Local agency sends nursing support across the nation
Sunshine Coast-based nursing agency, RNS is sending nurses thousands of kilometres away in response to the increased need for nursing and care staff as natural disasters take their toll on Australia and its health care service.
Nurses from RNS have been in high demand in crisis locations such as Darwin, Katherine, Toowoomba, Dalby, Theodore, Rockhampton, Cardwell and Tully where they have worked long hours to support local health care facilities. Where necessary they evacuated with patients from high risk facilities before the flood waters rose and cyclones Yasi and Carlos hit.
“The brightly coloured stars scattered across the Australian map in our office indicate the escalating demand for nurses across the country,” said Sue Dunlop, Managing Director of RNS.
“When natural disasters hit, health care professionals bear the brunt of the pressure. Not only are there more people who need medical attention but there are nurses and doctors in those communities who have been personally affected by the floods and cyclones.”
“It must be devastating to know you are needed as a professional when you have so much to deal with on a personal front. There is something to be said for the amazing capacity and commitment of Australia’s nursing staff and we are proud our nurses have been able to support them in this trying time.”
For many health care facilities the support from agency nurses and carers is crucial in maintaining a strong level of care for local citizens during times of crisis.
“While volunteers from all walks of life offer support to victims of natural disasters, the medical profession is often already under pressure and therefore struggles to find qualified support staff to bolster the service in times of need,” said Sue.
“Fortunately RNS had already been working closely with many of the communities hit by floods and recent cyclones so had nurses on the ground to offer help. Three of our aged care nurses were working at a nursing home in Cardwell when Yasi was approaching. They evacuated with the residents to a safe shelter overnight before moving everyone on to a hospital in Townsville, continuing to deliver care as their highest priority.”
RNS currently has nurses in facilities across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory and continues to receive requests for nursing staff on a daily basis.
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