Caregiver development

Our nurses have the opportunity to take part in our specialised nursing Discovery Program which enables them to develop a foundation of skills to work in specialised areas with little experience. 

The program provides an opportunity for St John of God Murdoch Hospital nurses to grow within a supportive and familiar environment, while providing a clear pathway to move into a specialised area. 

We offer four specialist nursing Discovery Programs in: 

• Intensive care / critical care
• Emergency medicine 
• Theatre 
• Cancer care

Read Renata's Perioperative Discovery Program story.

See Me as a Person is a two-day development program available to all caregivers, at the nomination of their manager.

The program focuses on how we, as caregivers, establish authentic connections with our patients and families. Through these connections we can convey compassion, empathy and an understanding of the meaning and magnitude of the patient's illness to the patient and family. It helps us to understand how to provide a holistic patient experience every time.

The program is facilitated by senior St John of God Murdoch Hospital caregivers and involves a day of reading and reflection, and a day of facilitated group work.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital's Leading an Empowered Organisation Program, LEO, is a three-day program aimed at Murdoch's current and future leaders. The program focuses on our responsibility to build an excellent hospital culture through strong, positive and empowering leadership.

LEO is recognised globally as one of the most effective development programs for healthcare leaders and Murdoch is the first hospital in Australia to experience it.

All of our Leadership Group and many of our senior caregivers have now completed the Program and the feedback has been outstanding, with many saying it was by far the most meaningful and useful development they have ever experienced.

Attendees to the Program are nominated by their manager, and that nomination is approved by the Chief Executive Officer.

We believe in empowering you to make the best possible decisions for your patients and about your work environment and Thrive Councils are a way for us to achieve this

What is a Thrive Council?

A Thrive Council is a group of elected caregivers from each department who have responsibility for decision-making on patient safety and quality, and the patient and caregiver experience. Adapted for Murdoch from the evidence-based nursing leadership model known as Shared Governance, Thrive Councils empower you to innovate and problem solve to improve care. This time is paid, rostered and protected to ensure these aren’t just words – they actually are put into practice.

Why do we use Thrive Councils?

We believe decision making should be made at the closest possible point to where the decision will take effect. Through Thrive Councils, decisions are made by caregivers who are the experts in their respective areas; those who are in the best position to inform changes and make sustainable, successful improvements.

Contact our Director Organisation Development & Improvement for more details via [email protected]

Formal meditation, stretch and mindfulness sessions are held semi-regularly. 

Mindfulness in Medication Administration is a new course at Murdoch.