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During your graduate year you will receive support from many areas. Some of them are formal sessions and structures that are in place to provide guidance and information. Others are less formal and are based on the relationships that form between you, your colleagues, other staff and other graduate nurses.
Click each of the links below to find out more about the range of support available.
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We provide a comprehensive orientation program including health service information as well as clinical orientation/supernumerary 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.
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Prior to the commencement of the Graduate Nurse Program you will receive a comprehensive orientation manual specific to your first 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 on topics such as the nursing management of patient conditions and procedures.
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Each graduate is assigned a preceptor for both rotations. Many preceptors are junior Grade 2s 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 below).
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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.
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Responsible for the overall running of the GNP including facilitating study days, allocating rotations, facilitating completion of competencies and performance development discussions tools, providing support and being a resource for all graduates. The GNC also coordinates recruitment and selection process for the following year's GNP.
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Provides direct clinical support to graduates located on the Fitzroy campus. The PDN is available to assist with skills such as ECGs, venepuncture, wound dressings, admission and 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.
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The nursing teams are made up of graduate nurses, Grade 2 registered nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Associate Nurse Unit Managers (ANUMs) 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.
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Graduates prove to be one of the most valuable support networks for other graduates, and with over 115 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.
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There are 25 local Nurse Education Coordinators / Clinical Nurse Educators across the 25 clinical areas at St Vincent's 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 NECs/Clinical Educators have allocated departments they are responsible for, and every graduate has a contact NEC/CNE as well as the Graduate Nurse Coordinator.
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These regular confidential meetings provide graduates with the opportunity to catch up, debrief and support one another in a structured yet informal manner. They are also useful to disseminate information and are facilitated by the NECs/CNE or GNC, who can assist to resolve any issues if they arise.
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You will work closely with many members of the multidisciplinary team during the year including 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 aware 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’.
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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. STARs can: provide information and referrals, support colleagues on a one-to-one basis and facilitate team debriefing sessions.
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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.
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