The ANMF (Vic Branch) has been working with Turning Point since 2016 to deliver alcohol and other drug (AOD) training, funded by the Victorian Department of Health.
Beginning in April 2016, the Branch partnered with Turning Point – a leading addiction treatment, training and research centre – to offer continuing professional development modules and courses designed to support members in learning more about caring for and supporting people who use alcohol and other drugs. This CPD was, and remains to this day, offered free to members.
The Branch began offering this training in part to address the gap in AOD nursing and midwifery content in undergraduate nursing programs, which sadly remains. The training program was developed by nurses and midwives for nurses and midwives.
It has included:
- five core AOD courses, targeted at general nurses and midwives – who will inevitably encounter and work with patients who use drugs and/or alcohol, no matter the clinical setting in which they work. These courses are designed to support nurses and midwives when you do have co-occurring patients or clients with drug or alcohol dependencies
- seven masterclasses, for AOD specialist nurses and midwives to deepen their knowledge and expertise
Until 2024, the training also included 20 annual scholarships for members to study a graduate certificate, diploma or master in addictive behaviours through Monash University.
Since 2016, almost 950 members have completed the core AOD classes, and more than 3000 have completed the masterclasses.
Feedback on these courses has been consistently positive throughout the years. Almost 100 per cent of participants say they would recommend the training to their colleagues, and 90 per cent say they will be able to apply the knowledge and skills from the training into their day-to-day practice.
‘It reminded me that it’s about reducing harm and not fixing. I understand the mechanics of drugs and withdrawals better and I’ve changed my approach, and I remember the basis of why I chose this field of work: to help people live their best life, and not the life that I think is best for them.’
‘Without a doubt, this course has made me a better practitioner and I have suggested it to my colleagues who are looking towards further study in AOD.’
‘The best education day I have had in my whole AOD career. We need more like this.’
‘Invaluable for all nurses no matter what setting in which you work.’
‘This should be compulsory training for everyone in health and human services.’
Key to the success of this partnership with Turning Point is that it’s developed and produced by nurses and midwives, and it’s highly accessible: it’s free of charge, thanks to Victorian government funding, and it’s offered online as well as in person, making it accessible to nurses and midwives in rural and regional Victoria.
