Victorian Government-funded courses
The area of alcohol and other drugs is complex and rapidly changing.
To assist nurses and midwives to continue to provide best practice interventions and nursing management, the Andrews Government has provided funding for the development and delivery of contemporary continuing professional development initiatives. The ANMF (Vic Branch) and Turning Point, Eastern Health, have partnered to bring you a series of workshops and masterclasses.
Alcohol and other drugs: two-day seminar for registered nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives
This two-day workshop has been developed for nurses and midwives who want to learn more about how to work effectively with patients who have problems with alcohol and other drug use (AOD). It is relevant for nurses and midwives working across all areas of the health sector.
CPD: 12 hours
Presenter: Sharon Patterson, Senior Alcohol and Other Drug Education Officer, Turning Point
12 & 13 February 2024
All sessions: 9.00am–4.00pm
Alcohol and other drugs: Webinar for nurses and midwives
Recognition of completion requires you to fully attend three hours for each of the four dates listed for each series.
CPD: 12 hours
Presenter: Sharon Patterson, Senior Alcohol and Other Drug Education Officer, Turning Point
Webinar series in 2023:
14, 21 & 28 November, 5 December
All sessions: 9.30am–12.30pm
Webinar series in 2024:
20 and 27 February, 5 and 12 March
All sessions: 9.30am–12.30pm
7, 14, 21 & 28 May
All sessions: 9.30am – 12.30pm
3, 11, 17 and 24 June
All sessions: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Overview:
These webinar series have been developed for nurses and midwives working across all areas of the health sector who want to learn more about how to work effectively with patients who have problems with alcohol and other drug use (AOD). They will provide the latest evidence-based information on drug use and addiction.
The content will include an understanding of how drugs affect the neurobiological and physiological systems of the body. This will allow a greater exploration of the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs and the associated management of intoxication and withdrawal. Participants will be introduced to the model of change and its application in responding to patients who use drugs. We will also consider potential bio-psycho-social harms to the patient and a range of strategies used in treatment including brief intervention strategies for engaging patients and giving timely advice.
The later topics will explore principles and strategies of motivational interviewing and practice the core skill of reflective listening. This is an opportunity for nurses to reflect on their work with patients and enhance patient engagement in their health and wellbeing through acceptance, collaboration, compassion and evocation.
The final topics will provide information for nurses on how to identify and effectively refer patients to appropriate treatment services. Participants will gain an understanding of the Victorian AOD treatment sector. This will also include support services for family members who have a loved one who uses drugs.
Most patients who become dependent on drugs go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Not only does treatment work in a large proportion of cases, many people also resolve their drug-use problems without formal treatment programs. Recovery for most people requires considerable support from peers, friends, family and extended networks as well as treatment services.
Alcohol: An online master class for nurses working in the AOD sector
CPD: 3 hours
Presenter: Rose McCrohan
12 October, 9.30am–12.30pm – delivered via ZOOM
Overview:
Over 80 per cent of Australians consume alcohol each year and of these at least 20 per cent will encounter or develop problems in relation to their alcohol use. For AOD nurses this comes as no surprise and regardless of the clinical setting in which they work, providing care to patients with alcohol problems is an important focus.
This three-hour webinar has been developed to provide an in-depth focus on the cumulative impact of alcohol use by using a physiological systems-based approach. Information provided will focus on alcohol-related harms to the central nervous system and neurobiology, gastrointestinal, endocrine and cardiorespiratory systems. Participants will be provided with information to develop a better understanding of alcohol effects and intoxication. You will also learn current evidence-based information to manage alcohol withdrawal. Treatment and nursing interventions including implementation and maintenance of pharmacotherapy will be covered.
The Women’s – Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS): Alcohol, cannabis & tobacco
CPD: 3 hours
Presenters: Elvira Earthstar & Meg Hardiman
23 October, 9.30am–12.30pm – delivered via ZOOM
Overview:
This three-hour webinar is delivered by a midwife and a social worker. Alcohol, cannabis and tobacco will be covered, examining the effect these substances have on pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as examining the long-term effects on the baby. Learn about the role of child protection where there is substance use in pregnancy as well as other significant psycho-social complexities. A case study will be presented with discussion from participants encouraged. NOTE: This session complements the March 2023 session on ‘Supporting women with opiate and methamphetamine use in pregnancy’.
Opioids: An online master class for nurses working in the AOD Sector
CPD: 3 hours
Presenter: Rose McCrohan
23 November, 9.30am–12.30pm – delivered via ZOOM
Overview:
This interactive seminar has been developed to provide an in depth focus on the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of opioid use. Information on the adverse effects of a range of pharmaceutical and illegal opioids will be presented as well as nursing management and responses.
Participants will be provided with information to develop a better understanding of opioid addiction, intoxication and withdrawal. Treatment and nursing interventions including implementation and maintenance of pharmacotherapy will be covered. This webinar will also cover the management of acute pain in the opioid dependent person.