AN ACCOUNT OF GRAD YEAR EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC HOSPITAL

1. AN ACCOUNT OF GRAD YEAR EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC HOSPITAL By: MRS BOSEDE ADETIFA Bsc Nursing, Post Grad Dip. (Mental Health Nursing), Community Clinician and Acredited Clinical supervisor

2. Introduction • Transition from student to registered nurse • Specializing in mental health nursing with • Nigerian background • Forming a working team with associated challenges to overcome are the highlights of this presentation • Product of Monash University Gippsland and employed by Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH), Traralgon, Vic. Australia

3. Aims Of This Paper • Paper will highlight what the presenter liked most about Mental health grad year in Australian public hospital • Explore challenges faced as a Nigerian • Discuss what could be improved • Discuss how what has been learnt could impact future/current practice in a positive way

4. Latrobe Regional Hospital • LRH is an integrated hospital offering in-patient and community services • It is a sole provider of Gippsland mental health services • It is also a teaching hospital affiliated to Monash University School of rural health • It employs staff from diverse culture

6. Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health Services East Sector South West Sector Latrobe Valley Sector

8. Nigeria Facts And Figures • Official Name: Federal Republic of Nigeria • Capital City: Abuja • Language: English (Official), Local dialects • Official Currency: Naira • Religions: Christianity, Islamic and traditional beliefs • Population: 131.859,731 • Land Area: 910,770 Sq Km (351,648 Sq Miles)

9. The Call To Be A Nurse At LRH • The offer to train as a psychiatric grad nurse • The transition into new roles • The expectations • The frustrations • The motivations

10. Motivating Factors • Clinical support for graduates • Career development opportunities with several incentive packages • Job opportunity at the end of program • Peer support – knowing that you are not alone

11. The Excitements • Free education • Great support • Flexibility • Exposure to clinical skills • Organizational and communication skill development • Fixed employment with reasonable income

12. Course Structure • Academic components includes: • Mental health nursing concepts and practice • Integrated mental health care • Cognitive behavior therapy • Three weeks informative and relevant orientation in preparation for the above.

13. Expected Tasks For Grad Dip. • Mandatory study day attendance • Mandatory completion of three subjects • 18 months lock in contract with LRH • Mandatory online entries • Reasonable assessment over the course period • Major examination over 18 months • Mandatory development of professional portfolio

14. Available Supports • LRH has a reputation for providing high standard support to its staff • Flynn ward staff were very supportive especially the Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs) • Preceptors facilitated quick adjustment into clinical roles • CNEs model and influenced professional behavior

15. Clinical Rotations • Clinical rotations provide: • Expansion of knowledge in mental health • Avenue for socializing/networking • Better understanding of mental health systems • Exposure to clinical skills • Communication and organizational skill development

16. Challenges Encountered • Multicultural issues • Language intolerance • Communication barrier • Religious beliefs • Food culture • Team working • Workplace culture

17. What Could Be Improved • 3 weeks orientation was long but eye opening • Occasional limited skill mix • Orientation package does not reflect multiculturalism (giving time to assimilate info) • Availability of Clinical educators • Preceptors not on same shift with grads • (Safety measures (supernumerary))

18. What Could Be Improved • Educate new graduates on how to manage complex issues on orientation to ward • Improve the feedback system to grads • Need to outline team objectives to promote rational culture • There is need for consistent policies and culture that emphasise continuous learning

19. How Acquired Knowledge And Experience Could Impact Future Practice • Reflects on strategies to resolve conflict • Utilize humor therapy to cope with stress • Confidence acquired will help to justify future action • Utilize CBT as a working tool for assessment • Will be able to listen and hear clients better in the future

20. How Knowledge Can Impact Future Practice • Knowledge will be shared with students and others by taking up a preceptorship role • Improved communication skills will help in providing holistic care in the future • Curiosity will drive future career development to keep abreast of practice • Awareness of legal right will aid future accountability

21. Conclusion • Being a Nigerian with rich cultural values has helped in becoming a better nurse • I have learnt to listen and hear my clients and this has translated well into current practice • My cultural acceptance and education played a great role in assessing clients to identify immediate needs for interventions • The knowledge, skills and strategies used during my grad year has also translated well into current practice