Investing in Excellence
The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network is committed to developing a skilled paediatric workforce that is responsive in the provision of care to children and their families across the continuum of health services. For nurses seeking promotion, advancement and specialisation in their nursing careers, our network has some exciting choices for career paths. Our workforce consists of:
- Registered, Enrolled and Assistants in Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Consultants and Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Practitioners and Transitional Nurse Practitioners
- Nurse Educators and Clinical Nurse Educators
- Nurse Managers and Nursing Unit Managers
- Project positions
Education and Research
The nursing education service is part of the SCHN Education Service, Randwick and Westmead campuses. The SCHN Education Service where possible seeks to have multi-disciplinary education and includes nursing-specific education. Within the ward/unit clinical environment, there is education support to progress from a novice through to a highly-skilled nurse professional. Ward/Unit-based education is supported through in-services, formal programs of learning, experienced nursing staff and clinical nurse educator support. To assist with nursing program design and implementation Nurse Educators work with key stakeholders to develop contemporary educative material. There are a number of post-graduate recognised programs that provide credit points into a post-graduate degree.
Simulation Centres are located at both Randwick and Westmead campuses. These centres allow staff to further develop and enhance their practice within a safe and supportive environment.
Paediatric Intensive Care Training
Our network's paediatric intensive care units offer a stimulating environment where you can thrive on intellectual challenges and continuously develop your skills. Whether you're new to critical care or an experienced practitioner, you'll find plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
Paediatric Nursing Specialty Transition Program
We invite you to apply for the PICU Transition to Specialty Practice Program. Registered Nurses wishing to begin the exciting journey into Intensive Care Nursing are supported by a 12-month PICU Specialty Transition Program (STP). The program facilitates development and enhancement of knowledge and skills and provides strong foundational critical care knowledge through experiential learning, participation in specialty education and training opportunities and attainment of clinical competencies relevant to the PICU setting. This is facilitated through supported active learning including attendance at six themed focused study days and periods of clinical supernumerary preceptorship.
Upon completion of the STP it is aimed that participants will have acquired the knowledge and skills to recognise, assess and support the critically ill PICU patient who may require multiorgan support. Initially staff on the PICU STP will care for patients who have high acuity needs. Upon completion of required foundation PICU training, STP participants will have the opportunity to undertake invasive mechanical ventilation training and care for patients who are intubated and ventilated.
Newborn Intensive Care Training
The Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care is committed to maintaining the Centre’s international reputation for providing training to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
Neonatal Nursing Specialty Transitional Program
Neonatal Nursing Specialty Transition Program – a 12 month program designed for nurses new to the neonatal surgical setting. The course consists of clinical support work based learning activities, clinical progression opportunities and assessable components. Successful completion of this course also offers credits to University of Technology Sydney and University of Tasmania.
Advanced Neonatal concepts education Program
Advanced Neonatal Concepts Education Program – offered several times a year, this one-day program covers advanced treatment modalities relevant to the provision of nursing care to the critically ill neonate and their family.
Research
The Nursing Research Unit (NRU) aims to encourage and support research-based activities to promote the development and acquisition of research knowledge, skills and experience amongst nursing staff across SCHN. Engaging patients and their families in research is an important aspect of the work undertaken by the unit. Current research projects being undertaken by the NRPDU, in conjunction with staff across the network, which engage patients and families include the ‘Paediatric International Nursing Study (PINS)’ and ‘Reducing risk for vulnerable children by engaging families in the medication safety agenda’.