The Nursing Education Team aims to provide excellent education, development and training for nursing staff through clinical support and the provision of educational opportunities (Goal 6, Strategic Plan 2010/2013).
Internally provided study days, workshops and program information can be found by viewing the Nursing Education Calendar under quick links (right hand side of this page). Monthly in-service schedules can be provided upon request by emailing the area specific Clinical Nurse Facilitator or Educator.
Nursing News & Opportunities
International Nurses Day Event 2013
International Nurses Day 2013 will be celebrated at RCH on Tuesday 7th May at 2pm and will include the presentation of the Graduate Nurse Program participants (2012) completion certificates. Afternoon tea will follow and all RCH nurses are invited to attend.
International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world every year on May 12, which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.
The IND theme for 2013 is: Closing The Gap: Millennium Development Goals 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1.
- Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
- Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
- Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
- Goal 5: Improve maternal health
- Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
- Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development
Graduate Nurse Program 2014 - Information Session
All undergraduate nursing students are welcome to attend the RCH Graduate Nurse Program Information Session on Wednesday 5th June from 5pm. Further details will follow about the presentation content. Current university ID cards will be required for all attendees.
Specialty Specific Study Days
Nursing Education is excited to announce the following specialty specific study days that have recently been added to the Nursing Education Calendar at the Royal Chidren's Hospital. For more details please see below:
Monday 20th May: Introduction to Paediatric Surgical Care (Internal Applicants Only)
This interactive workshop explores paediatric surgical nursing, providing an introduction to the following specialties: burns, general surgery, orthopaedics, plastics, trauma and urology. The day will incorporate theoretical presentations as well as practical skill sessions.
Workshop Aim: To assist in developing a foundation of knowledge and skills required to provide excellent care for the paediatric surgical patient and their family.
Target Audience: Suitable for nursing staff new to the field of paediatric surgical care or those with limited exposure who wish to advance their knowledge and skill.
Time and Location: 0830-1630. Seminar Room 1.036 - Level 1 West Building, Health Education and Learning Precinct.
For more information regarding the study day and how to apply please email Stacey Richards, Clinical Nurse Facilitator Platypus Ward.
Monday 20th May: Neonatal Study Day (Internal Applicants Only)
This study day will provide insight into the care of a neonate covering topics including: thermoregulation, use of isolettes, pain management, common neonatal anomalies, growth and development, neonatal fluids, jaundice and phototherapy.
Time: 0800-1630
For more information regarding the study day and how to apply please email the Neonatal Education team.
Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program
RCH plans to commence the Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program are currently on hold. For updates please continue to check the website.
Post Graduate Scholarships Semester 2 2013
The post graduate scholarships for semester 2, 2013 will open early May 2013.
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship
The Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for an outstanding Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) nurse to further develop their career, while helping us achieve our vision of being a "Great Children's Hospital". To achieve this vision, our nursing staff need to be well informed of current and innovative practices and models of care both in Australia and internationally. Nurses at the RCH benefit from benchmarking their practices against the finest healthcare organisations around the globe.
The recipient for the 2013 scholarship is Ms Sally Lima
Previous scholarship recipient's
2012 - Dr Sharon Kinney
2011 - Ms Lisa Tackas
2010 - Ms Sharon Downes
The annual scholarship of $50,000 will fund a period of time spent abroad exploring new ways of developing practice and may also include an appropriate undergraduate or post graduate study program. The recipient will return to RCH to share the knowledge and experience with RCH colleagues and enhance the delivery of nursing care to our patients and families.
The recipient of the Dame Elisabeth Nursing Development Scholarship will benefit from:
- Increased professional and personal development.
- Extension of their potential career achievements.
- Development and advancement of their clinical leadership skills
- Access to new information and innovations.
- Opportunity to assess significant international practice.
- Opportunity to influence the delivery of care in a specific area through leading and teaching nursing colleagues and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE, has generously given her name in perpetuity in support of this scholarship and the advancement of nursing at RCH. Dame Elisabeth has been associated with the RCH since 1933 and has in that time demonstrated her commitment and dedication to the care, health and well being of the children of Victoria and beyond.
The funding for the scholarship is kindly provided by the fundraising efforts of the RCH Auxiliaries.
Elizabeth Fearon Scholarship 2012/2013
This scholarship is an annual endowment provided by the Royal Children's Hospital League of Former Trainees and Associates (LOFT) to support the integration of research processes into nursing practice at RCH to support improved outcomes for paediatric patients.
Elizabeth Fearon was a trainee of the hospital and a Ward Sister in Pelham Street, Carlton. On transfer of the hospital to Parkville, Elizabeth initiated the Day Surgery Unit and continued her role as a teacher and mentor. Elizabeth was greatly respected not only for her kindness, but her wisdom and learning. This scholarship is given in her name as an appropriate memorial to her legacy.
The recipient for the 2012/2013 scholarship is Ms Sacha Petersen.
Professional Practice Portfolios (PPP)
As of the 1st July 2009 all nurses will be required to provide evidence of continuing professional development. Continuing professional development (CPD) is the means by which nurses maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence and also develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives (AHPRA).
Nurses are required to complete 20 hours of CPD per year and need to keep evidence or proof of the past 3 years CPD activities for audit purposes. The 'year' is 12 months from your registration date.
CPD records need to include dates, description of the outcome, number of hours spend in the activity and verification. Further information about CPD can be online at the CPD frequently asked questions link; Continuing Professional Development (CPD) frequently asked questions - Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia
At the RCH, all nurses need to provide proof of ongoing professional development in the form of a professional practice portfolio (PPP) and the following template has been developed to provide assistance and guidance::
Useful links