Welcome to Bankstown Health Service
A unit of the Sydney South West Area Health Service
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Welcome to Bankstown Health ServiceA unit of the Sydney South West Area Health Service |
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NursingNursing Management and ResourcesThe Nursing Management and Resource Unit is responsible for the management of the services and departments within the Nursing Division through the Director of Nursing and Clinical Services and has professional responsibility for all nurses within the Bankstown Sector. Management aims for the achievement of the Health Service Vision and Values. Nursing Services have a commitment to our vision demonstrating it by promoting evidence based practice, respect for consumers and colleagues, creativity, teamwork and ongoing professional development. 
The Director of Nursing is Margaret Brown.
Health Service Orientation Program We provide a 2-day Corporate Orientation followed by an extensive 2-day Nursing Orientation Program. We invite presenters from the clinical and administrative settings to make you feel welcome and to provide expert knowledge and skills to all our nursing staff. Nurse EducationAt Bankstown Health Service, we are committed to the continuing education and professional development of all nurses. The Nurse Education Unit aims to work in collaboration, providing opportunities for nurses to further develop and maintain their skills and knowledge through an efficient and effective training and development service across generalist and specialist nursing practice. Training and development is provided through continuing education, pre-enrolment training, skills training, nursing orientation, postgraduate programs, and professional development programs. New Graduate Nurse Program available NOW at Bankstown Health Service The aim of the Graduate Nurse Program at Bankstown Health Service is to provide you with the necessary support in your transition into the workplace. Our program is designed to foster self-directed learning, and to encourage critical thinking in order to develop the problem-solving skills required to meet the challenges of the workplace.  Our revised Graduate Nurse Program, which commenced in 2003, is a dynamic new initiative aimed at responding to the needs of new graduates and promotes flexibility and choice to the new clinician. We offer two types of graduate programs, which can be tailored to your needs and objectives. The first is what is called the ‘Traditional Program’. This program consists of:
The second, and more popular, is called the ‘Clinical Streaming Program’. This program consists of:
APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED THROUGH THE BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL USING THE ‘BANKSTOWN HEALTH SERVICE APPLICATION PACKAGE’. Selection Criteria
For an Application Package, please contact: Nurse Educator Applications to: Employee Services Manager
Nursing Programs now offered at Bankstown Health Service
Educational/Development Professional Programs Through collaborative needs analysis and the performance management process, feedback provided has enabled specific short courses/workshops to be developed to provide for the needs of Bankstown Staff and/or all Area Health Service nurses. Courses/workshops are also open to external nursing staff at a nominal cost, with the intention that partnership in skills development enhance patient care and reduce the hospital readmission rate. Examples of some courses/workshops are:
Enquiries to Nurse Educator phone (02) 9722 8049 In-service Programs Each ward and department run in-service educational programs that is suitable to their specific & specialist needs. Nurse educators assist managers with needs analysis, resourcing appropriate presenters, and teaching. Ward staff are supported to become involved in teaching their peers as a development strategy. Health Service Wards / Units / ServicesAged Care Ward 2C is an acute medical unit specialising in Aged Care. It consists of 20 medical beds. We provide care for elderly patients who suffer from acute medical illnesses and patients who require aged care assessment. Our work is based on teamwork and a multidisciplinary approach, which includes nurses, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, social workers, dieticians and occupational therapists. Our efficient and knowledgeable nursing team are providing a high standard of gerontological nursing care. We focus on continuity of quality improvement. All of our nursing staff is approachable and friendly. We have resource people to cover wide variety of issues to assist and support to all staff members. Aged Psychiatry The Aged Psychiatry Unit (2D) consists of both hospital and community based services. We pride ourself on effective communication, teamwork and care for both the patient and their carer(s). New Graduates gain valuable experience by working in both the hospital and community setting with support provided by a range of staff, including a Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultant, medical, nursing and Allied Health staff. Ambulatory Care The Ambulatory Care Unit (2E) at Bankstown Health Service is an innovative and exciting area of health care for all nurses. Referrals are received from within the hospital, specialist rooms, GPs and the emergency department. Patients commence their treatment in the unit and complete their treatment at home. Ranges of conditions are treated at home, and some of these include cellulitis, ear infections, pneumonia, DVTs and PEs. Therefore, we work closely with the Primary Health Nurses in the community, administering IV antibiotics and subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin. Within the unit, we treat patients requiring blood transfusions, abdominal paracentesis, pleural taps/biopsies, lumbar punctures and chemotherapy. The nursing staff in the unit are proficient in cannulation, venepuncture and accessing venous devices such as Port-a-Cath’s and Hickman Catheters. Cardiology The Cardiology Department (3H & 3J) is a dynamic and challenging specialty area. The department comprises of:
Opportunities exist to rotate between the Coronary Care Unit, ‘Sub-Acute’, Cardiac Diagnostics and Cardiac Rehabilitation top provide you with a complete cardiac experience as negotiated with the nursing unit manager. Community
We offer a range of services including Home Nursing, Health Promotion, Child and Family Health, Palliative Care, School Health, Ambulatory Care, Rapid Response and Asthma Education. The nurses in the Primary Health Nursing team have experience in a variety of backgrounds to meet the large and varied needs of the people of the Bankstown Local Government Area. Primary Health Nurses work within a primary health care framework forming partnerships with Government and Non-Government agencies to promote health and prevent illness. We provide primary health nursing care through clinical services, appropriate assessment, health education, health promotion and referrals. All new Primary Health Nurses undergo a field orientation, depending on previous qualifications and past experience. All staff are well supported by Nurse Unit Managers, Clinical Nurse Specialists and other Primary Health Nurses. Emergency The Emergency Department (ED) is a stimulating and challenging learning environment for all staff and it’s an exciting area to work in. Our ED is part of the metropolitan principal referral network. The ED manages most major emergency conditions across the entire age spectrum. The department has 15 acute beds including two resuscitation bays, four paediatric beds and other assessment and treatment areas. The ED attends to over 32,000 presentations a year. Of this at least 20% are paediatrics cases. On average 37% are admitted. The nursing team has over 65 members. The team is support by a Nurse Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultants in both emergency care and mental health, Nurse Practitioners, a Clinical Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The medical team has over 22 members including the Director. There is also Medical Staff Specialists and Career Medical Officers specialising in Emergency Medicine, thus providing senior medical coverage 24/7. Bankstown ED is innovative in nursing practice. For nurses there is a competency based orientation program. Which leads into a competency based career pathway that is supported by both Department and Area based education programs. The pathway is designed to take you from beginning practitioner to nurse practitioner, educator or manager in emergency care. General Medicine Medical Nursing offers you many diverse opportunities and challenges within a friendly and caring environment, with nurses available to support and assist you as you further develop your knowledge and skills. The units offer flexible working practices, education leave and the opportunity to participate in a range of hospital activities. Patients often present with a range of medical conditions, and as a member of the health care team, you will be able to assist them to alleviate some of their problems and more importantly, enhance their quality of life. Exposure to a variety of medical conditions is available, and includes respiratory, gastroenterological and neurological conditions. You will also be provided the experience to participate in multidisciplinary care and discharge planning. General Surgery Bankstown Health Service consists of two (2) surgical units (3A & 3C), and offers a range of surgical specialties, including:
Both units work in a multidisciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and a discharge planner. We also work in collaboration with other departments within the hospital and community with a focus on the continuum of care from pre-admission to post-discharge for the patient and their family and/or carer. Intensive Care / High Dependency Unit ICU/HDU (3K) is a dynamic, rewarding and continually evolving working environment. The combined HDU/ICU unit accommodates 14 patients, with 7 ventilated ICU beds and 6 high dependency beds. The majority of the patients who are admitted to the unit are usually patients who have had major surgical procedures and complex medical patients with conditions such as CAL, asthma, DKA and Sepsis. There are numerous resources available to staff in the unit to facilitate the orientation process. The Clinical Nurse Educator is responsible for coordinating education programs and is available to provide clinical supervision to novice nurses. The orientation program consists of three supernumerary days, an orientation workbook and a competency checklist of acute clinical skills. New staff are also rostered with an assigned preceptor and CNS resource person. All ICU/HDU staff participates in the overall direction of the unit and many are involved in individual quality projects. There are great opportunities to pursue your professional development within the Health Service and our staff have a great social life. Mental Health The Bankstown Mental Health Service, located in Banks House on site, is an integrated service providing mental health care to the population of the Bankstown LGA. The service comprises of Banks House, Community Mental Health Team, Rehabilitation Service, Early Intervention Program and Anxiety Disorders Clinic. A range of other specialist mental health services eg GP Shared Care and Arabic Mental Health within the division. The service strongly supports the education of its staff through a monthly divisional in-service program as well as individual educational programs. Registered Nurses are given the opportunity to attend a Mental Health Specialty Nurse Introduction Program run through South Western Sydney Area Health Services Mental Health Education. At Banks House, our staff forms a multidisciplinary team that provides a full range of inpatient psychiatry services. We aim to provide a safe and supportive community environment, with an emphasis on a holistic approach to care. Nursing care is delivered under a philosophy of primary nursing where nursing staff assumes responsibility for planning and delivering individualised care. Inpatient staff have a strong involvement with community-based services to provide continuity of care. The Community Mental Health Team provides an extensive range of services including case management and crisis intervention. An extended hours service operates from the Emergency Department. The Rehabilitation Service provides supported accommodation, a Community Skills and Support Program, a Work Assessment and Retraining Unit and a Recreation Club. The Early Intervention Psychosis Program offers assessment and early intervention for people aged 12 to 24 years presenting with first episode of psychosis or emerging psychosis. Orthopaedics Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital has a 28 bed Orthopaedic Unit (3C), catering for a varied case mix of elective joint replacement and other minor elective orthopaedic procedures. We work within a multidisciplinary team, which includes Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and a Discharge Planner to enhance care of our clients and to facilitate their discharge process. There are regular in-service programs and comprehensive education packages available to all nurses, and opportunities for continuing education through internal and external courses. Nursing in the Orthopaedic Unit is not only fun, but also rewarding! Paediatrics Are you looking for a career adventure? Then look no further! Come and work in a dynamic Paediatric Unit (2F), where there is ample support from the Nurse Unit Manager, numerous resource staff, and an individual preceptor to help you along the way! An exciting and stimulating learning experience awaits you. The unit caters for children from diverse cultural backgrounds, with a broad range of medical and surgical conditions. A comprehensive orientation program is offered within a friendly and caring environment. So come along, and join a fantastic group of people in your journey through your first year as a Registered Nurse. Rehabilitation The aim of the Rehabilitation Unit (2A) is to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation service to patients with mobility problems resulting from fractures, amputation, arthritis, illness complicated by impaired mobility, falls, and patients unable to cope due to social and/or medical problems. Our service is focused using a multidisciplinary approach collaborating with a range of staff including, medical, and nursing, physiotherapy, social work, dietetics, occupational therapy, speech pathology and community services. Units Philosophy is the physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and social well being of our clients, their relatives and significant others, is promoted by observing the highest standards of professional and personal ethnics and skilfully and conscientiously practicing nursing procedures and techniques. Units Goals:
Peri-Operative Service (Including Day Surgery/Pre-Admission Clinics/Endoscopy Unit, Operating Theatres and Recovery/Anaesthetics) Experienced and graduate nurses are welcome and supported by managers, an educator, numerous resource staff and preceptors. A comprehensive orientation program is offered which includes self-directed learning packages. These packages are aimed to assist you to increase your knowledge and skills. All staff are willing to assist you with the theoretical and practical components. The Operating Suite includes three (3) departments which includes:
Individual Nursing ProfilesANGELA 
My name is Angela, and I have just completed my nursing degree at the University of Western Sydney. I commenced my graduate nurse program at Bankstown Health Service in April 2003 and it has been a great learning experience. I am participating in the new clinical streaming program, which is allowing me to work in critical care areas such as coronary care, accident and emergency and Intensive care. Critical care is just one area of nursing I have an interest in but what I have found in just four months of working at Bankstown Health Service is that there are so many different speciality areas and opportunities, which have been bought to my attention. There are so many opportunities in nursing at the moment, which makes nursing a very exciting and fulfilling profession to be apart of. HELLAL 
On completing my Bachelor of Nursing, I applied for a graduate position here at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital. I had worked here previously as an under-graduate for close to three years, so I knew the staff were friendly and always willing to assist me in learning and consolidating my new knowledge. Another reason that drew me to want to work here was the flexibility of the graduate program. I got to choose all the rotations that I had wanted! At the present time I am on a rotation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). At first I was worried and scared of what would lay before me, but then I remembered that I felt the same way about my two previous rotations. That feeling was blown away in a matter of seconds when I realised I would receive all the support I needed from the staff and the wonderful educators who were always on hand if I needed help. I aim to complete my graduate program, and intend to stay working here on a full time basis. I have gained knowledge and skills in many fields, and I know that at the end of the program, I would be confident enough to work in any area of the hospital. But I will remain in ICU for a while; this is where I feel I belong. ROBERT, CNC GP Shared Care, Mental Health. 
My primary role at Bankstown is the GP Shared Care Project. Project work is an exciting career option that provides a range of rewards and challenges. I am responsible for the implementation of a shared care approach between the local GPs and the Mental Health Service. This involves presenting education sessions to the local GP’s and co coordinating the expertise of both the mental health service and the local GP, s In this role I have had the opportunity to present at Conferences, publish articles in GP newsletters and in the State of the Art Manual. Being a CNC in Mental Health is also very rewarding. It allows me to be involved in local and area health issues. I am on the Area Strategic Directions committee, working with government and non-government agencies in planning the future direction for the SWSAHS. Since starting at Bankstown I have completed a Masters in Health Planning, for which I received time to attend University Lectures. Other professional committees that I attend are: Clinical Supervision for Nurses, Annual SWSAHS Mental Health Nurses Conference and attending camps with children whose parents have a mental health diagnosis. I have worked in Nursing for over twenty-five years and still find it a rewarding and challenging profession. VANESSA, NUM, Surgical Ward. 
I had my work experience at the Bankstown Hospital and then went to uni to do my degree in Health Science Nursing. During my time at uni I worked as a casual AIN in ward 3C where I was welcomed and became a reliable staff member. I did my new graduate nurse program at Prince Henry Hospital and after 12 months I took up a position in ward 3C at the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital. I became a CNS and acting in the NUM role during my time there. Today I am the Nursing Unit Manager of a surgical ward at the Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital. |
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| Last Modified: Wednesday, 17 November 2004 |
