To all OzMidwives working out there..this is in reference to the directive from the Victorian Government regarding agency nurses/midwives.
I am a practising midwife, having worked in this field for 26+years. Due to a change in my work situation, I began working with an agency late last year and have found the experience of working at different hospitals as a midwife, both in the city of Melbourne, and in rural areas very refreshing. Unfortunately because of escalating costs the government has decided to reduce the usage of agency nurses/midwives unless absolutely necessary (agency staff are only to be used to replace sick staff and are NOT to be utilised for staffing numbers). As a result my workload is to be reduced. My question is this...why should we be penalised if we are prepared to travel to different hospitals to "help out" when there are staff shortages and the like? There is a definite need for agency nurses/midwives and I feel it is sad that those in power assume we are receiving too much money for our practice. To me..it looks like we are taking a large step backwards.
If I am prepared to travel in all directions for my work, at the last minute, and assimilate in an unfamiliar environment as well as occasionally be met with a degree of hostility because I am an Ägency Midwife", should I not be encouraged? At the going rate of pay these days for permanent staff...which when you think about it is still not very good for the work that we do, those of us that do work agency should be encouraged and given what dollars we earn in return for good work practice.
I welcome replies from anyone out there who has an opinion on this matter.
May I also add, that apart from one or two minor incidences..I have been extremely well received in all places I have worked and reiterate that I enjoy the experience of Agency Midwifery immensely.
Thank you, Jenny.
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