EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Staff within the Operating Room complex are actively involved in the education of both experienced and new staff, including registered, enrolled and student nurses. This involvement includes participation with both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses. A one year full-time or two years part-time Graduate Diploma of Perioperative Nursing is conducted in association with the University of Adelaide Department of Clinical Nursing.

A six-month Registered Nurse First Assistant course is also conducted in conjunction with the University of Adelaide Department of Clinical Nursing.

Operating room nursing staff in conjunction with the Department of Endoscopic Surgery conduct courses entitled "Laproscopic Surgery for Nurses" every three months.

Operating room nursing staff participate in annual seminars run by the RAH Perioperative Services. These allow the opportunity for nurses to exchange clinical knowledge and practice advice between nurses within Australia.

RAH MODULE PROGRAM

The Perioperative Nursing Service Unit has developed a modular education program outlined in an article found in Today’s OR Nurse 16(6) pp 15-23, or by contacting Ms Judith Berry. The Operating Room program consists of three modules that provide the nurse with clinical knowledge, experience and management required to progress from novice through to competent operating room nursing practice. The program also gives the nurse exposure to recovery and anaesthetic skills allowing them to develop an appreciation of the other areas of perioperative nursing. This program assists to develop a degree of multi-skilling for use within a perioperative environment.

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM

Staff take an active role in the education of nurses through involvement with the University of Adelaide Department of Clinical Nursing. Many are involved in clinical teaching, lecturing on clinical issues and assisting in research.

SEMINARS

The unit is involved with the perioperative seminars conducted by the hospital. These seminars provide up to date clinical knowledge and allow those attending the opportunity to discuss issues and exchange ideas regularly.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For information on nursing employment opportunities, please visit the Employment Page.