Annual Report 2008-09 - Austin Health

the provision of new simulation
equipment for skills practice;
and use of the most effective and
innovative education methods such as
simulations, small-group interactive
learning, and online curricula to suit
different and changing needs.
CLINICAL NURSING EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT (CNED)
Austin Health’s status as an employer of
choice for nursing graduates continued
into its seventh consecutive year. As a
result of active recruitment campaigns
and positive clinical experiences of Austin
Health’s undergraduate students, the
Graduate Year Program again achieved a
100 per cent first-round computer match.
The department’s return-topractice
program continued to bring
unregistered nurses back to the industry
via an accredited re-registration or
refresher course. Since 2000, 129
nurses completed the re-registration
program and 199 nurses completed the
refresher program. The 2009 program
enjoyed 94 per cent retention and
targeted clinical areas experiencing
a staffing shortfall. As a result of this
program, two nurses were employed to
work in the new Ward 10.
Another measure of the superior
calibre of Austin Health’s nursing staff
is that those undertaking post-graduate
studies increased by 11 per cent over
last year. In the 2009 academic year,
93 students enrolled.
The 2009 practice advancement
program was expanded to include
two additional clinical areas and offer
greater development opportunities for
the 53 nurse participants. The program
continued to inspire and motivate staff to
enrol in postgraduate courses and bridge
the gap between the Graduate Year
Program and enrolment in post-graduate
courses. The program has proved a
successful retention strategy.
Pictured opposite: Dr Miranda Siemienowicz
and Dr Henry Patel practice on SimMan in
the Clinical Skills Centre.
Pictured right: Graduate nurses Courtney
Green and Susan Pradhanang review
patient records.
Austin Health : 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT
29