[redrecks]

I know that this probably seems like a really dumb question but I would just really like to know.
I am not union minded but everyone is saying that I should have joined the ANF by now or should do so soon.
I haven't joined previously as I 'felt' like it was going to jinx me in finishing my EEN course.
Well! It could very well have. LOL

But now I am finished all this study on the 6th of June and think I should now start thinking and looking at maybe joining the ANF.

Please help in any way you can.
Thanks in advance.

[Grace Oz]

I never worked during my nursing career without being a member of the ANF.

If ever you're in need with any issues, disputes etc etc within the nursing workforce, you'll want the ANF by your side!

And no, I'm no longer a member! I'm now retired. I have no gain to make by recommending you join. You asked advice, and I'm giving you mine.

[ghillbert]

I would disagree. I was always a member because I wanted the journals and the professional indemnity insurance. The one time I ended up needing to go to coroner's court and testify about a patient death, the ANF lawyers were totally useless. I never joined again - just bought my own indemnity insurance from then on.

[Grace Oz]

Originally Posted by ghillbert

I would disagree. I was always a member because I wanted the journals and the professional indemnity insurance. The one time I ended up needing to go to coroner's court and testify about a patient death, the ANF lawyers were totally useless. I never joined again - just bought my own indemnity insurance from then on.

Gee, I'm surprised to read this. I'm sorry you were let down. Thankfully I never needed to use them for anything like that. Hope things worked out ok with the coroner's court.

[talaxandra]

Disclaimer: I am biased - I've been a job rep as long as I've been registered (though I only joined 2 weeks before that!). However, the only advantage I get from being a rep is a reduced price when/if I do an ANF-run short course.

Advantages of membership
Membership is tax-deductible, and ANF membership is among the lowest of any Australian union.
In addition to a monthly journal (Australian Nurses' Journal), which combined industrial and professional news with best practice guidelines and topical articles, you also have free online access to the peer-reviewed Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing.
You have $5M professional indemnity insurance, $5M Public Liability insurance, and 24hr Good Samaritan coverage.
I was sorry to read about ghillbert experience (above); membership gives you access to free legal representation for work-related issues (like "unfair dismissals, contractual disputes, underpayment of wages and entitlements, Nurses Board and disciplinary hearings (including the preparation of statements), coronial inquiries (including the preparation of statements), most criminal matters arising from your employment, workplace disputes" ) and reduced fees legal fees for other issues.
WorkCover top up and coverage for accidents that happen to or from work.
If you live in Vic, NSW, Tas, SA, or WA you have access to Union Shopper, which takes advantage of collective baragining power to get better deals on a wide range of consumer goods, travel, car renta, a variety of insurancel and a host of other things.
Industrial, professional, WorkCover and Occ Health & Safety representation.

Most of all, you get to contribute to the organisation that's fought for and defended the conditions we have now - like a career structure, better pay, paid maternity leave, ratios (in Victoria), on call policies etc. I know that sounds sucky and guilt-trippy but it's the reason I joined, the reason I became a rep, and the reason that (fifteen eyars later) I'm still actively involved. And there's nothing like the feeling of being part of a triumphant united body, or to know that you're supported by the majority of your colleagues not just where you work but across the state and throughout the country.

I have a pretty good relationship with management where I work, but I don't necessarily trust them to have my best interests at heart if something happens and their interests conflicts with mine. Or if I find myself working with another Jayant Patel.

Getting off my sopa box now Hope that helps

[Grace Oz]

Good to see the younger generation carrying on the hard work us oldies started!

[talaxandra]

You've got to have a solid foundation to build on, so thanks for your contribution, Grace And "younger" - how kind! At work I'm an old fart

[Grace Oz]

Oh to be your age again!
I'd do a LOT of things differently!
But, wouldn't we all?!

[nyapa]

I've always been a member of the ANF. Initially it was just 'something you did'. But my husband was treated abominably by his workplace; he went to resign, and rang up the ANF to thank them for their help. They turned around and said that his resignation was inappropriate, and with his permission took it to the highest level in the health department. He left, but not before the health department paid alot of money for what he went through.

To the person who went to the coroner's court. Have been there myself. Not nice. Thankfully I did not require a lawyer, but I did have access to one should I require it - I actually rang them up on the advice of the ANF. What the experience did teach me is that the littlest thing can be examined; things you wouldn't believe. And nurses are the easiest people to pick on. Perhaps because we are the first person on the scene, and the only group of ppl with the patient for 24 hours. We are not remunerated for the stress and legal responsibilities we have in comparison to many other professions.

Nurses are also the ones who have to put up with aggression and violence. Again, because we are first on the scene and are there with the patient for 24 hours.

The ANF as a collective whole fight for recognition of our role, our legal responsibilities, by trying to improve our wages and conditions; which we deserve.

[nyapa]

Originally Posted by talaxandra

And "younger" - how kind! At work I'm an old fart

Join the club mate!