Student Nurse Placements
Eastern Ranges GP Association (ERGPA) has partnered with Monash University to facilitate student nurse clinical placements throughout the division. Student clinical placements are a valuable recruitment tool and contribute to training the next generation of practice nurses. They also provide links to education providers and innovation, help foster a culture of learning, and they assist with practice nurse duties. ERGPA provides assistance with supervisor (preceptor) training, support and administrative assistance.
A major focus of Australian health reform is creating a sustainable future workforce. In 2010, Australian Health Ministers agreed to distribute and manage new funding for clinical training via Health Workforce Australia (HWA). A successful bid led by the Monash University Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Partner Group resulted in funding for student growth and expanded clinical training capacity. The group includes health networks, community health services, RDNS, a TAFE, and four divisions of general practice. Eastern Ranges GP Association is one of these divisions.
The divisions of general practice are well positioned to facilitate student nurse clinical placements in general practice. Divisions engage with and support practices in workforce planning, training and education. Education providers, divisions and general practices are working together to make clinical placements in practices beneficial for all.
Current Work
ERGPA is currently engaged in four areas of work related to student nurse placements:
- Facilitating student nurse clinical placements in general practice for 2012. The training requirements and details are currently being finalised with Monash University, and engagement with practices continues. An Information Evening was organised for Tuesday 18th October 2011, and a Monash University Preceptor Program arranged for November 2011 and February 2012.
- Finalising arrangements for community mental health placements for student nurses in 2012. These placements will occur at Eastern Ranges GP Association Mental Health Service.
- Supporting a research pilot project between Monash University and interested general practices around models of student nurse placement. The pilot is due to commence in second semester 2012.
- Participating in the Department of Health's Clinical Placement Networks (CPN) trial and strategic projects.
Information about Placements
What can a student placement provide your practice? See this brochure for more information.
A well-attended Information Evening about Student Nurse Clinical Placements took place on the 18 October, 2011. The presentation slides from the evening can be found here.
Preceptor (Supervisor) Training
The Monash University Preceptor Program has commenced as of 12 November 2011 with the follow up session arranged for 16 February, 2012. Further Preceptor training will be supplied by Monash University throughout 2012. Please call Greg Poynter at ERGPA on 9871 1000 for more information.
Also, the Teaching on The Run (TOTR) Facilitator Training Program is being run by the Eastern Clinical Placement Network (ECPN) in partnership with Deakin University, School of Nursing and Midwifery. The TOTR workshop is conducted over two days and aims to further develop the skills and confidence of health care professionals in their role of supervising undergraduate students and prepare them to conduct TOTR workshops in their own organisation/network. Dates for the TOTR training are:
7th and 8th of December, 2011
8th and 9th of February, 2012
Please call Greg Poynter at ERGPA on 9871 1000 for more information.
Future
The role of divisions of general practice in facilitating student clinical placements in general practice will continue to expand as they evolve into Medicare Locals. Funding will be provided for workforce planning, and this will include education and training.
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