2024 welcomed a new Graduate Program to RCH
that revitalised and reinvigorated what we have to offer Graduate Nurses.
Our new program aims to provide an adaptable experience that builds
resilience and foundational competence over various specialties.
The RCH Graduate Nurse Program will facilitate your
transition from newly graduated Registered Nurse to a competent and confident
professional through a model of continuous learning and development in a safe
and supportive environment.
RCH provides a structured program encompassing both
a 12-month Graduate Nurse Program and an additional 12-month Career
Advancement Year Program. During this 2-year period you will complete 3
rotational clinical placements that incorporate medical, surgical and specialty
nursing practice specific to our paediatric population.
The first year Graduate Nurse Program will assist
in building foundational nursing skills and provide a supportive program to develop
your clinical knowledge, skills and competence.
The second year Career Advancement Program
immediately follows, providing consolidation and advance competence,
challenging you to contribute to excellent patient outcomes and encouraging you
to explore the career opportunities available within RCH.
The program is designed to promote:
- Child and family-centered care
- Engagement to elicit clinical enquiry and reflective practice
- Peer collaboration within our multidisciplinary teams
- Professional growth by providing exposure to medical, surgical and specialty wards and departments
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Key features of the program
Employment conditions and opportunities
- Ongoing employment
- Part-time (Four days per week)
- Twelve-month Graduate Nurse Program (plus a twelve-month Career Advancement Year Program)
- 3 rotations across the 2 programs
Comprehensive orientation
From day one the program is structured to include a variety of
orientation days, study days, and further clinical and educational support to
ensure graduates feel comfortable commencing practice in the paediatric
setting.
Ongoing education
The Graduate Nurse and Career Advancement Programs include
regular in-service education and training as well as scheduled Professional Development
days which support the required learning outcomes and clinical competence
required to become a capable and skilled Registered Nurse.
Preceptorship model of support
Each Graduate Nurse is assigned a individual preceptor to assist
with the transition into the clinical area. During the supernumerary period you
and your preceptor will work identical shifts to facilitate development of your
nursing skills. Following your supernumerary period further support is available
from the ward Clinical Support Nurses, Graduate Nurse Clinical Nurse Educator
and other senior nursing staff within your clinical setting.
Scheduled debriefing sessions
Graduate Nurses are provided with opportunities to attend
facilitated debriefing sessions throughout both the Graduate Nurse Program and
the Career Advancement Program. Facilitated debriefing provides additional
support in a safe environment, promotes reflective practice and critical
thinking to improve nursing practice, and focuses on supporting the well-being
of Graduate Nurses as they navigate the transition to the clinical setting.