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

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

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

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

Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health

Services

Latrobe Valley Sector

East Sector

South West Sector

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)

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

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

The Excitements

• Free education• Great support• Flexibility• Exposure to clinical skills• Organizational and communication skill

development • Fixed employment with reasonable

income

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.

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

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

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

Challenges Encountered

• Multicultural issues• Language intolerance• Communication barrier• Religious beliefs• Food culture• Team working• Workplace culture

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))

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

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

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

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