DEVELOPING A CONSULTATIVE STATE-BASED ELEARNING PROGRAM THAT SUPPORTS AND INSPIRES RURAL GENERALIST NURSES AND MIDWIVES.

The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) supports New South Wales Health in its education and training requirements. HETI works with the Districts, Specialty Networks (SNs), health organisations and education and training providers to ensure the development and delivery of world-class education and training resources to support the full range of roles across patient care, administration and support services. State plans such as the Health Professionals Workforce Plan, NSW Health Plan and State Rural Plan identify the need to value the generalist workforce and to further develop career pathways and clinical skills. Murrumbidgee LHD recognised the need to up-skill rural nurses, who often work without the immediate support of a medical officer. A workforce survey identified key areas to target and HETI has partnered with Murrumbidgee LHD to expand this approach to a Rural Generalist Nurse program across NSW. The Nursing and Midwifery portfolio has connected with clinical experts to develop an eLearning program, the foundation of which is based on pre-existing evidence-based resources. Mapping of existing resources with local experts has enabled HETI to develop new resources that meet the gaps identified by rural staff across the system. The following areas are available for self-directed learning for clinicians: Mental Health, Aged Care, Paediatrics, Palliative Care and Comprehensive Assessment. The planned program is based on constructivist theory using eLearning platforms that include discussion, group chats, reflection and a game to highlight the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed by the rural nurse and midwife to care for patients and their families. This approach uses both imagination and practicality and aims to establish an educational process that inspires nurses and midwives to enhance their care delivery in a challenging environment to provide better health care to New South Wales rural and remote communities.