January 2025
Exciting New Chapter for Queensland Health Academy Under Fortify Health Group Management
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter for Queensland Health Academy, as we move forward under the expert management of Fortify Health Group. As part of this partnership, we have relocated to a brand-new facility at 10/3 Northward Street, Upper Coomera 4209. Our new location boasts state-of-the-art labs and enhanced resources that will enable us to continue delivering exceptional care and training services to the local community and beyond.
A New Era of Care and Collaboration
This new phase for Queensland Health Academy brings together an exciting blend of healthcare education and community-focused services. Alongside our expert team of Clinical Nurse Educators, specialist Registered Nurses, and a Clinical Nurse Consultant, we will be offering a nurse-led clinic where patients can see a nurse at no out-of-pocket expense depending on your funding type. This clinic will be available for those on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and those with Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funding.
As a registered NDIS provider, we are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities, offering services tailored to their unique needs. Our new nurse-led clinic will be an invaluable resource for the community, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care without the financial burden typically associated with medical consultations.
A Team of Experts at Your Service
Our expanded team now includes experienced Clinical Nurse Educators, specialist Registered Nurses, and a Clinical Nurse Consultant. These healthcare professionals are on-site Monday to Friday, ensuring continuous support and expertise. Whether you’re seeking professional healthcare services or looking for education in the healthcare field, you can trust that our team will provide the highest standard of care and education.
A Commitment to the Community
At Queensland Health Academy, we have always believed in the power of community-focused healthcare, and this new partnership with Fortify Health Group will allow us to further our mission of making quality care accessible to all. We are excited to offer an expanded range of services, and we believe that our new clinic will serve as a vital resource for individuals who may have previously faced barriers to access.
Our goal is to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone who walks through our doors. Whether you’re a NDIS participant, a veteran, or simply in need of quality training, we are here for you.
Visit Us Today!
We invite you to visit us at our new address at 10/3 Northward Street, Upper Coomera 4209. We are excited to show you around our new space, meet our dedicated team, and explore how we can assist you with your healthcare needs. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and expand our services in the community.
With Fortify Health Group at the helm, Queensland Health Academy is poised for even greater success. We look forward to continuing to serve you with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to improving lives.
Stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for the latest news, updates, and service offerings. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new clinic and campus!
November 2024
Ventilation Management Now Live!
Our recently updated ventilation management has now been launched.
Taught by experienced nurse educators, this program has been updated to meet current community needs. The program will give support staff and nurses the skills to provide foundational support to clients with ventilation needs.
The practice workshop includes utilising various masks, emergency ventilation management, troubleshooting ventilation alarms and attending to incident management, aims to give staff the confidence to work with clients with ventilation needs, often with co-morditites.
To learn more about this program, navigate to courses and read about the course outcomes.
This program is benchmarked against the NDIS high intensity skill descriptors and practice standards.
Why Online Programs Aren’t the Best Tool for Training Disability Support Workers
In the realm of disability support, particularly for those working with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, the quality of training is paramount. While online programs offer convenience and accessibility, they often fall short in providing the comprehensive, hands-on experience necessary for effective disability support work. Here’s why:
Lack of Practical Experience
Disability support work is inherently practical. It involves direct interaction with participants, requiring skills that are best learned through hands-on practice. Online programs, by their nature, lack the ability to provide real-world scenarios where trainees can practice and refine their skills under supervision. This gap can lead to a workforce that is theoretically knowledgeable but practically inexperienced, which can be detrimental to the quality of care provided to NDIS participants.
Limited Interaction and Feedback
Effective training in disability support requires continuous interaction and feedback from experienced trainers. Online programs often lack the immediacy and depth of interaction that in-person training provides. This can result in missed opportunities for trainees to ask questions, receive instant feedback, and learn from the experiences of their peers. The absence of this dynamic interaction can hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for disability support workers1.
Challenges in Simulating Real-Life Scenarios
Online programs struggle to accurately simulate the complex and varied situations that disability support workers encounter daily. While virtual simulations can be helpful, they cannot fully replicate the nuances of real-life interactions and emergencies. This limitation can leave trainees unprepared for the unpredictable nature of their work, potentially compromising the safety and well-being of NDIS participants1.
Why Queensland Health Academy’s Programs Are Superior
Queensland Health Academy (QHA) offers a unique blend of online and workshop-based training that addresses the shortcomings of purely online programs. Here’s why their approach is far better for learning outcomes and supporting NDIS participants:
Audit-Proof and Comprehensive Training
QHA’s programs are designed to meet rigorous audit requirements, ensuring that all training is thorough and up-to-date with current standards. This audit-proof approach guarantees that trainees receive high-quality education that is recognized and respected within the industry2.
Hands-On Workshops
One of the standout features of QHA’s training is the inclusion of hands-on workshops. These workshops provide trainees with the opportunity to practice their skills in a controlled, supervised environment. This practical experience is invaluable, allowing trainees to build confidence and competence in their abilities before working independently with NDIS participants2.
Experienced Trainers
QHA employs AHPRA-registered nurses with significant experience in aged care and disability support as trainers. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the training, offering insights and guidance that go beyond textbook learning. Their expertise ensures that trainees are well-prepared to handle the complexities of disability support work2.
Engaging and Interactive Learning
QHA’s programs are designed to be engaging and interactive, combining the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face interaction. This hybrid approach ensures that trainees remain motivated and involved throughout their training, leading to better retention of information and skills2.
Tailored to NDIS Requirements
QHA’s training programs are specifically tailored to meet the needs of NDIS participants. This focus ensures that trainees are well-versed in the specific challenges and requirements of working within the NDIS framework, leading to better outcomes for participants and a more effective support workforce2.
Conclusion
While online programs offer convenience, they often fall short in providing the comprehensive, hands-on training necessary for effective disability support work. Queensland Health Academy’s audit-proof online with workshop programs bridge this gap, offering a superior training experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. This approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also ensures that NDIS participants receive the highest quality of care from well-trained, competent support workers.
November 2024
The Imperative of Ongoing Training for Support Workers
Support workers are the unsung heroes, tirelessly working to uplift and empower individuals, families, and communities. Despite the inherent rewards of such work, it’s a role that demands continuous learning and adaptation. Here’s why regular training is not just beneficial but essential for support workers.
1. Keeping Up with Evolving Best Practices
Support work, like any field, evolves. New research, technologies, and methodologies continuously emerge, shifting the landscape. Regular training ensures that support workers stay updated with the latest best practices, enhancing their effectiveness and ensuring that they provide the highest quality of care and support.
2. Boosting Confidence and Competence
Confidence in their abilities is crucial for support workers as they often handle challenging situations. Regular training boosts both their competence and confidence, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex cases, make informed decisions, and provide better support.
3. Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Compliance with laws and regulations is non-negotiable in support work. Regular training keeps workers informed about changes in legislation, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines. This helps in minimizing risks and ensuring that all actions are within legal and ethical boundaries, protecting both the worker and those they support.
4. Addressing New Challenges
The challenges faced by support workers are diverse and constantly changing. From mental health issues to socio-economic factors, every new day can bring a new challenge. Ongoing training equips workers with the necessary tools to effectively address these challenges, promoting resilience and adaptability.
5. Enhancing Career Development
For support workers, career development is as important as it is in any other profession. Regular training provides opportunities for professional growth, allowing workers to expand their skill sets, take on more responsibilities, and advance in their careers. It also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning.
6. Improving Service Quality
The ultimate goal of support work is to provide the best possible service to those in need. Regular training directly contributes to this by ensuring that workers are knowledgeable, skilled, and prepared to deliver high-quality support. It empowers workers to perform their roles more effectively, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular training for support workers is not just a benefit—it’s a necessity. It ensures that they remain competent, confident, and compliant, enabling them to meet the ever-evolving demands of their roles. By investing in ongoing training, we not only support the development and well-being of support workers but also improve the quality of care provided to those in need. Regular training is a win-win for both the workers and the communities they serve.
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October 2024
The Impact of Inadequate Training for Support Workers
Recent evidence suggests that many support workers are not keeping up with regular training refreshers. This trend is concerning, as it can have significant negative impacts on both the workers and their patients.
Lack of Updated Knowledge
Support workers who do not engage in regular training may fall behind on the latest best practices, research, and technological advancements in their field. This can lead to outdated methods being used, which may not be as effective or safe as newer approaches.
Decreased Confidence and Competence
Without ongoing training, support workers may feel less confident in their abilities to handle complex situations. This lack of confidence can translate into hesitancy and mistakes, ultimately affecting the quality of care provided to patients.
Non-Compliance with Regulations
Regular training is essential for ensuring that support workers are aware of and comply with current laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines. Failure to keep up with training can result in non-compliance, which can have legal and ethical ramifications for both the worker and the organisation they work for.
Increased Risk of Errors
Inadequate training can lead to an increased risk of errors, which can be particularly dangerous in healthcare and support settings. Errors can result in harm to patients, including physical injury, emotional distress, and a lack of trust in the support system.
Impact on Client Outcomes
The ultimate consequence of insufficient training is a decline in client support outcomes. Clients may receive substandard care, which can affect their health, well-being, and overall satisfaction with the services they receive. This can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction and mistrust, further complicating the support worker’s role.
Addressing the Issue
To mitigate these issues, it is crucial for organisations to prioritise and facilitate regular training for their support workers. This includes providing accessible training opportunities, offering incentives for participation, and creating a culture that values continuous learning and improvement.
In conclusion, the evidence is clear: regular training refreshers are essential for support workers to maintain their skills, knowledge, and confidence. By investing in ongoing training, organisations can ensure better patient outcomes, compliance with regulations, and overall job satisfaction for their support workers.
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September 2024
The Benefits of Nurse Educators Crafting and Delivering Learning Material for Health and Community Courses
In the dynamic and ever-evolving fields of health and community care, the importance of high-quality education cannot be overstated. When nurse educators, with their unique blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, write and deliver learning material, the benefits are manifold.
1. Bridging Theory and Practice
Nurse educators possess a wealth of hands-on experience. This practical insight allows them to create learning materials that not only cover theoretical knowledge but also illustrate its application in real-world scenarios. This bridge between theory and practice helps students grasp concepts more effectively and prepares them for the practical challenges they will face in their careers.
2. Up-to-Date Knowledge
Healthcare is a rapidly advancing field, with new research, technologies, and treatment protocols emerging constantly. Nurse educators are often at the forefront of these changes, either through their clinical practice or continuous professional development. This ensures that the learning materials they produce are current, evidence-based, and reflective of the latest industry standards.
3. Enhancing Relevance and Engagement
When the content is developed by those who are intimately familiar with the subject matter, it tends to be more relevant and engaging. Nurse educators can draw from their experiences to incorporate case studies, anecdotes, and practical examples that make the material more relatable and interesting for students.
4. Improved Skill Development
Nurse educators are uniquely positioned to design practical learning activities that enhance critical thinking, clinical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Through their experience, they can create scenarios that mimic real-life situations, providing students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
5. Ensuring Ethical and Legal Compliance
Nurses are well-versed in the ethical and legal standards of healthcare. Having nurse educators involved in the creation and delivery of learning materials ensures that students are taught not only the practical and theoretical aspects of their profession but also the ethical and legal considerations. This is crucial for developing professionals who are not only competent but also ethical and legally compliant.
6. Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Compassion
Nursing is as much about compassion and empathy as it is about clinical skills. Nurse educators, through their teaching, can instill these values in their students. By sharing their experiences and emphasizing the human aspect of healthcare, they help future professionals develop a compassionate approach to patient care.
7. Encouraging Lifelong Learning
Nurse educators exemplify the importance of continuous professional development. Their involvement in teaching can inspire students to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning, encouraging them to stay updated with the latest advancements and continually improve their skills throughout their careers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the involvement of nurse educators in writing and delivering learning material for health and community courses brings a host of benefits. Their unique combination of practical experience, up-to-date knowledge, and a compassionate approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded, relevant, and engaging education. This not only prepares them to meet the challenges of their profession but also fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in healthcare.
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August 2024
The Crucial Role of Evidence-Based Training Delivered by Nurse Educators in NDIS Service Delivery
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents a transformative approach to providing support and services to individuals with disabilities. At its heart, the NDIS is about enhancing the quality of life and ensuring that everyone receives the care and support they need. Central to achieving this goal is the provision of high-quality, evidence-based training for support workers, delivered by skilled nurse educators. Here’s why this is so crucial:
1. Ensuring Best Practices Through Evidence-Based Training
Evidence-based training involves using the best available research and data to inform teaching and practices. Nurse educators, with their extensive clinical and educational backgrounds, are ideally positioned to deliver this type of training. They can distill complex research findings into practical knowledge that support workers can apply in their daily roles. This ensures that the care provided is based on the most current and effective methods, ultimately leading to better outcomes for NDIS participants.
2. Enhancing Clinical Competence
Support workers often find themselves in situations that require quick thinking and sound clinical judgment. Nurse educators bring a wealth of practical experience to their teaching, providing support workers with the skills and confidence needed to handle these scenarios. Evidence-based training delivered by nurse educators helps to improve clinical competence, enabling support workers to perform their duties safely and effectively.
3. Promoting Consistency in Care
One of the key challenges in NDIS service delivery is ensuring consistency in the quality of care across different providers and regions. Evidence-based training, when standardized and delivered by nurse educators, helps to promote a uniform level of knowledge and skill among support workers. This consistency is vital for ensuring that all NDIS participants receive the same high standard of care, regardless of where they live or who their support provider is.
4. Addressing Specific Needs of NDIS Participants
NDIS participants often have unique and complex needs that require tailored care and support. Nurse educators, with their in-depth understanding of healthcare and disability services, can design and deliver training programs that address these specific needs. By focusing on evidence-based practices, they ensure that support workers are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to meet the diverse requirements of NDIS participants effectively.
5. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
The healthcare and disability sectors are continuously evolving, with new research and innovations emerging regularly. Nurse educators play a crucial role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement among support workers. By emphasizing the importance of ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice, they encourage support workers to stay current with the latest developments in their field. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that NDIS participants always receive the most up-to-date and effective care.
6. Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Effective NDIS service delivery often involves collaboration between various healthcare professionals and support workers. Nurse educators, with their experience in multidisciplinary settings, can promote a collaborative approach to care. Through evidence-based training, they can teach support workers how to effectively communicate and work with other professionals, train in important high intensity skills, enhancing the overall quality of care provided to NDIS participants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the delivery of evidence-based training by nurse educators is essential for the success of NDIS service delivery. Their unique combination of practical experience, clinical expertise, and educational skills ensures that support workers are well-equipped to provide high-quality, consistent, and effective care. By prioritizing this type of training, we can ensure that NDIS participants receive the best possible support, enhancing their quality of life and empowering them to achieve their goals.
Queensland Health Academy: Delivering Outstanding NDIS Courses for Support Workers
Queensland Health Academy (QHA) is renowned for its exceptional NDIS courses tailored for support workers. These courses are meticulously designed and delivered by experienced nurse educators, ensuring that support workers receive the highest quality training. Here’s a closer look at what makes QHA’s NDIS courses stand out:
Expert Delivery by Nurse Educators
QHA’s courses are taught by AHPRA Registered Nurses with extensive experience in various healthcare settings, including residential aged care, disability care services, public mental health units, and critical care. These educators bring a wealth of practical knowledge and clinical expertise to the classroom, equipping support workers with the skills they need to excel in their roles.
Validation by External Subject Matter Experts
To ensure the highest standards, QHA’s training programs are validated by external subject matter experts. This rigorous validation process guarantees that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with industry best practices. By involving external experts, QHA ensures that their courses meet the stringent requirements set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Meeting NDIS Audit Requirements
QHA’s courses are specifically designed to meet the NDIS audit requirements. The training programs are benchmarked to the NDIS skill descriptors, ensuring that support workers are well-prepared to pass both verification and certification audits. This compliance is crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of care provided to NDIS participants.
Registered NDIS Provider
Adding to their credibility, QHA is a registered provider with the NDIS. This registration signifies that QHA meets the NDIS Practice Standards and is committed to delivering high-quality training and support services. Being a registered provider also means that QHA undergoes regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with NDIS requirements.
Comprehensive Course Offerings
QHA offers a wide range of courses tailored to the needs of support workers, including:
- Complex Bowel Care
- Enteral Feeding and Management
- Urinary Catheters
- Manage Diabetes
- Subcutaneous Injection
- High-Risk Seizure and Midazolam Administration
- Pressure Care and Wound Management
- Mental Health Foundations
- Positive Behavioural Support Planning
- Medication Assistance
- Palliative/End-of-Life Care
- Plus many Nationally Accredited Courses – See online now!
Each course is delivered through face-to-face workshops, providing hands-on learning experiences that are essential for mastering the skills required in NDIS service delivery.
Conclusion
Queensland Health Academy’s commitment to delivering evidence-based, high-quality training through experienced nurse educators, validated by external experts, and meeting NDIS audit requirements, makes it a leader in NDIS education. Their status as a registered NDIS provider further enhances their credibility and ensures that support workers are well-prepared to provide exceptional care to NDIS participants.
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