Zeba Arif editorial

Published: 27 January 2012

Welcome to the first edition of the Forensic Newsletter in 2012

I hope you will find the contents inspiring, enjoyable and informative.
 
As the first weeks and months of the nascent year unfolds, one thing is certain: forensic nursing, while remaining exciting as nurses continue to give full rein to creativity and innovation, will also place demands on resources. As most members acknowledge, caring can be difficult sometimes.

It is extremely important, now more than ever, to maintain a professional demeanour and cultivate what one of my patients referred to as 'unflappabilty'.

Trust me - remaining cool and composed can overcome the ire of both patients and colleagues.

Now and then it is daunting to challenge poor practice. In my experience always putting patients first undoubtedly gives you a degree of confidence to speak up.
 
Most of you will be aware of the government's 'final' pension offer and the RCN's decision to ballot members as to their views. 
 
See all the latest news on the RCN homepage and on the Frontline First web pages

I'm concerned that members may not realise how crucial it is to express an opinion. I wrote a letter to the Nursing Standard recently expressing my disquiet that nurses may decide to say nothing, and urging everyone who receives ballot papers to definitely tick a box.The letter is copied below.

I also would like to direct you to an interesting article published in Nursing Standard, Jan 4, entitled 'Compassion in a time of crisis' (PDF 2.13MB)

Zeba Arif - Editor and Vice Chair

Union members should engage with threat to their pensions

Much of the media coverage of the Unison pensions ballot focused on the low turnout of members. This should be a wake-up call for RCN members. It is as if those Unison members who did not vote have cancelled out the validity of those who expressed an opinion.

RCN general secretary Peter Carter has been keeping members informed about the situation regarding pensions. Notwithstanding the deal on the table, nurses are undoubtedly being asked to pay more and work longer for a smaller pension.

Whatever concessions thegovernment has offered to head off the day of action on November 30, they are simply not enough. Nurses would do well to take the time to consider exactly how they will cope with the harsh reality of retirement. Then they will be ready to tick the
box if and when the ballot papers come through their letter box, rather than bin them.

Zeba Arif, by email

This letter was first published in Nursing Standard, November 16, vol 26 no 11, 2011.