Nurses In Ireland Takes Over Doctors Duties, Earns More on HWN BREAKING

Nurses are set to receive a pay boost of an average of €20 per week following an agreement that will see them taking on four tasks usually carried out by doctors.

The deal essentially sees the restoration of the “unsocial hour” payment which nurses received for working in the evenings.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Siptu Nursing, and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) took part in discussions as part of the Lansdowne Road Agreement, during October and November of last year, to agree the expansion of nursing/midwifery practice and restore premium pay of time plus one sixth which was removed from nurses/midwives under the Haddington Road Agreement.

The four tasks, previously carried out by doctors, are:

Intravenous cannulation.
Emergency phlebotomy that is currently carried out by non-consultant hospital doctors.
Intravenous drug administration — first dose.
*Nurse/midwife led delegated discharge of patients.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar described the deal as “a win-win for everyone".

Nurses will be able to use their new skills and they will benefit financially in return for taking on this additional work,” he said.

Junior doctors will benefit as the reduced workload will help us to continue to reduce their working hours and they will be less likely to miss out on important training time in theatre and in clinics.

Patients will benefit as there will be fewer delays when it comes to getting their IV antibiotics, their bloods taken or discharge papers, and there will be fewer delays for patients in the clinic waiting rooms as doctors won’t be expected to be on the wards and in a clinic at the same time as frequently as they are now.

The deal is dependent on training being provided and agreed staffing levels being in place in order for nurses/midwives to take on these tasks in a safe manner. It was also agreed that these tasks cannot be the sole responsibility of any one single grade but that nursing/midwifery practice should expand to incorporate them.

INMO director of industrial relations Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the deal would allow for an enhanced service to patients.

Source : Irish Examiner, HWN Africa.