The Career Advancement Year Program (CAY) at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) is a new initiative that offers increased learning and developmental opportunities beyond the traditional graduate program.

This contemporary program provides a valuable opportunity for nurses to consolidate foundational paediatric knowledge and skills. Immediately following the RCH Graduate Nurse Program (GNP), it is offered as a twelve-month, second tier program designed to support continued education and development. The program is an integral part of the nursing development pathway at RCH and offers exposure to a diverse range of clinical specialties through rotation to a new clinical area in the second half of the program, providing opportunities to advance knowledge and skills to work in a tertiary paediatric hospital. 

Program Aims

The CAY program will provide opportunities to:

• consolidate and extend paediatric nursing skills and knowledge,
• gain an organisational perspective of nursing at RCH,
• foster leadership and critical thinking skills,
• explore career opportunities available within RCH, and
• contribute to excellent patient outcomes and the overall RCH vision of a world where all kids thrive.

Program Design

The 12-month CAY program is a progression of the 12-month RCH GNP, creating a two year foundational paediatric nursing experience. The CAY program is designed to include:

• rotation to a new clinical area*, offering a total of three rotational clinical placements across the two year period
• supernumerary time on rotation
• preceptorship
• program and local education support
• integrated program and specialty specific study days
• regular clinical supervision opportunities
• scheduled performance appraisals with a focus on setting and reviewing learning goals, reflecting on progress and receiving feedback with the local education team and Nurse Unit Manager.

*There will be an opportunity to express preference for a medical or surgical placement as well identify if there is an area that you would prefer not to experience. 

Key features of the program

Employment conditions and opportunities

• Ongoing employment
• Part-time (Four days per week)
  
• A third clinical rotation
• Supernumerary time on rotation

Ongoing education

The CAY includes regular in-service education and training as well as scheduled Professional Development days which consolidate and extend paediatric nursing skills and knowledge. Education will include the Recognising & Responding to the Deteriorating Child Workshop, simulation opportunities and advanced preceptorship development.

Preceptorship model of support

Ongoing preceptorship to build on critical thinking and clinical reasoning, with the opportunity to develop your own skills in supporting others and building leadership skills.

Scheduled debriefing sessions

Participants are provided with opportunities to attend facilitated debriefing sessions throughout both the Graduate Nurse Program and the Career Advancement Program. Facilitated debriefing provides additional support in a safe environment, promotes reflective practice and critical thinking to improve nursing practice, and focuses on supporting the well-being of staff as they further develop their clinical skills.

Development and career support

Dedicated CAY Clinical Nurse Educators, together with local, ward-based educators, support your professional and personal development, and will assist in exploring career and educational pathways at RCH. Scheduled appraisals focus on learning goals, reflective practice and receiving feedback to help you reach your full potential.