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Family and Community Health Research Group e-Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 2 1 of 23

Volume 4, Issue 2, 2010 e-Newsletter

In This Issue Editorial

Debra Jackson

Recent Grant Success

CALD GP project

FaCH News

Jeans for Genes Day FaCH Morning Tea 10.30am

10,000 Steps Challenge

What are members involved in...?

Dr Roslyn Weaver

PhD Writing Group

Tammy & Rakime at the Women’s Health Conference

Stacey “tells someone who cares”

Reflections on being a FaCH Research Intern

Research Futures Forum

Dr Halcomb attends APNA Conference

NZ Practice Nurse Conference

FaCH Research Updates

Prof Esther Chang - ACAP

Prof Virginia Schmied – NIPPER & ExPO

Prof Debra Jackson – WERIN

Project report – Tap water vs normal saline

Dear Colleagues

Contribution to research training is central to the work and mission of FaCH, with higher degree students forming a crucial and highly productive section of the group. We work hard to facilitate the creation of a supportive and collegial culture for FaCH RHD students, and in this issue, we highlight a couple of the interventions that we have in place to support students in developing research skills. Dr Roslyn Weaver runs the PhD Writing Group, and meets with students regularly, in a supportive group context to develop skills around writing for publication and preparation of theses. Dr Liz Halcomb facilitates the FaCH Research Supervisor Group, which also meets monthly, and aims to provide a supportive milieu for new and experienced supervisors to share expertise and knowledge that can enhance our supervision practices. We also are pleased to be continuing to run the very successful Student Research Intern Program, and in this issue of our newsletter, Jen Clauson reflects on some of her experiences in the program. We welcome some new members and more details about some of our new colleagues are provided further in this newsletter. Melissa Galanto has started working with us on a part-time basis, replacing Brooke (who left to take up a new position in the SONM). Melissa is also now managing the publications databases, and so please email her with details of publications. Given some granting requirements, we are also going to start linking publications to grants as a matter of course. This should be helpful when preparing grant applications. So when you do get any new publication, can you let Melissa know if it is associated with a particular grant.

Message from Prof Debra Jackson

Recent Grant Successes

Elizabeth Halcomb & Yenna Salamonson – CALD GP’s Project.

Liz and Yenna have secured a small grant from the Macarthur Division of General Practice to explore “The Utilisation of Practice Nurses by General Practitioners from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds.”

This project will involve interviewing GPs from a CALD background to explore barriers to the utilisation of practice nurses in their general practices.


Project report – Avoiding high tech through high touch.

CANR

Announcements

UWS Three Minute Thesis Finals

Congratulations

Suza Trajkovski

Glenda McDonald. An overview of Glenda’s PhD

Linda Goddard

Dr Sharon Andrew

John Rolley

Dr Andrea McCloughen

Dr Leah East

Welcome

Rosemary Cassidy

Glenda McDonald

Melissa Galanto

Charmaine Miranda

New Opportunities

Prof Stephen Teo

Brooke Summers

Gillian Murphy

Facebook Group

Contributions to the newsletter

2010 Member Conference Presentations

2010 Member Publications

Web Links

FaCH Research Group

http://www.uws.edu.au/fach/fach

Contact Us

[email protected]

This study aims to explore CALD GPs perceptions of the role that practice nurses can play in their practice as well as to identify the barriers that CALD GPs see to utilising practice nurses in their practice and determine CALD GPs preferred models of nursing in general practice.

FaCH News

JEANS FOR GENES DAY – 6 August 2010 FaCH are raising money for this very worthy cause and WE NEED YOUR HELP! WHAT CAN YOU DO?????

1. WEAR your jeans on 6 August 2. DONATE your spare change into the

Collection Box in the FaCH kitchen 3. PURCHASE some great merchandise

Starting at only $4.00 from FaCH 4. ATTEND FaCH morning tea on Friday

6 August 2010 at 10.30am!

10,000 STEPS CHALLENGE - FaCH HAVE TWO TEAMS READY TO GO!!

WHAT IS IT?? 10,000 Steps Challenge - a virtual walk from Werrington to Wee Waa, return in 28 days. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? Join or start a team! Teams consist of 5 members and with each team member walking about 10,000 steps

each day, your team will be able to complete the challenge. Email: Jo Quinn, UWSconnect Events & Campus Life Coordinator, to register your interest! You will be sent the necessary paperwork. Complete the entry form for your team and email it back so that pedometers, drink bottles, campus maps & training diaries can be forwarded for all team members. As the challenge draws closer, you will be sent emails and links to the 10,000 Steps website and the custom challenge where you will be able to monitor your teams' progress and that of all other participants. WHEN DOES IT START? Werrington to Wee Waa, return, will commence on Monday 16th August, 2010. Other Activities Count As Steps: • 10 minutes of moderate intensity activity = 1,000 steps (eg. swimming, dancing, raking or digging)

• 10 minutes of high intensity activity = 2,000 steps (eg. Aerobics, jogging, football)

FaCH Newsletter Editors: Prof Debra Jackson Heidi Forbes

JOIN THE FaCH TEAM WEAR jeans on 6 Aug

DONATE $$ - Collection Box PURCHASE merchandise

ATTEND FaCH morning tea

http://www.uws.edu.au/fach/fach


• There is an activity converter on Step Log Have your team ready to walk If you have any further questions regarding the challenge, please do not hesitate to contact Jo Quinn - uwsconnect Events & Campus Life Coordinator

What are the MEMBERS of FaCH involved in...? Roslyn Weaver – Postdoctoral Research Fellow Roslyn Weaver is currently working on several projects in medical humanities and popular culture. Her project on role models in medical television programs is funded by an internal UWS Research Seed Grant Scheme, and is nearing the third stage of data collection. Roslyn presented some of her findings at the inaugural Popular Culture Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference, June 30-July 2. Her paper was titled “Yes, doctor: The doctor-nurse relationship in medical television programs.” Roslyn’s other projects include representations of mothering in Australian newspaper coverage, specifically relating to the two areas of tragedy and ‘bad mothers’, and also images of motherhood in popular children’s literature. Recent work includes theoretical papers on disability in children’s literature, in the context of notions of identity, difference, and shape-shifting; the doctor-patient relationship in early literature; and medical ethics in popular television programs. Roslyn also continues to be involved in several educational research projects in the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

PhD writing group

The FaCH Writing group is designed to support our RHD students develop the necessary writing skills. The group is facilitated by our Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Roslyn Weaver. Each month the members submit a journal article or piece of academic writing which is read by one other member. The members then meet to provide constructive feedback and to help identify the strengths and weaknesses within the writing. Future meetings will also have visiting speakers to discuss various parts of writing and publishing.

The PhD Writing Group: Rosie Cassidy, Dr Roslyn Weaver, Tamara Vallido, Rakime Elmir and Suza Trajkovski


Rakime Elmir & Tamara Vallido (PhD students) head South for Women’s Health On May 18-21st 2010 Rakime Elmir and Tamara Vallido presented posters at the 6th Australian Women’s Health Conference in the beautiful city of Hobart. Occurring every 5 years, the conference this year had a strong emphasis upon indigenous women’s health, lesbian women’s health and domestic violence issues. Held in the Grand Chancellor across the road from the waterfront, the catering and entertainment were first class. Both girls also had an opportunity to sightsee while in Tasmania.

Rakime & Tamara in Tasmania

Stacy Blythe (PhD student) tells someone who cares

Stacy Blythe attended the Tell Someone Who Cares conference for foster carers of NSW held at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Although not presenting, attendance at the conference allowed for networking and recruitment for Stacy’s study into the experiences of women who provide long-term foster care. One of the highlights was a panel discussion facilitated by Jenny Brockie, the current host of “Insight” on SBS TV. The panel consisted of two experienced foster carers, a general practitioner, a young person currently in foster care, and the Deputy Director-General of operations at the Department of Community

Services. The health of children and young people in foster care was the topic of debate. This discussion highlighted system factors which potentially exacerbate the health care issues of children in foster care.

Reflection on being a FaCH Research Intern – Jen Clauson

I began working at FaCH purely by accident during my first year at uni. My tutor (Yenna) made a quick announcement in class that the SONM’s research group FaCH were seeking bright students to take on as research interns. I applied during a moment of bravery never thinking I would get the position, but over 2 years later here I am! I came to FaCH essentially knowing nothing about nursing research. I barely knew how to search for journal articles for my first uni assessments! I expected simply an ‘after school’ job where I would be mindlessly filing papers. Instead I got a

spectacular head start into the world of nursing research and, to my pleasant surprise, I actually loved it! Over the past few years I have learned how to perform


literature searches, prepare ethics applications, assist with data collection and management, and I am also slowly beginning to grasp academic writing for publication. I am forever learning new skills and finding ways of improving the skills I already have. I have also had an opportunity to get to know our FaCH members and learn about their research which has greatly assisted me throughout my degree. Now, with my undergraduate course drawing to a close, the option of postgraduate research becomes more viable as I see how the skills and confidence I have gained over the past two years has groomed me for postgraduate research. My long term goals have expanded beyond an undergraduate degree assuming all falls into place career wise. My warmest thanks extend particularly to Dr Michel Edenborough, A/Prof Yenna Salamonson & Prof Debra Jackson who have all invested their time and support in me.

FaCH students attend Research Futures Forum 2010

The annual College of Health and Science Research Futures Forum is an opportunity for FaCH research students to present their projects. Each student is allotted 15 minutes to present an aspect of their research with an additional 5 minutes to answer questions from the attending students, supervisors and academics. Unlike previous years, the forum had six themes under which students were to present their research. These themes included:

Environment and Water and Energy Research

Urban Research

Sustainable Health and Wellbeing

Biomedical and Sensory Neuroscience

Nanotechnology (Nano-Molecular++)

Multi-scale Analysis and Imaging The broad range of these themes meant FaCH students had the opportunity to hear about research being conducted within other schools. Overall the FaCH students’ presentations were well received and the students encouraged.

Dr Elizabeth Halcomb attends the APNA Practice Nurses Conference On the 6th-9th May Dr Halcomb attended the Australian Practice Nurses’ Association 2nd Annual Practice Nurses’ Conference at the Royal Pines resort, Gold Coast. As chair of the organising committee, Liz was proud to have the opportunity with such a dynamic group of nurses to put together an invigorating conference program. The conference was opened by Federal Health Minister Hon Nicola Roxon. Ms Roxon identified the significant role for primary care and general practice nurses in the reformed Australian health care system. At the conference Liz conducted a pre-conference workshop in ‘Writing for Publication’ and a master class in ‘Quality Improvement’ in conjunction with Prof Jane Phillips (Notre Dame University). Dr Halcomb also presented 2 free papers, one describing the


development of the consumer satisfaction with General Practice survey tool and the other reporting progress to date in the NHMRC funded study ‘QUIT in General Practice’. The conference was closed by founder of The Choir of Hard Knocks Mr Johnathon Welch. Johnathon provided some inspiring words about individuals’ potential to overcome life circumstances and the need to positively engage disadvantaged members of the community. Prepared by Liz Halcomb.

New Zealand Practice Nurse Conference 2010 On 24th-27th July Dr Elizabeth Halcomb attended the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Primary Heath Care Conference in Auckland NZ. Dr Halcomb presented

a paper on ‘Validating the professional practice environment scale in Australian General practice’. This paper has recently been published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship. Visiting New Zealand also allowed Dr Halcomb to network with practice nurses in NZ and progress the collaborative research project to explore consumer satisfaction with New Zealand practice nurses. Prepared by Liz Halcomb.

Dr Halcomb with Colleen O’Connell from the National committee of NZ College of Primary Health Care.

FaCH Research Updates

ACAP update – Group leader: Esther Chang

Research into Students' Exposure to Aged Care

The Aged Care and Palliation (ACAP) research stream is leading a project to investigate whether positive exposure to aged care in theoretical units and clinical practice settings will change students’ attitude and understanding of caring for people with chronic illness. It is anticipated that this project will lead to further research in other areas including mental health and palliation.

International Collaboration for the Occupational Health of Nurses

The SoNM Aged Care and Palliation (ACAP) research stream is pleased to join the "International Collaboration for the Occupational Health of Nurses" (ICOHN) in a project investigating the health and job experiences of recently graduated nurses. In 2007 the ICOHN research network was established in response to the internationally recognised nursing shortage and associated nursing workforce issues. Member countries also include China (Hong Kong), Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. The UWS ACAP stream will contribute to ICOHN's database about recently graduated nurses’ physical and mental health, and their work conditions. A five-year, longitudinal survey is planned. Graduate nurses from UWS will be invited to participate this year. National, cross-country and


regional analyses of the final data will reveal working conditions and economic factors influencing recently graduated nurses' career decisions and their health. The results will support crucial local and international policy development in relation to nursing workforce challenges. Professor Chang will attend the December ICOHN network meeting being held in San Francisco, USA.

Health and Wellbeing Project of UWS Staff

The SoNM Aged Care and Palliation (ACAP) research stream is leading a project to improve the Health and Wellbeing of UWS staff. Our UWS partners in this project include the Occupational Health and Safety and Information Systems Unit; the Organisational Development Unit; the School of Medicine; the School of Biomedical and Health Sciences; and Human Resources.

This 3–phase project involves 1. An online tool enabling UWS employees to self-assess their health and wellbeing; 2. Initiative to address health and wellbeing priorities; 3. Ongoing monitoring of staff Health and Wellbeing. It is anticipated that the project will extend to the health and wellbeing of students. Watch this space for more exciting developments. Prepared by Esther Chang.

NIPPER & ExPO – Group leader: Virginia Schmied

Congratulations to Mellanie Rollans and Melanie Jackson for their success with their COC’s. All the students did well with their presentations at the UWS Futures Forum in July. Special congratulations to Suza Trajkovski, for being awarded Equal First Place in the Sustainable Health and Wellbeing Research Theme at the Futures Forum. The team working on the Foundations for Young Parents research project with the Benevolent Society, are busy planning a workshop around engaging young parents into support services. This workshop will use an Appreciative Inquiry methodology, with invited participants including young parents and staff from Sydney based organisations involved in working with young parents. This workshop will take place in November As noted in the previous newsletter, NIPPER members had a number of papers accepted at the recent ‘Breathing new Life’ conference in Alice Springs. From all reports the conferences was great success. Virginia facilitated a workshop related to one of the funded studies she is currently co-ordinating, this was well attended with over 40 participants. Hannah presented two papers and was invited panel member for two discussion forums; she also made an appearance as Dr Dahlen, President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Hannah has been elected as the interim President of Australian College of Midwives. At the end of July we will have a visit from Dr Elisabeth Kurth from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Basel, Switzerland. Her doctoral research addressed risk factors for, and the interconnectedness of, infant crying and maternal tiredness


during the first 12 weeks postpartum. Elisabeth is only with us for one day; we will circulate details of her program soon. Prepared by Virginia Schmied.

WERiN update – Group leader: Professor Debra Jackson

WERiN continues to be a very productive and dynamic group. Members are actively engaged in a number of separate projects and activities. A brief update from some of projects WERiN members are currently working on is presented below:

International study into self-care and compassion fatigue: WERiN members are participating in an international study on self-care and compassion fatigue in nurses. Researchers from eight countries are currently seeking IE approval, and will be gathering data for this exciting project. Sigma Theta Tau International will be launching the Self Care sharing group in August 2010, and this will provide additional means for gaining understanding, sharing and collaborating around this very important but under-researched area of professional life.

Clinical experiences of nursing students (CENSUS): Phase One of this project is now complete, with initial data obtained from over 200 respondents, and has already generated a number of publication outcomes. We have now expanded into Phase Two of the project, and are in the process of obtaining ethics approvals from SCU, UTS and UoC, so that we can also recruit from these universities. Findings to date provide valuable insights into student perspectives and views of the clinical learning experience. A/Prof Yenna Salamonson leads this research team.

Sessional academics teaching in nursing (SATIN): The exploratory initial stage of this project is now complete and has generated a number of peer reviewed papers and conference presentations. Findings highlight some of the challenges and benefits of a sessional academic workforce, and have formed the basis of an ALTC application, currently under consideration for funding. Dr Liz Halcomb leads this research team.

Understanding whistle blowing in the health sector: experiences before and after the event: Data collection and analysis of this project is now complete, with three papers arising from the project currently in press. Study findings have been presented at conferences in Canada and Tasmania, and have aroused a lot of interest from conference delegates. The data from this project has provided a lens through which we have been able to explore various taken for granted concepts in health care. WERiN Leadership Research Program: This program of research has six separate current projects, all in the early stages. A number of colleagues from several Australian and international universities are participating co-researchers in this research program. Introduction to simulation learning in a pre-registration nursing course: uptake by faculty, a case study: PhD student Astrid Frotjold is undertaking this project for her PhD, under the supervision of Dr Sharon Hillege. As part of the study, Astrid will be


talking with School staff involved in the implementation of simulation learning with the aim of identifying support needs associated with the introduction of this new technology. If you have any questions or want further information about this project, please contact Dr Sharon Hillege. If you wish to participate in WERiN activities, please make contact. Your input is very welcome. Prepared by Debra Jackson

Project report: RCT comparing tap water with normal saline for wound cleansing.

Our randomised control trial has been designed to assess the effectiveness of potable tap water compared to normal saline for wound cleansing.

We hypothesise that

There will be no difference in infection and healing rates in wounds cleansed with potable tap water and those cleansed with normal saline.

Potable tap water is a cost effective solution for wound cleansing compared to pre packaged sterile normal saline.

The study will run over 3 years and we aim to collect 1500 wound randomised to either solution. The study will be based in community or residential centres through Sydney South West and Sydney West area heath services and focuses on grade II or grade III acute or chronic wounds (skin broken but not extending down to tendon or bone). Clients currently on antibiotics (for any reason) or having antimicrobial dressing products applied to their wounds are excluded, as are clients who are immune suppressed, or whose Medical Officer does not consent or are unavailable for follow up.

Recruitment commenced late 2009 and to date has been slow. The extensive use of antibiotics and antimicrobial products has excluded a lot of potential clients. Possible participants are identified by attending staff and an RA visits to complete wound dressing assessment and collect demographic information from the client. We have included the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule which rates the impact of a wound on the client’s QOL. The attending health professional will irrigate the wound/s with a blunt cannula and 20 mL syringe at each dressing change for a period of 4 weeks. Following this, the participant’s wound is reassessed and the intervention is completed.


Researchers include – Principle Rhonda Griffiths, Dr Ritin Fernandez, Sungwon Chang, Associate Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, Brenda Ramstadius, Associate Professor Geoffrey Sussmen, Dr Jeffery Rowland.

Project staff includes – Research Assistants Anne Rowe, Suzy Hallak, Lynne Richmond and Cheryl Ussia as Senior Research Associate.

Project report - Avoiding ‘high tech through ‘high touch’ in end stage dementia: Protocol for care at the end of life. Earlier this year Prof Esther Chang (Lead Investigator), Ms Amanda Johnson and Dr Daniel Nicholls were successful in gaining funding from the Department of Health and Ageing for the project “Avoiding ‘high tech’ through ‘high touch’ in end stage dementia: Protocol for care at the end of life” with partners A/Prof Joyce Simard, Geriatric Consultant; Sydney West Area Health Service; Domain Principal Group; and Australiasian Aged Care Pty Ltd. The project will evaluate the implementation of the Namaste Care Program in Australia, by comparing outcomes for three residential aged care facilities where the protocol will be implemented, and three control settings who will continue with their usual high standard of care. The three key elements of the high-touch protocol are: 1. The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program, which provides comfort and enjoyment to residents with end stage dementia. 2. Family conference(s) conducted with the resident's family or advocates, with explicit discussion about end-stage dementia and death, and an explanation of Namaste Care. 3. Enhancing the skills, knowledge and resources available to primary care providers to facilitate care of people with end stage dementia. The high-touch protocol honours and respects the person dying from dementia while maintaining them comfortably in a residential facility. The protocol addresses difficulties with advance care planning, rendering the choice between “all or nothing care” irrelevant. The result should be improved care which avoids medically futile “high tech” treatments that occur when palliative care patients with dementia are transferred to acute care. A key outcome for the project will be the development of a professional standard educational DVD on the implementation of the Namaste Care Program. A condensed version will be available for download from the internet and a full copy of the DVD will be available for purchase at cost price from UWS Connect for anyone interested in implementing the program elsewhere. Prepared by Michel Edenborough.


CANR The CANR staff continue to work with key clinical staff and academics from the University of Western Sydney to support new initiatives relating to nursing and midwifery practice, education and research.

Major research programs relating to midwifery initiated oral health and patient safety have been the major focus of staff at CANR. New collaborative relationships have been formed with midwives and dentists to provide appropriate expertise to progress this new initiative that expands the role of midwives under the direction of Dr. Ajesh George.

Professor Johnson continues to work on developing an assessment tool to support registered nurses to enhance patient safety, with major insights into clinical management, falls prevention and management, and medication safety being analysed and publications forthcoming. Dr. Diana Jefferies and other CANR and clinical staff have undertaken several systematic reviews resulting in policies relating to quality documentation in nursing and nursing support of adult patients’ oral nutrition. In April, CANR hosted a Writing Workshop conducted by Visiting Scholar Professor Roger Watson from University of Sheffield and Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Nursing. The workshop was well attended with clinicians from different areas of Sydney South West Area Health Services (SSWAHS). They gained invaluable advice from Professor Watson on writing and publishing an article and the feedback from the workshop was very positive.

Professor Roger Watson conducts a Writing Workshop for clinicians of SSWAHS


Announcements UWS 3 Minute Thesis Final YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND! Thursday 19 August 2010, 2.00pm-4.00pm Bankstown Campus, Building 2, Room BA02.G.04. Three finalists from each college are competing. Email Mary Krone if you wish to attend, [email protected]. Contestants present the Three Minute Thesis as a compelling three minute oration on their thesis topic and its significance in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience. The winner will compete for the Australian title at the University of Queensland in September. For more information email Heidi at [email protected] for an information sheet.

Congratulations Suza Trajkovski PhD Student

Please join us in congratulating Suza Trajkovski for her success at the 2010 University of Western Sydney Research Futures Forum. Suza was awarded Equal First Place in the Sustainable Health and Wellbeing Research Theme for her presentation entitled “Using appreciative inquiry to enhance family centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit”. (S. Trajkovski, V. Schmied, M. Vickers, D. Jackson). Details of the conference below.

‘I attended the 14th Annual Congress of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) from 28th to 31st March 2010 at the Wellington Convention Centre, New Zealand. The conference was opened by the OSCA award winning Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings who spoke of his personal journey, experiences and challenges of having an infant requiring neonatal care. The following day I presented how we are Using Appreciative Inquiry to enhance Family Centred Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’. Prepared by Suza Trajkovski. Congratulations Suza on this fantastic accomplishment!

mailto:[email protected]



Glenda McDonald - PhD Student

Big congratulations to Glenda on what her fellow PhD students came to call: ‘the birth of a healthy bouncing thesis!’

Glenda’s thesis entitled “Surviving and thriving in the face of workplace adversity” was ‘born’ on June 16th 2010 at 10.25pm weighing a hefty 5kg and 114 634 words in length.

Rebecca O’Reilly with Glenda McDonald

An overview of Glenda’s PhD follows: “The title of my PhD study was “Surviving and Thriving in the Face of Workplace Adversity: An Intervention to Improve Personal Resilience in Nurses and Midwives.” An integral part of the study was the work-based, educational intervention, comprised of workshops and a mentoring program, used to enhance the personal resilience of the study participants. A major premise of the study was that the devised intervention could assist nurses and midwives to enhance and maintain their personal resilience. The study was a collective case study that explored a group of fourteen nurses’ and midwives’ perceptions about their experiences of both workplace adversity and personal resilience in a specific women’s and children’s health setting. Twelve study mentors shared their experiences and understandings of mentoring the study participants. Data were collected over four sequential phases in two cycles via qualitative interviews and participant observation. Major study findings were in relation to building resilient nurses and midwives and better nursing workplaces. The study findings indicated there were a number of substantial personal and professional benefits perceived from developing, strengthening and maintaining resilience. Professionally, most participants felt more autonomous in their careers, ready to take on workplace challenges and were more hopeful about their futures in nursing and midwifery. Increased resilience was demonstrated through assertiveness and enhanced self-esteem. Improved workplace relationships, communication and collaboration were perceived to have resulted from the positive experiences of mentoring partnerships and the guiding influence of mentors. Positive changes attributed by the participants to the intervention were also found, characterised by new ideas and strategies of self-awareness, self-monitoring and self-care. Personal resilience initiatives were found to impact on the previously experienced negative outcomes of workplace adversity. Improved individual practice was indicated by resilient thoughts, attitudes and behaviours. Creating authenticity emerged as an important aspect of personal fulfilment that assisted the growth of resilience. An important finding was the role of personal resilience on positive perceptions of general health and wellbeing, sense of fulfilment at work and commitment to stay. The experiential and creative techniques provided in the intervention led to


meaningful definitions and interpretations of personal resilience. Working creatively provided an innovative access point for participants to analyse their current perspectives on health and wellbeing and to explore individual ways to reduce stress and develop the protective characteristics of resilience. Successful mentoring partnerships established for the first time between senior and retired nurses and midwives and the study participants emphasised the uniqueness of the study intervention.” Prepared by Glenda McDonald

Glenda and her thesis with her proud supervisors Prof Lesley Wilkes and Prof Debra Jackson.

Linda Goddard – on submission of her PhD for examination Linda’s thesis is entitled: “The Health Empowerment Learning Partnership (HELP) model: undergraduate nursing students working with families of children with intellectual disabilities to improve their health”. Linda was supervised by Professors Patricia Davidson, John Daly and Debra Jackson.

Dr Sharon Andrew CONGRATULATIONS to Dr Sharon Andrew, one of the recipients for the 2010 Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Awards for “Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning” for her paper, “Bridging the research-teaching nexus: applying educational research to ensure an evidence-based approach for improved student outcomes in nursing programs”. Citation recipients and university nominated representatives will be attending an award ceremony on Monday 2 August 2010 at the NSW Art Gallery, Sydney. Fantastic work Sharon!


John Rolley – PhD Student Congratulations to John Rolley for completing his PhD at Curtin University. John has a letter of Commendation from the Vice Chancellor of Curtin, which is an outstanding achievement. John was supervised by a team led by Professor Patricia Davidson. John takes up a new position as Senior Research Fellow, at ACU Melbourne. Congratulations John and best wishes for the future!

Andrea McCloughen – PhD Graduate Congratulations to Andrea for successfully completing her PhD. Andrea was supervised by Professors Louise O’Brien and Debra Jackson and will graduate at the next graduation ceremony. Since completing her PhD, Andrea has been appointed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Mental Health Nursing, at the Sydney Nursing School (university of Sydney). Congratulations Andrea and best wishes for the future!

Dr Leah East Warm congratulations go to Dr Leah East. As a result of her PhD examination, Leah has been awarded the Alison M Johnston Prize for the most outstanding higher degree research thesis in Nursing or Health Studies.

Welcome

Rosie Cassidy - PhD Student Rosemary Cassidy is a PhD candidate with the University of Western Sydney. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in 2008 majoring in Criminology and Political Science and an Honours year in Criminology in 2009 at the University of Tasmania. Her Thesis topic was on biosocial influences on sensation seeking and risk taking of university students. Her PhD for FACH will research into the fear of crime and its influence on the health and wellbeing of university

students.

Glenda McDonald – Research Project Officer

Now that her PhD is submitted and presently under examination, Glenda has joined FaCH as a Research Project Officer and is working on a project named “Violence in the Emergency Department: Testing the Predictive Validity of an Assessment Tool for Nurses.” The study aims to develop an assessment tool to predict early signs of potential violence


confronted by nursing staff in emergency care. The impact of violence against nurses is of serious concern in the national and international healthcare context, due to the significant negative consequences experienced by individuals and organisations. This three-phased project will develop, test and confirm the predictive validity and reliability of the assessment tool. Outcomes from the project will for the first time provide a validated violence assessment tool for use by nurses in the emergency department that will be transferable to other health workplace settings. Glenda has just completed her PhD (see above under ‘Congratulations’) and we are thrilled to have her expertise for such an important project.

Melissa Galanto Melissa commenced duties with FaCH in late July as a casual Administration Assistant. ‘What a wonderful opportunity to work with FaCH – I feel privileged to be part of this team’. Melissa has an employment history in human resources, employment and recruitment, specifically dealing in assisting young teens just starting out in the workforce and “returning to work” mothers. Melissa describes herself as ‘very organised’ in her busy home life with 5 children. She also does freelance illustration for children’s books, paints commissioned artworks and teaches children’s classes at a local scrapbook shop. Welcome aboard Melissa, we are very

happy to have you join us!

Charmaine Miranda Charmaine Miranda started working with the FaCH team in March as a casual Research Officer. ‘Working with such dedicated people has been a privilege and an honour’. Charmaine has an employment history in Administration/Secretarial, Desktop Publishing, and Conference Management and organisation. With the completion of her Psychology degree this year, it was imperative to change course and get more experience in research and writing papers. Working with Dr. Ritin Fernandez on Developing elements of Effective Interventions for HeArt Disease Reduction and Maintenance in Asian Indians Living in Australia (DHARMA) Project DHARMA, has been enlightening with a steep learning curve in the right direction. The possibilities are endless and the help and guidance invaluable. It is a pleasure having you working with us in FaCH


Taking up new opportunities Professor Stephen Teo Warm congratulations to Professor Stephen Teo on his new position as Professor of Human Resource Management and Human Resources Management discipline leader at Curtin University. Professor Teo will still remain associated with FaCH as an affiliate member. Congratulations on your new position and we look forward to his continued collaboration. Best wishes with your new position Stephen!

Brooke Summers

Congratulations to Brooke on her new position with the School of Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Placement Team as Clinical Placement Administrative Officer. We wish Brooke all the best in assisting this very busy department. Thank you for the wonderful job you did while working with us in FaCH

Gillian Murphy Gillian has recently taken up a new position as Mental Health Coordinator and is now based at the Kingswood Campus. In her new role, Gillian will be developing policies and participating in mental health promotion throughout the university. Gillian continues to be a member of FaCH and is managing to fit her PhD in around her new role! Congratulations Gillian!


FaCH Facebook Group

Our facebook group is open to all FaCH members. If you haven’t already joined log on to the internet and take the plunge, you will be pleasantly surprised at all the information, dissemination and interaction that keeps our members connected. In the on-line networking group participants are able to see what other members are getting up to, find out information about conferences and events, discuss research articles, upload and view pictures etc. Discussion boards include: Publication notices; Mothers Journal Group; Upcoming conferences and events; commentary on member’s articles. Our members have commented that they find the FaCH facebook group to be immensely supportive and it makes staying in touch with students and supervisors very easy, especially when travelling nationally and internationally. If you are eligible to join the FaCH facebook group and would like to do so contact Heidi at [email protected] and you will be invited to join!

Contributions to the e-Newsletter In addition, if you have any recent articles, photos or information that you would like to share in future editions of the FaCH eNewsletter, you can also send them to Heidi: [email protected]

Members Publications

List of 2010 Member Conferences

1. Bhole, S., S. Ajwani, et al. (2010). Oral health care model for pregnant women in

Southwest Sydney. International Association of Dental Research Conference.

Barcelona, Spain.

2. Cioffi, J., Schmied, V., Dahlen, H., Mills, A., Thornton, C., Cummings, J., et al. (2010).

Physical Activity in Pregnancy: Women's perceptions, practices and influencing

factors. Paper presented at the 3rd Biennial Conference Breathing New Life into

Maternity Care.

3. Duff, M., A. George, et al. (2010). Predictors of correct reporting country of birth in

routine data collections among overseas born Australians. UWS Research Forum.

Penrith, Australia.

Publications Conferences, events & grants Staff activities & articles of interest Special interest groups

Achievements Graduation ceremonies Media or press articles Research projects



4. George, A. and M. Johnson (2010). Promoting oral health during pregnancy: A new

role for midwives. Breathing New Life into Midwifery Care Conference. Alice Springs,

Australia.

5. Elmir, R., Schmied, V., Wilkes, L., & Jackson, D. (2010). Hysterectomy following

childbirth: who is responsible in the intensive care unit (ICU), nurse or midwife? Paper

presented at the 3rd Biennial Conference Breathing New Life into Maternity Care.

6. George, A., M. Johnson, et al. (2010). The potential role of midwives in oral health

care: An Australian perspective. International Confederation of Midwives

Conference. Durban, South Africa.

7. Hudson, P., J. Elkholm, et al. (2010). Helping emergency nurses to act sooner:

Identifying the deteriorating adult and child - Part Two. CENA National Conference.

Canberra, Australia.

8. Jefferies, D. and M. Johnson (2010). Defining the role of the nurse in supporting the

oral nutritional care of patient. School of Nursing & Midwifery Conference 2009:

Leadership and Practice Development in Health - Quality and Safety through

Workplace Learning. University of Tasmania, Australia.

9. Jefferies, D., M. Johnson, et al. (2010). Developing a minimum data set for clinical

nursing handover. 8th Australasian Conference on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Perth, Australia.

10. Jirojwong, S. and S. Hillege (2010). Using a participatory communication approach to

develop a DVD health education resource for Vietnamese women in Sydney,

Australia. International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies.

Barcelona, Spain.

11. Jirojwong, S. and S. Hillege (2010). Using a participatory communication approach to

develop a DVD health education resource for Vietnamese women in Sydney,

Australia. International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies.

Barcelona, Spain.

12. Johnson, M., D. Tran, et al. (2010). Measuring nurses' knowledge of falls assessment

and management. 8th Australasian Conference on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Perth, Australia.

13. Nicholls, D. (2010). Keynote address. Graduation Ceremony: Transition Program into

Mental Health Nursing. Sydney South West Area Health Service.

14. Ramjan, L. M. (2010). Contextualism adds realism: Students' perceptions of

numeracy skills testing in nursing. NETNEP 2010 - 3rd International Nurse Education

Conference. Sydney, Australia.

15. Ramjan, L.M. (2010, April). Contextualism adds realism: Students’ perceptions of

numeracy skills testing in nursing. Poster presented at NETNEP 2010 3rd

International Nurse Education Conference: “Nursing education in a global

community: Collaboration and networking for the future”, Sydney, Australia.

16. Schmied, V., Duff, M., Dahlen, H., Mills, A., & Kolt, G. (2010). ''Drowning not waving':

a study of the experiences and concerns of midwives and other health professionals


caring for obese childbearing women'. Paper presented at the PSANZ 14th Annual

Conference.

17. Schmied, V., Kruske, S., Homer, C., Barclay, L., Wilson, I., Fowler, C., et al. (2010).

Beyond Birth: exploring transitions of care from birth onward (workshop). Paper

presented at the 3rd Biennial Breathing New Life into Maternity Care.

18. Trajkovski, S., Schmied, V., Vickers, M., & Jackson, D. (2010). Using Appreciative

Inquiry to enhance Family Centred Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Paper

presented at the 14th Annual Congress of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New

Zealand (PSANZ)

19. Wilkes, L., S. Mohan, et al. (2010). Development of a violence assessment tool for

nurses in the emergency department. Royal College of Nursing of the United

Kingdom, The 2010 International Nursing Research Conference. The Sage Gateshead,

United Kingdom.

List of 2010 Member Publications to date

1. Alexandrou, E., Spencer, T., Frost, S., Parr, M., Davidson, P., & Hillman, K. (2010). Establishing a nurse-led central venous catheter insertion service,. JAVA: The Journal of the Association for Vascular Access, 15, 21-27.

2. Allnutt, J., Allnutt, N., Mc Master, R., O Connell, J., Middleton, S., Hillege, S., et al. (2010). Clients' understanding of the role of nurse practitioners. Australian Health Review, 34(1), 59-65.

3. Andrew, S., Halcomb, E., Jackson, D., Peters, K., & Salamonson, Y. (2010). Sessional

teachers in a BN program: Bridging the divide or widening the gap? Nurse Education Today, 30, 453-457.

4. Borbasi, S., Jackson, D., & Lockwood, C. (2010). Undertaking a clinical audit. In M.

Courtney & H. McCutcheon (Eds.), Using Evidence to Guide Nursing Practice (pp. 113-132). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier.

5. Bourgeois, S., & van Der Riet, P. (2010). Caring Kozer & Erb Fundamentals of Nursing:

Pearson Education.

6. Bryne, S., Walter, G., Hunt, G., Soh, N., Cleary, M., Duffy, P., et al. (2010). Self-reported side effects in children and adolescents taking risperidone. Australasian Psychiatry, 18(1), 42-45.

7. Burns, E., Schmied, V., Sheehan, A., & Fenwick, J. (2010). A meta-ethnographic

synthesis of women’s experience of breastfeeding. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 6(3), 201-209.

8. Byrne, S., Soh, N., Walter, G., Hunt, G., Cleary, M., & Malhi, G. (2010). Observations

from postal research involving families of young people taking antipsychotic medication. Acta Neuropsychiatrica, 22(2), 102.

9. Cleary, M., Horsfall, J., & Happell, B. (2010). Developing practice in mental health

settings. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 19(1), 45-52.


10. Cleary, M., & Hunt, G. (2010). Letter to the editor: Response to Alchin. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 19(2), 149-150.

11. Cleary, M., Hunt, G., & Horsfall, J. (2010). Identifying and addressing bullying in

nursing. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 31(5), 331-335.

12. Cleary, M., Hunt, G., Walter, G., & Tong, L. (2010). A guide for mental health clinicians to develop and undertake benchmarking activities. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 19(2), 137-141.

13. Cleary, M., & Walter, G. (2010). Giving feedback to learners in clinical and academic

settings: Practical considerations. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 41(4), 153-154.

14. Dahlen, H. (2010). Undone by fear? Deluded by trust? Midwifery, 26(2), 156-162.

15. Dahlen, H., & Homer, C. (2010). Infant feeding in the first 12 weeks following birth:

comparison of patterns seen in Asian and non-Asia women in Australia. Women and Birth, 23(1), 22-28.

16. Davidson, P., Gholizadeh, L., Haghshenas, A., Rotem, A., Digiacomo, M., Eisenbruch,

M., et al. (2010). A review of the cultural competence view of cardiac rehabilitation. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(9-10), 1335-1342.

17. Davidson, P., Halcomb, E. J., & Gholizadeh, L. (2010). Focus groups in health

research. In P. Liamputtong (Ed.), Research Methods in Health: Foundations for Evidence-based Practice (pp. 61-76). South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press.

18. Du, H., Davidson, P., Everett, B., Salamonson, Y., Zecchin, R., Rolley, J., et al. (2010).

Assessment of self-administered adapted 6-minute walk test. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 30(2), 116-120.

19. East, L. (2010). Coping with an STI diagnosis. Primary Times, 8, 12.

20. East, L., & Jackson, D. (2010). Disrupted sense of self: Young women and sexually

transmitted infections. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19(13-14), 1995-2003.

21. East, L., Jackson, D., O'Brien, L., & Peters K. (2010). Storytelling: an approach that can help to develop resilience. Nurse Researcher, 17(3), 17-25.

22. Fenwick, J., Butt, J., Dhaliwal, S., Hauck, Y., & Schmied, V. (2010). Western Australian

women's perceptions of the style and quality of midwifery postnatal care in hospital and at home. Women and Birth, 23(1), 10-21.

23. Fernandez, R., Pak-Chun Chau, J., Thompson, D., Griffiths, R., & Lo, H. (2010).

Accuracy of biochemical markers for predicting nasogastric tube placement in adults—A systematic review of diagnostic studies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 47(8), 1037-1047.

24. Fernandez, R., Tran, D., Johnson, M., & Jones, S. (2010). Interdisciplinary

communication in general medical and surgical wards using two different models of nursing care delivery. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(3), 265-274.

25. Frost, S., Tam, V., Alexandrou, E., Hunt, L., Salamonson, Y., Davidson, P., et al. (2010). Readmission to intensive care: development of a nomogram for individualising risk.


Critical Care and Resuscitation, 12(2), 83-89.

26. Gholizadeh, L., Salamonson, Y., Davidson, P., Parvan, K., Frost, S., Chang, S., et al. (2010). Cross-cultural validation of the cardiac depression scale in Iran. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, Epub March

27. Halcomb, E., Davidson, P., & Brown, N. (2010). Uptake of Medicare chronic disease

items in Australia by general practice nurses and Aboriginal health workers. Collegian, 17(2), 57-61.

28. Halcomb, E., Davidson, P., Caldwell, B., Salamonson, Y., & Rolley, J. (2010). Validation

of the professional practice environment scale in an Australian general practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2, 207-213.

29. Halcomb, E. J., Andrew, S., Peters, K., Salamonson, Y., & Jackson, D. (2010).

Casualisation of the teaching workforce: Implications for nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 30(6), 528-532

30. Halcomb, E. J., & Hickman, L. (2010). Development of a clinician-led research agenda

for general practice nurses. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 27(3), 4-11.

31. Horsfall, J., Cleary, M., & Hunt, G. (2010). Acute inpatient units in a comprehensive (integrated) mental health system: A review of the literature. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 31(4), 273-278.

32. Hutchinson, M., Vickers, M., Wilkes, L. & Jackson, D. 2010. A typology of bullying

behaviours: the experiences of Australian nurses, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(16):

2319-2328.

33. Hutchinson, M., Vickers, M., Jackson, D., & Wilkes, L. (2010). Bullying as circuits of power: An Australian nursing perspective. Administrative Theory and Praxis, 32(1), 25-47.

34. Hutchinson, M., Wilkes, L., Jackson, D., & Vickers, M. (2010). Integrating individual,

work group and organizational factors: testing a multidimensional model of bullying in the nursing workplace. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(2), 173-181.

35. Jackson, D., & Borbasi, S. (2010). Nursing care and nurse caring: Issues, concerns,

debates. In J. Daly, S. Speedy & D. Jackson (Eds.), Contexts of Nursing. Sydney: Elsevier.

36. Jackson, D., McDonald, G., & Wilkes, L. (2010). Thriving in the workplace: learning

from innovative practices. In M. McAllister & J. Rowe (Eds.), Nurses making a difference: Strategies for empowering your practice. New York: Springer.

37. Jefferies, D., Johnson, M., & Griffiths, R. (2010). A meta-study of the essentials of

quality nursing documentation. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16(2), 112-124.

38. O'Reilly, R., Wilkes, L., Luck, L., & Jackson, D. (2010). The efficacy of family support

and family preservation services on reducing child abuse and neglect: what the literature reveals. Journal of Child Health Care, 14(1), 82-94.

39. Patterson, E., Halcomb, E., Mahomed, R., Evans, J., & Mcnalty, K. (2010). Building

research capacity in General Practice Nursing. In W. Wong & D. Young (Eds.), General Practice Nursing (pp. 422-439). North Ryde, NSW.


40. Reid, J., Schmied, V., & Beale, B. (2010). ‘I only give advice if I am asked': Examining

the grandmother's potential to influence infant feeding decisions and parenting practices of new mothers. Women and Birth, 23(2), 74-80.

41. Rhodes, C., Pullen, A., Vickers, M. H., CLegg, S. R., & Pitsis, A. (2010). Violence and

workplace bullying: What are an organization's ethical responsibilities? Administrative Theory and Praxis, 32(1), 96-115.

42. Rolley, J., Salamonson, Y., Dennison, C., & Davidson, P. (2010). Nursing care practices

following a percutaneous coronary intervention: Results of a survey of Australian and New Zealand cardiovascular nurses. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 25(1), 75-84.

43. Salamonson, Y. (2010). Commentary on King KM, Colella TJF, Faris P & Thompson DR

(2009) Using the cardiac depression scale in men recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. Journal of Clinical Nursing 18, 1617-1624. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(9-10), 1473-1474.

44. Salamonson, Y., Koch, J., Weaver, R., Everett, B., & Jackson, D. (2010). Embedded

academic writing support for nursing students with English as a second language. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(2), 413-421.

45. Schmied, V., & Lupton, D. (2010). Blurring the boundaries: breastfeeding and

maternal subjectivity. In D. Holmes & T. Rudge (Eds.), Abjectly Boundless: Boundaries, Bodies and Health Work. Aldershot, Hants UK: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.

46. Schmied, V., & Walsh, P. (2010). Effective casework practice with adolescents.

Perspectives of statutory child protection practitioners. Child and Family Social Work, 15(2), 165-175.

47. Sheehan, A., Schmied, V., & Barclay, L. (2010). Complex decisions: Theorising

women’s infant feeding decisions in the first six weeks post-birth. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(2), 371-380.

48. Tran, D., Johnson, M., Fernandez, R., & Jones, S. (2010). A shared care model vs. a

patient allocation model of nursing care delivery: Comparing nursing staff satisfaction and stress outcomes. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16(2), 148-158.

49. Vallido, T., Jackson, D., & O'Brien, L. (2010). Nurses' management of adolescent sleep

disturbance: a qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(3-4), 324-331.

50. Vickers, M. (2010). Symposium: Bullying, mobbing and violence in organizational life. Administrative Theory and Praxis, 32(1), 24-32.

51. Wilkes, L., Mohan, S., Luck, L., & Jackson, D. (2010). Development of a violence assessment tool in the emergency hospital setting. Nurse Researcher, 17(4), 7-19.

52. Yacopetti, N., Alexandrou, E., Spencer, T., Frost, S., Davidson, P., O'Sullivan, G., et al.

(2010). Central venous catheter insertion by a clinical nurse consultant or anaesthetic medical staff: a single-centre observational study. Critical Care and Resuscitation, 12(2), 90-95.

Please let Melissa Galanto know if you would like to add your publication to the FaCH list, email to [email protected]


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