How we support you You are here:HomeEducationNursing EducationSpecialty Practice ProgramsSupport St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Speciality Practice programs, offers you the opportunity to practice in a supportive environment that will facilitate your ongoing professional development and allow you to build upon your knowledge and skills in the delivery of excellence in patient care. Orientation In your first week you will attend a comprehensive 3-day orientation in Education and Learning. The orientation week includes presentations, tutorials and practical sessions. You will be allocated clinical induction (supernumerary time) during which you will work alongside your preceptor or buddy nurse. Practice Development Nurse (PDN) The PDNs are dedicated to providing clinical support to Registered Nurses within education programs and clinical areas. Each PDN is allocated to specific clinical areas and support PSP participants in these areas. If you ever need to talk about your day or need further support just contact the PDN who will keep your discussions confidential. Nursing Teams The nursing teams are made up of Graduate Nurses, junior and senior Grade 2 Registered Nurses (RN), Enrolled Nurses (EN), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Associate Nurse Unit Managers (ANUM) 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. Preceptor A preceptor is an experienced nurse working within a clinical area who acts as a role model and resource person for new nurses. Each participant is assigned a preceptor during rotations. 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. STAR Program Support Team Action Response (STAR) is St Vincent’s 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 to deal with stress in the workplace. STAR can provide information and referrals, support on a one-to-one basis and facilitate team debriefing sessions as needed. Please click here for more information. Employee Assistance Program 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. Please click here for more information.