Mater Adult Hospital offers the new graduate nurse a 12 month structured program aimed at maintaining, enhancing and developing clinical and leadership skills. Flexibility within the program ensures that graduate nurse participants receive a program tailored to their individual needs.
The program commences each year in January. If circumstances permit a second program may be commenced mid year in July or August. In January, Mater Education Centre delivers a 40 hour orientation program over five days.
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of Mater Adult Hospital Graduate Nurse Program is to:
- ensure the new graduate has a comprehensive and instructional introduction to the organisation, its mission and values and future initiatives planned for the complex
- introduce the new graduate to the concepts of clinical risk management and the associated responsibilities
- demonstrate competent use of commonly used technical equipment within the organisation.
Clinical Placement
Participants of the program are encouraged to undertake two clinical placements during their twelve-month program. Placement areas include:
- medical
- surgical
- haematology/oncology
- accident and emergency
- perioperative areas.
Opportunities are also extended to those who prefer one placement throughout the 12 month program.
A two-week preceptored period at the beginning of the first rotation and a two-day preceptored period at the beginning of the second rotation provide support during clinical placement. A full time clinical support person is also available within the Adult Hospital to further support the new graduates with their learning and development needs. Level three Nurse Educators are also available in each area.
Theoretical Component
In 2004 the graduate nurse program at Mater Adult Hospital will incorporate the Queensland Health Medical/Surgical Transition Program. Ongoing clinical and educational support will be offered by the educators in Mater's Education Centre for all graduates participating in the Transition Program.
Four full-day study days are organised by Mater's Education Centre during the twelve-month program. The aims of these days are:
- to foster critical thinking, reflection on practice and to enhance existing skills
- to complete relevant clinical competencies
- to provide an opportunity to interact with other health care professionals and Advanced Nurse Practitioners in an educational setting.
A comprehensive graduate in-service program is also offered as part of the program. Each month an assessment or intervention skill is presented in a one-hour education session. The aim of these sessions is to encourage the graduate nurse to undertake assessment and intervention skills by enhancing their background knowledge.
The Clinical Transition Program at Mater Adult Hospital has been developed to provide clinical support to the new graduate during the transition year from student to proficient practitioner. It is also designed to balance the clinical component with a theoretical program that will encourage the participants to engage in professional development from the initial stages of their career.
Further Information
Clare Meadows or Bev Shields
Phone: +61 7 3163 8934 or +61 7 3163 8008
E-mail: Clare.Meadows@mater.org.au