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

District Hospitals Working Group

[siteorigin_widget class="Tribe_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Update: Proposed models 3 April 2019 ANMF have been reviewing and providing comment on the draft business rules for the proposed model for district hospitals. ANMF have made numerous suggestions to the draft business rules to ensure that the [...]

Aged Care Updates – 3 April 2019

[siteorigin_widget class="Tribe_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget] 3 April 2019 North: Masonic Care Tasmania Fred French and Peace Haven ANMF met with members at Fred French on Friday 1 March to discuss numerous workplace concerns. ANMF followed up this meeting by meeting with management on [...]

Forthcoming Meetings

[siteorigin_widget class="Tribe_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Update: Member Meetings 3 April 2019 ANMF have booked and look forward to member meetings in the following locations: RHH Ward 2A – Wednesday 3 April at 1400hrs RHH Ward 8A – Thursday 4 April at 0900hrs RHH Paediatric [...]