An innovative training program for Division 2 nurses
13 June 2003
The first group of graduates undertaking an innovative new graduate program through Healthscope Limited and Kangan Batman TAFE have received their certificates as passports to a bright future.
Healthscope Limited and Kangan Batman TAFE have joined in a partnership to provide Division 2 nurses the opportunity to enhance their learning through clinical experience as graduate nurses in the clinical setting. This allows the nurses to continue learning in an environment where they are supported and encouraged.
Healthscope Limited is a Public Company that owns and manages psychiatric, medical/surgical and rehabilitation hospitals throughout Australia.
In 2002, Healthscope approached Kangan Batman TAFE, a multi-discipline TAFE situated in the north-west of Melbourne, to join in a partnership where Division 2 nursing graduates are employed by Healthscope. The graduates work in their health care facilities to gain clinical experience, whilst undertaking study in a Post Registration Module through Kangan Batman TAFE, to enhance their knowledge to apply in the workplace. The graduates are supported in the clinical setting by skilled qualified nurses and can transfer their existing theoretical and clinical knowledge to quality patient outcomes and gain post-registration modules relevant to their clinical area.
The graduates also have the opportunity to rotate through a number of specialised areas that include: acute nursing; rehabilitation; and mental health. Students complete the relevant module during each clinical rotation and at the end of the 12 months program have completed a number of modules.
Five nurses graduated through the pilot program introduced last year. With the success of last year’s program Healthscope and Kangan Batman TAFE are continuing the program in 2003 and beyond.
According to Christine Crofton, Kangan Batman TAFE nurse educator, this program benefits Division 2 nurses as they are able to gain more specialist skills whilst they enhance their learning in a supported clinical environment.
“These modules are recognised in Victoria and are appropriate within other states to enhance professional development. They are accredited in the TAFE system and the graduates receive a ‘Certificate of Attainment’ on completion.”
“Most of the modules are project-based and are offered flexibly which allows nurses to undertake post-graduate study without having to attend classes. Two modules – Acute Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing (Mental Health) are available on CD- ROM’s.” she says.
“What this means is that people can fit study easily into the rest of their lives, which is especially important for nurses who can work rotating rosters,” explains Christine.
Kangan Batman TAFE is a multi-discipline TAFE institute with 24,000 students and six campuses across the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. It provides vocational courses in a broad range of occupations, and is Victoria’s major training provider for the automotive, aerospace and polymer industries. Kangan Batman is also Victoria's largest provider of trainee/apprenticeship training, VET in Schools and corrections education.
