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Winter 2002

Enrolled nurses Medication endorsed in aged care - Are you being paid correctly?

A new classification for enrolled nurses (medication endorsed) working in aged care was established in the Tasmanian Aged Care Nursing Enterprise Agreement 2001, effective as of 7 January, 2002.

HACSU believes breaches of clause 17 covering Medication Endorsed Enrolled Nurses in the Tasmanian Aged Care Nursing Enterprise Agreement 2001 are occurring because some employers do not understand the meaning of Clause 17 which states as follows:

"An enrolled nurse who has a medication endorsement and who is required by the employer to utilise such endorsement shall be paid on the following classification.

Enrolled Nurse Level 2 (Medication Endorsed) 1st year of service $29,437 2nd Year of service $30,004

At the time of registration of this Agreement, the employer shall advise in writing each enrolled nurse who has a medication endorsement on their NBT enrolment whether they will be required to utilise their medication endorsement in their employment. All new enrolled nurse employees will be advised in writing at the time of their employment whether they are required to use their medication endorsement in their employment.

Provided that the salary increases described in Clause 9 shall be applied to the above rates from the FFPP 1 January 2002."

This clause means each enrolled nurse who is required to utilise the medication endorsement during employment will be paid as an enrolled nurse level 2 (Medication Endorsed) for ALL shifts worked.

Some employers appear to be only paying the Enrolled Nurse Level 2 classification because they deem that the medication endorsement is only required to be "used" on selected shifts.

If this is happening to you, or you are unsure if you are being paid correctly, please seek advice from your HACSU delegate or contact the Nursing Organiser in your region.