Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) is committed to the professional development of all staff and supporting the future workforce through student clinical placement and high quality learning opportunities. Our clinical education is evidenced based, learner centric and fosters high quality, person centred care.
Our strategic objectives are:
- That the AWH workforce has the skills, knowledge and attributes to deliver evidenced based care to improve health outcomes for our patients now and into the future
- All AWH staff involved in the development and delivery of education have the skills, knowledge and attributes to plan, implement and evaluate an evidence based service, utilising contemporary learning modalities and research.
- Education and learning activities are innovative, high quality and accessible to all learners.
- Education and learning is interprofessional and is developed, delivered and evaluated in collaboration with key partners and content experts.
- AWH further develops our support to clinical education throughout the Ovens Murray Region and Southern NSW.
- Clinical Education activities continue to develop a revenue base
AWH provides a range of professional development and learning opportunities for staff, working in close collaboration with local Higher Education Providers and other health services across the Hume Region.
Orientation
All new staff are provided with orientation on commencement of employment. This includes organisational induction as well as orientation specific to the department and role in which they will be working. The orientation is aimed at welcoming new staff and providing the information necessary to commence their position safely and effectively, while also identifying learning and support needs for continued professional development.
Continuing Professional Development
AWH is committed to the provision of a range of continuing professional development opportunities for staff. Education opportunities promote an inter professional approach to enhance patient centred care. These include in-service education programs, access to external events including webinars, access to simulated learning environments, workshops and special events.
Education planning is informed by the performance development program, quality and risk management processes, the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and legislative and policy requirements. The program covers a wide range of topics including specialised clinical presentations, evidence-based practice updates and quality & safety issues. Opportunities to complete annual mandatory training and competency requirements are provided through e-learning and face-to-face sessions.
Undergraduate Student Placements
AWH works closely with local and national Higher Education Providers to provide clinical placement and learning opportunities for undergraduate students across a range of health professions including nursing, medicine, army medics and allied health disciplines. AWH utilise Placeright to manage undergraduate student placements as per Victorian Clinical Training Council protocols.
Students requiring clinical placement hours should contact their education provider to liaise with the Clinical Education Unit. Education Providers wishing to enter into a partnership with AWH should contact the Clinical Education Manager on (02) 6058 4839.
Transition to Specialty Programs
AWH has developed structured programs of support, clinical education and self-directed learning for Registered Nurses transitioning to roles in critical care areas such as ICU, COU and Emergency Departments. The programs are designed to meet the needs of the beginner or returning practitioner and address key clinical concepts and skills relevant to the clinical area. These programs can be utilised in preparation for enrolment in post-graduate specialty courses.
Post Graduate Education
AWH works in collaboration with Higher Education Providers to support staff undertaking post graduate education. Those undertaking specialty clinical qualifications can apply for designated clinical support for the completion of course requirements and competencies. Experienced clinical educators and clinical staff are available to preceptor and mentor staff pursuing post graduate studies with further support being available through the AWH Library.
Early Graduate Programs
The transition from student to new practitioner is a pivotal point in the career of health professionals. AWH provides structured programs to enable a positive transition including study days, reflective practice debriefing and support from coordinators and experienced clinicians. For more information regarding specific programs please contact us.
AWH Education Events
AWH coordinates workshops and seminars to provide access to a range of professional development opportunities for staff within the health service and colleagues within the region including but not limited to:
- FLECC - First Line Emergency Care Course
- Advanced Life Support
- NeoNatal Resuscitation
- FSEP education