Support Systems for Nursing

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Support Systems for Nursing

• Dr Denise Ryan
• Royal College of Nursing, Australia

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Average age of nurses in Australia

• 2001 Medical/surgical nursing
• 40.6 years
• (36.8 years in 1995)
• AIHW figures
• Compare US projections by 2010, average age of
  nurses gt 50 years

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Support Systems

• Website
• Academic skills resources
• Literature database
• Online discussion groups
• E-bulletins
• Mentor scheme

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Support System Objectives

• Mentoring support
• Contacts within field
• Peer networks
• Academic support
• Industry information
• New research

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Approaches to Learning

• Demonstrated relevance (vocationally tailored)
• Student-centred
• Interactive
• Supported learning
• Collaborative

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Literature Database

• Exemplified research (useful search terms)
• Articulation between database and university
  holdings

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Academic Skills Resources

• Advice on
• Essay writing
• Active reading / note-taking
• University support services
• Research / Referencing

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Mentor Scheme

• Model mentoring vs preceptorship
• Matching (self-selection or match from mentor
  pool)
• Mentor /mentee responsibilities

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Mentor Scheme

• Communication Methods
• Face to Face
• Telephone
• Email

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On-line discussions

• Exchange of ideas
• Contacts/networks
• Supported problem-solving
• Independence/privacy

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E-bulletins

• Current news and events
• Industry information
• Specialist contributions
• Student contributions
• Nurse-in-profile

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Website

• Archive e-bulletins
• Industry information
• Online resources
• Mentor scheme information

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Design Features

• Deliverable and sustainable
• Meet diversity of needs
• Content rich
• Not location dependent
• Capacity building and industry inclusive

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Learner Needs

• 60 return rate
• 90 internet access at home

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Learner Needs

• 86 interested in academic skills resources
• 70 interested in Mentor scheme

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Learner Needs

• Website 96
• E-bulletins 91.5
• Online discussions 66.8

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Industry Significance

• Raising nursing profile
• Professional development and support
• Informative
• Challenging
• Enriching

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Further Information

• Support Systems Denise Ryan
• Denise.Ryan_at_rcna.org.au
• Tel [phone]
• Mentor Scheme Gilly Johnson
• gilly_at_beezneezeducation.com.au
• Tel [phone]