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Ask Graduate and Final Year Student Support Officer, Zena Coffey

Ask Graduate and Final Year Student Support Officer, Zena Coffey

Hi Zena, I am commencing my grad year and wondering if you have any advice for getting a good start?
Kind regards, Ebony

Hi Ebony,

I know that all the new information and processes when you start your grad year can feel overwhelming. Here are my transition tips:

  1. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, exercise, spending time with loved ones and are looking after your mental health. I recommend meditation apps, especially guided ones, to help switch off your ‘work brain’ outside of work hours.
  2. Store your employment documentation and orientation information. You’ll receive the ANMF CPD folder in the mail which you can use to store all of your paperwork, e.g. letter of offer/contracts, police check, and AHPRA documentation.
  3. Introduce yourself to your new colleagues as soon as you start on the ward. It’s important to start to forge relationships with your senior colleagues right away. You may find valuable support as you learn new processes.
  4. Familiarise yourself with the layout and find the best place to get your supplies. This will assist you to save time. Every ward has a medication room, clean utilities, nurses’ stations, a pan room, and storerooms.
  5. Use a shift planner to assist with time management. Even the most experienced nurses need a shift planner! Download the ANMF Diary App for a shift planner at anmfvic.asn.au/app.
  6. Asking for help is not a bad thing! If you’re unfamiliar with a task, ask you’re an ANUM or senior nurse. It’s better to learn to do a task correctly than fake your way through it and make mistakes which could have serious consequences.
  7. Lastly, be gentle with yourself. Every ward has its idiosyncrasies and ways of doing things. Being curious and adaptable to change will help you to settle in.

Zena


Hi Zena, I am a final student and still have outstanding placements from my second year. I’m concerned that I won’t be able to complete all my placements this year. How can I graduate on time?
Kind regards, Samara

Hi Samara,

Due to COVID-19, unfortunately many placements have been delayed or cancelled. Rest assured you aren’t alone.

ANMF has been working closely with the Department of Health to ensure graduations aren’t delayed. As a result, the Placerite system was implemented to assist universities in finding placements. This been a great system and 2020 final year students were able to commence their graduate year.

Because final year students were prioritised in 2020, this meant many second-year students had their placements cancelled. I can appreciate that missing out on placements you were interested in
was disappointing.

ANMF is confident that 2021 final year students will be able to complete all placements required to graduate at the end of this year. However, if you have placements cancelled or delayed in 2021, email gradofficer@anmfvic.asn.au. ANMF is working closely with the Department of Health and universities to rectify any issues.

Zena

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