Nurses will recognise the patient as an individual who is part of a social entity. This will be demonstrated by showing courtesy and respect for the patient and significant others.

If an individual staff member has a conflict with another staff member they will talk to that person directly within 24 hours or as soon as practicable, or forget the issue and not discuss the conflict with anyone else.

All team members irrespective of position have equal value and worth, although we accept that individual roles may differ.

Staff will be supportive of one another and be consistent in their clinical and professional approach.

People have a right for their opinion to be heard without interruption. Opinions may be freely offered without fear of retribution. Opinions will be accepted and respected and not devalued.

Nurses need to make a commitment to get together on a regular basis and have fun.

People will value each others time, which will be demonstrated by punctuality, good time management and reduced absenteeism.

Staff will be sensitive to individuals workloads and where practicable will assist each other. Positive regard for each other improves team spirit and encourages us to come to work.

Staff will provide honest and valid feedback to each other in a positive and encouraging manner. Communication needs to be open and honest and individuals need to respect each other and body language will reflect this. People will give the courtesy to other staff by actively listening to what they have to say.

People will be greeted in a polite and respectful manner. Staff will treat all people, including each other with dignity, respect and civility, which will be demonstrated by pleasant and open greetings.

All levels of nurses need to work together to resolve issues internally (within nursing) rather than discussing issues with other disciplines or using external influences.

Potential industrial issues will be raised with management so that employees and management can have an opportunity to work together to resolve these issues before the ANF becomes involved. 

To be reviewed August 2000