Abigail Ainsworth
‘I was already essentially doing the Job Rep role before being nominated,’ she says. ‘Having a good understanding of the EBA, and keeping up to date with the ANMF news, I was already distributing the information and encouraging referrals to ANMF for assistance.’
She was also ‘inadvertently recruiting’ by encouraging undergrads to sign up to ensure they had their professional indemnity insurance and got the support they needed as they transitioned into the profession.
Since becoming an official Job Rep, Abigail’s work hasn’t really changed. As part of the role, she ensures any newsflashes received from ANMF are distributed to members – which can be as simple as printing them off to place on the noticeboard – and passes on a brief explanation of it at huddle discussions on the ward.
I also keep in contact with our organiser if there have been ward issues, to get a better understanding and ensure correct information is distributed.
‘If anyone comes to me with questions’ she says, ‘I refer them onto ANMF or note down feedback ahead of ward meetings and Job Rep meetings with our ANMF organiser. I also keep in contact with our organiser if there have been ward issues, to get a better understanding and ensure correct information is distributed.’
The best thing about being a Job Rep, Abigail says, is helping her colleagues – as well as students and graduates – to feel empowered in the workplace.
