Member story: Jim Ivers, Enrolled Nurse LGH ED

Today’s health systems are made of skilled, multi generational, and culturally diverse work forces, and you all share a common goal. That goal is to provide the best patient care experience in a positive work environment and the best way to accomplish that goal is with teamwork. This is the focus of our new campaign, #OnYourTeam

Teamwork requires good communication. All team members want to feel that their ideas and skills are valued. No matter what team you’re on, you should be encouraged to ask questions, share ideas or concerns, and discuss potential solutions.

In the Emergency Department of the Launceston General Hospital, 67-year-old Enrolled Nurse Jim Ivers is a strong advocate for this and says colleagues can give their own feedback, suggestions, and questions on shift. Therefore, listening is an important aspect of team operations in the ED.

“If there’s a sudden death of a patient, whether that’s a young person or someone arrested suddenly and unexpectedly, then the team has a comprehensive debrief. We look out for and support each other because we all know what it’s like to work in a fast-paced environment. Listening is key.”

Jim says the LGH has been in the headlines for bed block and ramping in recent times, which subsequently has put even more pressure on staff, despite the 130-odd nursing team doing their best for each patient.

“It definitely tests morale, but we’ve got a very resilient workforce, and we all still come together.”

Jim began working in the building industry, and it wasn’t until his father suffered a stroke and spent a lot of time hospital, that he thought he could become a nurse.

“My mum was a registered nurse, so I was familiar with the industry. I studied my Diploma and then an Advanced Diploma before beginning my career at George Town Hospital.”

He’s been working in the ED at the LGH for about 4 and a half years and has been a Specialist EN there for 12 months.

“I’m coming to the end of my working career, it’s a been a great ride, I love my job and the people I work with.”

He says he’s garnered a bit of a reputation as a mentor, with younger staff looking up to him.

“I’m happy to help, I always have the time.”

Updates correct as at 27 September 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

More #OnYourTeam stories

More latests news

[siteorigin_widget class="Tribe_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]PRIVATE AND AGED CARE SECTOR ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS UPDATE (NORTHERN REGION) Eskleigh Nurses The employer is reviewing its offer following the change in management. Japara The employer has lodged the agreement in the Fair Work Commission for approval. Medea Park [...]

[siteorigin_widget class="Tribe_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]PRIVATE AND AGED CARE SECTOR ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS UPDATE (STATEWIDE) Australian Red Cross Blood Service The ANMF is meeting with members to endorse the log of claims. Bolton Clark The employer intends to stop negotiating with the ANMF and put [...]

[siteorigin_widget class="WP_Widget_Media_Image"][/siteorigin_widget]Statewide Aged Care updates 10 July 2019 NORTH Masonic Care Fred French The ANMF have been working with members at the Masonic Care Tasmania (MCT), Fred French site regarding management’s decision to close one wing for renovation. Members are [...]