Good luck Carolyn with the NSWNA elections. Andrea the conference looks good. Dearly love to go.
I was recently elected to QNU Council as a member and also as the only practicing midwife. I will always speak up for midwifery practice and the families we support. Qld members please start formulating branch motions and send them in before mid May. If people feel their branch may be difficult send them to me here and I will put them through the Redcliffe branch. Give me background as well so I can speak on it. The next edition of the QNU journal highlights midwifery and the next one will have NMAP in it. Small achievements but some will see it as a negative as we are working within the "Nursing" Union! What you are saying about the work situation is correct? There are so many 'managers' that pay lip service to the stressors involved with care that they just turn a blind eye to everything. Near misses, keep your fingers crossed and hope or flying by your seat are common. It has to stop. If we unite and support each other can you imagine the strength. Unfortunately if one has a differing view at work they just get pushed to one side and considered nuisances. Everyone has the right to be heard and feel safe to be able to debate freely without feeling intimidated/bullied especially in a closed room. Unfortunately what I experienced at the Brisbane ACMI conference was completely the opposite. I opened my mouth with some searching questions too early at this conference and I was then treated really bad by some sections of the conference. I felt so isolated and suffered much stress. Don't think I will experience that environment again!!!!!! Mind you looking at Darwin's prices I would dearly to be one of those unwaged (one must assume) midwives. Debate in political circles at least ends with goodwill no matter what side you are on!! Cheers Barb -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
