Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing

The Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health prepares nurses for practice as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

The purpose of the program is derived from the Competency Standards for the Maternal and Child Health Nurse in Victoria (2010) as follows:Comply with the legistlation and common law applicable to maternal and child health nursing practice Be responsible and accountable for [their] own practice within maternal and child health nursing Maintain the rights of individuals Support and enhance maternal and child health nursing practice Monitor the health growth and development of children from birth to school age to optimise health outcomes.

Promote, protect and support breast feeding Promote appropriate nutrition Promote maternal health and wellbeing Promote the role of the family in the health and development of the child.

Undertake all interactions using and promoting effective communication skills Provide knowledge and implement primary health care principles Provide health promotion and health education Act to enhance the professional development of self and othersThe program is predominantly delivered on campus.

However, you will experience blended learning and teaching activities that include face to face lectures and tutorial sessions and some online learning.

Year One of Program

Complete the following Seven (7) core courses:

Select and complete One (1) of the following courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from:

Applicants must have:

- a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent;

- a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, Bachelor of Midwifery or equivalent;

- current AHPRA registration as both a Nurse (Division 1, General) and Midwife (General);

- completed a minimum of 1 year (full-time equivalent) post-registration clinical experience as a registered nurse and a registered midwife;

and

- demonstrated recent clinical experience, defined as a minimum of 1 year (full-time equivalent) employment within the last 5 years as a registered nurse OR a registered midwife.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Students must provide evidence of a successful Police Records Check, Working with Children Check and details of current immunisation status.

The program learning outcomes of nursing programs are based on the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Incorporated (ANMCI) National Competency Standards for registered nurses, Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the Competency Standards of Professional Practice for Maternal and Child Health Nurses (2010), and the Maternal and Child Health Service Program Standards (2009). The GD159 Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Nursing Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) are:

PLO 1. Critically examine the principles of primary health care to plan, implement and evaluate health promotion activities within child, family and community health practice.

PLO 2. Apply critical and reflective thinking and analysis to maternal and child health nursing practices and demonstrate a sound understanding of relevant legislation, ethical codes and professional guidelines.

PLO 3. Critically evaluate literature and research findings to ensure the provision of comprehensive, safe and effective evidence-based health care for children, families and the community.

PLO 4. Demonstrate safe clinical maternal and child health skills including infant and child physical and developmental assessment, maternal and family health assessment and competent use of screening tools.

PLO 5. Conduct individual and family consultations including group sessions in a planned, systematic, professional and timely manner ensuring feedback is provided to families while engaging them in decision making regarding their care.

PLO 6. Communicate effectively with children, families and groups including engaging with and supporting clients while working in partnership with families and interdisciplinary health teams to promote, assess and support maternal, child and family health and wellbeing.