Description of Service

Maroondah Hospital Nursing Services offer a friendly, supportive environment in which nursing is valued. In this supportive environment nurses have a positive input into patient outcomes.
A Nursing Open Forum is held each month with the Director of Nursing Services. This forum provides an opportunity for nurses to discuss issues and express their views to senior nursing management.

The Nursing Governance Committee and Executive is composed of representatives from Wards, Departments and Specialties of different nursing classifications and Divisions. The purpose of the committee is to provide leadership to and management of the Nursing Services of Maroondah Hospital within the framework of Eastern Health Mission, Values and Objectives.

The Nursing Clinical Practice Council has been established to allow nurses direct involvement with addressing issue's pertaining to their practice. The Council enables a review of standards directed towards evidence-based practices, which promote and develop team spirit within the framework of shared governance.

The Nursing Education Committee purpose is to lead, facilitate and implement nursing education that contributes to the body of knowledge which supports and enables effective health care and Maroondah Hospital as a teaching and research facility. In tandem with this committee is the Nursing Research Committee, which has the purpose to promote the role and recognition of nursing research as well as to provide opportunities for nurses to actively participate in research activities.

Maroondah Hospital is also committed to embracing new techniques and technology. Computer access is available to all nursing staff directly in the clinical environment. Intranet support services such as E-Mims, Trend Care, Bed Management Program and Policy and Procedures are online to support clinical decision-making.

The opportunities for nursing include:

• Acute medical/surgical/orthopaedic
• Critical Care
• Emergency Department including the Short Stay Unit
• Maroondah Aged Care Rehabilitation Unit (MACRU)
• Mental Health
• Oncology & Day Chemotherapy
• Perioperative Services

Our nursing staff are also involved in a wide range of community support services that meet our inpatient and outpatient needs. These include:

• Breast Screen/Breast Clinic
• Maroondah Hospital in the Home Service
• Diabetes Education Centre
• Outpatients Department
• Continence Clinic
• Pre-admission Clinic
• Post Acute Care
• Adult/Adolescent and Children Community Mental Health Services
• Medical Imaging
• COPD, CCF and Endocrinology Case Management

  Education Services

Maroondah Hospital supports the professional development of dynamic nurses through all levels of skill and expertise. The Professional Development Unit co-ordinate, formulate and deliver educational opportunities throughout the organisation from undergraduate through to postgraduate level.

Maroondah Hospital is closely affiliated with many of Melbourne's major tertiary institutions. The commitment to ongoing clinical support and facilitation along with formal and informal educational options are the driving thrust behind our move towards an environment that stimulates professional and personal development.

The Professional Development Unit provides/co-ordinates educational programs and activities for Maroondah Hospital staff based on an annual needs survey. Programs are developed and implemented to enhance the skills and competencies of employees.

A wide variety of programs are conducted including:

• Grade 1 Registered Nurse (Division 1) Program (www.easternhealth.org.au/maroondah/gradNurseMar.html)
• Grade 2 Year 1RN Programs
• Contemporary Skills Programs
• Critical Care Areas Introductory Skills Program
• Management Programs
• Basic & Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Short Courses e.g. Epidural, Oncology, Wound management

  Staff Training

• Emergency Code Training
• Computer e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook
• Aggression Management
• No-lift Manual Handling Program
• Automatic External Defibrillation
• Customer Service
• OH&S

  Re-training Programs

Implementation of programs designed to encourage nurses to return to the profession or update skills & knowledge:

• Refresher Program
• Supervised Practice Program
• Re-entry Program

  Undergraduate/Postgraduate programs

Affiliation with several universities to provide appropriate clinical experiences.

Undergraduate nursing affiliation with LaTrobe, Deakin, Monash and RMIT Universities
Post-graduate affiliation with LaTrobe University in regard to Graduate Certificate/Diploma in

  Critical Care Nursing & Peri-operative Nursing

Post graduate affiliation with Victoria University for Post Graduate Certificate in Orthpaedic Nursing.

  Orientation

A general orientation/induction program is held monthly for all new Maroondah Hospital staff. Department specific orientation is also provided.

  Inservice Education

Wards/departments are encouraged to conduct inservice sessions, which reflect the specific needs of each ward or department.

  Benefits of working in nursing at Maroondah

Maroondah Hospital offers a flexible, supportive work environment. The hospital recognises the importance of family and occupational commitments and offers staff a range of career options to meet these needs.

The benefits of nursing at Maroondah include:

• Flexible rostering
• Friendly supportive environment
• Career and promotion opportunities
• Salary packaging including meal/entertainment card
• Critical Incident Stress Management Services - CISMS
• A confidential counselling service
• Study Leave
• Professional Development Leave
• Extensive educational programs
• A "No Lift" policy
• Availability of scholarships annually for tertiary study
• State of the art equipment in all areas

Maroondah also offers:

• On site parking
• Excellent library facilities
• Corporate Gym Membership
• An active staff social club
• Cafeteria
• A courtyard dining area
• Staff Recognition Awards
• Hospital Newsletter
• Local Business staff discounts
• Public bus service stops outside the main entrance