Wade Ward - Adolescent
"It's a challenging and unique environment - offering a variety of exposure."
Wade Ward, located on level 1 of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, is a 20 bed ward dedicated to the adolescent patients admitted to the hospital. The ward caters for adolescents with varying needs from medical and surgical to psychological. Nursing adolescents with such a broad range of needs requires nursing staff to be proficient in a wide range of skills and treatments.
Promoting an adolescent environment means treatment is planned as much as possible around the needs of the adolescent. Maintaining 'normality' is a high priority. In keeping with this environment the ward contains a pool table, table tennis table, kitchen and T.V. and playstation room. Gate passes are available between treatment where possible.
The principles of negotiated care influence the delivery of our care, resulting in a partnership between nurses, the adolescents and their families.
As a member of the adolescent ward there is strong support from the adolescent medical unit, which includes regular team meetings and case conferences.
A number of ward values have been developed by nursing staff to enhance working relationships including, Professionalism, Respect, Unity, Communication and Vision, extending from the hospital's values of Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service.
As a nursing staff member there is great support and encouragement to develop professionally through both formal and informal education. Working towards attaining your Clinical Nurse Specialist level is also greatly encouraged.
Being part of the nursing team on Wade Ward can be a challenging and rewarding experience.
Rostering practice
Roster requests are available and shift flexibility is offered within safe practice limits. Every effort is made to accommodate individual staff needs.
Education assistance
- Orientation: A structured orientation package and process is available to all.
- Preceptorship: Available for all new employees.
- CNS: Available
- Clinical Nurse Educator: Available
- CNC: Wade ward utilises all speciality CNC's.
Professional development
Professional development opportunities are encouraged and supported, as are relevant courses, seminars and conferences. Career opportunities to work towards CNS are encouraged.
For information about employment in Wade Ward, please contact Clare Harb, Nursing Unit Manager on (02) 9845 1083.