Nursing and Midwifery News

Issue 11, October 2006 Gala dinner honours great Australian

More than 400 people enjoyed an evening of entertainment, fine food and wine at a gala dinner to honour Australian World War II heroine Vivian Bullwinkel and to raise funds for the Vivian Bullwinkel Memorial Fund. The memorial fund supports the work being undertaken by the Vivian Bullwinkel Chair in Palliative Care Nursing, which was established in 2003 by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the Peninsula campus to lead research, teaching and support in the field of palliative care. Former Chief of Defence, General Peter Cosgrove AC MC, Professor O’Connor, Governor of Victoria Professor David Vivian Bullwinkel survived three years De Kretser AO, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ Deputy Dean, Professor Leon Piterman, Ms Ita Buttrose AM and Vivian’s nephew Mr John Bullwinkel at the gala event. of captivity under the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II. Following the war she continued to dedicate her life to the comfort of the sick and dying through her profession of nursing. From the Head of School The current Chair in Nursing, Palliative Care Despite the hectic pace of 2006 we are finding it difficult to afford postgraduate is held by Professor Margaret O’Connor all looking forward to next year, with the study. who has made an impressive 20 year introduction of two new awards at our Researchers within the School have contribution to the field to date and leads an Peninsula campus. The double degree been fortunate to attract a number of accomplished team of researchers. in Nursing and Emergency Health grants associated with the DHS ‘Prepare The work conducted by Professor O’Connor (Paramedic) course poises to attract a Nurses for the Future’ program. and her team in Vivian’s honour focuses on large number of potential students and Congratulations to all those involved the needs of the dying and exploring ways the new degree in Nursing/Psychological with these projects which range from their lives can be made more comfortable, Studies will provide an opportunity for Improving Undergraduate Education to with Professor O’Connor leading a range of graduates to expand their career options Exploring Alternative Mechanisms for research initiatives aimed at enhancing the in either mental health, psychiatric Entry to Practice. We hope at least some of these projects will be concluded by provision of palliative care services both nursing or clinical psychology. This latter early 2007. nationally and internationally award has been supported with the The Vivian Bullwinkel Memorial Fund Gala allocation of additional load by the At our Gippsland campus, planning Dinner at the Museum was a Commonwealth Government, as part of is underway for the introduction of great success. Generously promoting the its initiative to increase the mental health Graduate Entry Medicine (the MBBS) course in 2008. This will help build memory of Vivian Bullwinkel and supporting workforce. the fund through participation on the night the number of health profession were the Governor of Victoria, Professor The recent reconfiguration of our disciplines on the campus and create David De Kretser AO, former Chief of postgraduate awards has allowed the a range of opportunities for inter- Defence, General Peter Cosgrove AC MC, School to allocate some CSP places to disciplinary education and for closer Lt Georgina Whelan, RAN, Commander courses that have previously only been collaboration between staff in the School Medical Unit, Banda Aceh, Tsunami Relief available on a full fee paying basis. This and their colleagues in medicine. Effort, Vivian Bullwinkel’s nephew Mr John will relieve the financial pressure on a Tony Barnett Bullwinkel and Ms Ita Buttrose AM who was number of students, who have been Head of School MC for the evening. Nursing and Midwifery News Issue 11, 2006

Appointment of director to new board supporting nurses’ health

The Nurses Board time professional service is available to independent management plans and of Victoria address the needs of registered and student coordinate treatment. together with the nurses suffering with alcohol and substance Nurses can enter the program as self- Australian Nursing abuse health issues. It is the first program of referrals or assisted referrals, whereby Federation its kind in Australia and was opened by the nurses come voluntarily but on the advice or (Victoria) has Hon. Ms Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Health, encouragement of a professional colleague, supported the earlier this year. manager, family member of friend. The creation of a new service is available Monday to Friday and is program, the Research data indicates that the prevalence located at 27 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy. Victorian Nurses of alcohol and other drug related problems Health Program among nurses is about the same as that Debra Griffiths (VNHP). The VNHP is a fully independent of the general community; however nurses RN (Div 1, Midwife), BA, LLB, LLM, legal entity with a five member Board of do have some particular challenges. Barrister and Solicitor Directors. Debra Griffiths from the School of They have ready access to drugs and Debra worked as a nurse and midwife Nursing and Midwifery has been appointed the pharmacological knowledge to go for more than a decade in Australia and as a director to the new board. The VNHP with this. They are unaccustomed to and England before commencing studies in has been established to ensure that a full uncomfortable in the role of patient. The arts and law. She is a senior lecturer in the community is very sensitive towards health Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health problems among nurses and there is often Sciences at Monash University where reluctance by nurses to admit substance Children’s book on grief she teaches health law issues. She is abuse problems. This can result in late In edition 8 of the newsletter we particularly interested in legal education of presentation, or no presentation, for reported on publication of the book health professionals and the incorporation treatment. This can impact on the nurse’s ‘Let the children be our teachers: a of legal principles into daily clinical practice. guide for those supporting grieving well being and career, as the Nurses Board She is currently completing her PhD which children’. This book was written with of Victoria are statutorily bound to deal with examines the practice of nurses and Linda Espie, Grief Counsellor, the health of nurses when it interferes or medical practitioners and their role in patient translated into Japanese by Kaori may interfere with their clinical practice. refusal of treatment decisions. She is the Shimoinaba, lecturer at the School The VNHP emphasizes the importance of co-author of the text Essentials of Law for and illustrated by Japanese children. early presentation and is equipped to offer Health Professionals, published by Elsevier. Kaori recently received an award from the National Association for Loss & Grief, for her work. These awards are New associate professor for Gippsland campus given annually during Grief Awareness Dr Ysanne Chapman has been at Monash will enable her to become more involved in Week with the purpose of promoting, University since 2004 and was recently academic staff development as well as recognising and rewarding excellence appointed Associate Professor of Nursing at pursuing her current and develop new in the provision of loss and grief Gippsland Campus, School of Nursing and research interests. She has a special support and awareness raising. Midwifery. She originally trained as a nurse Congratulations Kaori. attraction to writing for publication and will in London, England and moved to Australia continue her mentorship with other in 1970. She has worked as a clinician in academics in the school in assisting them to operating theatre, coronary care, accident publish in prestige refereed journals. Ysanne Graduation in Petaling Jaya and emergency, general surgery, medical currently supervises eight PhD students, for Malaysian students wards and community health. She began one masters’ student and is course her academic career as a clinical educator coordinator of the Bachelor of Nursing with and moved into the tertiary system in 1989. Honours program. Ysanne has worked as an academic at the University of New England, Armidale NSW, the University of Tasmania – Hobart, Adelaide University and Flinders University of . She has held several management positions; Head of School, Head of Department and course On the 6 September, 63 Bachelor of Nursing coordination positions. Before joining (Post Registration) and 12 Masters of Nursing students graduated at the graduation ceremony Monash University she was Head of the held at Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel. The event Department of Nursing, College of Nursing was attended by the Head of School, Associate Professor Tony Barnett (pictured with some of and Allied Medical Science in Riyadh, Saudi the students after receiving their awards), Chair Arabia. Ysanne completed her PhD in 1999 of International Matters, Ms Jeni Grubb and Ms and her thesis examined the experience of Pathma Namasivayam from the of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University. sadness in community health nurses who deliver palliative care. Ysanne’s new position Nursing and Midwifery News Issue 11, 2006

Palliative Care Nurses Australia Inaugural Conference 250 nurses from across Australia and New Nottingham, UK, Ms Rita Evans Director, Zealand attended the inaugural conference Palliative Care Section, Department of Winner of the Vivian of Palliative Care Nurses Australia on the Health and Ageing and Professor David Bullwinkel Keynote Address 8 and 9 September. The conference was Currow, Flinders University. Ms Joan Yalden was the inaugural held at the recently renovated Hotel Y in The Inaugural Annual General Meeting winner of the Vivian Bullwinkel Keynote Melbourne and was managed by staff from and election of Committee Members for Address at the recent Palliative Care the School of Nursing and Midwifery’s Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA) Nurses Australia Conference held at palliative care research team on behalf was included as part of the conference the Hotel Y, Melbourne, 8-9 September. of Palliative Care Nurses Australia. proceedings. Professor Margaret O’Connor, The Conference Scientific Committee The theme was ‘Strength in Working Vivian Bullwinkel Chair in Nursing Palliative selected Ms Yalden’s abstract from all Together’ and sessions focused on clinical Care has acted as the interim chairperson submitted abstracts. Ms Yalden gave practice, innovation, collaborative of Palliative Care Nurses Australia over the an insightful presentation about approaches and policy/service delivery past 12 months, but has recently taken over engaging residents in Aged Care issues. Keynote speakers included invited as President of Palliative Care Australia, so Facilities in the implementation of a speaker Professor Jane Seymour, Head, did not seek election on to the new palliative approach. She is currently Sue Ryder Care Centre for Palliative and Committee. Dr Judi Greaves, School of completing her PhD within the School End of Life Studies, University of Nursing and Midwifery, Peninsula campus of Nursing and Midwifery. was elected to the new Committee. PCNA was launched 12 months ago, to provide a The Vivian Bullwinkel Keynote Address forum for palliative care nurses from across will be a highlight of future PCNA Australia. Already the organisation has 270 Conferences with the next being held in members from throughout Australia. 2008 in Adelaide. The new committee looks forward to further developing the organisation over the next 12 months and has planned a face-to-face Bachelor of Midwifery Student meeting in Adelaide during November. Receives National Award The next Palliative Care Nurses Australia Conference will be held in Adelaide in 2008. Final year student Karen Wesley was Planning has commenced with conference recently recognised for her academic themes and keynote speakers being and clinical achievements at the decided over the next couple of months. Australian Nursing Awards. Karen was one of three students to receive For further information about Palliative Care a sanofi-aventis Student Achievement Nurses Australia and membership details Award for her outstanding academic Professor Margaret O’Connor, Interim Chair Palliative visit www.pallcare.org.au, email pcna@ Care Nurses Australia and Professor Jane Seymour, and practical results over the three Head, Sue Ryder Care Centre for Palliative and End of pallcare.org.au or contact Judi Greaves judi. years of her degree. The citation for Life Studies, University of Nottingham, UK. [email protected]. Karen’s award noted excellence in all aspects of the course. Kaye McCauley, winner – The National Karen was nominated for the award by the School of Nursing and QUM Awards 2006 Midwifery. The selection committee recognised her as a future leader in The National Quality Use of Medicines Awards were presented at the National the midwifery profession; She was Medicines Symposium dinner at Parliament House, Canberra on 8 June. Kay flown to Brisbane to receive the McCauley from the School of Nursing and Midwifery was highly commended in the award, which also included $500 Student Category. Kay is a lecturer in midwifery and mental health nursing and is also cash. currently a research fellow at the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC). Kay’s PhD research on best practice in the management of women with psychosis in pregnancy, has involved the establishment of the National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy (N-RAMP), under the supervision of Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director of APRC. These biennial awards are for the contribution of health professionals, the community, students, consumers, pharmaceutical companies, government, the health industry and the media to achieve better use in medicines. There are a variety of categories however the Student QUM award is a new category in 2006. The National QUM Awards are an initiative of the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) and the Pharmaceutical Health and Rational Use of Medicines (PHARM) Committee. Nursing and Midwifery News Issue 11, 2006

The National Register Alumni meet in Kuala Lumpur of Antipsychotic Around 50 guests and alumnus attended There were also research presentations Medication in a function at the Palace of Golden Horses, from four recent Masters of Nursing Pregnancy (NRAMP) Mines, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on graduates. 7 September. Very little is known about the safety • Ms Surindar Kaur – ‘Effect of structured of antipsychotic medications taken Invited guests included Ms Puan Dayang pre-op teaching on mobility for women during pregnancy. Sometimes women Annie Abang Narudin (President of the who have undergone elective caesarean are still taking their medication before Malaysian Nurses Association), Mr Murthy section’; they are aware that they are pregnant. (Malaysian Nurses Association), Ms Ivy • Ms Tang Li Yoon – ‘Fluid compliance The National Register of Antipsychotic Khoo (retired DON of Lam Wah Ee amongst haemodialysis patients at the Medication in Pregnancy (NRAMP) is Hospital), Catherine Pero (Head, School of University Malaya Medical Center collecting important information from Nursing, Normah Medical Specialist (UMMC)’; women who have taken antipsychotic Centre), Emmalice Jaboh (Normah Medical medication and then become Specialist Centre), Ms Raijah Rahim (Head, • Ms Rasnah Abdul Rahman – pregnant, so health professionals can Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia), ‘Satisfaction with early postpartum care be better informed about how to care and Ms Che’an Ahmad (Principal, College of among postpartum women at University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)’; for their patients and their patients’ Nursing, University Malaya Medical Centre). new babies. • Puziah Md Zain – ‘The impact of Associate Professor Tony Barnett gave education on the accuracy of triage Women who are pregnant or have a welcome address and the Masters assessment skill among the nurses and a baby up to one year of age, have of Ceremony for the occasion were medical assistants in the Emergency a history of schizophrenia or other Ms Letchmi Devi and Ms Tracy Kok. psychotic disorders can participate. Department’. After the September Puan Dayang Annie Abang Narudin functions, Jeni and Pathma conducted Interviews will be conducted presented a keynote address entitled tutorial activities in Kuching, Kuala periodically throughout the pregnancy ‘Safe staffing, save life’. Lumpur and Penang. and the baby’s first year. The information collected includes details about the mother’s health history, medications she has taken, obstetric history, delivery details and information about the baby’s health and developmental progress. To find out more please contact Professor Jayashri Kulkarni or Kay McCauley from The Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre on (03) 9276-6564

Announcing the new Ms Jeni Grubb and Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration) students at Monash University Malaysia. president of the Australian College of Midwives (VIC) Are you a graduate of the Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration) Degree from Monash University? Do you live in East Malaysia? If so, you are invited to participate in a study being conducted by Melanie Birks, PhD student in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The aim of this study is to explore how the experience of undertaking a post- registration degree in nursing has impacted on the personal and professional development of registered nurses in Malaysian Borneo. It is intended that the findings of this research will inform nursing education, capacity building and workforce planning in Malaysia, and will aid in course and curriculum development for those delivering educational programs to nurses in this region. All students who have completed the course and who live in East Malaysia are eligible to participate in this research. If you would like to participate in this study or would like more information about the project please contact Melanie directly at melanie.birks@ Meredith McIntyre (former deputy head of school) med.monash.edu.au Nursing and Midwifery News Issue 11, 2006

Congratulations to Dr Susan Lee Mildura students at the Alfred Hospital Susan Lee recently than having a particular process for graduated with a decision-making, palliative care clients Doctor of approached each decision differently. Philosophy from Most participants preferred to collaborate Edith Cowan University in in decision-making, however the nature and . level of clients’ participation was dependant Her studies were upon the approach of health professionals. partly supported In particular perceptions of the professionals by the National being ‘nice’ and inviting clients to engage Research Council of Australia. in making decisions created positive The Mildura students are Rheannon Carson, experiences of working together. Although Lynna Sheahan and Elise Kinnersley. Susan is a senior lecturer at the School of this might seem reasonable, it created the Nursing and Midwifery on the Peninsula A group of second year students from risk that patients might hand control of campus of Monash University, where she the Mildura campus enjoyed their decision making entirely to the health manages the postgraduate studies program clinical placements at the Alfred professional. and works with Professor Margaret during June. They were invited by Gippsland campus staff, who O’Connor on the palliative care research Susan hopes to do further research identified that placement at a large team. investigating the education of health metropolitan hospital might be a professionals in the area of the relationships Susan’s research investigated the issues wonderful experience for students they develop with patients and in the area of experienced by palliative care patients or whose only previous experience was communication, with a view to developing clients in their involvement with decision- in rural hospitals. making. She conducted interviews with improved decision-making strategies for use patients, family members and health when engaging with patients and their professionals and observed health decision families. processes in palliative care settings in Susan has recently returned from Canada Excellence in Melbourne, and Japan. where she presented her research to the The study found that palliative care clients, International Cancer Care Nurses disability support towards the end of their lives, are faced with Conference and the International Congress awards – 2006 many different decisions. However rather on Care of the Terminally Ill.

Improving mobile-wireless device adoption by nurses in a hospital ward setting

A collaborative team of researchers are by nurses in this setting. The team includes currently investigating the uptake and usage Dr Liza Heslop and Mr Stephen Weeding of mobile-wireless equipment such as from the School of Nursing and Midwifery Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and how and Dr Linda Dawson and Associate the limitations of this equipment might be Professor Julie Fisher from Faculty of Student Award Recipients: Annette Bourke and overcome and made more useful by nurses Information Technology. Dr Heslop is the Meagan Jones in a hospital ward setting. Chief Investigator and can be contacted on [email protected] Each year at Monash University Technology is an integral part of modern Gippsland campus, the Excellence Australian hospital ward settings and nurses in Disability Support Awards are are an integral part of the delivery of patient presented. care. Nurses are interested in using the technology because they can gain Students with a long-term medical condition or disability often excel at immediate access to pharmacology university but are hindered information, pathology results and other by their condition in attaining decision support tools. Even the ability to scholarships. In recognising this, such scan patient barcodes can help nurses students can apply for one of two retrieve patient information more quickly. awards. This year the recipients were Such access can lead to better patient both Nursing students; Annette outcomes. Bourke (Academic Excellence). The preliminary research has provided Meagan Jones (Encouragement) and insights into mobile implementation Congratulations Annette and Meagan. Simplified pathology interface for laptops and PDAs difficulties of the new devices encountered Nursing and Midwifery News Issue 11, 2006

Culture • Critique • Creativity Postcard from Katherine N.T. Hi to all at Monash, Andrea and I are having a great time in the “Territory”. We are on community nursing placement with Sunrise Health at the Mataranka and Jilkminggan Health Clinics about 440 kms south from Darwin. We are loving it up here and developing skills appropriate to remote area nursing. We have helped deal with the whole gammut of nursing care for the local communities with great emphasis on indigenous health needs. From health assessment to buffalo inflicted 7th International Practice wounds, immunisations, taking bloods, eyes and ear infections, Development Conference amongst many chronic conditions and minor problems. The team here Portraits, Panoramas and Palettes at Mataranka have been great to us and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, we return south shortly, Call for Abstracts but hope to return soon. We have 31 October, 1 and 2 November 2007 endeavoured to experience the local community and have attended the Langham Hotel, Southgate, Melbourne, Australia historical museum, the hot springs, This is the 7th International Practice Development Conference and is organised by Monash University, School of the local pub, the Barra Bash and Nursing and Midwifery and the International Practice Development Collaborative. other attractions. Cheers Rhonda and Andrea. Faculty re-structure impacts on nursing

The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health emergency health – paramedic, Sciences has initiated an administrative re- physiotherapy and occupational therapy) structure at Gippsland and Peninsula and the creation of a Health and Wellness campuses which affects nursing. Precinct characterise the new direction of that campus. The expansion of faculty The School of Nursing and Midwifery will activities at both campuses creates continue as an academic school, linking the opportunities for nursing and midwifery in two campuses with a School Head teaching, research and areas of (Associate Professor Tony Barnett) and Rhonda Gaze and Andrea Taggert, third year management. More information about how Gippsland students, on community placement. Deputy Head of School (Associate this is progressing will be included in the Rhonda is pictured with some of the team. Professor Glenice Ives) and with next edition. maintenance of cross school academic committees. However, the administration is now restructured along campus lines with Tony as the Administrative Head at News and Views Gippsland and Glenice as the Administrative Contributions to the newsletter are very welcome from past and present students, staff Head at Peninsula campus. This will and colleagues. We would love to receive photos, conference snapshots, and facilitate greater engagement for nursing information on career moves for our alumni, research progress, awards, innovations and with other health disciplines at each travel. Just contact us with your idea, anytime and we will do the rest! campus. Contact Virginia Plummer on 03 9904 4064 or [email protected] A number of exciting new initiatives have Contributions Pathmavathy Namasivayam Juanita Fernando been taken by the university to strengthen Debra Griffiths Tony Barnett Rhonda Gaze Judy Embleton the core activities of research and teaching Glenice Ives Melanie Birks Julie Baxter at both campuses. At Gippsland, these Meredith Milligan Jeni Grubb Freda Webb changes have included the creation of a Meredith McIntyre Margaret O’Connor Lisa McKenna new medical school. At Peninsula, the Ysanne Chapman Kerri Dakin Susan Lee Jenny Newton Editor introduction of a number of new health Kay McCauley Stephen Weeding Virginia Plummer professional courses (health sciences, D&P 10-06