April 2008

Overseas nurses in workshop

The first regional cross-cultural workshop for overseas-trained nurses has been held in Horsham. 

Organised by Department of Human Services Grampians Region Nurse Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Allan Donelly and Wimmera Health Care Group Staff Development Coordinator Jeremy Akker, the workshop enabled the Region’s overseas-trained nurses to increase their understanding of the cultural and professional values underpinning nursing in Australia.

‘Our nurses are committed and keen to stay in the region,’ Dr Donelly said.

‘A workshop like this, explaining the underlying professional and community expectations, increases not just their knowledge and skills but also their confidence levels. 

‘I hope the increased confidence will also lead to higher job satisfaction and improved retention. 

‘We want these nurses to feel part of the community and to make the Grampians Region their new home,’ Dr Donelly said.

The workshops have been funded by the Department and the Nurses Board of Victoria and conducted by Judith Miralles and Associates since 2005.

Previously, they have been held at the Nurses Board of Victoria but, this year, due to significant interest from Regional centres, the workshops are also being held outside Melbourne.

In addition to Horsham, the workshops will be held in Warrnambool, Traralgon and Wangaratta. 

The workshop content has been developed after consultations with overseas and Australia-trained nurses and Nurse Unit Managers in Victorian hospitals.

The one-day workshops are practical with many problem-solving case studies and role plays. 

They cover topics such as:

•           What are some key cultural differences and how do they affect interpersonal and professional relationships?

•           What are different concepts of ‘teamwork? What does ‘teamwork’ mean in an Australian medical setting? 

•           What does patient-centred care mean in an Australian medical setting? Why is it important?

•           What are the expected nurse/doctor/patient relationships in Australian hospitals?

•           What are some expected behaviours regarding physical contact, personal and professional boundary issues?

•           What are some key principles of nursing practice? Why are these important? 

•           What are some possible areas of conflict? What are some effective conflict resolution strategies?

The nurses attending the Horsham workshop came from Stawell Regional Health, Rural Northwest Health and East Wimmera Health Service. 

Before migrating to Australia they had trained and worked in South Africa, India and Zimbabwe. 

They found the workshop an excellent opportunity to ‘share our experiences and receive practical feedback about the expectations of our Australian colleagues and patients.’

•           For more information on the workshops contact Beatriz on 9387 7694 or beatriz@jm-a.com.au.