Programs & Courses
First Year Graduate Nurse Program
Graduate programs are available for both Division 1 and Division 2 registered nurses.
These are carefully planned and integrated twelve month educational programs, designed to consolidate nursing skills and increase professional awareness, und
er the supervision and guidance of experienced and competent nurses… more
Postgraduate Nursing Studies
Hamilton Base Hospital in collaboration with Deakin University - Burwood Campus offer highly motivated acute care nurses the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in the areas of Critical Care, Midwifery & Peri-operative Nursing.
These courses assist the Service to fill skill deficits in intensive care, theatre and midwifery whilst providing a challenging course for participants. The clinical component of the course is undertaken at Western District Health Service and short clinical placements are also provided at larger metropolitan hospitals.
The theoretical components of the courses are delivered via videoconference and online methods. On-site support is provided by a clinical teacher available for four hours per week per student.
Opportunities to undertake studies in other disciplines such as Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and Aged Care may also be available. WDHS may offer financial support to successful applicants.
Continuing Nurse Education
Funding has been received by the Barwon South West Area 4 Consortia to facilitate continuing nurse education for nurses in this area.
Consortia members are the Balmoral Bush Nursing Service, Heywood Rural Health, Casterton Memorial Hospital, Penshurst District Health Service, Coleraine District Health Service, Portland District Health, Dartmoor Bush Nursing Service and Western District Health Service. Western District Health Service coordinates education on behalf of the group.
A number of activities are conducted throughout the year based on identified needs and skill deficits.
Department / In-Service Education
In-service education activities are undertaken regularly within each of the clinical units.
Professional development opportunities are also available for staff to attend education and training provided by internal and external agencies.
Continuing Professional Development – Medical Staff
The Otway Division of General Practitioners facilitates a continuing medical education program for all the local practitioners.
A clinical meeting (guest speakers, case presentation etc) is held on a Friday lunchtime. A weekly x-ray meeting is also held as well as a wide range of other educational activities throughout the year. Some of these sessions carry CME points.
Resident Tutorial Program
Interns from Barwon Health and St Vincent’s Hospital have the option of undertaking a rotation at the Hamilton Base Hospital.
While on placement a weekly tutorial program is provided for all residents and International Medical Graduates based at the hospital.
In addition residents are able to attend the weekly x-ray meeting and continuing professional development meetings facilitated by the Otway Division of General Practitioners.
Management Program
The Education Centre facilitates a management training program for staff in management and supervisory positions and any other staff who are interested.
The program consists of face-to-face sessions and workshops conducted by both internal and external presenters on a range of general management topics. The program includes quality and accreditation topics and WDHS systems and policies.
In addition the Service will support staff to undertake a Diploma in Management to further their skills and experience.
26-Nov-2008
ABN: 47 616 976 917