Parkinson’sWA Experiential Learning Pathway
Parkinson’sCare
ExperientialLearningPathway:Parkinson’sCare
Parkinson’sWA(PWA)hasdevelopedatailoredExperientialLearningPathwaydesignedtoenhanceknowledge and skills in Parkinson’s care This comprehensive 6-month program combines carefully selected educational contentandpracticalexperiencestomaximiseimpactandprofessionalgrowth
With an increasing need to support the 15,000 individuals living with Parkinson’s in Western Australia, PWA is proactivelyaddressingthedemandforaskilledworkforceinboththeshortandlongterm Thispathwayequips Registered Nurses (RNs) with specialised capabilities to provide high-quality care, especially for those being supported in community settings through PWA and other healthcare providers in WA’s public and private sectors
RNscompletingthispathwaycanapplytheirenhancedskillsintheircurrentworkplaceorpursueopportunities specifically in Parkinson’s care The program blends hands-on experience with structured learning to ensure nursesarewell-preparedtomanagethecomplexitiesofParkinson’scare
TheExperientialLearningPathwayconsistsoffourkeyelements: Coursework
Acuratedonlinecourse tailoredtotheRN’s specificlearningneeds;
CommunitySeminars
Attendanceatall Parkinson’sWA communityseminars overthe6-monthperiod
Workshops
Twodedicatedworkshops withtheParkinson’sNurse SpecialistTeamatPWA
FieldworkPlacement
Clinicalimmersionwiththe Parkinson’sNurse SpecialistTeam,guidedby anexperienced practitioner
ThisprogramisinvaluableindevelopingaskilledworkforcereadytomeettheevolvingneedsofParkinson’scare Keyelementsoftheprogram:
Interdisciplinary Learning: The program will involve opportunities to collaborate with GPs, neurologists, allied health professionals, speech therapists, and other healthcare providers to offer a comprehensive understanding of Parkinson'smanagement;
Patient-CenteredCare:Theprogramfocusesonimprovingthenurses'abilitytodelivercompassionate,personalised carethataddressesthephysical,emotional,andcognitivechallengesfacedbythoselivingwithParkinson’s;
Advanced Knowledge: Nurses learn about the latest advancements in Parkinson’s disease treatments, symptom management,rehabilitation,andsupportstrategiestoimprovepatients’qualityoflife;
LeadershipandAdvocacy: Beyond clinical skills, the program may include elements of leadership training, enabling nursestoadvocateforbetterParkinson’scarepracticeswithintheirworkplacesorcommunities;and
Network Development: Upon completion, participants will have developed an understanding of the Parkinson’s/neurologicalnetworkinWAspecifically,andhaveanappreciationofthenationallandscape
InitialExpressionsofInterest(EOIs)arebeingsoughtfromRegisteredNurseswhohaveatleast5yearspostregistration experienceandatleast2yearsworkingintheneurologicalsector Theprogramwillbeself-pacedtobecompletedin a 6-month period in 2025 with the successful applicants making themselves available for the seminars, curated workshopsandfieldworkplacement
TheRoleoftheProgramParticipant
TheRegisterednurse,asasuccessfulprogramparticipant,willundertaketheprogramintheirowntimewith nopaymentbyPWAforthehourscommitted TheinitialpilotprogramwillbesubsidisedbyPWAandatno costtothesuccessfulparticipants
Moreover,thesuccessfulparticipantswill:
UndertakerelevantorientationtoPWA’spoliciesandprocedurespertinenttotheaspectsoftheprogram SignaConfidentialityAgreementduetoasaspectsofclientconfidentiality.
SelectionCriteria
Eligible for registration in the category of Registered Nurse bytheNursingandMidwiferyBoardofAustralia/AHPRA;
Demonstratedsoundbeginningknowledgeandexperience in the area of Parkinson’s and neurological nursing A minimumof5years’experiencepost-registration;
Demonstrated ability to absorb information and process concepts related to the care of those living with Parkinson’s/neurologicalconditions;
Ability to undertake commitments of attendance at nominated Parkinson’s WA community seminars, the two specifically designed workshops with the Parkinson’s Nurse SpecialistTeamatParkinson’sWAandfileldwork;and
Have the ability to work from home with some opportunity toutilisethePWAoffices
Disclaimer
AlthoughallendeavourswillbemadetoensurethelearningandsupportenvironmentprovidedbyParkinson’sWA is fully conducive to superior learning outcomes and achievement of the Experiential Learning Pathway goals, Parkinson’s WA does not accept responsibility for factors beyond their control that contribute to a less than acceptableprogramresult
PlacesarecompetitiveandPWAreservestherighttodeterminesuccessfulapplicantswithnoabilitytoappealon thepartoftheapplicant
ProgramSponsor–AdjProfYasminNaglazas,CEOParkinson’sWA yasminnaglazas@parkinsonswaorgau
ProgramLeader–ShereeAmbrosini,ClinicalLead,Parkinson’sWA shreeambrosini@parkinsonswaorgau