Newsletter

Welcome to PNA FEBRUARY - MARCH  version of the Staff Newsletter.

WELCOME 

On behalf of all the PNA Management team we would like welcome all the new staff that have joined the agency over the past couple of months.  It has been a hectic January/February with almost 3 - 4 interviews 3 days a week since the agency reopened in early January after a Xmas break for the Management Team. 

These new staff we hope are welcomed and supported by all the regular PNA staff within the various workplaces as they appear around the various locations.

 Work Activity

As a lot of staff have been aware is that in late December and the early part of January there was a considerable drop in work availability both within the Hospitals and Age Care Facilities.

However since late January all Hospitals and Age Care Facilities have increased their requirements and staff should be finding that their work requirements are being suitably met in all areas.  We are still experiencing some cancellations on weekends but this has been due to a change in Hospital Policy with a lot of patients being sent home late Friday evening or early on a Saturday ( this has been introduced as a cost saving process).  Age Care Facilities have increased their demand and are exceeding the staff available on a number of days during each week. 

So it is very important that your Availability if it changes from the form you have sumbitted, that the Office be notified so that we are not wasting time and annoying you when you are not available.  It is important that if the Office girls leave a message regarding a shift that you contact back ASAP as the clients are going to other agencies if we do not reply to the request in a short period of time, so your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

IDENTIFICATION BADGES

Joann has developed a new style Identification Badge that will look a lot more professional for staff to use when in the various workplaces.  These new ID Badges will be gradually introduced and forwarded to staff together with their Payslips as they become available.  All staff should have their new ID Badge no later than the end of March 2010.

Those staff who have not worked for sometime will only have their ID replaced upon completing a shift with the agency.

CONGRATULATIONS 

Congratulations to a number of PNA Trainees who graduated last month and obtained their Certificate III in Age Care.  It was a pleasure for Jo and myself to spend some time with 2 of the trainees, Grace Kennedy and Alison Tankard and their partners at the graduation ceremony at the Helenic Club.

Those graduating were Kris Carroll, Grace Kennedy, Tania Kemp and Alison Tankard.

TRAINING

Roxanne will be taking leave throughout the month of MARCH and will not be able to be contacted and all training enquiries should be directed through the PNA Office.  Any staff wanting to book any training and know what they would like should contact Roxanne on her mobile on 0424 138642 or she will be in the PNA Office each Wednesday and Thursday morning till the end of February.

There is still a number of staff who have ignored last Newletter in relation to their First Aid Certificates, some staff either do not have a certificate or it has expired.  It is your responsibility to ensure this qualification is current as it is a requirement in all PNA contracts will ALL clients that staff are proficient and hold a current First Aid Certificate. If you do not meet these requirements we will not be able to offer work as the client's are asking for copies of qualifications for their Accrediation Process.

Professional Development is not only a responsibility of the employer to ensure staff are proficient in their various fields of employment, but it is also an Individual Staff Person's responsibility to be proactive and ensure that their skills at their level of employment is current to meet necessary standards within the Health Industry. This is clearly paramount with the current processes being undertaken through the ACT Nurses and Midwifery Board to ensure Nurses at all levels meet the required competencies and maintain training records.  For PNA Personal Carers/Assistant Nurses this Professional Development is also required to ensure that you have the skills to adapt with the changing environments and workplaces being deployed as well as to meet the client's needs in a Highly Professional Manner as well as maintain the Agencies vision of providing the Highest Quality of Care.

Corporate Discount Change

I wish to inform you all, especially those staff and families who have taken the advantage of the PNA Corporate Arrangement with Bodyworks Health Fitness Centres.  As late January 2010 Bodyworks was taken over by the Club Lime Group as part of their expansion process.  I have been reassured verbally by the Bodyworks Management that the current Corporate Arrangement will remain with no changes to current costs or use of the Fitness Facilties at Belconnen, Gungahlin, Kaleen and Mawson.

 I am however awaiting confirmation of any additional cost for any staff wishing to also use the Club Lime other facilities.  When this is known I will let staff know through this Newsletter by posting the information on-line immediately I become aware of the process.

Current PNA Discounts at: 

Bodyworks-Club Lime - Belconnen, Gunghalin, Kaleen and Mawson

$17.50 per week for unlimited use for PNA staff and their immediate family.

Bate's Auto Service Centre, Caltex Garage, Lyneham

10% Discount to PNA Staff on production of their PNA Photo ID Badge on all services performed. 

Whisk - Belconnen and Woden Westfield Centres

10% Discount to PNA Staff on production of the PNA Photo ID Badge.

Sharon Wood Massages (Mobile Service)

Special rate charged to PNA staff on production of photo ID badge.

Contact Number 0419 479440.