In 2007 Jozinka Jindra, Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, saw the Accelerated Progression Program (APP) as a simple stepping stone. Three years on Jozinka is still benefiting from participation in the program that fast tracks career progression through the development and demonstration of nursing competencies. Split into a number of levels, each level represents increased complexity, accountability as well as professional and clinical skill which results in greater remuneration. Open to nurses at St Vincent’s Private and the Mater Hospitals, Jozinka believes that the APP has professionally and personally pushed her.
Jozinka explains, “The APP allowed me to jump from a registered nurse with three years experience to a registered nurse with six years experience. The program spiced things up and re-invigorated my interest in the profession. Since completing the APP I have become a CNE and am about to commence post-graduate studies.”
Encouraging others to follow in her steps Jozinka enjoyed the challenge of developing a portfolio. An opportunity to look at what she had achieved in her three years as a nurse, the portfolio proved crucial in her application to become a CNE.
“In developing my portfolio I had to meet a number of requirements; it included a cover letter, resume, number of hours worked within the 12 month period, copies of inservices attended, information about inservices and education sessions at which I had presented and much more. So throughout the year I jumped on committees, was involved in the facilitation of undergraduates and was driven to make the most of the opportunity as I knew it could take me anywhere,” she furthers.
An advocate of the program Jozinka outlines how the APP has assisted her in everyday nursing practices. She adds “I now think at a higher level - I have improved my clinical skills, critical thinking and communication on the floor with patients.”
The APP provides nurses with the ability to develop and demonstrate competencies, which in turn provides for the progression of professional recognition, fast track career development and accelerated earning capacity far beyond public and private awards.
