In support of our front line healthcare workers, The University of Notre Dame Australia’s School of Nursing & Midwifery is launching online continuing professional development (CPD) short courses for any healthcare professional looking to refresh and upskill themselves in the management of the critically ill patient.

Developed and presented by an expert nurse in critical care Dr Steven Hardman, the two courses will cover key strategies for healthcare professionals to use while faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, including detecting and responding to acute clinical deterioration, respiratory assessment, oxygenation and basic ventilation strategies.

Healthcare professionals are at the front line of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and facing unprecedented numbers of patients requiring intensive care. In Australia, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose above 5,000 this Friday 3 April, with an expectation that this number will continue to rise in the coming weeks.

Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are looking ahead to an uncertain future and Notre Dame wants to offer our support and specialist thought leadership as a resource for all to draw from. The Fremantle School of Nursing & Midwifery courses are delivered by experienced clinicians and academics ensuring materials and content are current and future focused.

Participants of these courses will come away with a renewed understanding of what to look for in deteriorating patients, build confidence in responding to the key markers of deterioration, and how to communicate and work effectively as a team.

Dr Hardman said many healthcare professionals are feeling nervous about what is coming in the next weeks and months and are crying out for any extra knowledge to give them a step up in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

“These courses will help you,” Dr Hardman said, “they will add to your existing knowledge, and give you the latest advice and information.

We are here to help and support you during this time of crisis.

When asked what advice he would offer healthcare professionals, particularly those who have recently entered the industry, Dr Hardman offers words of encouragement.

“Remember that you are well trained,” he said, “you are systematic, all you need to do is fall back on your training. Decision-making changes when you are under stress, but if you have that system in place the training kicks in and you will offer the best care to patients.”

Dean of Nursing and Midwifery in Fremantle Karen Clark-Burg said the University was keen to offer support to the healthcare workers who are currently operating under such trying circumstances.

"This is the first of a suite of CPD programs that the school will offer on a regular basis," she said.

We are collectively in a time of great uncertainty. The world as we knew it has changed and those at the front line of this crisis need our support more than ever.

Respiratory and Ventilation Webinar for Nurses & Allied Health Professionals (8 CPD hrs)

Acute Clinical Deterioration Response Webinar for Nurses & Allied Health Professionals (8 CPD hours)