Western Health and Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) (North Western Mental Health (NWMH)) received funding from the Department of Health to pilot the Transition to Emergency Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) Nursing Program. This program provided the successful acute health Registered Nurses, working in Sunshine Emergency Department (SHED), with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and qualifications in mental health and AOD nursing by undertaking post graduate nursing education in Mental Health Nursing.
The unique training program enables the registered nurses to provide quality patient centered care to people presenting to the emergency department with mental health and or AOD concerns.
In October 2021 Western Health received an allocation of funding to recruit a small group of emergency Registered Nurses to participate in the program.
Western Health has received positive feedback from participants of the program as well as other staff working within SHED. All candidates have successfully completed the education and clinical assessments provided by RMH (NWMH) and have transitioned into post graduate mental health studies. As a result of this program Western Health and our community have benefited greatly from the unique skillset. The program equips participants with the specialist mental health and AOD knowledge and skills to provide quality patient centered care.
Aim:
Implement the program to ensure that participants will have the necessary skills, knowledge and specialist nursing qualifications to provide nursing care for patients within the Behaviour Assessment Unit (BAU) and Crisis Hub (The Hub) and across the Adult Emergency Department.
-
Lead
DONM Williamstown / EMA
-
By when
Completed: 30 June 2023
-
Measurable outcome
A reduction in code grey incidents, improved patient satisfaction and outcomes as well as a reduction in repeat presentations.
As awareness of the program grows, increased interest in pursuing a future training program.