Nursing Education
Staff
Description of Service
Nursing Education
The Alfred's Nursing Education Department is committed to providing excellence in education to all sections of the Nursing Division.
Our overall goal is to act as a resource to the Nursing Division through the provision of educational activities that support registered nurses to provide outstanding nursing care and service.
In this dynamic environment we are constantly exploring new approaches to education that will enhance the Nursing Division's continuous service improvement and development.
Nursing Education has many areas of activity, including:
Professional Development
Regular continuing education programs are organised through Nursing Education at The Alfred Centre for Professional Development. Programs cover diverse topics such as pain management, wound management, ECG rhythm interpretation, cytotoxic therapy and evidence based practice.
These are reviewed regularly to ensure we continue to meet staff development needs.
Graduate Nurse Program (GNP)
The GNP offers a choice of two programs. The Graduate Nurse Program (General Nursing) and Graduate Nurse Program (Psychiatric Nursing).
Both Programs are designed for first year registered nurses and provide a supportive environment for the consolidation and further development of knowledge and skills, preparing the new graduate for future career opportunities.
The Alfred's GNP's are tailored specifically for first year registered nurses. They are structured to foster a high standard of professional and personal development.
Further details on these programs are provided on the website: http://www.gradnurse.alfred.org.au/ or contact Human Resources by email gnp@alfred.org.au or phone (03) 9076 3668 to obtain hard copies.
Postgraduate Speciality Courses
Strong relationships with leading Victorian tertiary institutions have created options for further study in specialist nursing fields and they provide opportunities to undertake clinical nursing projects and research.
The Alfred encourages postgraduate learning to enhance career development. The La Trobe/Alfred Clinical School of Nursing is a part of the La Trobe University School of Nursing and Midwifery and is located at the Alfred.
The clinical school offers unique opportunities to registered nurses to study on The Alfred site.
From 2009 students will be enrolled in a Masters of Nursing Program (which integrates the Graduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma).
For example, if you were interested in undertaking a graduate certificate, although you are enrolled in the Masters of Nursing, you will exit the program when you have completed 3 units.
If you wish to complete a Postgraduate Diploma, you will complete a further 3 units without having to re-enrol.
Students wishing to complete a Masters degree will undertake a further 3 units, making a total of 9 units. The Clinical school will offer the following programs in 2009:
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Nurses interested in advancing knowledge in these specialities are encouraged to seek employment in their clinical area of interest prior to commencing further study.
Nursing Research and Teaching
The establishment of The La Trobe University/The Alfred Clinical School of Nursing has provided opportunities for clinical nursing projects and research not previously available.
Nurses are assisted to identify issues before developing education programs and research proposals. The clinical school also contributes to direct patient care, particularly in the area of wound management.
The Alfred/Deakin Nursing Research Centre is a collaborative partnership with the School of Nursing, Deakin University that provides opportunities to inform nursing practice through research into areas such as pain management and cardiovascular nursing.
In addition nurses can pursue further studies in research by undertaking the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) degree, Master of Nursing and PhD. Scholarships are available at The Alfred to support nurses to undertake these studies.
The Nursing Research and Access Committee meets monthly to provide expert advice and support to nurse researchers. The aim is to advance nursing research at The Alfred by supporting a culture of research and scholarship.
Clinical Placement of Undergraduate and Work Experience Students
The Alfred offers clinical placements to undergraduate students through universities. These placements are mostly in general wards with a small number placed in specialist areas for elective experience.
Work experience is offered to secondary students who are interested in finding out more about nursing as a career.
External Visitors
The Nursing Division hosts a considerable number of visitors, from Victoria, interstate and overseas. Nursing Education co-ordinates a program to assist in meeting specified needs, in collaboration with senior nursing management and Nurse Managers of wards and departments.
Sponsorship
Nurses First is proud to sponsor nursing education at The Alfred. Visit our website http://www.nurses1st.com.au/ to find out how we can help you achieve financial freedom.