Informed Choices - Nursing

 Observational skills – this includes the ability to: 

• notice changes in people’s behavior, ability and the environment 
• recognise the deteriorating patient 
• identify safety hazards and risks 
• observe and understand non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language) 
• identify signs of verbal distress and / or aggression

 Communication skills – this includes the ability to: 

• communicate effectively with a range of people (e.g. clients, families, co-workers) 
• use appropriate language and respect when working with people from different cultures 
• listen attentively to what is being said 
• read and understand written information 
• understand and follow written and verbal instructions 
• understand and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication 
• write comprehensive communication appropriate to the situation
• use technology to communicate (e.g. computer for reports, emails, documents) 
• communicate and work with other people as a team 

Technical and/or Motor skills – this includes the ability to: 

• deal with physical demands of manual tasks (e.g. bending, squatting, kneeling, crouching, repetitive movements, carrying, reaching)
• be on your feet for extended periods, both walking and standing 
• grasp, push, turn and manipulate objects 
• use equipment and other technology (e.g. computers, push wheelchairs, manual handling equipment)
• have sufficient vision to safely perform the required range of skills hear and differentiate sounds that may alert you of a problem (e.g. alarms, calls ) 
• deal with body fluids (e.g. urine, faeces, blood) 

Cognitive/intellectual skills – this includes the ability to:

• gather, understand, organise, recall and communicate information
• use judgement / basic problem-solving skills (e.g. to respond to immediate safety risks) 
• understand other people’s perspectives/opinions and respect their choices 
• understand and use maths effectively (e.g. measurements, calculations, 24-hour clock) 
• maintain a sufficient level of concentration to complete an activity/task 
• be attentive in interaction with others (e.g. to identify risks, to identify changes) 
• perform tasks in a safe manner and within reasonable timeframes 

Behavioural and social skills – this includes the ability to: 

• demonstrate patience and willingness to work with a variety of people 
• able to work under pressure 
• demonstrate professional behaviour (e.g. punctuality, maintaining confidentiality and respecting personal boundaries) 
• control your emotions and reactions and withhold personal opinions 
• tolerate proximity with individuals and be able to interact with all genders 
• adapt to change 
• take responsibility for own actions – including the use of social media 
• comply with legal requirements of the industry (e.g. criminal history check

The language, literacy & numeracy requirements are core skills for all job roles at all levels. The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) indicates that the five core skill areas are reading, writing, numeracy, oral communication and learning which we apply in our personal and community; workplace and employment; and education and training. 

Some of the core language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills for entry into this industry are:

Learning

• legal and ethical guidelines for work
• understanding human needs
•  individual differences, service standards
• safety policies and procedures 

Reading 

• reading and understanding client care and treatment plans
• patient charts
• procedures and work instructions
• industry-specific terminology and symbols
• workplace safety signs

Writing 

• completing forms
• patient charts
• documents
• WHS reports
• taking messages 

Oral Communication 

• active listening skills
• communicating with clients their families, and team members
• communicating with clients who have impaired communication
• effective questioning, phone skills and providing information to team members

Numeracy 

• measure fluids
• read weights and measurements
• interpret and document in charts
• calculate timeframes

Problem-Solving 

• identify and respond to client’s needs daily
• Technology
• use software to update observation notes
• record product purchases 

Students will be required to: 

• complete a satisfactory Working with Children check / National Police Clearance (NPC) and Department of Health criminal check before work placement 
• complete a fitness to practice medical form and any immunisations/vaccinations required 
• travel to an appropriate health organisation to complete clinical placement 
• attend clinical placement across a seven (7) day week, which includes weekends and public holidays 
• carry out shift work including AM, PM and night shifts

All workers must meet the qualification and/or legislative requirements set by industry standards. These are core requirements for eligibility to work in specific industry areas and to gain professional membership to practice as an Enrolled Nurse with AHPRA. 

A Criminal History Check conducted through the National Police Check is required to work in health and aged care. Individual students are responsible for any cost associated with obtaining a Criminal History Check, Department of Health clearance and Working with Children check.

As part of your course, you are required to complete vocational placement (work placement). The placement is arranged/negotiated by the South Metropolitan TAFE. Students will be provided with forms and a clinical placement book to record their placement. 

It is an industry requirement for students on placement to achieve and complete a minimum of 420 hours of vocational placement. 

All workers must understand their workplace health and safety obligations and safety requirements under the: 

• WA Occupational Safety & Health Act 1984, which imposes obligations on people at workplaces to ensure workplace health and safety. 
• Occupational Safety & Health Regulations 1996 (WA) describes what must be done to prevent or control certain hazards that cause injury, illness or death.
• Codes of Practice, which are designed to give practical advice about ways to manage exposure to risks common to industry. 

All workers must be able to participate in Risk Assessments, Incident Reports and Hazard Identification.

Students will need the following vaccinations/screening tests: 

• a health assessment
• provide evidence of serology for your immunisation status, including current flu and COVID vaccinations, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis and MRSA screening test
• TB Immunity test
• NDIS screening check 

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