WACHS supports new nurses in Transition to Practice

Thanks to an innovative new program, newly qualified nurses in the Pilbara have access to a 12-month supported speciality transition program - a first for regional Western Australia.

As part of WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) work attracting nurses to the bush, new graduates are being provided with the opportunity to participate in a 12-month program that sees them gain hands-on experience working in speciality areas such as Emergency Department settings.

The Transition to Practice program was introduced across Pilbara hospitals two years ago and focusses on building clinical capability and confidence.

Supported by clinical experts and educators, including senior clinical nurse managers, the program gives newly qualified nurses access to a broader scope of care.

WACHS Pilbara Regional Director Nursing and Midwifery, Yvonne Bagwell, said the program included rotations across six Pilbara hospitals.

“As a newly qualified nurse, you wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to upskill your emergency capability this early in your career.

“Our program has been designed to educate, mentor and invest in our nurses from the very beginning and upskill them by providing a variety of opportunities to learn,” she said.

Ms Bagwell said nursing in country WA was challenging and complex and the experience often placed nurses competitively when looking to progress into more senior roles.

Newly qualified registered nurse, Eli, said the initiative gave him hands-on development opportunities he never expected.

“The Transition to Practice program offered at WACHS allowed me to gain so many skills valuable to my practice, such as cannulation and patient-focussed assessments, which has helped boost my confidence to practice independently,” Eli said.

“The team environment in country WA is very warm and I have felt supported by the staff – particularly my Clinical Nurse Manager.”

As a result of positive feedback from staff, the program has since been replicated to other clinical areas.

The Peri-Operative Transition Program and Cancer Services Transition Program are both in their first year of operation with great feedback already received from participants.

Are you considering a career in the bush or want to know more? Contact the WACHS Pilbara Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Coordinator: wachspb_nursingmidwiferyworkforcecoordinator@health.wa.gov.au