Registered Nurse to Paramedic POST GRADUATE PROGRAM - INFORMATION PACK. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 1

Transcription

1 Registered Nurse to Paramedic POST GRADUATE PROGRAM - INFORMATION PACK Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 1

2 Contents INTRODUCTION 1 A SNAPSHOT OF OUR ORGANISATION 1 THE ROLE OF A ST JOHN AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC 1 ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A ST JOHN AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC? 2 THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS 4 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 7 REMUNERATION, WORKPLACE AND BENEFITS 9 Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 2

3 Introduction It takes a special person to become a St John Ambulance Paramedic. They are courageous, caring, confi dent and patient. They put themselves in the front-line of pre-hospital medical care every day, making life changing decisions. In reading this information pack, you re taking important fi rst steps towards a highly rewarding career. You ll fi nd all the information about this exciting role right here. Discover what s involved and how best to apply for the position - as well as information about the recruitment process, education and training requirements and the fantastic employment conditions on offer as a St John Ambulance Paramedic. A snapshot of our organisation St John Ambulance WA is the leading provider of pre-hospital care in Western Australia. As a private, not for profi t organisation, we are contracted by the State Government to supply ambulance services to the state of WA. Each year we transport more than 200,000 patients across metropolitan and regional locations. Our organisation is also the largest fi rst aid training organisation in Australia - training in excess of 140,000 students each year - and we provide medical personnel and equipment to mining organisations across WA. For more information, visit The role of a St John Ambulance Paramedic The role of a St John Ambulance Paramedic can be extremely challenging, however the experience you have gained as a Registered Nurse will help you manage this rewarding career. St John Ambulance Paramedics respond promptly and effi ciently to all ambulance calls, provide pre-hospital ambulance care for the sick and injured and transport patients to and from appropriate medical facilities - constantly monitoring the patients conditions at all times. To be successful in the role of an Ambulance Paramedic you will need to display the following traits and skills: Excellent customer service skills Excellent communication skills both written and oral Strict adherence to procedures, standards and guidelines Effective time management and the ability to multitask Awareness of Occupational Health and Safety requirements Knowledge of the Perth metropolitan area Willingness to contribute to the community St John Ambulance is an equal opportunity employer Excellent attention to detail The ability to commit to shiftwork The ability to remain calm in challenging scenarios and make critical decisions in high pressure situations with time constraints Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 1

4 Are you eligible to become a St John Ambulance Paramedic? To be eligible to apply you will need to: 1. Be a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 2. Possess a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent 3. Have at least two years post grad experience in an acute care environment such as ED, ICU, HDU and CCU 4. Have permanent working rights in Australia, holding permanent residency or Australian Citizenship. To be considered for a place on our Registered Nurse to Paramedic conversion program you must also: Have excellent health and fi tness levels. Complete a medical questionnaire as part of your application. You will be required to attend medical and fi tness testing as part of the recruitment process. Provide proof of your mandatory competency updates, including ALS, OR Possess a current Apply First Aid Certifi cate and, if older than 12 months, possess a Basic Resuscitation certifi cate. Possess as a minimum, a current WA C Class no restrictions driver s licence. Candidates that hold an automatic license will be considered. Possess good driving history. A loss of licence or serious traffi c convictions in the last four years - or an accumulation of seven current demerit points or more prior to applying - will deem your application as unsuccessful. Obtain a National Police Clearance as well as Traffi c Infringement and Traffi c Conviction reports. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 2

5 NURSE TO PARAMEDIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW Possess a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent and have at least two years post grad experience in an acute care environment. Successful through the SJAWA Selection Process. November 2012 January 2013 Commence full-time Induction course at the College of Pre-Hospital Care as an Ambulance Offi cer Grade 1. January January 2014 Commence on-road duties as an Ambulance Offi cer Grade 2, under the supervision and mentoring of an Ambulance Paramedic. Complete Advanced Life Support program, hospital placements and paramedic transition unit. Complete online Curtin University units. February 2014 Promotion to Ambulance Paramedic on successful completion of all study and experience requirements. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 3

6 The Recruitment Process How to apply and what to include in your application The recruitment process is designed to assess and identify the most suitable candidates for the role. The process assesses many areas including personality and behaviours, skills assessment and general capacity to fulfi l the duties of the role. Information Session The informal session is designed to give an insight into the role and organisation to which prospective candidates are applying. Information covered includes details about ambulance operations in WA, the recruitment process, training and education requirements, the fantastic employment conditions on offer, as well as presentations from current Ambulance Paramedics about life on road. You will need to provide the following as attachments with your online application. Please ensure these are included when you submit your application: Cover Letter Statement expressing your motivations in applying for the role. Demonstrate why you think you would be suited to the role. You may wish to make additional comments about personality traits you possess or some of your achievements that align well with the role for which you are applying. Provide personal and contact details. Application Form and Medical Questionnaire Please note you will not be able to apply for this position until applications open. Applications are to be made online by visiting our careers site Please select the Ambulance Services tab and then select the Registered Nurse to Paramedic drop down box. You will be able to make your application by selecting apply now, then by following the prompts to complete the online application form and medical questionnaire. Resume Candidates must submit a resume with their application which outlines a complete history of their employment and education. Resumes should include the following information as a minimum: Personal details such as residential address, contact telephone numbers, and residency status. Academic qualifi cations. Previous work experience (in chronological order from most recent). Any other achievements/accomplishments which you feel may be relevant to the position. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 4

7 Current Driver s License A front and back copy of your current C class driver s license must be submitted with your online application. Automatic driver s license holders are accepted. Proof of Working Rights You must provide proof of Australian Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency Status with eligibility for employment in Australia. This may include your passport, birth certifi cate or citizenship certifi cate. Proof of Eligibility to undertake University Study You will need to supply a copy of your Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent as well as your academic transcript. Two Professional Referees It is your responsibility to advise your referee that they may be contacted for a reference check and to ensure they will be available. How to Lodge Your Application You will be able to lodge your application online once applications are open. Please visit and select the Ambulance Services tab, then select the Registered Nurse to Paramedic drop down option, and select the apply now button. To ensure you are short listed to continue in the recruitment process your application must include the following: Cover letter and resume. Front and back copy of your full C class driver s License, with no restrictions. Proof of Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency, copy of your birth certifi cate or passport. Copy of your Bachelor of Science (Nursing) certifi cate (or equivalent) as well as your academic transcript. Short-Listing and Invitation to Participate in the Recruitment Process Candidates will be short-listed to participate in the recruitment process, initially by the key pre-requisite of holding a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent and having at least two years post graduate experience in an acute care environment. Applications will also need to include all of the requested documentation at the application stage to move to the next stages of the recruitment process. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 5

8 Stages of the Recruitment Process Assessment Centre The Assessment Centre will run for approximately two hours and will consist of a one hour theory examination and a one hour team exercise. The examination will assess pathophysiology as well as clinical skills and knowledge and the team exercise will assess personality traits and behaviours in a team setting. Psychometric Testing Designed by psychologists, psychometric assessments are used to assess a candidate s abilities, personality, motivations, values and interests. Psychometric testing will be sent to candidates via an to complete online. Interview The interview is designed to assess your previous skills and experience and how they align to the skills, experience and requirements of the role for which you have applied. Candidates will be interviewed by a panel consisting of a manager from ambulance operations and a member of the recruitment team. At interview you will need to provide true copies of the following: Provide evidence of recently completing mandatory competencies to include ALS OR; A current Apply First Aid Certifi cate or equivalent. If the certifi cate is older than 12 months, candidates will need to obtain a Basic Resuscitation Certifi cate (a receipt or booking confi rmation is suffi cient at time of interview, but the course must be completed prior to offer of employment. A current National Police Clearance, no older than three months or receipt of obtaining a National Police Clearance. Traffi c Infringements and Traffi c Conviction Reports. Proof of identity such as a Birth Certifi cate or Passport. Bachelor of Science (Nursing) or equivalent and academic transcript. Current Apply First Aid Certificate If you are unable to produce evidence of recent mandatory competency such as ALS, you will be required to obtain an Apply First Aid certifi cate. If you hold this certifi cate and it is older than 12 months you will need to obtain a Basic Resuscitation certifi cate. Please visit or call to schedule training to complete the required certifi cate. National Police Clearance National Police Clearances can be obtained from your local Post Offi ce or online via National Police Clearances are to be no older than three months at time of submission. Traffic Infringements and Traffic Convictions Both documents can be obtained from your local police station and are to be no older than three months at time of submission to SJAWA. Functional Capacity and Medical Assessment The Functional Capacity and Medical Assessment is designed to assess your physical capability to undertake the inherent requirements of the role. Work as an Ambulance Offi cer with St John Ambulance WA requires a good level of physical fi tness. Assessment Includes: Body Mass Index (BMI) or Percentage Body Fat A healthy range for BMI or percentage body fat will be required. Blood Pressure Measurement of blood pressure and cardiac risk screening - readings are to be within normal limits. Musculo-skeletal Review Relevant medical history and any injuries are noted - some injuries will not preclude applicants. Fitness Assessed through a step test with recovery heart rates recorded. Fitness to be at a good level. Strength Tests Upper body Push-ups Lower body Squats (including sustained semi-squat), lunges, sustained kneeling, standing forward bend Core Stability, sit-ups and trunk rotation Hamstring Flexibility Demonstrate average to good hamstring fl exibility. Series of Power Lifting Tasks Demonstrate appropriate manual handling techniques while lifting and carrying a variety of loads up to 30kg. For example: carrying a 20kg crate over a distance before placing the item on a high shelf. Tasks can include sideways walking. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 6

9 Training and Development Successful candidates will undertake a Graduate Certifi cate in Paramedicine at Curtin University ( as well as an internship to become a qualifi ed St John Ambulance Paramedic. The Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate program is an intense program designed to ensure candidates have the essential knowledge, skills, education and experience required to be a St John Ambulance Paramedic. It is expected successful candidates will undertake signifi cant study outside of core work hours to meet the educational requirements of the program. There will be a requirement to undertake pre-readings in pathophysiology and pharmacology from previous nursing studies prior to commencing the induction program. Curtin University A representative from Curtin University will speak with employees on the fi rst day of the induction program to talk them through the enrolment process and units of study. Semester 1 Full-time induction course, held at the College of Pre-Hospital Care in Belmont, comprising of one university unit which will include mandatory organisational components. On successful completion of the induction course you will commence on road duties as an Ambulance Offi cer Grade 2 working with a senior Paramedic mentor continuing clinical and driving assessments whilst being supported from the College of Pre- Hospital Care. Semester 2 Working full-time with a senior Paramedic while completing the required units of the Graduate Certifi cate program. Year two includes a full-time study block in the College of Pre-Hospital Care and comprising Advanced Life Support Program, hospital placements and a threeweek transition to Paramedic unit. Completion of two online Curtin units: Contemporary Issues in Paramedicine and Special Populations. In February, having completed all units of study and on road requirements, employees will be promoted to Paramedic. Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 7

10 Curtin Course Outline Year 1 Semester 1 CORE UNITS HRS/WK Credit Year 1 Semester 2 Paramedicine Clinical Practice 531 Paramedicine Clinical Practice 532 Contemporary Issues in Paramedic Practice 532 Paramedicine Special Populations Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 8

11 Remuneration, Workplace and Benefits Salary Successful candidates will commence in the College of Pre-Hospital Care, completing an eight week induction program. During this period employees will be paid the base rate of pay for an Ambulance Offi cer Grade 1. When employees begin on-road duties after successful completion of the induction program, they will be paid as an Ambulance Offi cer Grade 2 at full rates of pay. When working in an on-road capacity, employees will work a shift pattern of two 10-hour days and two 14-hour nights followed by four days off. After the successful completion of all education and on-road requirements, approximately 12 months after commencing on-road duties, employees will be promoted to Ambulance Paramedic. Once promoted, employees will be paid at the Paramedic-AP1 level. Paramedic AP2 and Paramedic AP3 rates are linked to years of service with the organisation. Employees will increase to AP2 after the completion of three years service as an AP1 and then increase to AP3 after four years of service as an AP2. Rates of Pay - Ambulance Offi cer/ Paramedic From July 1, 2012 Second phase of three increments (5%) Position Base Rate Weekly Hourly Rate Shift Allowance Shift Penalty Weekly Total Weekly Total Annually Weekly Ambulance Offi cer Grade 1 $ $24.39 $ $48, Ambulance Offi cer Grade 2 $1, $ $26.96 $1, $71, Ambulance Paramedic - AP1 $1, $31.79 $ $31.79 $1, $84, Ambulance Paramedic - AP2 $1, $ $33.46 $1, $89, Ambulance Paramedic - AP3 $1, $35.15 $ $35.15 $1, $93, Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 9

12 Hours of Work While attending the Induction program at the College of Pre-Hospital Care in Belmont, employees will work core business hours - Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm - with a half hour lunch break. Employees will not work weekends or public holidays during the eight week induction program. Once employees commence on-road duties they will work the 2,2,4 roster by working two 10 hour-days (8:00am-6:00pm) and two 14- hour nights (6:00pm-8:00am) followed by four days off, on a rotational basis. Employees will be required to work weekends and public holidays as per the roster requirements. Locations When working as an Ambulance Offi cer, an employee may be rostered anywhere within the metropolitan area. Leave For your fi rst two years of service you will be allocated two leave blocks of four weeks of leave per year. In your third year of service, the scheduled leave block will increase to eight weeks leave per year. The leave block will rotate yearly with six leave blocks in each year. Career Development There are many career development opportunities within the organisation, which provide opportunity for exposure in disciplines such as education and training, clinical governance and country ambulance - as well as opportunity for promotion into management and leadership positions. Positions are available on relief, secondment or permanent basis. Probation A probation period of six months applies to Ambulance Offi cers on commencement of employment. Uniforms A uniform will be provided by St John Ambulance WA. The uniform mirrors the professional image of the organisation and is designed to meet the needs of staff on-road, which are safe and functional. Salary Packaging An employee may enter into a salary packaging arrangement. This enables employees to salary package expenses from their pre-tax salary up to a pre-determined limit each year. Health and Wellbeing Allowance A health and well-being allowance is a reimbursement program available to staff, to the value of $ per annum, to go toward gym memberships, hire of fi tness equipment or fi tness programs. Free Ambulance Cover All employees of St John Ambulance WA have access to free ambulance cover. For furth er information on this position please careers@ambulance.net.au The information contained within this document is correct at the time of publication. Please note that entry, prerequisites and conditions of employment may change without notice. Copyright St John Ambulance WA, 209 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA careers@ambulance.net.au Registered Nurse to Paramedic Post Graduate Program Information Pack 10