New Practice Development course meeting career needs in the health industry

May 10, 2007

In 2008 Monash University, in conjunction with the University of Ulster will be launching their new Master of Practice Development program.

The field of practice development is an expanding international field being introduced within health and other practice settings to create and sustain change in patient / client delivery.

Danielle Bolster (pictured) is a Clinical Support and Development Nurse at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and believes practice development frameworks not only assist in empowering staff to improve nursing practice but also contribute to improve patient experiences. Danielle works in a clinical setting, which involves working closely with patients and their families, and believes that this type of course will assist her career progression into the future.

Dr Val Wilson is the Director of Nursing, Research and Practice Development at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and a Professor of Nursing Research and Practice Development at the University of Technology Sydney. Dr Wilson’s main area of research includes Practice Development and Evaluation (of roles, team effectiveness, programs and practice) and she heads several studies at both state and international arenas. She says “through research and in particular practice development I know that I can make a difference for the nurses (and other health care professionals) I work with and... help them look at how best to provide care.”

The new Masters program will be of interest to health care professionals, educators and managers who are currently employed full-time or part-time in their field of practice.

For further information about this new course please visit the web site at www.med.monash.edu.au, contact the School of Nursing and Midwifery on 03 9904 4156 or contact Jenny Lai via email at jenny.lai@med.monash.edu.au.