GENERAL SECRETARY CIRCULAR No: 45/2016 BH:DR:EU 21 April 2016 TO: All Members working in NEPT services NSW HealthShare NEPT services - draft position descriptions for nursing staff BACKGROUND On 10 February 2016, the Ministry of Health announced (and commenced consultation on) a proposal that all nursing staff involved in providing NEPT services at LHDs in the Newcastle (excluding New England), Sydney and Wollongong basins would transition their employment to HealthShare and work directly under the statewide NEPT service. A similar announcement was made in October last year regarding PTOs and drivers. A Union Specific Consultation Committee ( USCC ) process was commenced to assist with consultation. CURRENT SITUATION A number of General Secretary Circulars have been issued providing updates and reports. This Circular has attached draft position descriptions for registered nurses and enrolled nurses proposed to be utilised for nursing staff who transition from Local Health Districts to NSW HealthShare ( HS ) and remain working in NEPT Services. NET STEPS These position descriptions have been subject to consultation between HS and the Association over many weeks. We are now seeking your thoughts and observations to these position descriptions by Tuesday, 26 April 2016, to enable finalisation of these with HS. BRETT HOLMES General Secretary Attach 1
Position Description Position Details Position Title: Enrolled Nurse Department: Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) Reports to: Professionally: Clinical Operations and Education Manager (Nurse Manager) NEPT Operationally: Assistant Operational Services Manager NEPT via the Duty Manager - NEPT Roles reporting to: Nil Classification: Enrolled Nurse Award: Public Health System Nurses and Midwives (State) Award Employment Status: Full Time Part Time Casual Location: Various Position Number (Stafflink): Primary Purpose of the position To provide safe, effective and efficient transport service of patients to/from hospital locations and other facilities across NSW and delivery of a high level of customer focused service for a diverse range of clientele. This position also provides delegated nursing care within the scope of practice of an Enrolled Nurse (EN) under indirect supervision of a registered nurse. About HealthShare NSW HealthShare NSW supports patient care across the NSW Health system through the management of support services, including services in the areas of food and linen; transactional services in the areas of employee services (payroll and recruitment), financial services, and warehousing and logistics; supply of disability services and equipment (as Enable NSW); and coordinating non-emergency patient transport services. Further information about HealthShare NSW is available at www.healthshare.nsw.gov.au Our Vision To be a trusted and valued partner enabling excellent healthcare in NSW. We are people helping people deliver excellent healthcare. Our Values Our work is built on a foundation of trust and respect. We live the NSW Health CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment. Key Accountabilities The role and responsibilities are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, customer promise, strategic priorities, performance goals, delegations, policies, procedures and operations systems of HealthShare, and in line with the NSW Health Code of Conduct and the Capabilities required to perform this role competently. PD_ Enrolled Nurse_NEPT_HealthShare_20 April 2016 Page 1 of 6
The accountabilities outlined below indicate the scope of the position. The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The Enrolled Nurse is accountable for all aspects of nursing care under indirect supervision of a Registered Nurse in and within their scope of practice, ensuring high standard and accurate reporting and handover of patient information, developing a rapport with patient, relatives, staff and others, and maintaining efficient and cost-effective service delivery of patient care in NEPT Application of appropriate policies and procedures to make informed decisions regarding the clinical care and assessment of patients in the transport process Ensures nursing practice reflects the current knowledge of nursing related disciplines Ensure that a problem solving approach is used in the planning and implementation of nursing care Coordinate, participate and assist in preparing and moving patients for transport including manually assisting patients to and from sites, inclusive of the uncontrolled environment within the community and into vehicles. Lifting, use of stretchers or other equipment such as wheelchairs, capsules, and other manual handling tasks within the scope of patient transport Support continuous improvement activities including planning, reviewing, developing and implementing changes reflecting contemporary nursing practice in accordance with nursing principles to improve the patient/client/carer s experience and improve service quality Contribute to the maintenance and care of patient transport vehicles (PTV) and patient equipment and belongings. Maintain currency and undertake ongoing development to maintain professional expertise, skills and knowledge to a level which is acceptable by current professional standards and within the Enrolled Nurse Scope of Practice. Maintain strong working relationships with NEPT management, Local Health Districts, care facilities, customers and patients to manage patient care or escalate urgent or clinical matters Key Challenges Working in an out of hospital environment with limited resources. Managing the competing priorities within a busy clinical environment whilst maintaining a high quality of patient/client care. Apply appropriate action and risk assessments to minimise risk, such as uncontrolled environments, patient care and transfer emergencies. To maintain a highly professional, performance based, innovative, responsive and accountable customer service culture, Ensure HealthShare NSW employees operate and engage in accordance with the NSW Health and HealthShare NSW values and the ehealth NSW customer promises (and the expected behaviours associated with those values and promises), To successfully manage relationships within HealthShare NSW and with customers, and Exercise sound judgement and discretion in dealing with sensitive and contentious issues and when representing HealthShare NSW. Position Dimensions Staffing: Number of direct reports: Nil Number of indirect reports (including contractors): Nil Expenditure: Budget ($): Nil Financial Delegation: Nil PD_ Enrolled Nurse_NEPT_HealthShare_20 April 2016 Page 2 of 6
Other Specific Requirements The role and responsibilities are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with delegations, policies, procedures and operations systems of HealthShare NSW, and in line with the NSW Health Code of Conduct. The following specific requirements should be noted: Qualifications Current registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) without notations (that being must be able to administer medications) Vaccination Category A Workplace Culture Model the NSW Health CORE values and the HealthShare NSW values and ensure all workplace conduct is consistent with the behaviours associated with those values and the NSW Health Code of Conduct. Finance and Assets Manage allocated finance and resources efficiently and effectively in accordance with the HealthShare NSW Delegations Manual (and supporting corporate policies and documentation). This may include, but not be limited to, management of an allocated budget, assets and stores, corporate records, intellectual property and personnel records. Risk Management Undertake business unit risk planning and risk assessments, ensuring competence in risk management and assessment. Understand and abide by the organisation s risk policies, developing an understanding of the operational and risk management context, managing risk accordingly. Work Health and Safety Workers have a positive duty to demonstrate commitment to safety. This includes taking reasonable care for your own safety and others, participating with consultation arrangements and complying with work health and safety legislation, policies, procedures and safety instructions. Workplace Diversity Comply with and participate in the organisations workplace diversity policies and procedures. Training Comply with and participate in the organisation s training programs and policies, including participation in mandatory training. Performance Review A performance assessment will be conducted within three (3) months following commencement of employment. At least every twelve (12) months, a performance review will be undertaken. PD_ Enrolled Nurse_NEPT_HealthShare_20 April 2016 Page 3 of 6
Job Demands Checklist The purpose of this checklist is to manage the risk associated with the position in relation to the occupant. It may be used to provide information about the position to a Health Professional required to perform a pre-employment medical assessment. Identification of possible risk can also assist with the development of a training plan for the occupant to ensure the risks are minimised. Each position should be assessed at the site as to the incumbent s (or future incumbent s) OHS responsibilities specific to the position. This form is to be completed in consultation with the manager/supervisor of the position being recruited for. Job Demands Frequency Key: I = Infrequent intermittent activity exists for a short time on a very infrequent basis O = Occasional activity exists up to 1/3 of the time when performing the job F = Frequent activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time when performing the job C = Constant activity exists for more than 2/3 or the time when performing the job R = Repetitive activity involved repetitive movements N = Not Applicable activity is not required to perform the job Note: any entries not assigned a value will be automatically set to "N" PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Description (comment) FREQUENCY I O F C R N Sitting remaining in a seated position to perform tasks Standing remaining standing without moving about to perform tasks Walking floor type: even/uneven/slippery, indoors/outdoors, slopes Running floor type: even/uneven/slippery, indoors/outdoors, slopes Bend/Lean Forward from Waist forward bending from the waist to perform tasks Trunk Twisting turning from the waist while sitting or standing to perform tasks Kneeling remaining in a kneeling posture to perform tasks Squatting/Crouching adopting a squatting or crouching posture to perform tasks Leg/Foot Movement use of leg and/or foot to operate machinery Climbing (stairs/ladders) ascend/descend stairs, ladders, steps Lifting/Carrying light lifting and carrying (0 to 9 kg) Lifting/Carrying moderate lifting and carrying (10 to 15 kg) Lifting/Carrying heavy lifting and carrying (16kg and above) Reaching arms fully extended forward or raised above shoulder Pushing/Pulling/Restraining using force to hold/restrain or move objects toward or away from the body Head/Neck Postures holding head in a position other than neutral (facing forward) Hand and Arm Movements repetitive movements of hands and arms Grasping/Fine Manipulation gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands Work at Heights using ladders, footstools, scaffolding, or other objects to perform work Driving/Riding controlling the operation of a vehicle (e.g. car, truck, bus, motorcycle, bicycle) SENSORY DEMANDS - Description (comment) I O F C R N Sight use of sight is an integral part of work performance (e.g. viewing of -Rays, PD_ Enrolled Nurse_NEPT_HealthShare_20 April 2016 Page 4 of 6
computer screens) Hearing use of hearing is an integral part of work performance (e.g. phone enquiries) Smell use of smell is an integral part of work performance (e.g. working with chemicals) Taste use of taste is an integral part of work performance (e.g. food preparation) Touch use of touch is an integral part of work performance PSYCHOSOCIAL DEMANDS - Description (comment) Distressed People e.g. emergency or grief situations Aggressive and Uncooperative People e.g. drug/alcohol, dementia, mental illness Unpredictable People e.g. dementia, mental illness, head injuries Restraining involvement in physical containment of patients/clients FREQUENCY Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. child abuse, viewing dead/mutilated bodies ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS - Description (comment) Dust exposure to atmospheric dust Gases working with explosive or flammable gases requiring precautionary measures Fumes exposure to noxious or toxic fumes Liquids working with corrosive, toxic or poisonous liquids or chemicals requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) Hazardous Substances e.g. dry chemicals, glues Noise environmental/background noise necessitates people raise their voice to be heard Inadequate Lighting risk of trips, falls or eyestrain Sunlight risk of sunburn exists from spending more than 10 minutes per day in sunlight Extreme Temperatures environmental temperatures are less than 15 C or more than 35 C Confined Spaces areas where only one egress (escape route) exists Slippery or Uneven Surfaces - greasy or wet floor surfaces, ramps, uneven ground Inadequate Housekeeping - obstructions to walkways and work areas cause trips and falls Working At Heights ladders/stepladders/scaffolding are required to perform tasks Biological Hazards exposure to body fluids, bacteria, infectious diseases FREQUENCY Employee Agreement I have read the Position description and understand its contents, am fit and able to perform the duties outlined in the Job Demands Checklist, and agree to work in accordance with the requirements of the position. Signatories Name Signature Date Employee Manager / Supervisor PD_ Enrolled Nurse_NEPT_HealthShare_20 April 2016 Page 5 of 6
Selection Criteria for the position 1. Current registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and demonstrated experience as an Enrolled Nurse in a relevant nursing specialty 2. Demonstrated competency in Basic Life Support and AHPRA approved qualifications in medication administration. 3. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships with customers and stakeholders. 4. Demonstrated understanding of manual handling techniques combined with proven ability to perform work of a physical nature, including loading/unloading and manoeuvring patients around, on/off stretchers and in/out of wheelchairs 5. Capacity to work a seven (7) day rotating roster, including, public holidays and able to work reasonable overtime. 6. Capacity and willingness, including current NSW driver s license, to drive and travel to business and service locations throughout NSW, which may include regional / remote areas. 7. Organisational skills and demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team. PD_ Enrolled Nurse_NEPT_HealthShare_20 April 2016 Page 6 of 6
Position Description Position Details Position Title: Registered Nurse Department: Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) Reports to: Professionally: Clinical Operations and Education Manager (Nurse Manager) NEPT Operationally: Assistant Operational Services Manager NEPT via the Duty Manager - NEPT Roles reporting to: Nil Classification: Registered Nurse Award: Public Health System Nurses and Midwives (State) Award Employment Status: Full Time Part Time Casual Location: Various Position Number (Stafflink): Primary Purpose of the position To provide and oversee safe, effective and efficient nursing care transport service of patients to/from hospital locations and other facilities across NSW and delivery of a high level of customer focused service for a diverse range of clientele. This position also provides nursing care within the scope of practice of a Registered Nurse (RN) including supporting and the indirect supervision of Enrolled Nurses. About HealthShare NSW HealthShare NSW supports patient care across the NSW Health system through the management of support services, including services in the areas of food and linen; transactional services in the areas of employee services (payroll and recruitment), financial services, and warehousing and logistics; supply of disability services and equipment (as Enable NSW); and coordinating non-emergency patient transport services. Further information about HealthShare NSW is available at www.healthshare.nsw.gov.au Our Vision To be a trusted and valued partner enabling excellent healthcare in NSW. We are people helping people deliver excellent healthcare. Our Values Our work is built on a foundation of trust and respect. We live the NSW Health CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment. Key Accountabilities The role and responsibilities are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, customer promise, strategic priorities, performance goals, delegations, policies, procedures PD_ Registered Nurse _NEPT_HealthShare Page 1 of 6
and operations systems of HealthShare, and in line with the NSW Health Code of Conduct and the Capabilities required to perform this role competently. The accountabilities outlined below indicate the scope of the position. The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description from time to time. The Registered Nurse is accountable for all aspects of nursing care in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT), This include support and indirect supervision of Enrolled Nurses ensuring that they work within their scope of practice. Support and supervise supernumerary staff such as nursing students, ensuring high standard and accurate reporting and handover of patient information, developing a rapport with patient, relatives, staff and others, and maintaining efficient and cost-effective service delivery of patient care in NEPT Ensure application of appropriate policies and procedures to make informed decisions regarding the clinical care and assessment of patients in the transport process Coordinate, participate and assist in preparing and moving patients for transport including manually assisting patients to and from sites, inclusive of the uncontrolled environment within the community and into vehicles, lifting, use of stretchers or other equipment such as wheelchairs, capsules, and other manual handling tasks within the scope of patient transport Monitoring of patients during transport. Ensure that a problem solving approach is used in the planning and implementation of nursing care Undertake continuous improvement activities including planning, reviewing, developing and implementing change, reflecting contemporary nursing practice in accordance with nursing principles to improve the patient/client/carer experience and to improve service quality/delivery Ensure nursing practice reflects current knowledge of nursing Contribute to the maintenance and care of patient transport vehicles (PTV) and patient equipment and belongings Develop and maintain strong working relationships with NEPT management, Local Health Districts, care facilities, customers and patients to ensure management and or escalation of urgent clinical matters. Maintain currency and undertake ongoing development to maintain professional expertise, skills and knowledge to a level which is acceptable by current professional standards Key Challenges Indirect supervision and support of Enrolled Nurses across geographically diverse work locations Working in an out of hospital environment with limited resources. Managing the competing priorities within a busy clinical environment whilst maintaining a high quality of patient/client care. Apply appropriate action and risk assessments to minimise risk, such as uncontrolled environments, patient care and transfer emergencies. To maintain a highly professional, performance based, innovative, responsive and accountable customer service culture, Ensure HealthShare NSW employees operate and engage in accordance with the NSW Health and HealthShare NSW values and the ehealth NSW customer promises (and the expected behaviours associated with those values and promises), To successfully manage relationships within HealthShare NSW and with customers, and Exercise sound judgement and discretion in dealing with sensitive and contentious issues and when representing HealthShare NSW. Position Dimensions Staffing: Number of direct reports: Nil Number of indirect reports (including contractors): Various Expenditure: Budget ($): Nil Financial Delegation: Nil PD_ Registered Nurse _NEPT_HealthShare Page 2 of 6
Other Specific Requirements The role and responsibilities are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with delegations, policies, procedures and operations systems of HealthShare NSW, and in line with the NSW Health Code of Conduct. The following specific requirements should be noted: Qualifications Current registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Vaccination Category A Workplace Culture Model the NSW Health CORE values and the HealthShare NSW values and ensure all workplace conduct is consistent with the behaviours associated with those values and the NSW Health Code of Conduct. Finance and Assets Manage allocated finance and resources efficiently and effectively in accordance with the HealthShare NSW Delegations Manual (and supporting corporate policies and documentation). This may include, but not be limited to, management of an allocated budget, assets and stores, corporate records, intellectual property and personnel records. Risk Management Undertake risk assessments, ensuring competence in risk management and assessment. Understand and abide by the organisation s risk policies, developing an understanding of the operational and risk management context, managing risk accordingly. Work Health and Safety Workers have a positive duty to demonstrate commitment to safety. This includes taking reasonable care for your own safety and others, participating with consultation arrangements and complying with work health and safety legislation, policies, procedures and safety instructions. Workplace Diversity Comply with and participate in the organisations workplace diversity policies and procedures. Training Comply with and participate in the organisation s training programs and policies, including participation in mandatory training. Performance Review A performance assessment will be conducted within three (3) months following commencement of employment. At least every twelve (12) months, a performance review will be undertaken. PD_ Registered Nurse _NEPT_HealthShare Page 3 of 6
Job Demands Checklist The purpose of this checklist is to manage the risk associated with the position in relation to the occupant. It may be used to provide information about the position to a Health Professional required to perform a pre-employment medical assessment. Identification of possible risk can also assist with the development of a training plan for the occupant to ensure the risks are minimised. Each position should be assessed at the site as to the incumbent s (or future incumbent s) OHS responsibilities specific to the position. This form is to be completed in consultation with the manager/supervisor of the position being recruited for. Job Demands Frequency Key: I = Infrequent intermittent activity exists for a short time on a very infrequent basis O = Occasional activity exists up to 1/3 of the time when performing the job F = Frequent activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time when performing the job C = Constant activity exists for more than 2/3 or the time when performing the job R = Repetitive activity involved repetitive movements N = Not Applicable activity is not required to perform the job Note: any entries not assigned a value will be automatically set to "N" PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Description (comment) FREQUENCY I O F C R N Sitting remaining in a seated position to perform tasks Standing remaining standing without moving about to perform tasks Walking floor type: even/uneven/slippery, indoors/outdoors, slopes Running floor type: even/uneven/slippery, indoors/outdoors, slopes Bend/Lean Forward from Waist forward bending from the waist to perform tasks Trunk Twisting turning from the waist while sitting or standing to perform tasks Kneeling remaining in a kneeling posture to perform tasks Squatting/Crouching adopting a squatting or crouching posture to perform tasks Leg/Foot Movement use of leg and/or foot to operate machinery Climbing (stairs/ladders) ascend/descend stairs, ladders, steps Lifting/Carrying light lifting and carrying (0 to 9 kg) Lifting/Carrying moderate lifting and carrying (10 to 15 kg) Lifting/Carrying heavy lifting and carrying (16kg and above) Reaching arms fully extended forward or raised above shoulder Pushing/Pulling/Restraining using force to hold/restrain or move objects toward or away from the body Head/Neck Postures holding head in a position other than neutral (facing forward) Hand and Arm Movements repetitive movements of hands and arms Grasping/Fine Manipulation gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands Work at Heights using ladders, footstools, scaffolding, or other objects to perform work Driving/Riding controlling the operation of a vehicle (e.g. car, truck, bus, motorcycle, bicycle) SENSORY DEMANDS - Description (comment) I O F C R N Sight use of sight is an integral part of work performance (e.g. viewing of -Rays, PD_ Registered Nurse _NEPT_HealthShare Page 4 of 6
computer screens) Hearing use of hearing is an integral part of work performance (e.g. phone enquiries) Smell use of smell is an integral part of work performance (e.g. working with chemicals) Taste use of taste is an integral part of work performance (e.g. food preparation) Touch use of touch is an integral part of work performance PSYCHOSOCIAL DEMANDS - Description (comment) Distressed People e.g. emergency or grief situations Aggressive and Uncooperative People e.g. drug/alcohol, dementia, mental illness Unpredictable People e.g. dementia, mental illness, head injuries Restraining involvement in physical containment of patients/clients FREQUENCY Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. child abuse, viewing dead/mutilated bodies ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS - Description (comment) Dust exposure to atmospheric dust Gases working with explosive or flammable gases requiring precautionary measures Fumes exposure to noxious or toxic fumes Liquids working with corrosive, toxic or poisonous liquids or chemicals requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) Hazardous Substances e.g. dry chemicals, glues Noise environmental/background noise necessitates people raise their voice to be heard Inadequate Lighting risk of trips, falls or eyestrain Sunlight risk of sunburn exists from spending more than 10 minutes per day in sunlight Extreme Temperatures environmental temperatures are less than 15 C or more than 35 C Confined Spaces areas where only one egress (escape route) exists Slippery or Uneven Surfaces - greasy or wet floor surfaces, ramps, uneven ground Inadequate Housekeeping - obstructions to walkways and work areas cause trips and falls Working At Heights ladders/stepladders/scaffolding are required to perform tasks Biological Hazards exposure to body fluids, bacteria, infectious diseases FREQUENCY Employee Agreement I have read the Position description and understand its contents, am fit and able to perform the duties outlined in the Job Demands Checklist, and agree to work in accordance with the requirements of the position. Signatories Name Signature Date Employee Manager / Supervisor PD_ Registered Nurse _NEPT_HealthShare Page 5 of 6
Selection Criteria for the position 1. Current registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and demonstrated experience as a Registered Nurse in acute care, critical care or other relevant nursing specialty including providing supervision and direction to junior staff 2. Post graduate clinical experience in an acute setting or other relevant experience with a demonstrated commitment to professional development 3. Demonstrated competency in basic life support skills for Adults and Paediatrics, cardiac monitoring, basic cardiac rhythms interpretation and medication administration 4. Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated interpersonal skills to build, maintain and influence positive relationships with customers and stakeholders. 5. Demonstrated understanding of manual handling techniques combined with proven ability to perform work of a physical nature including loading/unloading and manoeuvring patients around, on/off stretchers and in/out of wheelchairs in uncontrolled environments. 6. Capacity to work a seven (7) day rotating roster including public holidays and reasonable overtime. 7. Capacity and willingness, including current NSW driver s license, to drive and travel to business and service locations throughout NSW, which may include regional / remote areas. 8. Demonstrated organisational skills and demonstrated ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a team. PD_ Registered Nurse _NEPT_HealthShare Page 6 of 6