Nursing and Midwifery Information Session Notes

Introduction

  • Welcome message and introduction to the information session for nursing and midwifery at Monash University.
  • Structure of the webinar divided into two parts:
    • First part covers enrollment and administrative details for successful course participation.
    • Second part focuses on clinical placements and related risk issues (e.g., uniforms, immunizations).

Enrollment and Administrative Information

  • Importance of proper enrollment confirmation.
  • Four groups of students in attendance:
    1. Bachelor of nursing (first-year students).
    2. Bachelor of nursing (second-year students) who have prior enrolled nurse qualifications.
    3. Bachelor of nursing and bachelor of midwifery honors students.
    4. Masters of nursing practice students (postgraduate).
  • All students on a pathway to becoming registered nurses. Dual degree students also qualify as registered midwives.

Welcome to Country

  • Acknowledgment of the Kulin nation as traditional owners of the land where Monash campuses are situated.
  • Respect paid to elders of the Kulin nation and other areas.

Purpose of the Session

  • Assist students in navigating program requirements at Monash:
    • Confirming enrollment in nursing units for first-year bachelor students and any required electives.
    • Awareness of the university handbook as a definitive source for course and unit requirements.
    • Importance of selecting units properly, considering prerequisites and semester availability.
Information from the University Handbook
  • Each nursing core unit typically starts with the code "NUR" followed by numbers indicating year level.
  • Handbook provides:
    • Details of study, when each unit is offered, campus location (Clayton or Peninsula), on-campus status, levels (undergraduate), credit allocation:
    • Six credit points (SCA band) for most undergraduate units.
  • First-year students are required to enroll in two six-credit point units and one twelve-credit point unit.

Web Enrollment System (WES)

  • Importance of the WES for enrollment, restrictions on electives, and checking enrollment details.
  • Example enrollment pathways for nursing students:
    • Diploma of nursing holders start in year two and follow specific credit point unit structures.
    • Double degree students must complete specific introductory midwifery units.
    • Masters students have a more accelerated learning schedule with clinical placements commencing immediately.
Student Email Account
  • Students are assigned a Monash email for all communications. It's crucial to check this regularly (recommended at least bi-weekly).
  • Communication should include full name and student ID for easy identification by staff.
  • Reminder to check the spam folder regularly as important emails may inadvertently end up there.

Monash Connect

  • Monash Connect provides support for administrative inquiries such as enrollment, graduation, and fees.
  • Tiers of inquiries:
    • Tier one: General questions (often answered by staff).
    • Tier two: Course-specific inquiries, elevated to appropriate personnel in nursing and midwifery.
  • International student support available for specific visa and residency-related queries.

Important Administrative Support

  • Contacting Monash Connect regarding a wide range of administrative concerns: ID cards, fees, timetables, etc.
  • Physical center locations on campuses for in-person assistance.

Moodle and Digital Systems

  • Overview of the student portal (my.monash), where students can access various services and information:
    • Links to Moodle for course materials and learning activities.
    • Importance of frequently checking for important dates or requirements via the portal.
Enrollment Management
  • Importance of keeping personal details updated via WES and confirming enrollment status regularly to avoid issues.
  • mPass (digital ID card): Required for accessing certain buildings and facilities like the library.
Compulsory Enrollment Modules
  • All students must complete three core modules reflecting Monash's values:
    1. Academic Integrity.
    2. Respect at Monash.
    3. Indigenous Australian Voices.
  • Missing these modules can block enrollment access.

Orientation Week

  • Orientation week scheduled: February 23 to 27.
  • Key events include course information sessions, clinical information sessions, and tours of clinical learning environments (CLE).
  • Importance of attending all orientation activities to ensure successful engagement with the course.

Clinical Placement Requirements

  • Introduction to clinical placements, which are critical to the nursing program.
  • Placement coordinators provide support and manage relationships with clinical partners.
  • Various clinical placement settings available for students, including opportunities for rural placements via an expression of interest.
Semester Placement Timetable
  • Structure of placements and teaching weeks across semesters.
  • Recommendations for first-year students to prioritize availability for all placement blocks.

Practical Considerations

  • Safety and transport logistics for placements:
    • Arrangements for travel and accommodation, especially for rural placements.
  • Government financial assistance for local students on placement (Commonwealth payment) available up to $338.60 per week.

Mandatory Checks for First-Year Students

  • Requirements: police check, working with children check, NDIS check, immunizations, and forms for clinical placements.
  • Importance of completing these requirements, especially for immunization protocols, to ensure safety.
  • Immunization documentation must be signed by healthcare providers as evidence.

Uniform and Dress Code

  • Uniforms available from the bookshop, including new scrub designs.
  • Clear guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable clothing for clinical environments; correct footwear is mandatory for safety.
  • Mandatory name badges (first name only) for identification during placements.

Moodle Overview

  • Use of Moodle as a comprehensive resource for course materials and updates.
  • Importance of staying informed through Moodle, especially regarding assessments and placement information.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on the supportive nature of the academic staff.
  • Encouragement for students to reach out for help or express concerns throughout their journey.
  • Reminder that successful navigation through the program enhances learning experiences and opportunities for success in nursing careers.