Job No: 16211

Location: Alyawarr region, NT

About the Organisation

Urapuntja Health Service is an Aboriginal community controlled health organisation situated in the Alyawarr region of Central Australia. It provides clinical and after hours emergency services, primary health care, family support, chronic disease management, out-station/homeland visits and evacuations by RFDS.

The health service team includes a permanent Doctor, three Clinical Practice Nurses who share the on-call, a Public Health Nurse, an Aboriginal Health Worker, many Community Health Workers, Drivers, Community Liaison Officers, a Cultural Admin Officer, Receptionist, IT Support and CEO, over seen by the Urapuntja Health Board.

About Utopia

Utopia is a beautiful remote community 280km north east of Alice Springs. It has a population of 1200 spread out over 16 small family communities. The language spoken is predominantly Alyawarr, with some Amatjere too. 

The region's climate is hot and arid, with heavy rainfall once per year over the New Year period.

The community is well equipped with facilities available including a store, schools, council offices, police station, airstrip with scheduled/non-scheduled flights and a bush bus passes through once per week. This is a dry community where Elder leadership is strong.

About the Opportunity

The Urapuntja Health Service has an exciting opportunity for a Remote Area Nurse to join its dedicated team.

The primary purpose of this role will be to provide core primary health care to health service clients in the Utopia community.

Some of your more specific responsibilities will include (but will not be limited to):

• Performing clinical duties in all areas of the health service within her/his own competency level and agreed protocols in order to meet expected health outcomes (this includes the general clinic, outstations as required, child health programs and particular community-based programs);
• Promoting and supporting Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) as the primary health care givers in the community to facilitate the delivery of culturally appropriate health care;
• Participating in the development, presentation and monitoring of health programs as appropriate;
• Delivering health care to children, women or men, youth, aged, and people with disabilities, including ensuring prompt follow up and recall of patients in liaison with AHWs, doctor and other nurses;
• Participating in dealing with issues affecting the social and emotional well-being of the community; treating acute illness; and
• Treating and monitoring chronic medical conditions; and carrying out antenatal and post natal care and immunisations.

The Urapuntja Health Service is seeking an adaptable individual who can display the initiative, discretion and cultural sensitivity needed to support and drive the organisations' objectives and values. You must be able to communicate and participate effectively within a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary health service team.

Candidates who are open to change, accepting of Aboriginal people, comfortable living in a remote environment and who are willing to learn the ways of the people will be best suited to this position. The best part of this role is that no two days are the same and as a result, a highly resourceful candidate will thrive here.

To be considered for this role, you will be a Registered Nurse with a broad range of experience. This may include clinical acute medicine, A&E, paediatrics, mental health, community health and/or Aboriginal health care. Candidates who are studying their Masters or Post Graduate Qualifications; have additional midwifery skills/ experience or have prior experience in providing primary health care in a remote/rural setting will be highly regarded. Male Nurses are encouraged to apply!

Candidates must be able to demonstrate a sound professional background and an ability to manage their own tasks. A demonstrated understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal health, as well as the principles of Primary Health Care will be pivotal to your success in this position.

The successful candidates must be willing to undergo a Police Check, a Working With Children Check and be registered with the Nurses Board of NT (or be willing to obtain registration). A manual driver's licence is required for this position and although not essential, it would be advantageous to have experience with 4WD vehicles.

Your dedication will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package (negotiable with experience) plus super. Benefits include:

• Generous salary sacrificing options;
• 9 weeks paid leave per annum;
• Annual return airfare to capital city; 
• Fully furnished subsidised accommodation;
• Internet and private telephone (negotiable); and
• RDO weekends in Alice Springs 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Please note: All applications must be submitted by 5pm Wednesday 17th March 2010.

This is a unique cultural experience with a well established and supportive health organisation. Don't miss out - APPLY NOW!