Preparation For Practice

For the purposes of this statement ‘preparing for practice’ refers to an intensive period of orientation, education and training for nurses prior to employment in remote health settings.

Position:
The Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia Inc believes that all nurses should be provided with the appropriate orientation, education and training prior to working in remote areas. In order to provide a comprehensive and quality introduction to remote area nurse practice preparatory programs should be delivered over a minimal period of 4 weeks and where possible include practical immersion in a remote setting. The preparatory program should cover:
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Cultural safety
• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Primary Health Care
• Organisational Systems and Support

Rational:
Generalist nursing education and experience does not adequately prepare nurses to function safely and confidently at the desired level in a remote setting. Without adequate preparation for practice nurses are individually and professionally vulnerable, and client care is compromised. Appropriate investment in this area, prior to placing a nurse in the remote setting will improve retention as it addresses many of the critical issues that force nurses to leave.

Endorsed
Bruce McKay
President

Date
May 2002