries comforts of home complimented with outstanding of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit and luxury shopping service and facilities. Go to www.forresthotel.com for with attitude, and you’ve got an precincts guests can experience some of the city’s best accommodation details and bookings. irresistible mix of adventure, attractions within minutes. Hyatt Regency Sydney is laughter and romance, guaranteed Win a two-night stay in a one bedroom apartment nter the perfect place to work, rest and play. To book visit to e to delight audiences of all ages. www.hyatt.com/Regency/Sydney with breakfast at the Forrest Hotel & Apartments How and entry for two to DreamWorks Animation: The Lamp is offering members the The Lamp is offering members the chance to win two The Exhibition — Journey from Sketch to Screen chance to win one of two double nights’ accommodation in a Harbour View Room with To be in the draw to win one of these fabulous at the National Museum of Australia. passes to see SHREK THE breakfast daily* prizes, simply provide your name, membership MUSICAL* at Sydney Lyric Theatre. Go behind the scenes of number and the prize you would like to win *Conditions apply. Rooms subject to availability. Prize must be DreamWorks Animation’s (a separate email is required for each prize) To book go to redeemed by 30 June 2020 (not valid during long weekends, public holidays or major event periods). Voucher is non-transferable, not most popular films. Join and email your entry with the subject: www.ticketmaster.com.au redeemable for cash and must be presented on arrival. your favourite characters Christmas giveaway (prize title) to * Conditions apply. SHREK THE MUSICAL — Shrek, Toothless and Po [email protected] performance dates include Wednesday 8, 15, 22, — in a rare glimpse into the Important: Only one entry 29 January 2020 at 7.30pm OR Thursday 9, 16, 4 HOLIDAY READING studio’s collaborative, artistic per member for each 23, 30 January at 7.30pm. Subject to availability. and visionary approach to competition will be Kick back and relax with a four-book gift pack from animation. Exhibition on accepted. Entries must Penguin Random House. We have three packs (of four show at the National Museum indicate which prize 2 SPLASH INTO books each) to give away with titles including: of Australia, Canberra until you would like to win SUMMER AT RAGING About a Girl by Rebekah Robertson 2 February 2020. To book in the email subject. Rebekah Robertson’s extraordinary visit www.nma.gov.au/ WATERS SYDNEY personal story of raising her transgender exhibitions/dreamworks-animation child, Georgie Stone, who has become a Raging Waters Sydney is the place voice not just for other transgender kids – to make your summer memories. but for an emerging generation. 6 Sydney’s biggest waterpark has ENURSE – AUSTRALIA’S something for everyone, offering The Diamond Hunter by Fiona McIntosh LEADING ONLINE NURSE SHOP over 30 rides, slides and attractions. Fiona McIntosh’s breathtaking adventure Challenge your family and friends story takes her readers on a journey from the We have partnered with eNurse and are offering you on the H2Go Racers, experience the harsh desert of Africa’s Kimberley diamond the chance to win a $250 voucher – imagine yourself in thrills on the 360 Rush, chill out by the mine, to the misty, green plains of northern new scrubs, new shoes and accessories! beach or slide the brand new Whirlwind. England. Raging Waters Sydney is the best place to spend time Island on the Edge of the World SPECIAL OFFER! with your friends and family this summer. by Deborah Rodriguez Enjoy 10% off* all your Win one of 4 x double passes to Raging Waters A captivating story set in the colourful but online purchases exclusive to Sydney*. To book your tickets go to www. chaotic land of Haiti, as four very different NSWNMA members. Simply use ragingwaterssydney.com.au/plan-a-visit/tickets women work together to find a lost child. promo code NSWNMA10OFF at www.enurse.com.au *Conditions apply. Offer only valid for the current season which Miracle Mutts by Laura Greaves commences 28 September 2019 until 29 March 2020. Tickets Heartwarming stories of dogs that survived *Conditions apply. Excludes books, Competition entries from NSWNMA members only and limited to one entry are valid for one single day use per ticket only. Unless otherwise – and thrived – against the odds. Whether Littmann Stethoscopes, Fashion Biz per member per prize. All entries must be in by Monday, 16 December 2019. stated, fees for food, merchandise, locker rentals, pay-per-ride and specials. Not valid in conjunction The prizes will be drawn on Tuesday, 17 December 2019. If a redraw is attractions (Sydney SkyCoaster), special concerts or events are not sick or injured, lost or abandoned, recovering with any other offers or promotions. required for an unclaimed prize it must be held up to 3 months from included in the admission prices. Prices and product offerings are from cruelty or neglect, it’s the underdogs of Offer valid until 31 March 2020 for the original draw date. NSW Permit no: LTPM/19/04224. subject to change without notice. Children 3 years and under free. the world who have the most to teach us. NSWNMA members.

26 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Competition DPS.indd 1 20/11/19 2:33 pm COMPETITION COVER STORY

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 27

Competition DPS.indd 1 20/11/19 2:33 pm NEWS IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA Significant drop in asthma deaths New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a significant decrease in asthma-related deaths, particularly in Australian women. Figures show there were 389 asthma-related deaths recorded in Australia in 2018, comprising 250 females and 139 males, which signifies a decrease from 441 in 2017, and 457 in 2016. Those aged 75 and over continue to account for nearly two-thirds of deaths (241 of 389), while deaths in children remain uncommon but can still occur – seven children lost their lives to asthma in 2018. National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) Chief AUSTRALIA Executive, Siobhan Brophy, says the significant drop could be attributed to several mitigating factors. ‘Macho’ construction culture “We believe that increased patient awareness following the epidemic thunderstorm asthma event is killing tradies in Melbourne in 2016 has played a large role in this reduction,” she said. Construction workers are overrepresented in suicide “The development of new ways to manage severe rates in Australia. asthma is also having an impact.” Workers in construction are at a higher risk of experiencing mental The NAC has developed a Severe Asthma Checklist health problems than workers in other professions, according to for both acute and primary care nurses. researchers from Charles Sturt University. ‘The checklist can help nurses in all practice settings In 2012 in Australia, a total of 169 men working in the construction better understand the referral pathways available to industry committed suicide. A 2017 report indicated the suicide patients,” said the NAC’s educator Marg Gordon. rate is 24.2 per 100,000 male construction workers compared to ‘Nurses in acute settings are crucial to ensuring 13.9 per 100,000 males in all other occupations – almost double. patients get the care they need for their asthma after they leave hospital, while those working in primary care The researchers said there were several factors that contributed to are ideally placed to provide support and education to this problem. all asthma patients,’ she says. “Workers can be on site for up to double their contracted work time. For more information on severe asthma diagnosis and So long hours, resulting in fatigue and poor work–life balance, are management, visit www.asthmahandbook.org.au. likely affecting tradies’ mental wellbeing,” they wrote in the online ‘Nurses are ideally magazine The Conversation. They also say there are strong links between a “macho” work placed to provide culture and the likelihood of mental health issues. “A ‘macho’ work culture emphasises self-reliance; there’s an support and education expectation tradespeople can withstand insecure and transient to all asthma patients.’ work arrangements,” they said. “There’s also stigma associated with men talking to others about psychological distress. For this reason, many ignore stress-related mental health problems like panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Competition at work may also lead to a breakdown of trust, a lack of collegiality, and conflict. “Macho workplaces decrease the likelihood men will look after themselves by consulting healthcare professionals, talking to a supervisor about reducing hours or asking for time off.” ‘Macho workplaces decrease the likelihood men will look after themselves by consulting health-care professionals.’

28 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 NEWS IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA Taking the bargaining out of collective bargaining “An aggressive and wide-ranging agenda for changing Australia's labour laws” has been quickly assembled by the Morrison government and its business supporters, says the Centre For Future Work. In a new report, the think tank’s senior economist Alison Pennington has compiled the various proposals advanced by employers, and shows that together they would constitute a thorough reorientation of Australia's collective bargaining system. “The end result would be a situation – very similar to the Work Choices regime of the late 2000s – whereby employers have unilateral power to determine terms and UNITED STATES conditions, wages can be locked in for very long periods of time and the scope for true workplace negotiations is Nurse ‘worry’ spot on compressed,” the report says. The main findings of the report include: predicting patient status • The share of private sector workers covered by enterprise Research confirms that nurses’ intuition is an accurate predictor agreements (EAs) has now been halved since 2013, to only 11 per cent. of a patient’s declining condition. • This decline reflects three simultaneous negative trends: Using a five-point rating system, 150 nursing professionals at declining agreement renewals, almost no new agreements the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota were asked to predict each of being negotiated, and high rates of agreement termination. their patient’s potential for decline within the next 24 hours. • Employers are aiming for a collective “bargaining” system A total of 31,159 patient shifts, and 3185 unique patients, were that has little room for actual bargaining – it would instead involved in the study. be characterised by employers with increasing power to Three separate groups then reviewed each report: a physician unilaterally set the terms and conditions of work. in the same specialty, an experienced nurse and either a • The loss of wages resulting from that slowdown in (already physician, nurse or nurse practitioner. weak) wage growth could cost an average private sector EA-covered worker over $2000 in lost income over just Of the 492 cases in which the nurses rated a high level of worry the first three years. – enough to call for medical attention – 77 per cent were backed up by the reviewers. ‘The end result would Nurses with more than one year of experience were significant- be a situation whereby ly more accurate — 79 per cent, as opposed to 68 per cent for those with less than one year on the job. employers have unilateral The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical power to determine terms Informatics Association (JAMIA). Applying a nurse’s trained eye to identify deteriorating patients and conditions, and can sometimes raise red flags even before objective markers wages can be locked can, the researchers said. “Our study demonstrates that the ‘worry factor’ in its current in for very long periods form is accurate in detecting patient deterioration. of time.’ “Nurses generally have more constant and prolonged contact with patients during their hospitalisation as compared to physicians, putting them in a particularly advantaged position to recognise patterns that can be a telltale sign of impending physiological deterioration.” ‘Applying a nurse’s trained eye to identify deteriorating patients can sometimes raise red flags even before objective markers can.’

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 29 NEWS IN BRIEF

UNITED KINGDOM Healthy diet, healthy planet Healthier food choices almost always benefit the environment, according to a sophisticated new study. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The analysis assessed the health and environmental impacts of 15 foods common in Western diets and found fruit, vegetables, beans and wholegrains were best for both avoiding disease and protecting the climate and water resources. The study found that eating more red and processed meat causes the most ill health and pollution. Using data from other studies on the diets and health outcomes of tens of millions of people they calculated the health impact of eating one extra portion of each food on heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. The environmental harm for each food, from greenhouse gases to water use to pollution was also calculated. AUSTRALIA The study found that producing unprocessed red meat had the highest impact for all environmental indicators and was many times worse than pulses. Rheumatic heart disease The researchers said foods with medium environmental impacts or not significantly associated with ill health, such as refined grain cereals, dairy, doubles in four years eggs and chicken, could help improve health and reduce environmental Half of the cases diagnosed were in the Northern harm if they replaced foods such as red meat. Territory. Michael Clark at the University of Oxford, who led the research, told The number and rate of diagnoses of acute rheumatic The Guardian: “Continuing to eat the way we do threatens societies, heart fever doubled in the four years to 2017, according through chronic ill health and degradation of earth’s climate, ecosystems to a study released by the Australian Institute of Health and water resources. and Welfare. “Choosing better, more sustainable diets is one of the main ways people can improve their health and help protect the environment.” Rheumatic heart disease is a permanent form of heart damage, caused by exposure to strep A infection and ‘Choosing better, more usually begins with a sore throat or skin infection. If not treated with antibiotics, some young people sustainable diets is one of the will go on to develop acute rheumatic fever and then main ways people can improve rheumatic heart disease. Those most at risk of developing the disease are young their health and help protect Indigenous Australians aged five to 15. The average life expectancy of an Indigenous person diagnosed with it the environment.’ is 40. In the four years to 2017 there were more than 1800 diagnoses of acute rheumatic fever recorded, and just over 1700 of those were Aboriginal people. Nine in 10 of those were children – predominantly girls – aged between and five and 14, the study found. More than half of all cases were in the Northern Territory. Experts say the figures do not necessarily reflect an increase in the incidence of the disease but could reflect better detection. “But these numbers show us we have got a lot of work to do in primary health care delivery as well as treatment,” said Katharine Noonan from END RHD – the peak organisation representing researchers and medical organisations working in the field. ‘Nine in 10 were children aged between five and 14.’

30 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 NEWS IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA Private system delivers poor value on maternity Mothers relying on private health cover pay much more than those who EMPLOYMENT use a public hospital, according to new research. The study separated women into those who gave birth in the public or private system, and OPPORTUNITY women were matched for similar birth circumstances, such as having a caesarean or giving birth vaginally. Looking for a challenge or career change? “Fees were consistently higher in all time periods for private births compared with public TAFE NSW is seeking suitable candidates births: 500 per cent higher in pregnancy, 1200 per cent higher at the time of birth, and 180 for the following positions: per cent higher in the first year postpartum,” the study, published in the journal Birth Issues Education Support Officer – Aged Care in Perinatal Care, found. Locations: Shellharbour and Wagga Wagga “Obstetric services were the largest source of fees paid by mothers who gave birth in private Job ref no: 00007FR8 (Shellharbour) 00007FRF hospitals ($1296), followed by diagnostic imaging ($262) and specialists ($221). For each (Wagga Wagga) type of service, the fees for mothers who gave birth in private hospitals were higher than for Salary: $72,774 p.a. similar mothers who gave birth in public hospitals.” Status: Temporary Full Time The study found women who gave birth in public hospitals saw general practitioners more Enquiries: Kellie Harmer on 0408 230 899 often, while both groups of women used similar numbers of diagnostic imaging services. Closing date: 10 January 2020 “The standout finding is just how much more mums do pay if they do choose to give birth Teacher Nursing in a private hospital, and how long the out-of-pocket costs are incurred for,” said Griffith Locations: Cootamundra, Albury and Wagga Wagga University associate professor Emily Callander, who led the study. Job ref no: 00007FTH “It’s not just at the time of birth but those costs continue during the child’s first year of life. Salary: $84,664 - $100,407 p.a. I found it surprising how many thousands of dollars mums who choose to give birth in Status: Temporary Full Time private hospitals do pay. Private health insurance does not protect you from high out-of- Enquiries: Cheryl Bradshaw on 0428 220 569 Closing date: 31 January 2020 pocket costs.” Part Time Casual Teachers Nursing ‘The standout finding is just how much Locations: Illawarra and Riverina Job ref no: 00007ER1 (Illawarra) 00007EXP more mums do pay if they do choose (Riverina) Salary: $65.33 - $82.75 per hour to give birth in a private hospital, and Status: Casual Part Time Enquiries: Andrea Purnell on 02 4229 0186 how long the out-of-pocket costs are Closing date: 6 April 2020 incurred for.’ Part Time Permanent Teacher (2 x positions) Location: Griffith Job ref no: 00007ADC Salary: $65.33 - $82.75 per hour Status: Part Time Permanent Enquiries: Andrea Purnell on 02 4229 0186 Closing date: 31 January 2020 Part Time Casual Teachers Aged Care Location: Illawarra and Riverina Job ref no: 00007AQG (Illawarra) 00007EC5 (Riverina) Salary: $65.33 - $82.75 per hour Status: Casual Part Time Enquiries: Kellie Harmer on 0408 230 899 Closing date: 6 April 2020

Candidates will need to go to iworkfor.nsw.gov.au and search for the job reference number or job title for detailed information to apply online.

READY TO BE AMBITIOUS? Take the next step and apply today.

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 31 PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION For full details of courses including course content, venue and times, please go to the Association website www.nswnma.asn.au CPD REGISTER ONLINE bit.ly/educationNSWNMA Attendance at NSWNMA education sessions may count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. The number of hours noted beside each course is the maximum amount of claimable CPD hours. Unless otherwise noted, our courses are suitable for all Nurses, Midwives and Assistants in Nursing/Midwifery.

December 2019 to March 2020 Education

Waterloo Your Annual CPD Obligations, Blacktown CENTRAL COAST ILLAWARRA SHOALHAVEN NEPEAN BLUE MOUNTAINS NSW REGIONAL Student to New Graduate: What You Thursday 20 February, $50 / $100, 4 Student to New Graduate: What You Gosford Shoalhaven Heads Springwood Need to Know, Thursday 12 December, CPD Hours, RN, MW, EN Need to Know, Thursday 6 February, Clinical Communication and Medications: How we do it better Palliative Care Workshop, $30 / $60, 6 CPD Hours, New Grad Alcohol and Other Drugs, The $30 / $60, 6 CPD Hours, New Grad Documentation, Friday 27 March, COURSE FULL, Wednesday Monday 23 March, $95 / $190 / Final Year Nursing and Midwifery Current Situation: An update for all / Final Year Nursing and Midwifery $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours 11 December, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Students Students NORTHERN nurses and midwives, Wednesday 11 HUNTER NEW ENGLAND Wound Care: Negative Pressure March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Byron Bay Student to New Graduate: What You Clinical Communication and Armidale Wound Therapy, Tuesday 31 March, Leaning into Health and Harmony: Need to Know, Thursday 23 January, Introduction to Suicide Assessment Documentation, Tuesday 25 February, Foot Care: A Nurses Role, Monday $95 / $190 Visioning and Self-Care Workshop $30 / $60, 6 CPD Hours, New Grad $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours and Management for nurses and 9 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Wollongong for nurses and midwives, Wednesday / Final Year Nursing and Midwifery , Thursday 12 March, midwives – NEW Introduction to Mental Health 4 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Students $50 / $100, 3 CPD Hours Dee Why Muswellbrook Know where you stand with Law, Medications: How we do it better, for nurses and midwives – NEW, Tweed Heads Dementia Management Training, Know where you stand with Law, Ethics and Professional Standards Thursday 26 March, $95 / $190, Thursday 5 March, $95 / $190 Wound Care: Venous Insufficiency, Thursday 30 January, $95 / $190, 7 Ethics and Professional Standards in nursing and midwifery, Wednesday 6 CPD Hours Friday 20 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours CPD Hours MID NORTH COAST in nursing and midwifery, Thursday 25 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Medications: How we do it better, 19 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Newcastle Coffs Harbour SOUTHERN Foot Care: A Nurses Role, Friday Aged Care Seminar, Thursday Batemans Bay Wednesday 5 February, $95 / $190, 6 Combatting Stress and Burnout – Gymea The Deteriorating Client, Wednesday 21 February, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours 27 February, $60 / $120, 6 CPD Hours Dementia Management Training, CPD Hours NEW, Friday 27 March, $95 / $190, 6

SYDNEY METRO SYDNEY 18 March, $95 / $190, 5 CPD Hours Wednesday 26 February, $95 / $190, CPD Hours Know where you stand with Law, MURRUMBIDGEE Ethics and Professional Standards Wagga Wagga 7 CPD Hours in nursing and midwifery, Wednesday Medications: How we do it better, WESTERN 4 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Tuesday 25 February, $95 / $190, Bathurst Foot Care: A Nurses Role Standard Mental Health First Aid, 6 CPD Hours Know where you stand with Law, CPD 2-Day Course, Thursday 12 and Friday Clinical Communication and Ethics and Professional Standards 6 Wed 19 February 2020 Wed 4 November 2020 27 March, $190 / $380, 12 CPD Hours Documentation, Wednesday in nursing and midwifery, Wednesday NEWCASTLE TAREE Taree 26 February, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours 11 March, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours Mon 9 March 2020 9am to 4.30pm Clinical Communication and Medications: How we do it better, ARMIDALE Documentation, Wednesday Thursday 12 March, $95 / $190, All 12 February, $95 / $190, 6 CPD Hours 6 CPD Hours Wed 8 July 2020 $ Members $95 GYMEA Non-members $190 Wed 7 October 2020 Lunch and refreshments BLACKTOWN provided Aged Care Seminar Coffs Harbour COURSE STRUCTURE: Topic 4 – Basic Skin Anatomy and Pathophysiology Thursday 27 February 2020 PROGRAM: • Skin structure and the ageing process • Topic 1 – Professional and Legal Considerations in C.ex Coffs, 2-6 Vernon • Consumer Consultation, risk Skin pathologies • Wound care considerations. Foot Care • Policy and procedure requirements Street, Coffs Harbour management and the new • WHS considerations • Infection control guidelines Topic 5 – Practical Session • Skin assessment, 9am to 4pm standards – what does it mean? and standards. diagnosis & treatment plan • Nail assessment, diagnosis All • Assessment, Planning and care Topic 2 – Basic Foot Anatomy and Pathophysiology and treatment plan • Pressure off-loading devices. for residents with Sensory Loss. $ Members $60 • Foot structure and mechanics • Pathophysiology of Topic 6 – Feet, Footwear and Falls • Footwear Non-members $120 – new standards approach; the foot • Neurological and vascular pathology. assessment • Falls risks • Preventative interventions Lunch & refreshments provided • The New Charter of Aged Topic 3 – Basic Nail Anatomy and Pathophysiology CPD Care Rights; and more ... • The normal nail • Nail pathology assessment and REGISTRATION 6 treatment options • When to treat and when to refer on. bit.ly/educationNSWNMA REGISTRATION bit.ly/educationNSWNMA

32 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020

Whats on.indd 2-3 13/11/19 8:34 am PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION For full details of courses including course content, venue and times, please go to the Association website www.nswnma.asn.au CPD REGISTER ONLINE bit.ly/educationNSWNMA Attendance at NSWNMA education sessions may count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. The number of hours noted beside each course is the maximum amount of claimable CPD hours. Unless otherwise noted, our courses are suitable for all Nurses, Midwives and Assistants in Nursing/Midwifery.

December 2019 to March 2020 Education

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 33

Whats on.indd 2-3 13/11/19 8:34 am 3, 4, 5 March; 23, 24, 25 June; $ $3,300 (inc. GST) or $375/day + GST Clinical 16 & 17 Sept 2020. 9am – 4.30pm Pay as you go negotiable/ invoice available 50 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo for organisations supporting staff to Supervision All attend. Lunch & refreshments provided. for Role Clinical Supervision is a regular, dedicated time for reflection on all aspects of professional practice. Clinical supervision aims to improve care, and support the Development professional development and well being of staff. This eight-day foundational training equips potential clinical supervisors with a variety of Training techniques and approaches to conduct quality individual and group clinical supervision. For many professions, clinical supervision is now a mandatory condition of registration and ongoing practice and forms an integral part of Continued Professional Development (CPD). COURSE CONTENT: The training provides clinical supervisors with an understanding of the Role Development Model of clinical supervision, the supervisor role and a framework for clinical supervision practice. The learning includes utilisation of role theory, role analysis, concretisation techniques, action-learning techniques and role training as clinical supervision interventions. Other innovative interventions such as ‘this year/next year’ are included. CPD LEARNING OUTCOMES: • Appreciate the benefits of clinical supervision in participant’s work area • Identify other models of clinical supervision and the theories 68 informing the Role Development Model • Understand and explore concepts and techniques used in clinical supervision • Conduct effective individual and group clinical supervision sessions within the framework • Demonstrated confidence and competence 8-DAY COURSE IN 2020 in applying advanced clinical supervision techniques.

CONTACT Paul Spurr, 0410 033 342 / [email protected] PROFESSIONAL Provided in partnership with EDUCATION

YOUR RIGHTS Ask When it comes to your rights and entitlements at work, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Judith Judith Kiejda has the answers.

Breaking News Change while on maternity leave displayed in a place conveniently accessible at least four weeks prior WHAT A YEAR … I am on maternity leave and hear that a restructure is to its commencing date. It’s hard to believe but here we are happening in my service that Next pay increase at the Mater heading towards another Christmas and the opportunity to enjoy festivities operates across the Local I work at the Mater Hospital in with family and friends. It seems like Health District. The role I North Sydney. When is the next only yesterday that I was sharing did may be affected. I’m just pay rise due? with you my thoughts and hopes wondering if they are required Clause 14.1 of the Mater Hospital for 2019, a year that promised to to keep me informed. North Sydney and St Vincent’s be as significant and pivotal for the Yes, as set out in Clause 34E(i) of Private Community Hospital professions of nursing and midwifery the Public Health System Nurses’ Griffith Nurses’ and Midwives’ as we have experienced in decades. It Enterprise Agreement 2019 sets offered enormous potential to further and Midwives’ (State) Award, the out that the next pay increase of entrench the language and practice employer must make information of nurse-to-patient ratios as being available to you in relation to any 2.5 per cent will occur from the the barometer of safe clinical care for significant change on the position first full pay period commencing patient, resident and practitioner alike. you held before commencing on or after 1 January 2020. The We have realised some of that maternity leave. An opportunity actual rates of pay and allowances potential. Members throughout this must be provided to you to discuss from that time are set out in Table state, regardless of the industry the effect of any change on your 1 of Schedule 1 to the agreement. they work in, have demonstrated position’s responsibility or status. Resignation and notice throughout the year an increasing level Date-limited offer at Estia I am a registered nurse working of activity and collective engagement. in a public hospital. I am In the public health space, an I made inquiries about a job at thinking about leaving, how increasing number of community a nursing home run by Estia. groups, academics, professional There was some mention of much notice do I have to give? commentators and various political it being a maximum-term Clause 45(ii) of the Public Health parties have embraced the need employee job. I didn’t ask what System Nurses’ and Midwives’ for enforceable nursing ratios in this meant. (State) Award sets out that workplaces. The current NSW Clause 9.4 of the Estia Health employees (other than directors of Government is rolling out (albeit slowly) NSW Enterprise Agreement 2016 nursing) shall be required to give an increase to the existing ratios 14 days’ notice of their intention to in place at rural and regional hospitals sets out that a maximum-term employee is one who is employed resign. This can be reduced with – a clear concession that more needs the consent of the employer. to be done. for a specified period of time, No time in lieu Evidence before the Royal Com- season or task. There is no mission into Aged Care is utterly expectation of ongoing work after I work at St Vincent’s Private infused with the need to increase the end date/time nominated. Hospital Darlinghurst. I was nursing staff and have minimum These should only be used for interested in using time in lieu staffing levels. The same can be genuine reasons. One example of overtime but I was told I had expected with the Royal Commission may be backfilling someone on too much annual leave. Does now beginning into the disability sector. maternity leave. that make sense? But in the end, the most trusted Posting of rosters Clause 29(xii)(d) of the St profession is the one that will yet again I work in a public hospital and Vincent’s Private Hospital Nurses’ be inevitably forced to defend their Enterprise Agreement 2019 professional obligations and rights, and our department never seems stipulates that a full time nurse the one to demand a safe workplace to have the roster out until it is to provide the best possible care to nearly due to start. This makes with an annual leave balance of patients and residents. These efforts planning almost impossible. more than 8 weeks (pro-rata for will continue and need to escalate Disappointingly, this issue keeps a part-timer) will be paid for any in 2020. I am convinced we are up arising, and it is evident that a overtime worked and time in lieu to meeting the challenge. So I wish number of wards or services are will not be made available all members and their families and still not complying with Clause to them. friends, a very merry Christmas and 8(ii) of the Public Health System a happy New Year. And recharge your batteries if lucky enough to have time Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) off, for the challenges that lay ahead. Award. Your roster must be

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 35 SOCIAL MEDIA Do you have a story to tell? An opinion to share? Nurse Uncut is a blog written by everyday nurses and midwives. We welcome your ideas at [email protected]

outright rejection of harm New on our minimisation strategies. https://www.nurseuncut.com. Support Nurses au/gladys-berejiklian-is-clearly- putting-politics-before-lives-why-i- YouTube channel support-pill-testing/

Didn’t get a new grad offer? Don’t panic – BANKSTOWN RALLY here’s what you can do! FOR SAFE STAFFING Nurses and midwives at Check out Nurse Uncut’s top 7 tips for Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital getting a nursing or midwifery job when Nurses reaffirm came together to fight for you haven’t been offered a new grad increased staffing in their position. https://www.nurseuncut. commitment to Emergency Department. com.au/didnt-get-a-new-grad-offer- Sustainable Development http://bit.ly/ dont-panic-heres-what-you-can-do/ Goals bankstown-oct-rally OCTOBER IS The International Council of Nursing SAFE WORK MONTH has again committed to the United NSWNMA General Secretary Nations’ SDGs. Brett Holmes speaks about the https://www.nurseuncut.com.au/ Association’s actions for Safe nurses-reaffirm-commitment-to- Work Month, which will highlight the sustainable-development-goals/ issues of violence in healthcare. http://bit.ly/safework-2019

5 things to know if you Connect with us got a new grad offer on Facebook Nurse Uncut www.facebook. And if you did get an offer, here are com/NurseUncutAustralia the things you should know before you New South Wales Nurses start. https://www.nurseuncut.com. and Midwives’ Association au/5-things-to-know-if-you-got-a- www.facebook.com/nswnma new-grad-offer/nurse-blakes-5-top- tips-for-new-grads/ Life between the flags Ratios put patient safety first www.facebook.com/ New Grad nurse John shares his safepatientcare experiences of anxiety, catching Aged Care Nurses yourself, and “living between the flags” www.facebook.com/ as a nurse fresh out of uni. https:// agedcarenurses www.nurseuncut.com.au/life- Look for your local branch between-the-flags-johns-new-grad- on our Facebook page experience/ www.facebook.com/nswnma Follow us on Twitter Listen to @nswnma / @nurseuncut Why I support pill testing our podcast Share on Instagram Nursing academic and public health Infant Mental Health advocate Margie Harris tells Nurse by tagging @nswnma – Fran Chavasse and don’t forget to use Uncut why she’s disappointed with the Berejiklian Government’s http://bit.ly/ the hashtag #nswnma! infant-mh-1

36 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 SOCIAL MEDIA your What nurses and midwives said and liked on Facebook www.facebook.com/nswnma the Say gallery

any action against those who are otherwise considered fragile and are themselves at risk. But we do. The system is so broken /1 and it’s letting down every single person down horribly! Dealing with I’m still a student nurse. I work in this industry On my first placement inappropriate and honestly, we can’t in a stroke ward, I was work safely with any behaviour helping an old man pull more cuts. This is /2 his pants up after going people’s lives we are Nurses Kate and Grace shared to the toilet as he was their stories with us on being talking about! sexually harassed at work. paralysed on one side. Are you kidding me? You were very supportive with While I was kneeling The system is already their calls for safer working down to get his pants to struggling with staffing environments. pull up, he used his good at the moment. Wow, I was so hand to rub my shoulder The government disgusted to hear what and tell me how long it’s should be ashamed of /3 management said to been since he has had themselves. They have her about making a a pretty girl near him to do something about complaint! I hope she like that. I told an RN putting people lives as went to the union! I and he told me to take a top priority. No more would have resigned on it as a compliment. mucking around – it’s the spot and told them I was asked by a 50-year- time for action. to shove their job! I work old to dry his feet. Back What is going on? If this then we wore caps. He in aged care. We always is true, I hope I don’t /4 have two staff with started flopping his have to go to hospital any inappropriate residents. genitals up and down on time soon. Health is the I would have refused to my head the moment I last place we should be go into his room alone as bent to dry his feet. Now seeing cuts. it is unsafe! that I’ve moved to aged Gladys Berejiklian is at As a care worker, care it is even worse. it again! She said she I was assaulted It’s absolutely not wasn’t going to touch okay to assault anyone, twice (not hurt, but health – now she’s after /5 inappropriately especially those who are more cuts! It won’t touched) by clients. literally trying to save bother Berejiklian lives! It’s not okay to 1/ Nurses and midwives They honestly thought because even if she had from the Murrumbidgee it was their right. Both work anywhere where to use the public system LHD rally for safer you feel unsafe! No one staffing in their local area times I stepped back she would get the red 2/ Hannah presents local and raised my voice had the right to mistreat carpet rolled out. As MP Phil Donato with you or put hands on you! over 2000 signatures sharply and told them a nurse who works in in support of health NO ONE! the public system I can services at Parkes and no. I reported to my Forbes manager immediately say that budget cuts 3/ Nurses and midwives at and refused to go back. Incredulity over will definitely risk and Griffith Base Hospital say it’s time to Stop the I was lucky enough to health cuts ultimately probably Violence have a really good one cost lives. The system 4/ Wyong ED nurses Plans to cut $250 million from is already at breaking commemorate the end of who supported me and Safe Work Month our health system – including point! only sent male care $150 million directly from our 5/ Mudgee Hospital nurses celebrate Perioperative workers in after this. It LHDs – were leaked to the Nurses Week with a bit is sad that we have to media. You were appalled by this of cake even consider taking decision from the government.

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 37 THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF the lamp IS COMING… From 2020, we’ll be launching Lamp Online, covering all the issues that are important to you. But don’t worry, you’ll still get your print copy 6 times a year.

CHECK OUT www.thelamp.com.au

REGULARS WORKPLACE p.33 PRIVATE HOSPITALS REGIONAL VIOLENCE Your rights and entitlements at work p.37 HOSPITALS Leave rights protected Time for action Nurse Uncut – your stories p.37 Rural towns fight at St Vincent’s Health on violence What nurses and midwives said p.39 Nursing research online to save services page 16 page 14 page 10

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 76 NO. 6 JULY 2019

38 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 NURSES WIN MORE Lamp advert.indd 1 STAFF28/11/19 1:34 pm Print Post Approved: PP100007890 NURSING RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES Australian Journal of Primary Health integrates the theory and practice of community health services and primary health care. THE NEXT EVOLUTION The journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed research, reviews, policy reports and analyses from around the world. Articles cover a range of issues influencing community health services and primary health care, particularly comprehensive primary health care research, evidence-based practice (excluding discipline-specific clinical interventions) and primary health care OF the lamp IS COMING… policy issues. From 2020, we’ll be launching Lamp Online, The central concept of According to the National Health Factors influencing self- empowerment in Indigenous Survey, type II diabetes affected 4.1 management in patients with covering all the issues that are important to you. per cent of Australians and 20 per health and wellbeing cent experienced a mental health type 2 diabetes in general But don’t worry, you’ll still get your print copy 6 times a year. practice: a qualitative study Samantha Bobba: Australian issue in 2017–18 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018). Journal of Primary Health 25(5) Julie Dao A C , Catherine Spooner However, despite the prevalence of 387-388 A , Winston Lo B and Mark F. Harris mental disorders, effective access A: Australian Journal of Primary CHECK OUT www.thelamp.com.au While difficult to define and and care management remain a Health 25(2) 176-184 undoubtedly more difficult to major concern. ensure, empowerment is a concept General practice care plans were Over the past three decades, the that is central to closing the gap in introduced into the Australian prevalence of diagnosed type Indigenous health and wellbeing. healthcare system to serve two 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has The unresolved anger and loss purposes: (1) to facilitate access tripled, with 1.26 million Australians associated with the targeted to multidisciplinary health care currently living with T2DM. T2DM is discrimination, dispossession of for people with chronic health a progressive chronic disease, which land, forcible separation of families conditions; and (2) to assist GPs to requires effective management to and systematic disempowerment manage the ongoing care of people prevent complications. In Australia, of Indigenous people in Australia’s with these conditions (Department general practice plays a key role in colonial history has had unequivocal of Health 2014). Under this model, supporting self-management. Self- effects on the health and wellbeing GPs are eligible to receive Medicare management involves the patient of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Benefits Schedule (MBS) payments working in partnership with their Islander people and continues to to prepare and review plans, which healthcare providers and carers so have intergenerational effects (Brock involves working collaboratively they can understand their condition 1993; Australian Institute of Health with consumers to determine their and treatment options; engage in and Welfare 2015). healthcare needs. care planning and health promotion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Chronic disease management (CDM) activities (e.g. diet, physical Islander people have a strong sense plans replaced Enhanced Primary activity); and monitor and manage of spirituality, cultural tradition Care (EPC) plans in 2005, and were the signs and symptoms of T2DM. and kinship, community values, introduced to enable GPs to plan and However, the 2016 Diabetes MILES-2 connection to and understanding coordinate the health care of people Survey of 1265 Australians with of the natural environment, and an with chronic medical conditions, T2DM identified that recommended extraordinary political strength, such as type II diabetes (Department self-management behaviours were all of which are a testament to their of Health 2014). not routinely practised by all. resilience as a community in spite of Under the Better Access to It is well established that health the hardships they have endured. Psychiatrists, Psychologists and behaviours are determined by a Moving forward from Australia’s General Practitioners (Better complex range of individual and colonial past requires more than Access) initiative (introduced in environmental factors. The aim just economic resources and November 2006) (Littlefield and of this qualitative study was to affirmative action policies, rather, it Giese 2008), GPs can claim for the explore the factors influencing self- requires a dedication to empowering creation and review of a mental management of T2DM in patients Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care plan, which is designed attending general practices in South people to enable the realisation of to encourage collaborative care West Sydney (SWS) from both a self-determination in relation to between GPs, consumers and other patient and provider perspective. health and wellbeing. service providers, and to provide A secondary aim was to assess how http://www.publish.csiro.au/py/ streamlined access to psychiatrists, consistent the findings were with Fulltext/PY18097 psychologists and other health the socio-ecological model. professionals (Department of http://www.publish.csiro.au/py/ REGULARS WORKPLACE p.33 Management or missed PRIVATE HOSPITALS REGIONAL VIOLENCE Your rights and entitlements at work p.37 HOSPITALS Leave rights protected Time for action Nurse Uncut – your stories p.37 Rural towns fight at St Vincent’s Health on violence What nurses and midwives said p.39 Health 2018a). Nursing research online Fulltext/PY18095 to save services page 16 page 14 page 10 opportunity? Mental health The current research aimed to care planning in Australian examine care planning for diabetes

general practice and mental disorders from both THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 76 NO. 6 JULY 2019 records of GP encounters and Michelle Banfield, Louise M. consumer experiences. Farrer and Christopher Harrison: http://www.publish.csiro.au/py/ Australian Journal of Primary Fulltext/PY18150 Health 25(4) 332-338

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 39 NURSES WIN MORE Lamp advert.indd 1 STAFF28/11/19 1:34 pm Print Post Approved: PP100007890 INSURANCE BENEFITS For NSWNMA Members

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The NSWNMA is committed to protecting the interests of nurses and midwives by purchasing a range of insurances to cover members. Unsure if you

Journey Accident Insurance provides cover are financial? for members who are injured as a result of an accident while travelling between their home It’s easy! and their regular place of employment. Ring and check today on Professional Indemnity Insurance provides 8595 1234 (metro) or legal representation and protection for members 1300 367 962 (rural) when required. Change your payment information online at Make sure your membership remains financial www.nswnma.asn.au at all times in order to access the insurance and other benefits provided by the NSWNMA.

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IMPORTANT NOTE From 1 December 2018 the insurance benefits have changed as follows: • Journey Accident Insurance: the waiting period for benefits is now 14 days 40 | THE LAMP DECEMBER• Professional 2019 /JANUARY 2020 Indemnity Insurance: the limit per claim is now $5 million

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1 20 jaw (17) when you 7. Belonging to or 21 22 23 situated within, the body or part of the need it most 24 2 body (9) 2 8. The body’s development of 2 intolerance of the The NSWNMA is committed to protecting the antigens on its own interests of nurses and midwives by purchasing 2 2 cells (10) 9. A pair of hearing a range of insurances to cover members. Unsure if you 30 organs (4) Journey Accident Insurance provides cover are financial? 31 32 33 34 13. Inkblot test (9.4) 14. Sick (3) for members who are injured as a result of an 3 accident while travelling between their home 16. Occurring every day It’s easy! (5) and their regular place of employment. 3 Ring and check today on 17. Earlier form of words (5) provides 8595 1234 (metro) or Professional Indemnity Insurance 18. The condition of 1300 367 962 (rural) ACROSS 21. Relating to personal peculiarities legal representation and protection for members gleaming with bright 1. Any repeated physical or verbal or mannerisms (13) when required. Change your payment and changing colours conduct that causes another 23. Needle Valve (1.1) (11) information online at person distress (10) Make sure your membership remains financial 24. Lymph node (1.1) 20. Reluctance, www.nswnma.asn.au 6. To expand (6) at all times in order to access the insurance and 25. Come together (4) unwillingness (10) 10. Deformity (13) 26. The lymphatic tonsils (8) other benefits provided by the NSWNMA. 22. Continuous (7) 11. A solid residue of tobacco 27. To move back and forth (10) 25. A powerful painkiller smoke (3) 28. Gradually recede (8) and narcotic drug (8) 12. Inflammation of a bone 30. Agent with antimitotic activity, 29. Insulin shock therapy and its periosteum (16) formerly used as a palliative (1.1.1) www.nswnma.asn.au 15. A condition where bits of the treatment for leukaemia (8) 32. Radioactive iodine tissue similar to the lining of the 31. Leptocyte (5.4) (1.1.1) uterus grow in other parts of the 35. Insufficiency, deficiency (10) 33. The conscious sense body (13) 36. An instrument that is used to test of the self (3) 19. Repetitive complex movements IMPORTANT NOTE lung capacity (10) 34. Choriolysin L (1.1.1) From 1 December 2018 the insurance benefits have changed as follows: used to relieve anxiety (6) • Journey Accident Insurance: the waiting period for benefits is now 14 days • Professional Indemnity Insurance: the limit per claim is now $5 million THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 41

NSWNMA Insurance Advert.indd 1 9/1/19 11:16 am Welcome Improved communication to channels and engagement Seamless access to membership details MEMBER Functionality at your fingertips CENTRAL Unique NSWNMA THE NEW ONLINE SYSTEM member login with email FOR NSWNMA MEMBERS

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Full terms and conditions are available at www.nswnma.asn.au/nswnmamembers/contests-and-promotions Conditions apply. Prize must be redeemed by 31 January 2021 and is subject to room availability. Block out dates: 23 – 29 January 2020 , 21 – 31 May 2020, 1 June – 31 July 2020 and 23 December 2020 – 6 January 2021. Competition opens on 1 February 2019 and closes 31 January 2020. The prize will be drawn 42 | onTHE 1 February LAMP DECEMBER 2020. If a redraw 2019 /JANUARY is required 2020 for an unclaimed prize it must be held up to 3 months from the original draw date. NSW Permit no: LTPM/18/02955

New online system - bali.indd 2 21/1/19 9:09 am Welcome Improved communication REVIEWS to channels and engagement book Seamless access to All books can be ordered through the membership details club publisher or your local bookshop. MEMBER Functionality at your fingertips L INT IA ER Finding the Heart of the Nation – The journey of theC UluruE CENTRAL E S Unique NSWNMA P T Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth S

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Registered and Enrolled Nurse members of the Association are invited to apply for an OPWC Aged Care Scholarship

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is The scholarship will cover the cost of a one-year subscription to the ANMF online Aged pleased to announce a new round of the Old Care Training Room from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021, valued at $110 per scholarship. People’s Welfare Council (OPWC) Scholarships, The ANMF online Aged Care Training Room provides access to over 60 online CPD courses opening for application on 13 January 2020. that you may access across a 12-month period. WHO MAY APPLY The ANMF online Aged Care Training Room provides nurses whose area of practice is aged 1 Registered or Enrolled Nurses; care in the residential or community setting with the opportunity to remotely meet their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for national registration. 2 You must be currently working in aged care; TO APPLY 1 Read the Scholarship Information and Terms at www.nswnma.asn.au/education/ 3 A financial member of the NSWNMA; scholarships 2 Complete the official OPWC Scholarship application form 4 You must be currently registered with the 3 Submit your completed application to the NSWNMA by the scholarship closing date Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; 5pm, Tuesday 31 March. 5 The scholarship is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents. FOR ENQUIRIES, please contact the Association on 1300 367 962 or (02) 8595 1234

The Scholarship program is due to a generous grant by theOld Peoples Welfare Council Ltd to theNSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. The Scholarships aim to enhance the care of older people by supporting the undertaking of further studies by nurses who would then apply their learning in their aged care work.

44 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 REVIEWS at the movies

M WIN Y O A V W I A E GIV E

A Beautiful Day in Little Women

Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) has crafted a Little the Neighbourhood Women that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott. It unfolds as the author’s alter ego, Jo Tom Hanks portrays American children’s television icon Mister March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life. In Gerwig’s Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, a timely story take, the beloved story of the March sisters – four young women of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story each determined to live life on her own terms – is both timeless of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom and timely. Portraying Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March, the Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his Scanlen, with Timothee Chalamet as their neighbour Laurie, skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency Laura Dern as Marmee, and Meryl Streep as Aunt March. from America’s most beloved neighbour. In cinemas 1 January, 2020 In cinemas 23 January, 2020

to be in the draw to win one Email The Lamp by 20 December to be in the draw to win one Email The Lamp by 20 December of 10 double passes to A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood of 10 double passes to Little Women thanks to Sony Pictures. Email thanks to Sony Pictures. Email your name, membership number, your name, membership number, address and telephone number to address and telephone number to [email protected] for a [email protected] for a chance to win! chance to win!

Secret

M Bridesmaids’ Y O A V W I A Business E GIV E

A bride’s perfect wedding turns deadly after one of her bridesmaids unwittingly invites a malevolent stranger into their lives, triggering a life-threatening chain reaction that blows open a hidden world of intimate secrets. In this addictive, six- part, romantic thriller, the power of female friendship could prove the difference between life and death.

Email The Lamp by the end of December to be in the draw to win one a copy of Secret Bridesmaids’ Business thanks to Acorn. Email your name, membership number, address and telephone number to [email protected] for a chance to win!

THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | 45 DIARY DATES Diary Dates for conferences, Please send event details in the format used here: event name, date and location, contact details – by the 5th of each preceding month. seminars, meetings and reunions Send your event details to: make is a free service for members. [email protected] Fax 02 9662 1414 Post 50 O’Dea Ave, Waterloo NSW 2017. All listings are edited for the purposes of style and space. a date [email protected] Priority is given to non-profit professional events.

NEW SOUTH WALES INTERNATIONAL ACCCN NSW Critical International Council of Nurses Advertise in Care Seminar (ICN) Congress 2021 The Lamp and 29 November 2019 Abu Dhabi, UAE Colombo House Theatres, www.icn.ch/ reach more UNSW, Randwick than 66,000 https://www.acccn.com.au/events/ EVENTS: REUNIONS nurses and event/nsw-critical-care-seminar-29- 100 years of Celebration: november-2019 Blue Mountains District midwives. The RHW Midwifery Conference: ANZAC Memorial Hospital – To advertise contact Tales of the Unexpected Reunion of all past employees Danielle Nicholson 28 Feb 2020 6 pm, 15 February 2020 02 8595 2139 / 0429 269 750 Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick $65 per head – 3-course meal [email protected] www.royalwomen.org.au/rhwmidwifery Carrington House, Katoomba 2780 EVENTS: INTERSTATE RSVP: 10 January 2020 CROSSWORD SOLUTION The Alfred Pain Symposium [email protected] 30 November 2019 Mater Misericordiae, Monash University, North Sydney Melbourne, VIC https://painmedicine.org.au/ “Barrington’s Group” 40-Year Reunion. 18th National Nurse The Rocks Education Conference: Saturday 1 February 2020 Inspire, Motivate, Educate Kate: 0448 494026 28–30 October 2020 Gold Coast, Queensland https://www.ants.org.au

46 | THE LAMP DECEMBER 2019 /JANUARY 2020 TRAVEL

Fabulous holiday offers

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact the Member Concierge desk to discuss the world on sale. To book email [email protected] or call 1300 959 550. For all other packages, head to unionshopper.ubookdirect.com

Medhufishi Escape Ritual Island Resort, Bali, Wellness Maldives Retreat Canggu

Medhufushi Island Resort, Escape Ritual Bali is a luxury an all-inclusive 4 star resort 5 star boutique retreat that surrounded by a spectacular aims to create space for those who are ready to tune lagoon in shades of turquoise and shimmering azure out of the daily humdrum of life. Escape Ritual offers blue. Perfect to get away from it all and experience carefully curated retreats essential to maintaining affordable, laid-back rustic at a Maldives resort. harmony and balance in health and life. Beach Villa – 5 nights $1499* (2 ADULTS) Wellness package – 7 days / 6 nights • All-inclusive meal plan (Service charge, GST and $1899pp* (2 ADULTS) Green tax included) Island hopping and sunset tour for • • Choice of one of the focus packages: well-being, fitness, two guests • Morning fishing tour for two guests yoga, surf or space package Return airport transfers 10% discount for spa treatments. • • • 6 nights’ accommodation in a Mediterranean luxury villa • 3 x daily healthy meals cooked by a professional in-house chef + 1 snack cooked on site (except dinners on Tues & Wed, which are nights out) • Villa facilities: 21 M infinity Discover pool, TV/AV room, pool table • One massage per person. Vanuatu Port Vila and Sanctuary Tanna, Vanuatu Rarotonga On

Only a few hours from The Beach – Australia, Vanuatu is the perfect place to embark on Cook Islands your next holiday. Best of Vanuatu – 7 nights $999* Boutique adults-only (4 NIGHTS IN PORT VILA & 3 NIGHTS ON TANNA ISLAND 4.5 star beach resort. Located on the southwest coast FOR 2 ADULTS) of the island of Raratonga, offers adults-only boutique accommodation with absolute beachfront location. • 4 night stay at The Melanesian Hotel Port Vila (Orchid Room) • 3 night stay at The Whitegrass Ocean Resort Beachside Suite – 5 nights $999* and Spa Tanna (Ocean Double Room) • Daily tropical (2 ADULTS) breakfast • Return airport transfers • Round Island Safari (full-day tour) for 2 guests • Daily guided snorkelling • Daily tropical breakfast • Adults-only swimming pool + tour to Turtle Reef • Welcome cocktail & free Wi-Fi. swim-up bar • BlueWater Grill, lobby bar, private candlelit dinners • Rarotonga’s best snorkelling in Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve • Extensive complimentary activities: * All travel deals are subject to availability. For black-out dates, high season stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, surcharges and full T&C’s go to unionshopper.ubookdirect.com Medhufishi Island Resort: valid until 31 October 2020. Rate based on tennis • SpaPolynesia • Adjacent to sister resort, The 2 adults during low season (1 May – 31 October 2020) Escape Ritual Bali: Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa with direct access to all valid for travel until 15 May 2020. Rate based on 2 adults (twin share). Single facilities and services. supplement available Discover Vanuatu: Valid for travel until 31 March 2020. Rate based on 2 adults Sanctuary Rarotonga On The Beach: valid for travel ADULTS ONLY until 31 March 2020. Rate based on 2 adults

Travel.indd 1 13/11/19 12:39 pm THE 2019 – 2020 needed it. NSWNMA Member did it. loved it. Recruitment Recruit a new member and go into the draw to scheme prize win a 5 night Opti mal Wellness Program for PRIZE DRAWN two at the Golden Door Wellness Retreat & Spa, 30 JUNE 2020 Hunter Valley valued at over $6,000

The perfect place to reset your mind and body and gain a wealth of knowledge to create a healthier, happier and more moti vated you. You and a friend will experience: • 5 nights’ accommodati on in a private villa • Personal welcome consultati on on arrival • All nutriti ous meals and snacks • Diverse selecti on of group ﬁ tness acti viti es, relaxati on and mind-body classes • Daily program of health educati on seminars and workshops • Use of all the faciliti es including a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, indoor acti vity studios and outdoor relaxati on areas • Two luxurious spa treatments including one Classic Facial and one Swedish massage • One wellness consultati on with your choice of: wellness coaching, meditati on, yoga or standard personal training session • Access to all the spa faciliti es including steam room, spa bath and relaxati on lounges. Guided by a team of health professionals, this program will give you a complete understanding of the art of skilful living and homegrown wellness – a results driven concept the Golden Door team is highly trained in. Opti mise your goals to reach new heights in all aspects of your life. Every member you sign up over the year gives you an entry in the draw! RECRUITERS NOTE: Join online at www.nswnma.asn.au If you refer a member to join online, make sure you ask them to put your name and workplace on the online applicati on form, so you will be entered in the draw.

Conditi ons apply. Prize must be redeemed by 30 June 2021 and is subject to room availability. Block out dates include all Australian and NZ school holidays and Christmas / New Year period. The Opti mal Wellness Program commences Sunday through Friday each week. The prize will be drawn on 30 June 2020. If a redraw is requiredAuthorised for an by unclaimedB. Holmes, General prize Secretary, it must New be South held Wales up to Nurses 3 months and Midwives’ from Association, the original 50 O’Dea draw Ave, date. Waterloo NSW NSW Permit 2017 no: LTPM/19/04224.

Member recruitment 2019.indd 2 8/5/19 11:37 am