Academic literature on the topic 'Nursing Practice Victoria'

Practice Nursing is keen to encourage more students to get excited about a career in general practice. Victoria Bell kindly shares her experience of placements and job hunting in the hope that more students will see that working in general practice is an option them

Objective: The aim of this paper is to explore the potential implications of the Nurses Act introduced in 1993 upon psychiatric nursing in Victoria. Essentially this Act abolished the existing separate undergraduate education for psychiatric nursing. The focus of this paper is to explore the potential implications of this legislative change to the psychiatric nursing profession, particularly in light of relevant research findings. Method: In order to ascertain the impact of legislative change, a survey of psychiatric nursing content was conducted in Schools of Nursing throughout Victoria. Results: A 100% response rate was achieved. The responses indicated that little alteration had been made to existing general nursing courses to incorporate the change in legislation. The compulsory psychiatric nursing content varies from nil to 17.4% of the total curriculum. Conclusions: The theory and practice of psychiatric nursing constitute only a small proportion of undergraduate curricula. In view of the comparative unpopularity of psychiatric nursing as a career option for undergraduate students, the implications of this situation for the future psychiatric nursing workforce are serious.

Objective: The aim of this paper was to explore the perspectives of psychiatrists regarding the potential impact of expanded nursing practice roles on mental health care delivery. Method: In-depth interviews and a focus group were conducted with psychiatrists from metropolitan and rural Victoria, Australia, using a qualitative exploratory design. Results: Four main themes emerged: nurses’ preparation to undertake expanded practice; power and autonomy of nurses; final responsibility rests with psychiatrists; and, the future of expanded nursing practice. Participant responses to these themes were varied and diverse. Conclusions: Participant responses elucidate the complexity of the issues and suggest that a number of factors influence psychiatrists’ opinions of the expanded practice role.

The ethical ‘eye’ of nursing, that is, the particular moral vision and values inherent in nursing work, is constrained by the preoccupations and practices of the superordinate biomedical structure in which nursing as a practice discipline is embedded. The intimate, situated knowledge of particular persons who construct and attach meaning to their health experience in the presence of and with the active participation of the nurse, is the knowledge that provides the evidence for nurses’ ethical decision making. It is largely invisible to all but other nurses. Two nurse researchers, Joan Liaschenko of the University of Minnesota and Patricia Rodney of the University of Victoria, have investigated the ethical concerns of practising nurses and noted in their separate enquiries the invisible nature of critical aspects of nursing work. Noting the similarities in their respective observations, and with the feminist ethics of Margaret Urban Walker as a theoretical framework, this article examines the concept of ‘invisibility’ as it relates to nursing work and nursing ethics.

Over the past decade, several Australian universities have offered a double degree in nursing and paramedicine. Mainstream employment models that facilitate integrated graduate practice in both nursing and paramedicine are currently lacking. The aim of the present study was to detail the development of the Interprofessional Graduate Program (IPG), the industrial and professional issues that required solutions, outcomes from the first pilot IPG group and future directions. The IPG was an 18-month program during which participants rotated between graduate nursing experience in emergency nursing at Northern Health, Melbourne, Australia and graduate paramedic experience with Ambulance Victoria. The first IPG with 10 participants ran from January 2011 to August 2012. A survey completed by nine of the 10 participants in March 2014 showed that all nine participants nominated Ambulance Victoria as their main employer and five participants were working casual shifts in nursing. Alternative graduate programs that span two health disciplines are feasible but hampered by rigid industrial relations structures and professional ideologies. Despite a ‘purpose built’ graduate program that spanned two disciplines, traditional organisational structures still hamper double-degree graduates using all of skills to full capacity, and force the selection of one dominant profession. What is known about the topic? There are no employment models that facilitate integrated graduate practice in both nursing and paramedicine. The lack of innovative employment models for double-degree graduates means that current graduate program structures force double-degree graduates to practice in one discipline, negating the intent of a double degree. What does this paper add? This is the first time that a graduate program specifically designed for double-degree graduates with qualifications as Registered Nurses and Paramedics has been developed, delivered and evaluated. This paper confirms that graduate programs spanning two health disciplines are feasible. What are the implications for practitioners? Even with a graduate program specifically designed to span nursing and paramedicine, traditional organisational structures still hamper double-degree graduates using all their skills to full capacity, and force the selection of one dominant profession.

This article reports on research into the changing role of generalist community nurses inVictoria during the 1990s. It provides an analysis of the implications of current policy trendsand presents an overview of current practice and trends in contemporary health care deliveryin the community. It discusses a vision for community nursing inspired by interviews withgeneralist community nurses throughout Victoria, and offers creative recommendations andstrategies that will facilitate planning for the personal and professional changes necessary totake community services into the twenty-first century.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service in Victoria comprises a universal service, an enhanced program providing additional support for vulnerable families (EMCH) and a 24-h MCH telephone line. There is anecdotal evidence of variation in EMCH programs between Local Government Areas, and this study aims to explore the variation in EMCH programs to inform future EMCH policy and practice. An online survey was sent to MCH coordinators in Victoria in December 2016 (n = 79), with a response rate of 70% (55/79). Quantitative data have been analysed using descriptive statistics, with open-ended questions examined using content analysis. The data confirms that EMCH programs vary significantly across the state. Differences include a variation in referral and intake criteria, different models of service and modes of delivery, differences in EMCH nurse working conditions, issues with data collection and a lack of systematic clinical tools. Variation in the EMCH program is greatest between urban and rural services and between advantaged and disadvantaged urban councils. Lack of consistent service delivery and data collection impairs program evaluation, including outcome measurement and evidence of program effectiveness.

Objectives The objective of this paper is to review and compare the content of medication management policies across seven Australian health services located in the state of Victoria. Methods The medication management policies for health professionals involved in administering medications were obtained from seven health services under one jurisdiction. Analysis focused on policy content, including the health service requirements and regulations governing practice. Results and Conclusions The policies of the seven health services contained standard information about staff authorisation, controlled medications and poisons, labelling injections and infusions, patient self-administration, documentation and managing medication errors. However, policy related to individual health professional responsibilities, single- and double-checking medications, telephone orders and expected staff competencies varied across the seven health services. Some inconsistencies in health professionals’ responsibilities among medication management policies were identified. What is known about the topic? Medication errors are recognised as the single most preventable cause of patient harm in hospitals and occur most frequently during administration. Medication management is a complex process involving several management and treatment decisions. Policies are developed to assist health professionals to safely manage medications and standardise practice; however, co-occurring activities and interruptions increase the risk of medication errors. What does this paper add? In the present policy analysis, we identified some variation in the content of medication management policies across seven Victorian health services. Policies varied in relation to medications that require single- and double-checking, as well as by whom, nurse-initiated medications, administration rights, telephone orders and competencies required to check medications. What are the implications for practitioners? Variation in medication management policies across organisations is highlighted and raises concerns regarding consistency in governance and practice related to medication management. Lack of practice standardisation has previously been implicated in medication errors. Lack of intrajurisdictional concordance should be addressed to increase consistency. Inconsistency in expectations between healthcare services may lead to confusion about expectations among health professionals moving from one healthcare service to another, and possibly lead to increased risk of medication errors.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is frequently occupied by newborns who are marginally viable, or critically unwell, and could be considered terminally ill. It is a busy, highly technical environment with an arsenal of life-saving medical equipment at its disposal, and advances in technology used in this field stretch the boundaries of viability. Despite technological advances, increases in the margins of viability and highly skilled healthcare delivery, some newborns will still die in the NICU. In recent years, palliative care for the neonatal population has become increasingly topical and part of the lexicon of contemporary neonatal practice. Evidence-based protocols are available to inform this model of care, yet in reality, provision of palliative care to newborns is ad hoc. The reasons why implementing a palliative model of care have been problematic are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators to palliative care practice in neonatal nursing, and to develop policy recommendations to improve this area of practice. This exploratory research was conducted to answer two research questions: 1) What are the barriers and facilitators to palliative care practice in neonatal nursing? 2) How can the identified issues be addressed to inform policy and clinical guidelines in the practice environment? Phase one of this investigation developed, pilot tested, and administered an instrument to identify the barriers and facilitators to practice. Data analysis identified three subscales that indicated facilitators and barriers to palliative care practice. The second phase of this study used a translational research approach, utilizing interpretive methods to explore and contextualise the population study findings to inform policy development to improve palliative care practice in neonatal nursing. This research has identified that the facilitators that do exist for palliative care practice are subject to caveats that impinge markedly upon these facilitators. Furthermore, the barriers that were identified pose threats to the integration of a palliative model of care into Australian neonatal nursing practice. Thus, the overall results from this research have lead to a composite understanding of the barriers and facilitators to palliative care practice in Australian neonatal nursing, which may account for the gap between support of palliative care for marginally viable and critically ill newborns, and the application of this model of care in clinical practice. Translating the survey findings into policy directives that are applicable to the clinical environment has resulted in the development of recommendations that are aimed at improving palliative care practice in the NICU.

The purpose of this study was to enhance the clinical experience of undergraduate nursing students through an investigation into a Flexible Clinical Education Model offered at Victoria University. Clinical education is a vital component of the undergraduate nursing curriculum that provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to function effectively as a qualified nurse. Despite the commitment of universities to produce competent graduates, there is continued debate regarding models of clinical education that provide best practice in the clinical learning environment.

This research attempted to identify the causes of and variables associated with early weaning (during the first three months) by breastfeeding women. Prior to 1970, there was a decline in breastfeeding rates, with a gradual increase during the 1970's and 1980's. Since the late 1980's, even with increased knowledge, evidence about the benefits and health promotion activity, rates remain relatively static. Of particular concern is the early postnatal through to three months of age group, where there continues to be a marked drop out of almost 50%. This was a descriptive longitudinal study of 682 primiparous and multiparous mothers and their babies that collected both qualitative and quantitative data via a series of self-administered questionnaires. They were completed at three monthly intervals over a period of up to twelve months. Participants exited the study following weaning or at the baby's first birth.

The Australian Catholic University (ACU National at www.acu.edu.au) is a public university funded by the Australian Government. There are six campuses across the country, located in Brisbane, Queensland; North Sydney, New South Wales; Strathfield, New South Wales; Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT); Ballarat, Victoria; and Melbourne, Victoria. The university serves a total of approximately 27,000 students, including both full- and part-time students, and those enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Through fostering and advancing knowledge in education, health, commerce, the humanities, science and technology, and the creative arts, ACU National seeks to make specific and targeted contributions to its local, national, and international communities. The university explicitly engages the social, ethical, and religious dimensions of the questions it faces in teaching, research, and service. In its endeavors, it is guided by a fundamental concern for social justice, equity, and inclusivity. The university is open to all, irrespective of religious belief or background. ACU National opened its doors in 1991 following the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions in eastern Australia. The institutions that merged to form the university had their origins in the mid-17th century when religious orders and institutes became involved in the preparation of teachers for Catholic schools and, later, nurses for Catholic hospitals. As a result of a series of amalgamations, relocations, transfers of responsibilities, and diocesan initiatives, more than twenty historical entities have contributed to the creation of ACU National. Today, ACU National operates within a rapidly changing educational and industrial context. Student numbers are increasing, areas of teaching and learning have changed and expanded, e-learning plays an important role, and there is greater emphasis on research. In its 2005–2009 Strategic Plan, the university commits to the adoption of quality teaching, an internationalized curriculum, as well as the cultivation of generic skills in students, to meet the challenges of the dynamic university and information environment (ACU National, 2008). The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) Program at ACU Canberra Situated in Australia’s capital city, the Canberra campus is one of the smallest campuses of ACU National, where there are approximately 800 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate students studying to be primary or secondary school teachers through the School of Education (ACT). Other programs offered at this campus include nursing, theology, social work, arts, and religious education. A new model of pre-service secondary teacher education commenced with the introduction of the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) program at this campus in 2005. It marked an innovative collaboration between the university and a cohort of experienced secondary school teachers in the ACT and its surrounding region. This partnership was forged to allow student teachers undertaking the program to be inducted into the teaching profession with the cooperation of leading practitioners from schools in and around the ACT. In the preparation of novices for the teaching profession, an enduring challenge is to create learning experiences capable of transforming practice, and to instill in the novices an array of professional skills, attributes, and competencies (Putnam & Borko, 2000). Another dimension of the beginning teacher experience is the need to bridge theory and practice, and to apply pedagogical content knowledge in real-life classroom practice. During the one-year Graduate Diploma program, the student teachers undertake two four-week block practicum placements, during which they have the opportunity to observe exemplary lessons, as well as to commence teaching. The goals of the practicum include improving participants’ access to innovative pedagogy and educational theory, helping them situate their own prior knowledge regarding pedagogy, and assisting them in reflecting on and evaluating their own practice. Each student teacher is paired with a more experienced teacher based at the school where he/she is placed, who serves as a supervisor and mentor. In 2007, a new dimension to the teaching practicum was added to facilitate online peer mentoring among the pre-service teachers at the Canberra campus of ACU National, and provide them with opportunities to reflect on teaching prior to entering full-time employment at a school. The creation of an online community to facilitate this mentorship and professional development process forms the context for the present case study. While on their practicum, students used social software in the form of collaborative web logging (blogging) and threaded voice discussion tools that were integrated into the university’s course management system (CMS), to share and reflect on their experiences, identify critical incidents, and invite comment on their responses and reactions from peers.

This chapter considers domestic management in the family magazine, particularly representations of women’s roles in the treatment of health. Echoing the class-based tensions present in the rest of the essays in this section, Furlong demonstrates how working- and lower-middle-class readers were still encouraged to buy into middle-class ideals of womanhood. She also considers how these magazines worked to accommodate both the ideal and the reality of looking after the mental and physical health of the family. In functioning as dispensaries of health advice, correspondence columns emphasised the importance of practical nursing skills as part of women’s lives, which was not necessarily the case in all depictions of the feminine domestic ideal. Indeed, these magazines also contained more conventional representations of sickroom scenes and female care-givers, for example in the form of sentimentalised depictions in escapist romantic fiction. Yet, as Furlong notes, these two models were not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Not long after Susan died, Karl traveled to Connecticut to attend a wedding. He anticipated some uncomfortable moments but made it through the ceremony without feeling too sad. The reception was much more difficult. Karl was sitting alone and nursing a drink when the deejay announced: . . . Listen up everybody. I need all the married couples to come out on the dance floor. . . . A dozen or so couples came forward as the deejay explained the rules. . . .I want everyone to keep dancing until I call out the number of years that you’ve been married. Let’s start with an easy one: take a seat if you’ve been married for less than four hours. . . . The smiling bride and groom walked off the dance floor as their guests laughed and applauded. . . . Now, keep dancing if you’ve been married for five years or longer. . . . Several young couples took their seats. . . . Ten years … fifteen years. . . . Karl’s heart sank. He and Susan would never reach that milestone. Their number, 14, was frozen in time. The contest ended when an elderly couple who had been married for more than fifty years were the only dancers remaining. As the guests stood and clapped, Karl sat in silence and scanned the room. The contest winners were on a victory lap of hugs and high-fives. The newlyweds stood to the side of the dance floor staring deeply into each other’s eyes. Karl was alone and Susan was dead. Nothing about this celebration felt relevant to him. The focus of group meetings continued to evolve. In the beginning, the group was mostly a safe place for the fathers to share their grief and feel less alone. It quickly became a practical problem-solving get-together and over time matured into a forum to experiment with personal reinvention. The men and their children had experienced staggering pain that often struck them as completely meaningless. They related to Karl’s experience at the wedding in that they also often felt alone, disconnected, and fundamentally confused about their new place in the world and whether it even mattered.