WHEN you think about what’s involved in the day-to-day running of a health service, you possibly don’t think about all the work that goes into the continued education and personal development of staff behind the scenes.
The education department at Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) comprises eight clinical nurse educators, one Allied Health educator, the regional research assistant for Loddon Mallee Healthcare Workers COVID study and the education support officer.
Each educator holds a post graduate qualification in their area of speciality and holds a current Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is how nurses and midwives maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives.
To meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s registration standard, they must complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per registration period of 12 months. Some specialised areas must complete 30 hours.
The education department is responsible for:
• The employment and running of the enrolled nurse and registered nurse graduate nurse programs. Both these programs have two intakes each year. These graduates are rotated through various departments of the hospital and community service.
• The facilitation of undergraduate student placement.
• The facilitation of work experience students.
• Completion of staff competencies and assistance with mandatory training.
• Presentation of study days both locally and regionally on a variety of topics.
• Each educator has an allocated area according to their area of expertise and are located in that clinical area. They assist staff on a daily basis, support preceptors, graduates and students.
SHDH is part of the Department of Health’s Rural Continuing Nursing and Midwifery Education Consortia.
It is through this that SHDH receives training and development funding.
The education department reviews its services annually through the Best Placement Clinical Learning Environment (BPCLE) framework.
All level of students and staff are surveyed throughout the year and results are submitted to the Department of Health, this also contributes to funding opportunities.
Over the past couple of years, COVID has greatly impacted the placement availability for students studying nursing.
Many students are still trying to make up missed placements from the past three years which has led to a significant increase in student placements at SHDH this year, meaning that the department is busier than ever.
The education department work very closely with a number of services across the health service and appreciate the ongoing support they receive in regards to our work experience program, undergraduate student placement and the education of new staff.
A huge opportunity for personal development and further education exists at SHDH thanks to the education department, making it a fantastic place to either kick off your career in healthcare or gain further experience in your field of expertise by joining our team.
You can find the vacancies at www.shdh.org.au/employment/vacancies
