Ward Profiles
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Adolescent Unit
- Surgical Unit (4 Main)
- Orthopedic Unit (4 North)
- 5th Floor Medical Unit
- Children's Cancer Centre
- Cardiac Unit (7 West)
- Children's Neuroscience Centre
- Day Surgery Centre
- Operating Theatres
- Cardiac Theatres
- Home and Community Care (HaCC)
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit offers nurses exciting opportunities to advance their career within a professional and dedicated team who care for critically ill children and their families.Nursing care is provided with a child and family centred focus by a large team of motivated and enthusiastic nurses who usually provide care on a one to one basis. The PICU team aims to provide the best care possible for the seriously ill child and their family from pre-admission, admission and on transferral to the ward environment.
The patient profile ranges from infants to adolescents with a significant number of children with cardiac conditions from
This PICU provides the National Paediatric Extra Corporeal Life Support service What is Extra Corporeal Life Support?, the State Trauma Centre for paediatrics and a Paediatric Emergency Transport Service. The Medical Emergency Team is also staffed from PICU with their colleagues from the Emergency department.
The unit has more than 130 nursing staff with many holding, or are working towards, a postgraduate qualification in paediatric intensive care nursing. The opportunities available also include a transition to PICU nursing program for the newer practitioner, and ongoing structured education and professional development. Clinical nurses are well supported with a dedicated team of managers, educators and facilitators. A Preceptorship Education Program is also offered. Advanced nursing roles which exist for nurses to progress their career toward include the Liaison Nurse, the ECMO Nurse specialist and the PETS Nurse.
Nurse Unit Manager: Suzanne Hall
Phone: +61 3 9345 5201
Email: suzanne.hall@rch.org.au
Adolescent Unit (3 East)
The Adolescent Unit, 3 East , is a 22 bed ward that delivers developmentally appropriate inpatient care and treatment services to young people between the ages of 12 to 20. We care for adolescents with all manner of acute and chronic health issues, admitting patients under any medical, surgical, or specialty unit. Consequently this provides a very diverse and challenging environment for registered nurses to work within. Registered nurses develop specific skills and expertise in caring for adolescents but also gather a very diverse and broad knowledge base in all aspects of nursing care.
Nursing staff work within a model of total patient care, which involves physical care, treatment, emotional support, advocacy and education. We work collaboratively with all disciplines which enhances the supportive and nurturing team environment and enables us to provide the best possible care for young people and their families accessing our service.
We are committed to enabling young people to take control of their own health within a supportive environment. We have unit based orientation and education program to support nursing practice and professional development, with Paediatric Nursing course, Graduate Nurse Program and undergraduate students rotating to 3 East.
Nurse Unit Manager: Andrew Johnson
Phone: + 61 3 9345 5302
Email: aj.johnson@rch.org.au
Surgical Unit (4 Main)
4 main is a 32 bed surgical unit that caters for patients of all ages. Our primary patient type is General surgery, Plastics, Urology, Burns and trauma patients.
We aim to provide a partnership approach to patient care. To facilitate effective communication and decision-making processes. To ensure, that in consultation with the patients and families, we continue to deliver the quality clinical care and support which will assist in recovery and promotes timely discharge.
We have a Care Manager who assists us in the management and co-ordination of the care of long term patients with complex needs. An important part of the role is to liaise with the appropriate members of the multi disciplinary team to ensure the timely delivery of clinical care and support to patients and families.
We have a Clinical Facilitator who is responsible for the co-ordination of the education and clinical development of the nursing staff.
An orientation program is carried out at a ward level for all new staff and their learning is supported by our Clinical Facilitator. Personal and professional development is encouraged and supported with annual Performance Appraisal and assessment.
In service education at ward level and hospital wide provides further development of professional skills.
The staff are committed to the principles of the hospital Preceptorship Programme and willing offer support and encouragement
Nurse Unit Manager: Jane Wilcock
Phone: + 61 3 9345 5434
Email: jane.wilcock@rch.org.au
Orthopedics (4 North)
4 North is a 19 bed specialised Orthopaedic unit. We provide quality care for children and their families in the recovery phase of elective and emergency Orthopaedic surgery, along with children recovering from trauma and infections affecting their bones and/or joints. We provide quality care for children across Victoria, Tasmania, Southern New South Wales and South Australia.
Conditions treated within the unit include corrective surgery for congenital abnormalities (present at birth), trauma, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), limb reconstruction/lengthening, perthes disease of the hip, and 'multi level surgery' for children with cerebral palsy.
We strive to:
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Establish 'partnerships' with parents and carers by involving them in their child's daily care and preparing them for any ongoing care needs required after discharge
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Involve members of our multi-disciplinary team to achieve quality care - including occupational therapy, physiotherapists, care managers/coordinators, social work, play therapy, home and community care (HACC), orthotics and orthopaedic outpatients
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Work closely with anaesthetists and the 'pain team' to keep children comfortable
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Provide exceptional nursing care, ensuring children recover in a safe and nurturing environment
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Ensure a family friendly atmosphere
Registered Nurses on 4 North are supported and encouraged to embrace team nursing in order to provide quality care for patients and their families. A comprehensive orientation program including preceptorship is offered to all new staff on the ward. We are committed to providing opportunities for the ongoing education and professional development of nurses in the 4 North team.
Nurse Unit Manager: Natalie Westcott
Phone: + 61 3 9345 5305
Email: natalie.westcott@rch.org.au
5th Floor Medical Unit
The 5th floor Medical Unit is a 32 bed specialist medical unit where a multi disciplinary team cares for children and infants with a diverse range of acute and chronic illnesses.
The unit staff are friendly and supportive, take pride in their clinical skills, and are committed to family centred care that seeks to minimise the effects of illness and hospitalisation. Children whose admissions are prolonged, or who have especially complex needs, receive a modified primary nursing model of care, or managed care.
The ward has five medical specialties: general medicine, respiratory medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and developmental medicine. Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Pneumonia, Diabetes Type 1, Malabsorption, Hepatic disease, and Cerebral Palsy are just some of the diagnostic groups that are managed in the unit. Children who have had a tracheostomy, laryngo-tracheoplasty, gastrostomy, or liver transplant are also cared for on the 5th floor, along with a small group of children who require various forms of non-invasive ventilatory support such as CPAP and BiPAP.
Registered nurses are supported and encouraged to practise autonomously and to participate in ongoing professional development. A unit education program compliments the hospital program and is developed by the Clinical Nurse Facilitators. Individuals may also access funding to attend conferences, or develop unit specific projects. A comprehensive orientation is available for new staff on the unit.
Nurse Unit Manager: Lauren Coleman
Phone: +61 3 9345 5814
Email: lauren.coleman@rch.org.au
Children's Cancer Centre
The Children’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital (CCC-RCH) is the largest treatment centre for children with cancer in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the primary provider of oncology services to children with cancer in
At the CCC-RCH both inpatient and outpatient services are provided for children of all ages, at all stages of treatment and beyond. There are currently 24 inpatient beds including a 4 bed BMT unit and a 12 bed day oncology unit. The CCC treats approximately 160 newly diagnosed children each year. Treatment may range from simple regimes to complex management such as unrelated bone marrow transplants. The CCC is part of both national and international children's cancer cooperative groups; ensuring children receive the best care available. This is provided through laboratory and clinical research, projects and children being enrolled on clinical trials; with nurses being actively involved in all aspects of the children's care.
Nurses on the CCC-RCH are provided with education, support, mentorship and professional development opportunities through our supportive nursing framework. The nursing team at the CCC-RCH is encouraged and supported to promote, develop and expand nursing practice within a collaborative care framework. We are committed to providing excellent, evidence based and family centred care to children with cancer and their families throughout the patient journey.
Nurse Unit Manager: Matt Stewart
Phone: + 61 3 9345 5649
Email: matt.stewart@rch.org.au
Cardiac Unit (7 West)
The Royal Children’s Hospital Cardiac and Renal Unit, situated on the 7th floor, comprises of 23 inpatient beds, 12 of which are high dependency. The Unit is the National referral centre for Bridging to Heart Transplantation, Paediatric Heart Transplantation, Pulmonary Hypertension and provides medical and surgical treatment for a number of interstate and international Cardiology patients. The Unit provides care to patients with acute and chronic renal failure, including peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis and Renal Transplantation for patients from within Victoria and Tasmania.
Skilled nursing staff provide care to newborns through to young adults in a well supported, multidisciplinary team environment. A Clinical Facilitator and Care Managers provide support with clinical decision making and procedures. The Unit conducts a Renal and a Melbourne University Accredited Cardiac Course annually for nursing staff. Education and staff development are priorities on the Unit and many opportunities are offered.
Nurse Unit Manager: Danielle Peucker
Phone: +61 3 9345 5705
Email: danielle.peucker@rch.org.au
Children's Neuroscience Centre
Nursing on the Children's Neuroscience Centre provides many challenges and rewards to Registered Nurses with an interest in paediatrics and/or neurosciences.
The 31 bed inpatient unit provides care for patients aged from neonates to adolescences with a range of neurological, neurosurgical, ophthalmological and otolaryngology conditions. The unit also provides the inpatient service to the newly established Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service.
Nurses on the Children's Neuroscience Centre work within a well supported team that has a strong emphasis on patient safety, family centred care and professional development.
New staff are supported in their transition to the unit with a tailored orientation program to accommodate learning needs and previous experience, supernummary shifts and a preceptorship program also ensure that the new starter is well supported upon joining the CNC team.
More experienced staff are also supported in their professional development with greater than 43% of CNC nurses having completed Post Graduate Diplomas and the development and implementation of supported unit based programs allow the more experienced nurse to identify future career goals.
All staff are supported by the Nurse Unit Manager, Associate Unit Managers, Care Managers and Clinical Nurse Facilitator in developing and achieving professional goals and delivering safe family centred patient care.
Nurse Unit Manager: Lyndal Gallagher
Phone: +61 3 9345 4457
Email: lyndal.gallagher@rch.org.au
Day Surgery Centre
The Day Surgery Unit (DSU) is a fast paced and challenging area to work in. We care for children of all ages who come in for surgery under a wide range of specialties such as General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental and Gastroenterology. We are a family orientated unit and strive to deliver a high level of customer service.
The Unit comprises of a Pre Op waiting Area, General Ward Area, Recovery Room and 2 theatres. Nurses are able to rotate through all areas and have the opportunity to work in the Endoscopy theatre also. We are open Monday to Friday and closed on Public Holidays.
We offer an orientation programme for all staff, including working with an Anaesthetist for a day and extended supernumerary time in Recovery.
Nurse Unit Manager: Sarah MacGeorge
Phone: + 61 3 9345 5386
Email: sarah.macgeorge@rch.org.au
Operating Theatres
The Operating Suite at the Royal Children’s hospital consists of 11 theatres. A diverse range of surgical procedures are carried out on patients with ages ranging from neonates to adolescents. Approximately 1500 procedures take place every month.
Perioperative nurses have an extremely important role. They are the advocate for the child while they are unconscious, separated from their parents and family and therefore at their most vulnerable. The operating theatres give nurses a wide exposure to the patient journey and produces nurses with a high level of confidence and competence.
Perioperative nurses are members of a trans disciplinary team, working together to ensure that optimal care is delivered in a child focussed and family friendly environment. They are exposed to the vast knowledge that is shared by the multiple members of this team.
Nurses are supported through an individualised orientation and training programme by our team of educators, facilitators, preceptors and mentors.
Nurse Unit Manager: Rosemary Aisbett
Phone: +61 3 9345 6188
Email: rosemary.aisbett@rch.org.au
Cardiac Theatres
Cardiac Operating rooms A and B are 2 of 9 specialist operating rooms in the Operating Suite. Procedures performed yearly exceed 650, including all open and closed surgery, from uncomplicated to complex. Patients range in age from newborn to young adults. We are the national heart and heart/lung transplant centre of
A team of 8 nurses, headed by the unit manager, associate unit manager and clinical nurse specialist, provides a high standard of nursing support to our patients and nurses. We are closely affiliated with general theatres and radiology services within the Operating Suite.
Cardiac peri operative experience is essential with knowledge of mechanical support procedures such as ECMO and VAD desirable. The demands of this are unpredictable and this multi-skilled unit makes the ability of a self-directed and collaborative approach, a necessity. Nursing staff is encouraged to retain high standards with interesting and rewarding on-going professional opportunities as well as continuing clinical and educational support. Demonstrated competence in perioperative instrumentation and theoretical knowledge of cardiac drugs used during surgery are particular areas of importance. Enthusiasm to improve understanding of congenital and acquired pediatric heart disease is encouraged. All nurses demonstrate an ability to manage the after hours on-call duties and flexibility in dealing with the emergency surgery caseload.
Nurse Unit Manager: May Chan
Phone: + 61 3 9345 7009
Email: may.chan@rch.org.au
Home and Community Care (HaCC)
The Department of Home and Community Care at the Royal Children's Hospital provides a range of in-home support services for families and children at all ages with increased medical care needs. The major goal of all of these services is aimed at ensuring children with complex medical requirements are safely supported in their community environment. A fundamental goal of all of the HaCC programs is to promote continuity of care between all service providers in the care of children and their families. These services can be provided directly to the child and family and to the community support agencies involved with caring for the child at home and are located within metropolitan Melbourne and across rural Victoria. The services provided fall into five broad categories based on the anticipated duration of support: Hospital in the Home (HITH), Post Acute Care (PAC), Family Choice Program (FCP), Homecare Program and Schoolcare Program. The RCH Home and Community Care model promotes expert opinion and advice as the basis of all care in accordance with continuity and seamless service provision. The department has a pivotal role in program management, policy development, monitoring standards of care, and providing support, education and training to health professionals across Victoria.
Nurses work autonomously providing quality care for children and their families by involving parents and carers in their child's daily care and are allocated to a particular geographical area. Nursing in Home and Community care promotes a community focus and provides nurses with the opportunity to work in a multidisiplinary team. Nursing staff have acute clinical paediatric experience, however have a great understanding of the issues associated with chronic illness. An orientation program for new nursing staff is conducted within the department for new staff and new learning is supported by the Nurse Liaison and the Clinical Nurse Facilitator. Professional development is encouraged and supported at all levels within the department but primarily supported by the Clinical Nurse Facilitator who is responsible for the co-ordination of the education and clinical development of the nursing staff.