Orientation Program

We provide a 5-day orientation program incorporating 2 days of health service information and 3 days of clinical orientation/supernumerary days. During the first two days we cover a comprehensive overview of St Vincent’s, the GNP, personnel, and departments. We also include tutorials/practical sessions on: medication administration, IT & No Lift training, Basic Life Support, venepuncture, and how to use our pumps/ equipment. Our second day of orientation ends at The Pumphouse for drinks!

“Our program has been excellent, it’s obvious a lot of time has been put into planning, implementing and evaluating the orientation program and I thank and appreciate this effort. I have felt welcomed and comfortable, so keep this up and continue the great work. You are a great team.”

(Comments from 2007 Graduate Nurse Orientation Evaluation)

Orientation Manuals/Worksheets & Learning Packages

Prior to the commencement of the Graduate Nurse Program you will receive a comprehensive orientation manual specific to your 1^st rotation incorporating information such as common patient conditions and procedures, ward routines, local protocols, admission checklists, common abbreviations, 10 most frequent medications, and handover guidelines. Many areas also provide additional worksheets or learning packages to further assist new graduates orientate to the unit, on topics such as the nursing management of patient conditions and procedures. 

Preceptor

Each graduate is assigned a preceptor for both rotations. Many preceptors are junior Grade 2’s whose experience of being a graduate is still fresh in their memories, and who have attended training to consolidate their learning in the roles and responsibilities of mentorship. Your preceptor will assist in your orientation to the health service and clinical area, support your development as a nurse, and provide feedback on your progress. We encourage you to roster yourself with your preceptor as often as possible, (see Graduate Rostering Guidelines).

 Graduate Rostering Guidelines

These guidelines were implemented to facilitate the transition of newly graduated nurses into the role of practicing Registered Nurses. It is recognised that for most graduates this will be the first time they have worked full time with rotating shifts. The guidelines aim to reduce the potential for stress and associated sick leave, and ensure that graduates along with their nursing colleagues receive fair and equitable rosters. There are 17 recommended guidelines, which cover issues such as minimum number of shifts to work with preceptor, maximum number of days to work in a row and maximum number of week’s night duty per rotation.

 Graduate Nurse Coordinator (GNC)

 Responsible for the overall running of the GNP, including facilitation of study days, allocation of rotations, facilitating completion of competencies and performance development discussions tools and providing support and being a resource for all graduates. Also coordinates recruitment and selection process for the following years GNP.

 Clinical Support Nurse (CSN)

 Provides direct clinical support to graduates located on the Fitzroy campus. The CSN is available to assist with skills such as ECG’s, venepuncture, wound dressings, admission & discharge planning. This position was introduced in 2006 in response to feedback from graduates requesting direct clinical support during busy shifts or in the absence of their preceptor. The position has been a great addition to the GNP with graduates enjoying the many benefits of this role.

Nursing Teams

 The nursing teams are made up of graduate nurses, Grade 2 Registered Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS’s), Associate Nurse Unit Managers (ANUM’s) and a Nurse Unit Manager (NUM). Due to the culture and nature of St. Vincent’s all members of the nursing team are expected to provide support to one another, and work interdependently. On days when you are not working with your preceptor, many other members of staff are available if you require assistance.

Other Graduates

 Graduates prove to be one of the most valuable support networks for other graduates, and with over 100 graduates across St. Vincent’s, one is never very far away! Most clinical areas have more than one rostered graduate, and we also provide opportunities for you to catch up with one another both professionally and socially.

 Nurse Education Coordinators (NEC) /Clinical Educators

 There are four NEC’s and many local Clinical Educators throughout SVHM who assist with professional development, provide support, and are a resource for all levels of nursing staff. They have a special focus in providing support, guidance, and education to graduate nurses. Each of the NEC’s/Clinical Educators have allocated departments they are responsible for, and every graduate has a contact CPO/Clinical Educator as well as the Graduate Nurse Coordinator. Local educators are attached to the Emergency Department, Caritas Christi Hospice, Dialysis Unit, Mental Health Services, Operating Suite, St. George’s Hospital and Port Philip Prison.

 Graduate Support Meetings

 These regular confidential meetings provide graduates with the opportunity to catch up, debrief, and support one another. They are also useful to disseminate information and are facilitated by the NEC’s/Clinical Educators or GNC, who can assist to resolve any issues if they arise.

 Multidisciplinary Team

 You will work closely with many members of the multidisciplinary team during the year e.g. medical staff, physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists, occupational and speech therapists. They will be conscious of the stressful nature of beginning employment in a new workplace, and that you will be unfamiliar with some of their roles, and how to make referrals. You will find all staff, not just the nurses, friendly and willing to help you ‘learn the ropes’.

 STAR – Support Team Action Response

 STAR is our critical incident stress management peer support program where trained colleagues can help staff deal with reactions to stressful events. They are available 24 hours a day to assist staff deal with stress in the workplace. STAR’s can: provide information and referrals, support on a one-to-one basis, and facilitate team debriefing sessions e.g. post the death of a patient.

 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The EAP (Access Counselling) is a confidential service free to all staff and their immediate families who may require assistance dealing with personal, family or work issues. Qualified counsellors can assist staff and family members to identify problems and find ways to resolve them.