Before you sign a contract or letter of appointment, you should obtain advice about what it all means.
As a member, the ANF can provide this service for you. Start with the ANF Information Line on 03 9275 9333 where experienced staff can assist you with such issues as whether or not you are being offered an individual contract, known as an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) and whether your prospective workplace has a certified agreement or collective agreement outlining the career structure, pay rates and working conditions that apply to all nurses employed in that facility.
Getting the contract or letter of appointment right in the first place means you are much less likely to have problems later on.
Most of the time you will only be required to sign a letter of appointment and as a minimum it should state:
• which specific Award/agreement you are employed under
• your classification & position title
• details such as days, shifts & minimum hours per week to be worked
• area of clinical practice
• workplace location (campus)
• name of employer
• date of commencement
• acknowledgement of prior service/entitlements (sick leave, long service)
• relevant Qualifications/Allowances.
It is up to you to ensure these details are included, and that you are not signing an individual contract or an AWA. Remember that a collective agreement negotiated by ANF provides the best protection for nurses.
Members being offered a position who are provided with a document to sign that contains more information should seek the advice of the ANF Job Rep, Organiser or InfoLine - *** BEFORE YOU SIGN ***.
