The Australian Catholic University supported by DHHS Victoria developed an online program for Victorian nurses just-in-time for the COVID-19 surge. Nurse academics were given 9 weeks to develop and implement the online program. The partnership between the University the state health department, practicing clinicians and OpenLearning resulted in the implementation of a successful online program. The COVID4NURSES program supported over 2000 enrolments with participants – in particular enrolled nurses – demonstrating improved confidence and knowledge acquisition working in the pandemic clinical environment.

This presentation reports on a participatory action research that aimed to develop a woman-centred intervention to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge among women with GDM. It highlights the achievements and challenges of practice-development strategies that were developed during the study. The main strategy was focused on providing online resources including a website and mHealth app called the Milky Way Breastfeeding. In conclusion, to tailor education and support for women with GDM, there is a need for multilayered practice changes where use of online resources can be embedded in routine practice and care 

Abstract: This presentation delves into the journey of transitioning to professional paramedic practice. It highlights the challenges faced by graduates as they leave the familiar university environment and enter the ambulance service culture, where they need to adapt their values and behaviours to form a workplace identity. To gain a holistic understanding of paramedic practice, it is crucial for graduates to comprehend its historical, social, and political background and undergo a professional socialisation process. The transition to professional paramedic practice is undoubtably a demanding and arduous experience. The findings of this study support the applicability of the theory of marginalisation in a post modernistic sense to the paramedic context. Additionally, it sheds light on the need for further research about supportive and structured internship processes.