Nurses gain specialist skills

Nurses are building their skills and advancing in their careers thanks to the Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP).

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) recently expanded the program to offer new graduate registered nurses (RNs) and second year RNs, two six-month rotations in child and family health nursing and women’s and newborn health (maternity, neonatal intensive care units and women’s health clinics).

Child and family health nurse, Fiona Ou, was one of the inaugural participants of the program.

“In 2018 I was accepted into the TPPP and worked in the child and family health field of nursing,” Fiona said.

“It wasn’t long after, that I graduated from the program and secured a full time position in child and family health nursing at WSLHD.

“It was a bit daunting at first, but I haven’t looked back. The team are very supportive and I’ve been offered so many opportunities to further develop my knowledge and skills.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work with families and make a difference in their lives.”

WSLHD Integrated and Community Health child and family health nurse manager Julie Maddox, said the enhanced 2019 program has now been strengthened by the addition of the Child and Family Health Nursing Professional Development Framework which students learn about during the child and family health rotation.

“This new program is ‘win win’ for all,” Julie said.

“It’s not only providing an enriched postgraduate experience and strengthening partnerships with nursing and midwifery colleagues, it is also encouraging graduate nurses to pursue careers in child and family health nursing or midwifery.”

For further information please contact child and family health nurse manager Julie Maddox julie.maddox@health.nsw.gov.au.