Terminology
To provide health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is necessary for providers of that health care to understand the link between historical factors and the appalling health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. It is essential that the principles of cultural safety be taught to all students of nursing and to all teaching and support staff within the faculty. This is necessary to ensure the safety of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The utilisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses as consultants to faculties of nursing would be a practical means of ensuring cultural education and mentoring. It is considered that linking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues to multicultural issues in education is an unacceptable practice. The focus must be on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as first nations peoples. Consideration be given, to the benefit of developing a mandatory component of educational programs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the primary health care model, incorporating the principles of Community development, which will reflect the structure of the relevant community, utilising the expertise of health professionals within the community involved.
OUR FORWARD DREAMING The numbers of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Nursing reflects the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. OUR REASON FOR BEING To increase the Recruitment and Retention of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples into Nursing. BUILDING OUR DREAM AROUND · Cultural Heritage and Identity · Recruitment and Retention · Education · Professional issues LIVING OUR DREAM
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION 1. Achieve demonstrated commitment from: · All faculties of Nursing · The Chief Nursing Officer/Adviser in each State and Territory · Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational organisations at local, State and national levels, to work with CATSIN and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop and implement strategies and policies on the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students 2. Chief Nursing Officers/Advisers and Nurse Registering Bodies include an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Nurse as a member on their Nursing advisory boards. 3. Schools of Nursing develop and implement bridging programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students. 4. Strategies developed which will facilitate the articulation of Aboriginal Health Workers in to nursing education programs. 5. Implement measures that will facilitate the articulation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers into Nursing education programs 6. Provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Nursing 7. That there be a Project Officer (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Nurse) employed in each State and Territory to visit and speak with Primary school children offering Nursing as a career option EDUCATION 1. Schools of nursing establish a curriculum advisory body to facilitate the development and implementation of a compulsory component of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues in the curriculum which reflects the diverse nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and the effects of historical factors on our historical factors on our health and wellbeing.
This body: · To work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander centres on campus, where they exist. · Will be part of the school of nursing's strategic plan in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education, in particular the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. · Will ensure curriculum development and content relates to the National Commitment to Improved Outcomes Agreement in the Delivery of Programs and Services for Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Will endorse and reflect the recommendations arising from: · National Aboriginal Health Strategy, 1989. · Bringing Them Home, National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their families,1997. · The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, 1992. 2. Ensure that there is compulsory placement for all students of nursing in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community health organisation. 3. Ensure that there is a mentorship program for Aboriginal and Torrs Strait Islander students. 4. Recognition of prior learning. 5. Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Terms of Reference and ways of learning. 6. Schools of Nursing develop and implement flexible learning modes to accommodate the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
The formation of CATSIN was deemed the first step in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses claiming ownership of setting the agenda and advising on a range of issues related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues and the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students of Nursing and Nurses. This will be achieved by: · Culturally appropriate interviewing processes, familiarity with customary practices and implications for face to face interviews · Acknowledgement of the cultural expertise and knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses contribute to the health care industry. · Opportunities provided for this cultural expertise and knowledge to be incorporated into Nursing practice, education, research and administration · Contribution to the development, implementation and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurse Education and employment strategies · Advising Federal, State and Territory health ministers, and their relevant bodies, OATSIH, Health departments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health units, on strategic developments, policy development and implementation, regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and nursing issues. · Representation on or to all nursing registration bodies, Australian Nursing Federation, Chief Nurses or ministerial nursing advisers, in each state and territory, OATSIH, federal and state health advisory committees, State Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health units. · Lobbying all key stakeholders to progress CATSIN's objectives to maximise its contribution.
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