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 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 28 02 2011 10:57 
ozwrangler
Joined: 28 02 2011 11:44
Posts: 2
Location: 
Hats off to all Aged Care nurses and AINs! Some kind words and/or quick chat from AINs have made my Mum's day more than once in a nursing home. Relatives notice and thankyou!
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 29 09 2010 11:05 
Bernhard
Joined: 06 04 2010 10:19
Posts: 122
Location: 
I don't do phone interviews.... always meet up face-to-face. I sold the original agency to Gabe in 1995, but I own the name. He changed it to 'Relief Nurses' in mid 2000's, so rather than work at Westmead again with the original name (which would always get linked to Gabe), I work that area as BNA Nurses (where BNA pretty well stands for ...). If you want info on retiring early, rich, or on health, or starting businesses, let me know. If working for an agency, never do so if the agency won't give you at least $20 per shift as a bonus or similar option. Even $40! If they refuse, tell them to go jump, see me ( I'll pay you) or ask me re starting your own agency ( then you'll get at least another $100 per shift, on top of your wage!). If you work 5 shifts a week, that = $25,000 extra per year!
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 24 09 2010 16:48 
Bernhard
Joined: 06 04 2010 10:19
Posts: 122
Location: 
Dear Gordo, Bernhard's Nursing Agency was the first agency, and I sold that one off to Gabriel Huszar. He used the name ( but I owned it) for over 12 years, before changing to 'Relief Nurses' but I ran as 'Bernhard's Nursing Agency' on the Central Coast.....but changed to BNA Nurses when I came back to Westmead many years ago. I also run an entertainment magazine; a health website, and eBay shop. Have started 3 other agencies in last 8 months...for others - very cheap.... and mentorship +++ assistance. Type BNA on Facebook or on browser to get at adverts.
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 23 09 2010 19:55 
Bernhard
Joined: 06 04 2010 10:19
Posts: 122
Location: 
Dear Gordo, I pay workers comp up front, and it's not that much. Stationery is made up on computer so again no hassles. When I started, I contacted 68 health care facilities, and 3 used me in first month , about 10 by 3rd month, over 30 by 4th month, and by 6th month I was supplying about 50 facilities.Every Wednesday I went to Glebe Backpackers, and Redfern Backpackers and signed up at least 6-10 RNs from UK & Ireland ( and paid the place $100 cash for use of the facility!).I used to run a Pty Ltd, but then changed to a partnership, and now a sole trader. Simple!. NSW Public Hospitals, and also private sector, pay direct into my 'agency name' bank account, regularly, and have done so for decades. I have started many agencies in last 10 years, for others, and they also had no real problems apart from slow starts (some), but all are now so much better off. When you work for an agency, the agency gets usually $100 to $200 for each shift you work, so why not keep that fee yourself, in addition to your wage! Crazy to not do it!
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 23 06 2010 14:01 
Bernhard
Joined: 06 04 2010 10:19
Posts: 122
Location: 
star your own agency, contact 15-20 facilities and offer to supply yourself for a 20% commission ( that's a '20% wage rise'!!!) and then send yourself there! These places will collapse without staff and will contact agencies to supply nurses, so become the agency!
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:21 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Hi Shoils,

I have looked into aged care new grad programs locally south west sydney and have not had much success.I have spoken to a few facilities that say they are going to have a new grad program but still have not got up and running so it will be sooner rather than later.Would have preferred a new grad program rather than jsut going straight in to a nursing home. The government certainly does need to eat there words or everyone will leave in droves leaving those whom need care without any.
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:21 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
suandgr, despite what is happening in aged care at the moment please do not discount aged care for a new grad program. Bupa Care does an amazing new grad program and they are looking at doing work place agreements together with the union so it will all be above board and fair. Aged care is a great place to be, you will never be out of a job, and those of us that have been in the industry for many years will never allow them to take away our money, we will fight and do what ever we have to do to get a good out come and make the government eat their words!
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:21 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
i am one of the many new grads left without a position in anew grad program around 1500 did not get a position as this was also cut back. I was told to look into aged care for a job to start my career. So basically get a slap in the face one way and have to take a position in aged care for experience what is left for us new grads to gain experience we cany just sit around otherwise go straight back to uni and do another course. This doesnt look very good
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:21 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
I agree with you Jack, what the @#1!!! is going on with these people. Don't they realize that if the money is less than what we make now (lousy), these nurses will walk. I for one will immediately resign my Sunday. As with the majority I would prefer to be with my family, and will only work weekdays. Different shifts will struggle to be filled as no one will work nights or afternoons for no gain.Are they that arrogant to believe that all nurses will blindly put up with this kick in the teeth without recompense. The fact of the matter is Aged Care facilities will fall into absolute crisis! and over time staffing them will be nearly impossible. With wage cuts and a loss of penalties nurses will leave both Aged Care or the profession in droves. Those ready to retire will mass exodus, and others will leave on principal. At my employment twenty RNs have stated they are leaving, and this is just one place! I have never seen such arrogant stupidity in my lifetime.
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:21 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
i wonder who they think will be still working for or want to work for these organisations if they cut penalty rates and reduce wages. This is one reason i have choose to work overseas for a while where the wages are about 10 dollars more per hour as the penalty rates are less, which i can't see them giving a 10 dollar pay increase to compensate for it. On top of that who do they think will bother to work the shifts without benefits i just think more people will leave, and the everyone will become more short staffed or they will go else where when they can to get payed more
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:21 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Yes wouldnt it be great if the dear Minister for Ageing actually did visit a few Nursing Homes and go and have a chat to Staff and Residents alike.Only problem is she may hear a few home truths she may not like .Wink
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:20 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
We all need to give more support to those nurses working in the aged care sector. One would think this support would start at the very top with the Minister for Aging but you do wonder ! Recently Minister Justine Elliot visited Tamworth, NSW. While there she visited a home nursing service to give them a grant of $12,000. It was reported this was to repaint the base of this service (??) and to buy equipment. She then visited the local PUBLIC Base Hospital to check out some new equipment in use. No visits to any nursing homes or contact with the staff providing care in these places. Strange, I would have thought that should have been her priority but then again maybe such visits don't generate as much publicity. I'd bet the staff of local nursing homes would have been grateful for the support & the opportunity to talk to "the powers that be" about the difficulties experienced in Aged Care. About time you took an interest in your portfolio Minister.
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:20 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Wage cut for Aged Care Nurses? Who do these people (in government)think looks after THEIR aged loved ones and THEM as they age? Or are they arrogant enough to think they will not age? Most people would not do what nurses (any nurse)would do. Put aside all the technical stuff. What happened to valuing compassion, empathy, kindness to patient and relatives? Cleaning that wrinkled old face or bottom, reassuring that anxious oldy, smiling and touching (on the arm and in her heart) the old lady in room four. Greeting their relatives, assuaging their guilt, calming their anxiety,assuring them that their mum, dad,sister, brother, grandmother, grandfather, is gettting the BEST pssible care.
Some labourers earn more than nurses. I bet they would not do what we do.
WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE CARE.
HOW DARE ANYBODY DEVALUE ANY NURSEHuh?Mad
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:20 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
I think that it is disgraceful, disgusting and a few more colourful words!! When I was an AIN and an RN on the floor penalty rates were my saviour. It is how I had enough money throughout uni to be able to go out with my friends etc, and I never had to pay rent or support a family at that stage! AIN's are skilled workers, you can not work in aged care anylonger unless you have a cert 3, that means you have some kind of training behind you. I wish that the government would realise just how important we aged care nurses are. The problem is, is that none of them are getting close to being put in a home, maybe we should remind them that one day we may be looking after them and if we are payed any less then what we are already there may not be any nurses left to give a crap about them!! Lets see how they feel about that? Mad
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:20 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Yes you have cut to the crux of the matter.Most Nurses working in Aged Care have done Cert 3 and in some cases Cert 4 we are ASSISTANTS IN NURSING that is intelligient nurses.Most of us have worked in the same facility for a number of years and are quite happy.The only thing that would evem make us think of going somewhere else is if we were to lose our penalties.
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:20 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
I think the ANF and the state bodies need to commence a campaign to compare the wages of all nurses who work the floor, against other occupations.
When you can earn more per hour on an afternoon stacking shelves than providing cares as a Nurse something is wrong.Wacko
I know the old CDEP hourly rate wage as greater than a cert III age, an about $1 less an hour to an EN are on morning shift
Unsure

education.....empower the masses to decide if they want nurses and carers or ?

Nurses your dead! without them
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:19 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
In regards to the proposed wage cuts for aged care workers. This is rediculas what is the government doing this is a joke!! i work part time in a high dependency age care facility where our ratios are 2 to 15 we work our butts off daily we do not have time to scratch, many of us are recieving injuries due to the high work loads and the lack of staff, at our facility we never have all shifts fully staffed we either have to call in agency staff or work solo. Cutting wages will kill off any possibilty of recruiting new staff why will people choose to work for $3 - $5/hr less when they can work in the hospitals and no offense to hospital staff but physically the work is no where near as hard as aged care work. I believe we should be on equal pay, maintaining skin integrity, mobility, dignity and healing wounds for our elderly is just as hard as giving out medications and taking obs
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:19 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Hi guys...I really really hear you...it is disgusting.

I work as an RN in the public sector (in acute aged care) but I also work one shift a week in a nursing home.

The AIN's are running scared and they have all admitted they will sign anything as they are all afraid of losing their jobs, they are wanting to see out their retirement at this facility.

It is so demeaning and the new management are nothing but bullies and only in it for profit which is the ad reality.

I have suggested a union led meeting but no one is interested....I can always leave but the people I leave behind I really think are so abused.....
 Subject :Re:Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:19 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Thanks Di for your comments and yes it is definetly getting harder.We are still finding a lot of the quick courses be an AIN in 4 weeks coming through.
I have been working in Aged Care for 9yrs the thought of losing my penalty rates after July is very scary.I love my job ,every day is different .We should be recognised as the professionals that we are.
I am a fighter and am determined to do all I can to assist myself and my colleagues.Lately I have been reminding the Staff that this is the time to get up and get active before its to late.But something we really need to see as a matter of urgency is for the Aged Care Providers to be made ACCOUNTABLe for where the taxpayers funds that they are given every year by the Government is being spent .This money is definetly not being spent on Nursing Hours.Our elderly and the fantastic staff who look after them deserve a lot more. Big Smile
 Subject :Aged Care wage cuts proposal.. 16 02 2010 11:19 
nurseuncut
Joined: 16 02 2010 07:25
Posts: 2,604
Location: 
Hi everyone, Aged care nurses are a dying breed with a large number of nurses in their late forties and fifties. Retirement of many will further shrink the aging workforce that exists in all areas of nursing but most especially aged care. I am an aged care nurse and advocate for aged care nurses however each day there are less nurses and more care workers in this industry. As a union who supports nurses, I feel we are losing the battle with declining numbers of members in this industry. There is a push in southern NSW to use agency personel who often have a minimal understanding of aged care. Nurses are facing further risks in this industry including injuries consistant with heavier workloads and new staff having limited understanding of the requirements of their position. I cannot at this time see a solution that benefits both aged care nurses and our union, therefore by the removal of penalties etc after July is an unthinkable insult to the thousands of nurses who patiently and caringly undertake aged care as a career. It is time for all aged care nurses to speak out and I urge you all to post comments on line to share with others about how this will affect you and what your feelings are about being devalued even further, Regards to you all, Di Mckillop
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