Transition to Professional Practice

Program for Registered Nurses 2014

"Take your first steps in Paediatric Nursing with us!"

The Women’s and Children’s Health Network is South Australia’s leading provider of health services to babies, children, young people and women. The Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides specialist health care services to children and young people with acute and chronic conditions. The hospital also provides the state’s largest neonatal, maternity and obstetric service.

The Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP RN) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides the newly Registered Nurse with an opportunity to gain Paediatric experience, knowledge and clinical skills during their first year of practice. Various program options are available including

• Dedicated Paediatric Program
• Collaborative Paediatric/Adult Program (WCH/RAH)
• Dedicated Peri operative Program

At the Women’s and Children’s Hospital we recognise the first year of professional practice is an exciting (but sometimes challenging) time  for new nurses. Our program curriculum is based on the principles of the Transition Theory (Stages and Shock models) created by Dr Judy Boychuk Duchscher (2007) with the aim of ensuring that the new Registered Nurse is supported throughout their transition journey.  Â Â Â Â 

Feedback From Previous TPPP RN’s

• “I feel the TPPP at WCH assisted in taking away the initial fear of starting as an RN from University, then the ongoing support throughout the year aided in my progression” (TPPP RN 2012)
• “Amazing program and I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with such amazing and passionate nurses” (TPPP RN 2012)
• “The support and guidance from ward educators has been invaluable and their assistance combined with experience and knowledge has helped to increase my confidence” (TPPP RN 2011)
• “In my two placements I have (worked with) children from infancy right through to young adults. I have developed communication skills necessary to deal with different age groups and their families. I have attended a great deal of education and professional development sessions that have increased both my knowledge and clinical skills” (TPPP RN 2011)
• “Fantastic program that provides amazing support and educational opportunities. Although the year has provided me with many challenges I feel that the program has allowed me to progress at a pace suited to me so that the challenges could be overcome. The program has made me feel like a valued member of the team. I would recommend the program to any new nurses” (TPPP RN 2011).

TPPP Support

All Registered Nurses participating in the TPPP RN are provided with comprehensive support from a variety of people including

• Clinical Learning Coordinators/Clinical Nurse Educators (CLC’s/CNE’s)
• Associate Clinical Service Coordinators – Education (ACSC-Ed)
• Nurse Education Facilitators (NEF’s)
• Practice Support People (Preceptors) and Buddies (previous Graduates)
• Clinical Service Coordinators (CSC’s)
• Nurse Management Facilitators (NMF’s)
• Transition to Practice Nurse Education Facilitator (TtP NEF)

Program Details

All program options provide

• Transition support (mentorship, preceptorship, clinical educators)
• Professional Development Days (Paediatric Foundation Studies)
• Weekly debriefs with the Transition to Practice Nurse Education Facilitator
• Clinical Feedback throughout each placement
• Clinical Placement experiences
• Ward based clinical education opportunities

Dedicated Paediatric Program

A dedicated Paediatric Program will provide new Registered Nurses with a comprehensive Paediatric experience during their first year of practice. Two placements will be offered within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Participants in this program will also attend Paediatric study days throughout the year.

Collaborative Paediatric/Adult Program (WCH/RAH)

A Collaborative Paediatric/Adult Program will give new Registered Nurses the opportunity to experience a paediatric placement at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and an adult placement at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Participants will attend relevant study days at each organisation during their placements.

Dedicated Perioperative Program

In 2014 a dedicated Perioperative Program will be available. This option will offer either a twelve month rotation within Recovery and Anaesthetics or a twelve month rotation within the Scrub/Scout area. Please see ‘Clinical Placement Opportunities’ below for more information about these specialty areas.

Clinical Placement Opportunities

Clinical placements are conducted in the Medical and Surgical wards and various specialty areas allowing the new Registered Nurse to develop a wide range of Paediatric nursing skills. Placements in 2014 may include:

• Surgical Inpatient Units
• Peri operative Services,
• Medical Units,
• Adolescent Ward,
• Rose Ward
• Paediatric Emergency Department,
• Paediatric Intensive Care and Paediatric High Dependency Unit,
• Oncology/Haematology,
• Boylan Ward,
• Neonatal Intensive Care,
• Special Care Baby Unit,

See below for more details of each placement option

Paediatric Surgical Services

• Newland Ward
• Paediatric Surgical Ambulatory Service
• Day of Surgery Admissions (DOSA)
• Day Surgery Unit
• Campbell Ward
• Peri operative Services

Paediatric Surgical Services provides many dynamic learning opportunities for Graduate Nurses in the areas of orthopaedics, burns, neurosurgery, craniofacial, ophthalmology, ENT (ear, nose and throat), urology, plastic, minor cardiac and general surgery.

Newland Ward

• Newland ward is a 32 bed ward and is the main paediatric surgical unit for South Australia. Newland ward provides expert care to patients and families after surgery or trauma. Newland ward cares for patients from all Surgical specialties which provides Graduate Nurses with many fulfilling learning experiences and exposure to a wide variety of skills. Newland ward surgical specialties include – Neurosurgery, craniofacial surgery, ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery, burns, plastic surgery, urology, general surgery, thoracic surgery, ENT (ear nose throat), some minor cardiac surgery, dentistry and rehabilitation services. In the team trained environment, Graduate Nurses are supported by a buddy and Team Leader each shift. Preceptors are also allocated at the commencement of each placement.

Paediatric Surgical Ambulatory Service

Day of Surgery Admissions Area

• Pre operative area where children are prepared for their elective surgical/medical intervention
• Children and families go through an admission process that allows them to ask questions and clarify concerns before their procedure starts.
• As DOSA is often the first point of contact to the hospital for many families it is essential to have refined communication skills. DOSA also provides graduate nurses with the opportunity to improve their handover, assessment and communication skills.

Paediatric Day Surgery Unit

• This unit has 20 beds which cater for paediatric patients undergoing day surgery procedures under anaesthetic. The average length of stay is 1-2hours.
• There is a high turn over of patients which allows graduate nurses to refine their organisation and observation skills and discharge education proficiency.

Campbell Ward

• Campbell ward has 16 beds and is dedicated to the care of paediatric patients who have undergone procedures requiring anaesthesia followed by a short stay in hospital of up to 36 hours. Campbell ward is team trained and provides graduate nurses with support and learning opportunities in many areas of paediatric surgical nursing.

Perioperative Services

Recovery and Anaesthetics

• In a dedicated Recovery and Anaesthetic rotation in Rogerson and QVOS Theatres, Transitioning Registered Nurses will be involved in both paediatric and obstetric fields, inclusive of a wide range of surgical specialties. TPPP RN’s learn aspects of the theory and practices behind safe, holistic care in the anaesthetic and recovery phases of perioperative care. TPPP RN’s also develop skills in critically assessing and reflecting on changes in techniques and approaches, as well decision making and effective communication skills in the acute clinical setting.

Scrub/Scout

• The dedicated Perioperative program aims to provide the TPPP nurse with the opportunity to develop the skills and understand the concepts required to underpin their practice in the areas of scrub/ scout nursing.
• TPPP nurses will be involved in paediatrics, inclusive of a wide range of surgical specialties, developing skills in critically assessing and reflecting on changes in techniques and approaches, as well decision making and effective communication skills in the acute clinical setting.

Division of Paediatric Medicine

• Medical 1 Ward
• Cassia Ward
• Paediatric Emergency Department
• Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Adolescent Ward
• Rose Ward
• Michael Rice Haematology/Oncology Ward & Clinic 

The Division of Paediatric Medicine provides many dynamic learning opportunities for Graduate Nurses in the areas of General Medicine, Respiratory, Endocrine, Metabolic, Cardiac, Renal, Gastroenterology and Neurology.

Opportunities are provided to work in the following areas of the division: Medical 1 Ward, Cassia Ward, Paediatric Emergency Department, Department of Paediatric Critical Care, Adolescent ward and Rose ward (neonates and infants to 1 year of age)

Medical 1 Ward

• Medical 1 Ward is funded for 20 beds and cares for children aged 0-18years. Children are generally admitted under the General Medical Teams, of which there are 3 and the  Neurology Immunology and Dermatology. The length of stay is generally  1-3 days. The most common admitting reasons are bronchiolitis, asthma, UTIs, epilepsy and pneumonia. Med 1/3 also care for some special long-term patients with complex medical conditions.

Cassia Ward

• Cassia Ward is funded for 20 beds and cares for children aged 0-18years. Children are generally admitted under the specialty medical teams and can stay from anywhere between 1 day and multiple years (depending on their medical condition). The speciality medical teams include Respiratory, Cardiology, Endocrine, Renal, Gastroenterology, Metabolic, Rheumatology and the Child Protection Unit. The most common admitting diagnoses on Med 2 ward include cystic fibrosis, diabetes, chronic gastrointestinal conditions, renal transplants, and chronic respiratory conditions.

Adolescent Ward

• The Adolescent ward offers services to 12-18 year old patients in the many specialties of medical, orthopaedic, endocrine, neurology, rehabilitation and gastroenterology nursing. Although primarily a medical ward, the staff work closely with the Department of Psychological Medicine and surgical services in the provision of care.

Rose Ward

• Rose ward is a medical and surgical unit delivering care to neonates and infants to one year of age. Many of the infants have complex needs and require hospitalisation for many months. The family plays an integral part in the child’s care and the complete needs of the family unit are taken into consideration. The range of conditions treated includes infectious diseases, orthopaedic, respiratory, cardiac, neurology, craniofacial and many others. Nutrition, growth, development and infant mental health issues are primary concerns in this unit. The ward includes facilities to admit the parents of newborn infants requiring care.

Paediatric Emergency Department

• The Paediatric Emergency Department provides a 24 hour service for children and young adolescents. The department covers all specialties including mental health services and is the Paediatric Trauma Centre for South Australia. Nurses working in the area require exceptional assessment skills and have the opportunity to master several advanced practices including cannulation, trauma cast application and gluing of superficial wounds

Paediatric of Critical Care Medicine (PICU and PHDU)

• The Paediatric Intensive Care unit (PICU) is a specialised area where children of all ages receive care from a highly skilled team of health professionals. 8 beds within the unit are allocated for intensive care and 4 beds are allocated for high dependency patients

Michael Rice Centre for Haematology/Oncology

Michael Rice Centre ward is an 8 bed acute ward caring for Oncology and Haematology patients. The majority of patients are admitted for the following reasons:

• Diagnosis/treatment
• Complications of malignancies or treatment
• Bone marrow transplant
• Palliative care/respite
• Pain management
• Complications of haemophilia
• Aplastic anaemia
• Ideopathic Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
• Other haematological conditions eg Thalassaemia

The Michael Rice Centre Clinic (Outpatients) occurs daily and cares for patients requiring planned and emergency review and/or treatment. Oncology patients may be admitted to the clinic as day patients for some phases of treatment. The clinic is staffed from 0830-1700, Monday to Friday and manages triage calls and admissions during these hours

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Boylan Ward

Boylan ward is a 12 bed unit of the Division of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. It provides an  inpatient environment where clients up to the age of 18 years  can work through their mental health issues with the assistance of a specialist multidisciplinary team that are experienced in supporting young people and their families. This is a state wide facility and provides a unique experience for graduates to work with experienced mental health nurses in this specialist area.

A placement in Boylan Ward includes providing individual care to the patients, involvement in family therapy, group participation and collaborative liaison with various community services and schools. You will also become familiar with the numerous Acts and legislations that apply to this area.

Boylan ward also supports the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing for Registered Nurses seeking to become Registered Mental Health Nurses

Women's and Babies Division (WABS)

Opportunities exist for Graduate Nurses to complete placements in selected units within the Women’s and Babies Division

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is responsible for the provision of care for babies in need of intensive (Level 6) care born at the WCH, or elsewhere in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Victoria and the far west of New South Wales. It can accommodate up to 16 neonates requiring respiratory support, central line management and continuous observation. Gestational ages range from 23 to 42 weeks. Programs supported by NICU are the Graduate Certificate of Health/Master of Clinical Nursing Neonatal Intensive Care, the Graduate Midwifery Program, the Graduate Nurse Program and the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner role.

Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)

SCBU is divided into 3 nurseries and a Parenting Unit. This unit manages preterm neonates from as early as 32 weeks gestation to ‘Term’ neonates (ie. 37 weeks – 42 week gestation).  Neonates may be admitted from all areas of the WABS division as well as retrievals/transfers from outlying hospitals and occasionally neonates from home. SCBU assists Medstar with the transfers of Newborns – Neonates to outlying hospitals once their condition stabilises.

SCBU also offers a Nursery Domiciliary service and the unique Neonatal Early Discharge Program or NED. NED allows neonates to be discharged home on gavage feeds performed by parents with close follow up by nursery staff.

Education programs supported by SCBU are the Transition to Nurse Practice, the Transition to Midwifery Practice, the Neonatal Special Care Course, Refresher/Re-entry Midwives, Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Care Workers, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Student Midwives. Assistants in Midwifery and Enrolled Nurses are also employed in the unit.

Educational Opportunities and Ongoing Career Development

New Registered Nurses are provided with a comprehensive orientation to the organisation at the beginning of the program and to the clinical environments at the commencement of each clinical placement.

All TPPP RN’s will attend the Paediatric Foundation Studies course which provides an introduction to Paediatric nursing. Dedicated program participants will complete the 5 modules. Collaborative program participants will complete the initial modules with the opportunity to complete the remaining study days following their TPPP RN. These study days are also complimented by unit specific education opportunities and other hospital activities.

Specific TPPP RN education sessions are also held every Wednesday of the month. These opportunities allow participants to debrief and develop further clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Following a TPPP RN, employees can access a wide range of educational activities and opportunities to further their Paediatric career.

Performance Development

Clinical feedback forms are completed within the TPPP RN, allowing the Registered Nurse to monitor their progress and clinical development across the year.

Working Hours and Starting Dates

Contracts at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be offered as 1.0FTE, i.e. full time rostered over 7 days.

A minimum part-time placement of 0.84 FTE , i.e., 4 days per week over  7 days may be negotiated if circumstances are warranted.  Proposed starting dates for 2014 are as follows (please note these are subject to final confirmation)

Please note the dates below when considering a program and commencement

12th January 2014 Collaborative Program

12th January 2014 Dedicated Paediatric Program

2nd February 2014 Dedicated Paediatric Program (including 1 Dedicated RA Program)

23rd February 2014 Dedicated Paediatric Program (including 1 Dedicated Theatre Program)

Information Session

The TPPP-RN Information Session will be held on 25th July 2013 1400-1600 in the Queen Victoria Lecture Theatre. Participants will be given the opportunity to meet with ward based educators and the Transition to Practice Coordinator to discuss the program. RSVP is not required

TPPP-RN Information Session flyer (152kb)

WCH Map (59kb)

Completion of Program

A ceremony is held each February for Registered Nurses who have completed their Transition to Professional Practice Program

Applying for the Program

Recruitment to 2014 SA Health Transition to Professional Practice Programs will be done via a centralised process. For more detailed information regarding the application process, please visit http://www.sahealthcareers.com.au/campaign.php?id=37

Further Information

For further information about the Transition to Professional Practice Program for Registered Nurses at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, please contact

Jayne Hartwig Transition to Professional Practice Nurse Education Facilitator

Email: jayne.hartwig@health.sa.gov.au

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