Mrs Sandra Gilbert1, Ms Helen Hughes1
1Rural Support Service, Barossa Hills Fleurieu LHN
This paper looks below the surface to explore how regional health services in South Australia have partnered with TAFE SA to provide the successful Regional Enrolled Nursing Cadet program.
The program is a regional recruitment and capacity building strategy combining study (at a regional TAFE SA campus) and employment in a South Australian regional hospital. The unique program is a special measure of targeted recruitment for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The program prioritises positions for smaller or more remote hospitals and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates. 22 of the 106 EN Cadets who participated in the program between 2015 – 2021 identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Participants in the Regional Enrolled Nursing Cadet program (EN Cadets) work and study the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54115) course in a rural or regional area of South Australia. The program uses a mixed mode approach to study that includes attendance at on campus workshops each semester. Employment in a regional health service for two days a week on a supernumerary basis provides the clinical component of the course. EN Cadets are provided with opportunities to develop and practise team work and clinical communication skills in a supported clinical environment as they focus on application of theory to practice. Students are supported by both TAFE SA and the health service staff who work in partnership to facilitate learning and development opportunities for the EN Cadet.
Demand for places exceeds available positions in this program that is highly valued by clinicians, students and educators. Review and program evaluation has identified many factors that impact on the success of the program. The paper outlines the strategies that have been implemented to mitigate these contributing factors to maximise the number of students that successfully complete the Regional Enrolled Nursing Cadet program.
Biography:
Sandra Gilbert RN, DipAdvNsg, GDipHlthCoun, MPET, MACN commenced as the Nursing Director in the Rural Support Service in July 2019. Sandra has many years of experience as a clinician, an educator, researcher, and manager across a range of organisations in metropolitan and country South Australia. This broad range of experience has prepared Sandra well for a regional nursing role that is responsible for many portfolios.
Sandra has a keen interest in the role of effective leadership, networking and collaboration as tools of cultural and organisational change. Sandra has a passion for supporting development of Nursing and Midwifery practice and career pathways. Sandra led development of the SA Rural Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan as part of South Australia’s Rural Health Workforce Strategy in 2021.
Sandra Gilbert holds a Graduate Diploma in Health Counselling and a Masters in Professional Education and Training.