Being a nurse in the Alfred ICU is a career choice which is both rewarding, challenging and an opportunity unlike any other. Working with clinical experts in their field, and in updated facilities, the patients we care for are the most acute in any Australian ICU.
Our ICU has six clinical pods, specialising in complex cardiac care, ECMO, heart and lung transplant, trauma, burns, haematology, general surgery and general ICU care. Having such specialised pods in the one unit is unique to ICU’s in Australia. It allows nurses to not only specialise in one area, but nourishes nurses’ interests in different specialities. The nurses work with all specialities whilst working in the ICU, with support from the clinical specialists
To be part of the Alfred ICU nursing team means that you work within a complex yet fulfilling environment, and step into an environment of continuous learning and development. Approximately 600 nurses are employed within the unit, which creates an impressive team of knowledgeable clinicians. To ensure the best possible care for our patients, it is an expectation that all our general nurses will progress to Postgraduate studies to in Critical Care Nursing.
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The opportunities are endless for all our nursing staff. There is a structured orientation program which includes up to 2 weeks of supernumerary time to ensure the transition of the nurse into this acute environment is well supported and standards of practice are demonstrated.
The following weeks of the orientation program are focused on spending time with our educators and clinical experts to assimilate to the high standard clinical practices that all nurses should become accustomed to.
Prior to commencing postgraduate studies in the unit, all general registered nurses undertake the ICU Critical Care Development Program (CCDP), to establish a sound base of knowledge to care for an ICU patient. This program allows nurses to develop the right level of enquiry and skill to progress into postgraduate studies to become an Intensive Care Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN). The CCDP was developed by the ICU Nursing Education team to ensure it meets the needs for new nurses into a complex critical care environment.
The Alfred ICU welcomes Critical Care nurses who have completed their postgraduate studies in other units around Australia. This allows us to bring knowledge into the department from different units, as well as expand the knowledge of Critical Care nurses newly employed. Educational opportunities for our CCRN’s are available to ensure they have exposure to the ICU specialities. These opportunities enhance the pathway of the CCRN to progress and become clinical experts in the highest acuity ICU in Australia.
The Clinical Nurse Consultant team (CNCs) specialise in Trauma, Burns, ECMO, Infection prevention and Central Venous Access Devices working Monday to Sunday within the unit, to ensure evidence-based practice, education and standards of care are of the utmost priority. The CNCs are experts in their area of specialisation and are a fantastic resource for the team as well as external organisations.
Working at the Alfred ICU is a privilege, not only for the experiences you will get to be a part of but to care for such unwell patients and their loved ones, in such a distressing time of their lives. It is a reason for the care we give and when patients walk back into our doors, it highlights just how wonderful it is to be a part of such a dynamic, unique team.
To apply for one of our nursing positions, visit Nursing Careers Alfred health
Video taken prior to COVID 19.