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May is a very exciting time in the nursing and midwifery calendars because it marks two important events - International Nurses Day (May 12th) and International Day of the Midwife (May 5th). The themes for this year; Nurses: A Voice to Lead and Follow and The Data: Invest In Midwives, remind us that knowledge is power. Education, insight and proficiency enable us progress, grow and develop into better nurses and midwives. But where do we find these resources to improve? Below are 4 CPD opportunities in which nurses and midwives can utilise to build on their existing knowledge in order to provide exceptional, evidence-based care in the future. 1. NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWMA) NSWMA is a registered union for all nurses and midwives in New South Wales that represents the industrial interests of nurses and midwives employed in NSW in the public, private, aged care and disability sectors. In regards to CPD, they offer a huge range of CPD opportunities through seminars, workshops, study days and webinars. Some of their courses include: Risk Assessments and Managing Risks in Aged Care (5 hours of CPD) Ethics in Nursing and Midwifery Practice Webinar (1 hour of CPD) Wound Care Essentials (6 hours of CPD) Know where you stand with Law, Ethics and Professional Standards in Nursing and Midwifery (6 hours of CPD) If you’re not yet a member, it’s worth serious consideration. They not only provide outstanding CPD opportunities but they will also legally represent you if something was to go amiss within your nursing or midwifery practice. Click this link to join the 70,000 strong NSWMA strong community. 2. Higher Education and Training Institute (HETI) HETI, in collaboration with the NSW Government, are the leading providers in education and training to support more than 110,000 clinical and non-clinical staff, trainers, managers and leaders across the NSW health system. They offer eLearning modules, workshops, scholarships and grants, plus a range of postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters level courses in mental health. If you haven't checked out HETI, now is a great time with COVID restrictions easing on some face-to-face training opportunities. Click here to explore the amazing courses and programs on offer. 3. ECT4Health When trying to decide which CPD course / program to undertake, one of the major deciding factors for some is the lecturer. What is their experience within nursing and / or midwifery? Do they have the expertise to teach me something I don’t already know? If you decided to take a course from ECT4Health, you don’t have to worry about that. Rob, the founder of this dedicated and hardworking company has been a lecturer and nurse educator in Queensland for public and private providers since 2000. He understands the challenges of the clinical environment and therefore has the ability to zoom in on exactly what you need to know. ECT4Health offers seminars and workshops , online learning opportunities and also tax deductible holidays where you can study while lazing by the pool! Each CPD course, which you can view here , are very reasonably priced and can be purchased separately, not requiring a membership. ECT4Health genuinely wants to see you succeed and advance your nursing and midwifery career. 4. Australian Healthcare Academy (AHA) Are you interested in venepuncture and cannulation? What about basic and advanced life support? Or maybe you’re interested in a career in theatre and want to learn more about Anaesthetics and Recovery . All these courses plus many more are available via the AHA website . The standout feature for AHA is their partnership with many of Australia’s leading providers of healthcare such as Healthscope, Healthe Care and Ramsay Health. These relationships allow for exceptional clinical learning and also seamless organisation of volunteer clinical placements if and when required. If you’re interested in taking a course which was designed by nurses who truly understands your needs, look no further than AHA. Other CPD opportunities to consider: NPS Medicinewise An independent, not-for-profit organisation, evidence-based company aimed at supporting quality use of medicines to improve health decisions and health and economic outcomes in Australia. They offer an impressive range of superior CPD opportunities including asthma, back pain, dementia, osteoarthritis, chronic abdominal pain, anxiety and immunisations. See the full list h ere . Australian College of Nursing (ACN) The ACN is a pre-eminent and national leader of the nursing profession and a community of dynamic and passionate nurses. They offer an impressive range of nursing educational opportunities which you can view here , including their popular vaccinations course. Ausmed A popular Australian health education company renowned for their intuitive CPD tracking app but also their online and face-to-face training opportunities. Due to COVID, their face-to-face events will not be running in 2021 however their online courses are still available which you can explore here . In summary, in light of International Nurses Day on Wednesday 12th May and International Day of the Midwife on May 5th and their respective themes, it’s a great time for us to reflect on our personal careers within healthcare. Is there more we can do and learn by investing in ourselves to see a clear and bright future in healthcare? Though attaining a mandatory number of CPD hours is compulsory, try and view them as an opportunity to grow and develop rather than ticking a box. According to The Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW , CPD is more effective when it involves planning and reflection. So take the time to enjoy the process. Emma Smith Registered Nurse
As an agency nurse working throughout this relentless pandemic, you’ve probably been thinking about immunisations and whether it’s worth your time to upskill and become an independent immuniser. But trying to choose the right course can be a minefield. To assist you in the process, this post explores 4 different immunisation courses, specific for agency nurses in NSW, which builds on your existing knowledge, whilst fine-tuning your skills so you can confidently and professionally give immunisations. 1. 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners Who runs the course? Australian College Of Nursing How much does it cost? $895.50 for members and $995 for non-members. How long does it take to complete? Flexible, self-paced (a minimum of 21 days up to a maximum of 120 days) Format: Online Is there a clinical placement component? No How many CPD points will I gain? Equivalent to 120 hours Though there are an abundance of immunisation courses available right now, this one is highly regarded in the industry for two main reasons; the reputation of the Australian College of Nursing and because this course is accredited by Health Education Services Australia (HESA) against the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals. This accreditation is rare among the courses offered to nurses in Australia. This specific course is suitable for registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other allied health workers unlike other courses we will explore below, which are solely targeting registered nurses. To assist with the cost of the course, The Eric Murray Achievement Award is a scholarship that can be applied for by current immunisation students. More information can be found here: acnfoundation.org.au/grants-awards If you want to read more and sign up to this course (it takes three days to process your application and get started), visit this link to find out more. 2. Immunisation (Nurse Immuniser) Who runs the course? University of Melbourne (UoM) How much does it cost? Theory only: AUD $825 (incl. GST). Clinical placement administration fee: AUD $130 (incl. GST) How long does it take? Course completion requires 100-150 hours of eLearning and up to 10 hours of clinical practice (optional). Format: Online and optional clinical placement is available Is there a clinical placement component? Yes (optional) How many CPD points will I gain? Equivalent to 120 hours Here is another popular nurse immuniser course offered Australia wide by the UoM. This course varies from the one offered by the Australian College of Nurses as it’s onlyoffered to registered nurses who have worked at least 1 year of full time or equivalent clinical experience. One intriguing aspect of this UoM course is the optional clinical placement. Though taking part in this clinical component is not compulsory to becoming a nurse immuniser at course completion, it does build confidence and perfects technique. Students are required to organise their own placement where they must complete ten immunisations, and four of these must be on children under two. It should be noted that a placement administration fee of $130 (incl. GST) must be paid by the student. If you are interested in this course because you’d like to complete the clinical aspect, keep in mind that obtaining a placement may be difficult due to COVID. Making time to complete some research regarding clinical placement may be a good idea before signing up. Assessment of knowledge occurs through clinical case studies, short answer and multiple-choice questions, attendance of course tutorials, 8 units of self assessment and completion of an exam where you are required to achieve 80% or above. To find out more, visit this link to be redirected to the UoM course page. 3. Program for Nurse Immunisers (PNI) Who runs the course? Australian Catholic University (ACU) How much does it cost? $995.00 (incl. GST). There are no payment plans and this is not a HECS supported course. How long does it take? Should be completed in 16 weeks Format: Online Is there a clinical placement component? No How many CPD points will I gain? Equivalent to 150 hours This popular immunisation course offered by ACU is slightly different from the others mentioned. It is offered twice a year, March and July, and is capped at 50 students per enrolment. It is only offered to AHPRA Registered Nurses and not enrolled nurses or midwives. To finalise this course, students are required to complete approximately 150 hours of focused learning with 100% successful completion of six theoretical modules and associated quizzes and scenarios. Students then need to complete online content and finish with a self-assessment ‘Complete procedures for a Vaccination encounter’. If this sounds like the course for you, click here to find out more. 4. The Immunisation Endorsement Pathway Who runs the course? The Benchmarque Group Pty Limited How much does it cost? $567 inc GST How long does it take? Self paced, can take up to 12 months Format: Online modules with a face-to-face workshop. Is there a clinical placement component? Yes - attendance at a workshop is required for completion How many CPD points will I gain? Equivalent to 110 hours Are you a Registered Nurse and/or Midwife who wants to immunise independent of a Medical Officer? Well, this is the course for you. It’s HESA accredited and has received direct recognition from State Health Departments in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. The learning throughout this course is specific to the state or territory the student works in and involves a combination of online and face-to-face learning. The workshop, offered in 39 different locations (explore where via this link ), is what separates this course from the rest. You don’t need to find your own clinical placement. You’re able to practice the theoretical skills you’ve learnt throughout the modules during the workshop, so you can feel confident you know what you’re doing. If you’re considering taking an immunisation course, this one is well worth a look. Find out more here . Note: You may have heard about the cheaper ($225 inc GST) immunisation course being run by the South Australian Government titled, Understanding vaccines and the National Immunisation Program. Though recognised as an approved training program in other states such as South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria, it isn’t in New South Wales and why it wasn’t included in this article. Helpful links: Authorised Nurse Immunisers - New South Wales Government NSW Authority for Registered Nurses and Midwives COVID-19 administration of vaccination FAQs In summary, taking one of the above courses can enhance your employability as an agency nurse and broaden your career options in the future. Best of luck with whatever course you choose and thank you for helping keep the community safe. Emma Smith Registered Emergency Nurse
Every agency nurse whether they are enrolled or registered want the allocations team to offer them first dibs on an suitable upcoming shift, but how do we get on top of the list consistently? Upskilling and then maintaining that qualification is probably the easiest way. Take a look at the 5 courses below, some as short as 3 weeks, which can really boost your chances at obtaining more shifts with Network Nursing Agency (NNA). 1. Advanced Life Support (ALS) Being competent and confident in a critical care ALS situation as an agency nurse is certainly a skill which is looked upon favourably by nursing agencies and hospitals. With ALS knowledge you are able to fill staff vacancies in high acuity environments where unwell patients are the norm. This two day course offered by the Australian Healthcare Academy (AHA) gives you the theoretical knowledge along with the practical skills necessary to perform under pressure in a resuscitation situation - and it doesn't disappoint. This course is recognised nationally within a clinical setting and suitable for all healthcare professionals. Click here to see the full course details and to apply. 2. WorkReady Support Program for Registered and Enrolled Nurses Have you recently graduated from university as a registered nurse and are searching for your first full time nursing job? Or maybe you’ve elected to take a gap year and are looking to boost your skills before you start work? The WorkReady Support Program for Registered and Enrolled Nurses is the course for you! This program is designed to prepare you with the experience and knowledge required to begin your career as a Registered or Enrolled Nurse in Australia. You will gain the skills and critical thinking knowledge to not only apply and pursue a part/full time nursing position but it will also give you the confidence to potentially apply for a nursing agency like NNA in the future. This course is also great for nurses working in subacute areas and are looking to transition into acute care. Click here for details about the course structure, CPD hours gained, who can apply and much more. Check out the video below to see what past students had to say about the course: Video link - https://youtu.be/FdoyqjNK4NY 3. Refresher Nursing Program Do any of these questions/situations sound relevant to you? Are you a registered or enrolled nurse who wishes to enter or re-enter into the acute care setting? Do you want to move from one role to another, like management, education or even a research role into a clinical role? Are you ready to make the transition from non-acute areas like aged care into acute care? Then the Refresher Nursing Program is for you. This course builds on your existing knowledge and skills by providing education firstly in a classroom for a week followed by three weeks of clinical placement. Here is a snapshot of what you’ll be learning; Documentation, Policies, Procedures, and Observations Handover, Communication, and Time Management Admissions and Discharges including pre and post op care Medication administration and calculations Pain management and PCAs Aseptic technique, wound care, and dressing management Oxygen therapy Completion of ECGs and basic ECG interpretation Urinary catheter care and bladder scans NGT and PEG tube care and feeding Stoma and Colostomy Management Sounds exciting, right? Click here to read more and to apply. 4. Introduction to Cannulation and Venepuncture Agency nurses, if you’re tired of having to rely on a fellow nurse or doctor to take a blood test or insert a cannula, this is a special course for you. This Introduction to Cannulation and Venepuncture course involves learning the theory behind cannulation and venepuncture such as the legal implications, vein selection and any potential complications. At the completion of this course you’ll receive a certificate of theory and then will be provided with a practical component which you will need to complete within your place of employment. Wouldn’t it be nice to be smiled at from the next ANUM you meet when you say yes to, “can you cannulate?” For more information and to apply for this course click here. 5. Introduction to 12 Lead ECG Interpretation Course Are you ready to be the impressive agency nurse who can quickly read and interpret an electrocardiograph (ECG)? Then you have to take a look at this course. This online course hosted by AHA includes both beginner and advanced material, gives you sound cardiovascular pathophysiology and the associated ECG findings that underpin systematic ECG interpretation. By the end of this course you’ll feel confident to perform, interpret and analyse ECG’s whilst also gaining an understanding of the management required in the clinical environment. To apply and to read more about this course, click here. Other courses recommended by NNA available for registered and enrolled nurses and midwives are: Anaesthetics and Recovery Nursing Course Introduction to Scrub and Scout Nursing Course Transition to Mental Health Nursing Course HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation See the full range of courses here . In summary, upskilling as an agency registered nurse or midwife can open up opportunities in the hospitals and healthcare centres you regularly get assigned. You may have the chance to look after sicker patients and work in wards or parts of the hospital you’ve never been before. This not only provides mental stimulation but it also allows you to grow professionally and meet new people. Though it can be intimidating stepping out of your comfort zone, AHA and NNA can help guide you through this short, unfamiliar time. Cheers, Emma Smith Registered Nurse
