Graduate Study Days

There are 4 graduate study days during the year, which you are paid to attend. The topics have a strong clinical focus and are selected from feedback from graduates. We try to incorporate as many practical elements as possible to assist with transfer and application of learning back to the clinical settings.

This year presentations will include: wound management, ECG interpretation, IV Fluids, tracheostomy care, access devices, blood transfusion and many more. Also during the year we incorporate time in our Human Simulator Centre during three of the study days. A bonus of these days is the chance to catch up with, and debrief with fellow graduates.

You are entitled under the Victorian Nurses Award to a fifth paid study day, and are welcome to join any of our other study days, courses or programs, or enrol in a professional development activity offered externally.

Computer Training

During orientation week we include IT training to highlight the programs required for paging, accessing patient information, pathology/radiology results, and other available resources such as MIMS online. Extensive training is also available throughout the year on programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, with most courses free to staff.

Human Simulator

St Vincent’s state-of-the-art Human Simulator is located at SVHM, housed within a new education centre fully equipped with the latest multi-media and virtual training technology.

‘Vincent’, our mannequin provides staff with the opportunity to expand their skills in a safe learning environment, as he close as is currently possible mirrors physiological and pharmacological reactions of a human – he breathes, has pulses, and can respond to medications, CPR, defibrillation, intubation, ventilation and many other procedures. 

Local Education

There are regular education sessions occurring in all clinical areas, usually in double staffing time. Most wards have a monthly education calendar so you can see what is coming up of interest, and you can attend sessions in other units. Examples of topics include: O₂ therapy, PICC lines, patient conditions/case studies, drug company representatives and updates of clinical trials/research. We encourage you to notify us of additional sessions that you think would be of interest and we will organise these.

Health Service Wide Education

As a major teaching organisation, we have extensive programs offered during the year for nursing staff to further their professional development. The following are examples of some of the programs currently available. Some are available only after the graduate year, however as the majority of graduates do stay on post their GNP, we thought this information might be of interest.

ECG Course

This popular 11-week course is highly recommended to graduates rotating to cardiac and high dependency areas, but all are welcome to enrol. 

 IV Cannulation

Graduates rotating to Day Procedures, Emergency and Medical Imaging are offered the opportunity to attend this workshop, to assist with the demands of these clinical areas. This workshop is also offered to all Grade 2 RN’s.

 Education & Presentation Skills Study Day

In continuing with St Vincent’s dedication to providing outstanding nursing education, this day assists Grade 2 RN’s to further develop their skills in the role of educator as well as provide them with the skills necessary as a presenter.

 Epidural Course

This is a course run over two consecutive weeks for Grade 2 RN’s that then accredits them to be able to manage epidural infusions including administration of bolus doses and assessment of dermatome levels.

 ANUM Program

This program is offered to Grade 2 RN’s and newly appointed Associate Nurse Unit Managers to assist with the knowledge and skills required when taking on in-charge responsibilities. With supported succession planning a strong focus at St. Vincent’s, some graduates will be attending this program in the not too distant future!

 Study Days

During the year there are many study days advertised to all nursing staff. Some of the days this year will include:

• Wound Management Study Days
• Depression and Suicide Study Day
• Infection Control Study Day
• Preceptorship Study Days
• Drug & Alcohol Study Day
• Stress and Conflict Resolution Study Day
• Clinical Skills Study Day
• Basic Life Support Train The Trainer
• Palliative Care Short Course
• Pain Assessment
• Introductory to Emergency Nursing program
• GEM Short Course