Helping Injured Nurses Return To Work
Type: Union News Subject: OHS
30 October 2008
Occupational Rehabilitation project aims to improve the occupational rehabilitation process for injured nurses.
The NSWNA is undertaking a project called The Outcome of Occupational Rehabilitation of NSW Nurses that aims to improve the occupational rehabilitation process for injured nurses in NSW.
A collaborative project between the NSWNA and the University of Newcastle - funded by a WorkCover Partnerships Grant awarded in 2007, this research study sets out to explore the experiences and perceptions of injured nurses and workplace rehabilitation coordinators of the rehabilitation process, and identify the barriers to the successful occupational rehabilitation of injured nurses employed in health care settings in metropolitan and rural NSW.
The research is being conducted by the Faculty of Health at the University of Newcastle.
An important source of information will be a questionnaire sent to a sample of injured nurses in November. Nurses will be asked to complete and return the questionnaire. Focus groups have also been held with a number of rehabilitation co-ordinators from a range of employers.
NSWNA General Secretary Brett Holmes said the project derives from the Association's concern about the occupational rehabilitation process and how it is being managed for injured nurses in NSW.
'Nursing is a profession with a high rate of injury and currently the rehabilitation processes for nurses are limited' he said.
'If you have been injured recently you may be invited to participate in this research project. I encourage members to share their experiences and perceptions of the rehabilitation process so we can improve the process for injured nurses.'
All nurses who have sustained an injury and have required rehabilitation between July 2006 and June 2007 are eligible to participate. Potential participants will be identified by WorkCover NSW and receive a study package inviting participation. Participation in this research is entirely voluntary, anonymous and confidential. No information will be collected that will identify the participants. The questionnaire should take about 30 minutes to complete.
'The NSWNA will provide members with information about the research findings in future editions of The Lamp, or you will be able to obtain a copy of the research findings from the research team at the University of Newcastle,' said Brett.
If you would like further information about this study, please email Maya Guest at maya.guest@newcastle.edu.au or phone 02 4921-7735.
If you're a nurse or midwife in NSW, then this is your union.
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