Ten nurses with a passion for patient care have refreshed their acute care clinical nursing skills thanks to Mackay Hospital and Health Services’ 2019 Nurse Reskilling Program.
Nurse educator Judy Struik said the four-week program attracts nurses from all over Australia who want to regain their skills in preparation for returning to the acute care setting after a period of absence.
“Nurses who have been working in the subacute setting or have taken a break from their career for a variety of reasons, are reintroduced to the acute care environment with the supervised support of the skilled staff in the wards,” Judy said.
“The program is designed to build on previous nursing experience and qualifications by providing a supportive environment and an introduction to the contemporary requirements of the current day nurse.”
Now in its third year, the program is a blended educational package consisting of self-directed learning modules, face-to-face education and simulation, and supervised clinical practice within the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
On completion of the program Judy said participants are interviewed and may be offered employment opportunities as registered nurses and enrolled nurses in the hospital and rural facilities.
“The program has proven to be a successful recruitment tool in attracting nurses to our health service. Over the past three intakes we have offered more than 20 positions to nurses who are once again confident and competent to work in acute nursing care.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service’s Nurse Reskilling Program runs annually at the Base Hospital. More information on the program is available here.
