Thanks from team behind the heroes

THE team at Tasmanian recruitment agency NurseLine has been busy — busy keeping in touch with their nurses and all the clients they service throughout Tasmania.

“It’s during challenging times like we have seen lately that nurses pull together and support one another,” said state manager and nurse Cathy Beswick.

“Our shift requests have changed, and we are asking our nurses to operate under different circumstances, but they have all risen to the challenge, and we are thankful and proud of what we have been able to provide for the community. We want to thank all our nurses — in fact, all nurses in Tasmania — who have continued to be available and work through these times of adversity.”

NurseLine has a team of agency nurses working in both hospital and aged care settings. Sharyn and Miren juggle the critical job of matching the right nurses to the right job and, while it’s always busy for the pair, they are finding the current climate is more challenging on their nursing team.

“Facilities now have more procedures in place to keep patients and residents safe, and our team also have extra protocols to run through to ensure their own safety,” Miren said. “While it’s an added pressure, it’s vitally important, and our team are rising to the challenge admirably.”

Elizabeth is NurseLine’s clinical facilitator. Her role is to support their nurses from a clinical as well as a professional perspective.

“During times like these, I try to stay in touch with all our team, not only to make sure all clinical skills are up to scratch, but to add support and chat to see how they are coping mentally. Once a nurse, always a nurse,” she said with a laugh.

It’s not just agency nurses at the ready. NurseLine is also working with nurses to find them permanent roles in aged care and the hospitals.

“The need for permanent nurses in the Tasmanian system continues,” said Allison, who places nurses and allied health professionals into permanent roles.

“But it’s a different conversation I am having with my candidates. We talk at length about things such as making a move to Tassie during these restrictions, and what it means to them and their family.

“Life must go on, and nurses are a profession who are there at the ready to help and do their bit. I really commend the nurses’ attitude during this time, and thank them for their openness, transparency and willingness to share their concerns.

“I’m trying to help them move into a new job, and they have all these other issues to consider, which weren’t there a few months ago. They truly are to be admired.’’

Allison sums up with a sentiment you feel when meeting the whole NurseLine team: “It makes my job so much more satisfying to know I am recruiting within a profession which is valued so much.”

Thank you, nurses, from the NurseLine team.