6 September 2017:
RIPERN SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FROM MALLACOOTA MEDICAL CENTRE
(After hours to be introduced asap).
Mallacoota Medical Centre’s Dr Sara Renwick-Lau aims reintroduce 24/7 after hours and palliative care into the Mallacoota District using a nurse-based model. Initially with RN qualified nurses the service will grow with training to expand the nurse’s legal capabilities to take appropriate action with patients.
Applications are sought from interested and qualified Registered Nurses prepared to undertake the appropriate RIPERN course during 2018 t allow this to happen. Up to four positions may be available.
With funding from the sales of Mallacoota Calendars by the Mallacoota Fund Raising Group the Mallacoota Medical Centre and CHIRF offer financial support for nurses to train up to RIPERN standard.
Starting as soon as possible the ongoing program relies on funding support from the Commonwealths After Hours Care Program through Gippsland Primary Health Care Network(GPHN). Minister Gillespie has advised us funding for this program was approved in the last budget. We are awaiting advice from GPHN. Once confirmed we will be looking to start as soon as possible. The service will necessarily be developed around the accessibility of GP’s and as a last resort Telehealth.
WHAT IS RIPERN?
A rural and isolated practice endorsed registered nurse (RIPERN) is a nurse that has undertaken additional training to provide a wider range of primary care and emergency services from rural health services.
RIPERNs help fill the gap in rural medical settings and improve the availability of medical services. RIPERN training enables nurses to extend the scope of their practice as first-call health practitioners. It provides another means to ensure the sustainability of after hour medical services for our region.
GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS
Benefits – Full cost of course fees paid for the Graduate certificate in Health (scheduled medicines) offered by the University of Southern Queensland. The course is run externally (by distance) and is a postgraduate degree recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
You will also receive clinical mentorship and supervised clinical experience within the supportive environment of the Mallacoota Medical Centre
Number of scholarships offered in 2017 – up to 4
Selection – Based on the applicants ability to demonstrate professionalism and willingness to be involved in the after-hours on call roster and willingness to complete the course within 18 months of commencement.
Eligibility – Scholarship is available to current Mallacoota residents. Must be able to meet the entry requirements for the Graduate certificate in Health (scheduled medicines) i.e. Registered division one nurse with at least one year of full time clinical experience.
Retention – Scholarship holders will be required to enter into an agreement relating to employment at the commencement of the course.
Other info – Applications close Friday 15th of September. After this date please contact the Medical Centre directly.
APPLY NOW
Email applications with brief CV to mallacootamedical@bigpond.com Inquiries may be made by contacting the Mallacoota Medical Practice 03 5158 0777.