16 December 2021
The ANMF (SA Branch) encourages members to access the fatigue management tools, which should be available on their LHN’s intranet. As part of NMEA 2020 negotiations, the Department of Health & Wellbeing agreed that each LHN was to roll out a suite of fatigue management tools, strategies and documents. If these are unavailable, please notify your manager and ask for them to be made available.
If they remain unavailable at your site, please notify your Worksite Representative, a Professional Liaison Officer or the ANMF (SA Branch) Duty Officer.
Click here for more information about fatigue
DOUBLE SHIFTS
The ANMF (SA Branch) actively discourages the practice of double shifts. Double shifts may be detrimental to your pattern of work, your time away from work, and your overall fatigue and wellbeing.
‘Does my PII cover me for a double shift?’
The Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) policy covers you if you are sued for negligence or malpractice (breach of your professional duties). There is nothing in the PII policy that excludes coverage specifically due to a nurse or midwife working a double or additional shifts.
Click here for more information about your PII cover
Our concern is that when nurses and midwives work when they are fatigued, or at risk of fatigue, you may not be able to meet your professional obligations – specifically the Nurse/Midwife Standards for Practice, as regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board. You have a duty of care to your patients and if you feel that your care is compromised because of fatigue, then you must escalate this to your manager. Under the Work Health & Safety Act (2012), both you and your employer have responsibilities for ensuring and monitoring safe work practices, including fatigue. Ultimately, we all have obligations to ensure that our workplaces are safe for our colleagues and patients.
‘What if something happens on my way home?’
Your Journey Accident Cover is a separate policy, which may have an exclusion for fatigue.
The relevant clause in relation to this states: This Policy shall not apply to any Event directly or indirectly arising out of: … General Exclusion Clause 7. An Insured Person suffering from stress or psychiatric condition, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, neurosis, psychosis, mental or emotional stress, physical fatigue, mental disease or associated disorders unless such conditions are being treated by a registered specialist mental health practitioner.
Click here for more information about your Journey Accident Cover
Disclaimer: This FAQ is for general guidance only. The application of laws can vary widely based on the individual circumstances. Accordingly, the information is not legal or professional advice. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with your insurer. Members are also encouraged to contact the ANMF (SA Branch) Duty Officer on 8334 1900 to obtain individual advice