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: ,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