Member story: Jim Ivers, Enrolled Nurse LGH ED

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.”  

Read more member and staff stories in the latest issue of Infusion

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