Nurses working in Aged Care in Australia

[MicStar]

Hi guys

I thought i would start this thread to create some discussion amongth nurses in all levels working in Aged Care.

How is the new funding tool for aged care (ACFI) going in your facility?

Who is using an IT based software system for there documentation nursing progress notes, care plans and forms? Which system do you use and is it saving you time?

Or please just have your say? have you had a bad day, are you fed up with it all? what frustrates you -> should we lobby the government to legislate safe ratios in aged care?

ENs should have a career structure in aged care!

ENs working in team leader roles, or roles traditionally done by RNs, should there be an extra level created/pay point for these nurses

What do you think? you dont have to respond to every question, just reply to the one that interests you...

Cheers...........

[rachelgeorgina]

I'm currently a 2nd year at uni but I've just started as an AIN in a Uniting Care Ageing facility.

The week after I started working we made the shift to iCare, which has been hysterical. A lot of the older or immigrant staff members are having the time of their lives trying to use the computer, let alone iCare. For me, it's easy but for a huge percentage of the staff, it's real challenge. The biggest plus I can see, however, is BEING ABLE TO READ PEOPLE'S HAND WRITING!!!

In the facility I work in there are two 'sides' to the house. Almost like two different wards. Dementia and Frail/Aged. There's one RN per 'ward' but the downstairs RN (it's literally down FOUR stairs!) is the in charge for the entire facility for the entire day. I think the purpose of the other RN is simply to give meds upstairs.

Interestingly, there are no ENs (or that I'm yet to encounter, anyway!) Everyone aside from the RNs are AINs/PCAs or, strangely, kitchen staff. One or two of the women who work directly in patient care (as in, with their own patient load) where ID tags that designate them as kitchen staff. Strange, yes?

[dawnie23]

Hi my name is Dawn and new to this site!

i have worked in Dementia care for 18 years now as an Enrolled nurse, am hoping to move to OZ with BUPA and work in dementia in a home there, can anyone tell me what its like in a nursing home with a dementia unit compared to the UK?

i run my own shift at the moment and employed as a nursing sister...quite like to go to Queensland just started applying to the QNC would love to talk to anyone about their expieriences

love Dawn xx