About Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd (KAMS) is the peak regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Established in 1986, KAMS was formed to provide a unified voice for Aboriginal health and wellbeing, and to deliver centralised resources and collective advocacy in partnership with its Member Services. KAMS is governed by a Board of Directors made up of Aboriginal health leaders from across its Member Services.

KAMS is a member-based organisation representing eight independent Aboriginal organisations:

• Beagle Bay Futures Indigenous Corporation

• Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange

• Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service

• Derby Aboriginal Health Service

• Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation

• Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services

• Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service

• Yura Yungi Medical Service

Our vision is that all Kimberley Aboriginal people are empowered to be strong, healthy, and connected through Aboriginal community-controlled services. 

Our purpose is to deliver holistic health and wellbeing outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations, centred around Aboriginal culture and knowledge.

KAMS provides a wide range of services and programs to support our Member Services and improve the health and wellbeing of Kimberley Aboriginal people, in line with the ACCHS Model of Care. Our services and programs include:

• Kimberley Renal Services – renal health centres in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, and Fitzroy Crossing, a Mobile Dialysis Unit, and chronic kidney disease prevention  

• Remote Services - comprehensive primary health care delivered through remote health centres in Balgo, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga, Billiluna, and Mulan  

• Mental Health – mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and headspace Broome

• Integrated Support Services – disability, aged care, and population health

• Kimberley Aboriginal Health Research Alliance – research and research partnerships

• Workforce – HR, WHS, training, workforce development, and Registered Training Organisation

• Corporate and Clinical Support – business services, communications, policy, finance, ICT, sector strengthening, and medical services including clinical governance and public health

KAMS is a proud member of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA), the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA), and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

Position Summary

• Manages a client case load and delivers culturally safe nursing care in accordance with unit protocols and best practice guidelines.
• Supervise new staff and assist in their education
• Provides a holistic approach to client care, contributing to the multidisciplinary team and making referrals as needed.
• Takes a Shift Co-ordinator role
• Contributes to the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement at the Renal Health Centre

Relationships

Internal

• All Kimberley Renal Services Staff
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service Staff

External

• Visiting Nephrology Specialist
• Aboriginal Medical Services staff throughout the Kimberley
• Other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS)
• Fresenius Medical Care (FMC)
• Tertiary hospitals
• St John Ambulance

Duty Statement and Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities 

1. Manage a client case load and deliver culturally safe nursing care in accordance with unit protocols and best practice guidelines

- Adhere to KRS and KAMS policies and procedures at all times

- Ensure delivery of care is provided utilising Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Care              Coordinator to ensure cultural safety at all times

- Evaluate and adjust treatment parameters in relation to clients’ response to treatment and              monthly blood tests, in accordance with unit policies and consultation with medical staff                  where necessary        

- Promote clients’ health and independence by empowering clients and their families, through          education and positive feedback

- Take responsibility for own learning needs; ensuring individual yearly mandatory training is              maintained and seek learning opportunities

- Ensure safe practice and compliance with unit protocols which includes the Renal Medication          Administration Competency Assessment and standing orders in relation to the storage and              administration of medication at the Renal Health Centre 

  - Adhere to the Kimberley Standard Drug List and Medicines and Poisons Act

- Follow machine maintenance regimes, monitor and seek technical assistance when necessary

- Complete manufacturers work register and report repairs on LogiQC

- Deliver nursing care utilising a high level of skill in assessment, planning and implementation          of dialysis care, prioritising care and initiating emergency procedures as necessary. Refer                  patient to primary health care provider when appropriate

- Consult with Renal GP and Nephrologist to ensure optimal patient care

- Coordinate weekly multi-disciplinary meetings

- Coordinate the transfer of patients from other Renal Health Centres and hospitals that are               linked to KRS services such as Darwin Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital.

- Ensure comprehensive handover to the next shift and Nurse Unit Manager regarding the                transfer of hemodialysis patients and dialysis sessions

- Ensure assigned portfolios are managed by unit staff and provide support as required. 

- Maintain regular communication with the Primary Health Care Providers’ key stakeholders to          ensure patient care is coordinated seamlessly between the Renal Health Centre and multi-              disciplinary team

- Maintain ANZDATA and key performance indicators 

- Undertake higher duties in the absence of the Nurse Unit Manager as required

- Provide support to the Nurse Unit Manager to ensure delivery of service

2. Coordinate the shift and support the skill development of junior staff

- Coordinate the shift whilst supporting junior staff and manage clinical situations where                    appropriate.

- Demonstrate an advanced level of renal nursing skills and act as a renal clinical resource to              other staff and health team members.

- Support staff in their day to day clinical practice assisting with assessment and problem                  solving as required.

- Work as part of the preceptorship team implementing the preceptorship program in                        consultation with the NUM and Operations Manager

- Work with the NUM and Operations Manager with staff skills assessment and mandatory                competencies

- Provide in-services up-skilling for all staff

3.     Contribute to the development and implementation of a KRS Continuous Quality           Improvement (CQI) framework.

-        Work alongside the Nurse Unit Manager, Operations Manager to develop and maintain          CQI, OSH and infection control practices within the unit in accordance with ISO and                LARU standards.

-        Promote the use of Caring for Australians with Renal Impairment (CARI) guidelines                  Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) 

-        Contribute to the development and evaluation of clinical policies and procedures

4.      Contribute to the ongoing development and operation of regional renal services.

-        Assist with the operation of all renal health care services provided by KRS

Selection Criteria

Essential

•    Holds a certificate in Nursing and a current Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration 

•    At least 18 months’ current experience in haemodialysis nursing or enrolled in a recognised training program

•    Experience supervising junior staff

•    Commitment to the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Control

•    Well-developed interpersonal communication and organisational skills

•    Ability to work as an effective team member and role model.

•    Ability to maintain confidentiality at all levels

•    Sound computer skills

•    “C” class driver’s licence

•    Current National Police Clearance or willingness to obtain one

Selection Criteria

Desirable

•    Post graduate qualification in Renal Nursing or working towards.

•    Experience in working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.

•    Experience in working in rural and remote locations

•    A local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, with established connections to                  the region.