The ICU is currently funded to 10 ICU equivalent beds. We are a busy adult ICU, with a mix of approximately 70% medical and 30% surgical patients. We are proud of our collaborative approach to patient care and our focus on implementing evidence into practice.
The unit provides learning opportunities for a variety of staff, including Graduate Nurse rotations, a Discovery Program for experienced general nurses, Post Graduate Critical Care qualification in conjunction with Melbourne University and activities to support our highly valued critical care nurses.
Western Health has retained a strong sense of community and values the expertise and contribution of all of our nursing staff. 70% of our ICU nurses have post graduate qualifications in critical care and we offer education and support to all levels of staff. Western Health ICU supports work life balance through flexible and innovative rostering. 12 and 8 shifts are available and individual roster patterns are accommodated. We are a friendly team who care for and support each other.
ICU Discovery Program: January - July or July - January each year
The ICU Discovery Program is designed for Division 1 Registered Nurses wishing to gain exposure to this exciting specialty area. The ICU Discovery Program combines clinical exposure with theoretical learning over a 6 month period and commences with two weeks supernumerary time to allow for orientation and introduction to the ICU environment. In addition, there are 4 study days and a work book to facilitate theoretical learning. ICU Educators and senior staff are keen to assist you along your journey. The ICU Discovery Program attracts 12.5 point credit towards the Post Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing at Melbourne University.
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ICU Bridging Program:Second Semester each year
The ICU Bridging Program assists those who have either completed the ICU Discovery Program or those who have worked in the critical care area to develop more advanced critical care nursing skills. The program also helps prepare participants for the challenges of post graduate study. Clinical hurdles, learning packages and 3 Study Days support learning and development over a 6 month period.
Post Graduate Diploma of Critical Care:commences February each year
The Post Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing is run in conjunction with Melbourne University. The course can be taken over 12 or 18 months. Western Health offers significant financial support to students, linked to work contracts post course completion.
ICU Nurse Refresher Program:Piloted in October 2008
This program has been designed to support intensive care nurses who have not worked in this area for some time to regain their confidence and skills to enable them to return to this very exciting and rewarding speciality area. The program is offered as full time or part time and consists of 6 study days and a practical/competency day, worksheets and practical hurdles and supervised clinical practice. The program is open to Division 1 Registered Nurses who have current registration with the Nurses Board of Victoria and who have a qualification in critical care or intensive care nursing. It is preferable that applicants have worked in the area of ICU within the previous 5 years.
Contact details:
ICU Nurse Unit Manager: Ros.MacLeod@wh.org.au Phone 8345 6069
ICU Clinical Nurse Educators: Phone 8345 6729