Question for Grad Nurses in Alberta

[AussieKylie]

Hi there

I was hoping the Grad Nurses in Alberta and previous students of Alberta could give any advice regarding Obstetrics and Pediatrics that were involved in your nursing curriculum. What the clinical assessments are about for these two areas?

I ask because my nursing training was based in Australia and the course never provided these two areas in depth. It is a Graduate Certificate to gain Obstetrics and Pediatric skills and it costs more money and more time. However I do agree it should be part of the Bachelor Nursing degree, all in one.

However I lost out and now to gain a temporary practice permit in Alberta. I am curious to know more about the clinical assessments skill that were gained in labs for both areas of nursing.

Your advice and assistance is appreciated.

thankyou;)

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I've been thinking about your problem quite a lot, GradRNKylie. Recently the daughter of one of my coworkers, who attended Grant McEwan Community College's accelerated BScN program (for those candidates already holding a university degree), approached our patient care manager about doing her clinical practicum in our unit. Our manager was all for it, but had never had an accelerated student do that before and she was anxious to see the differences in preparation and skill development. She did all the necessary documenting and arranging, only to be told by CARNA that they would not permit it. Seems the accelerated program contains virtually NO pediatric content and very limited obstetrical content, so Kelly would not be covered for working in a PICU. Kelly said that the only peds clinical she got was one day in an intermediate care nursery, and what peds didactic she got was also very limited and in the context of her obstetrics rotation. The nursing shortage in Alberta is getting worse by the minute and our recent contract negotiations will do very little to help with that. The accelerated program was intended to increase the number of nursing graduates quickly... but their sole goal is to pump out med-surg nurses. CARNA is willing to issue practice permits to their grads... maybe you can use this as ammunition somehow?

[Fiona59]

I can only give you the PN's education on it. We were required to do clinical time in both departments. We don't work L&D but were required to know the hows and whys of L&D, the initial assessment and care of the newborn, bathing, all care of mother and baby, fundal checks on Mum, warning signs to look for for both vag and c-section deliveries. We also had a basic introduction to ante-natal care of high risk Mums. In Peds. It was assesssment and knowledge of the a child up until the teens.

Both required us to know the norms and abnormal signs and how to dose medications.

I'm sure you'll find someone on here to give you the RN info.

So, I guess you can use what I'm saying to give you a starting point.

[AussieKylie]

I've been thinking about your problem quite a lot, GradRNKylie. Recently the daughter of one of my coworkers, who attended Grant McEwan Community College's accelerated BScN program (for those candidates already holding a university degree), approached our patient care manager about doing her clinical practicum in our unit. Our manager was all for it, but had never had an accelerated student do that before and she was anxious to see the differences in preparation and skill development. She did all the necessary documenting and arranging, only to be told by CARNA that they would not permit it. Seems the accelerated program contains virtually NO pediatric content and very limited obstetrical content, so Kelly would not be covered for working in a PICU. Kelly said that the only peds clinical she got was one day in an intermediate care nursery, and what peds didactic she got was also very limited and in the context of her obstetrics rotation. The nursing shortage in Alberta is getting worse by the minute and our recent contract negotiations will do very little to help with that. The accelerated program was intended to increase the number of nursing graduates quickly... but their sole goal is to pump out med-surg nurses. CARNA is willing to issue practice permits to their grads... maybe you can use this as ammunition somehow?

Thanks for the information JanFRN

Geez, it seems no matter what you do, how hard you try CARNA doesnt make it easy.

Honestly, I really dont know what to do know more. Psychologically, this is tormenting me and I cant help but think the worst case scenario. Its only until I find out from this lady from Mt Royal College what my practical assessment could be about then I cant help thinking the way I am.

When I get back to Calgary, I want to rest a bit. Then meet up with this lady from CRHA who can help me with a job. She already believes I will do really well with the SEC Assessment and I am just so nervous as hell. She has agreed that whilst doing the assessment and waiting for the results before gaining Temp Practice Permit that I can work as a Nursing attendant. I am not sure if I should do the assesment in October or in the next 3-4 months down the track. I feel like a lost soul right now.

Otherwise I do have a back up plan, as to survive in Calgary is to be employed. So if things dont improve with CARNA??? which may be a very long time, or I dont get a temporary practice permit to work as a Grad Nurse. I will be heading back to Australia to work and then come back every 6 months if that is duable. Or maybe consider doing another health course in radiology? Will see:idea:

Yah I will take on board with what you have said as I believe in safe practising nurses but I dont believe in this run around. I will keep you informed JanfRN.