Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service
Mental Health Direct Entry
Frequently Asked Questions
Working Conditions
1. Can I take Leave during the Transition to (Specialty) Practice (New Graduate) Program?
Participants are eligible for all normal leave provisions.
2. Can I work part-time?
It is possible to work part-time and participate in the program. The transcript issued at the successful completion of the program will reflect this. It is, however, required that all theory classes are undertaken within 12 months in the manner and order of the program and that assessment pieces be completed in this time frame.
3. How long do I have to complete the Program?
The program is required to be completed within a 2 year period. This extension of time shall be only offered by negotiation.
Program Structure
4. How Many Classes are there?
There are 15 days of class room theory that are organised into 5 blocks of three days each.
5. Where are the classes held?
Classes are held on the Macquarie Hospital campus in North Ryde. There is ample free parking available on site. Macquarie Hospital is located in a fairly central position for the mental health facilities of Northern Sydney Local Health District (NS LHD) and Central Coast Local Health District (CC LHD).
6. Am I required to pay for this education?
The program is free of charge but only offered to employees of NS LHD and CC LHD mental health services who are supported by their facility to participate.
7. What clinical requirements are there in the program?
Clinical experience is a central component of the program and at least 3 rotations shall occur. Acute and recovery services are required as two of these placements.
8. Will all my rotations occur in my employing facility?
Ordinarily this would be so, but occasionally a clinical placement on another mental health facility usually within the employing LHD may be negotiated.
9. What Assessment is required for successful completion of the program?
There are 4 written pieces of assessment and 4 process recordings during the 12 month period. In addition a performance appraisal is completed at the end of each clinical placement. The standards of the assessment are moderated through the University of Technology, Sydney.
10. Are there any other components of the program?
Participants are offered clinical supervision as a supportive activity to help practice development.
What Recognition is afforded at Completion of the Program?
11. Academic
The University of Technology, Sydney, the University of Newcastle and Sydney University offer credit against post-graduate studies offered in health and mental health nursing programs.
12. Industrial
NSW Health recognised the Transition to (Mental Health) Practice (New Graduate) Program and the program is further recognised within the provisions of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award 2011. Successful completion of the program enables graduates to make application for the Continuing Education Allowance under the provisions of Clause 13 (ii) of the Award (Hospital Post Registration Certificate).
Did you know? There is something for everyone in CCLHN!
