Online Resource Library

Some infections are inevitable in an environment where frail people live in close proximity. Many older people have extra vulnerability to infections and lower defences due to depressed immune systems. This interesting session explores whether low-grade infections are more rife in some facilities and the reasons why this may be the case.

When it comes to the issue of infection control, there are a number of benchmarks used to determine the effectiveness of workplace standards. One measure of quality that is easily determined relates to the cleanliness of a facility. This lecture explores these issues from the perspective of a designated infectious disease auditor.

There is an increased emphasis in dementia care to critically examine practice and ensure it complies with national standards. This lecture will look at established benchmarks that describe what is considered best- practice dementia care. It will assist you to reflect on your own care deliverables relating to this difficult and complex area of care.

Nursing is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. There is no doubting that, but in the process of caring, many nurses fail to separate their home and work lives. This lecture explores these issues, and discusses how to ‘protect’ your home life through simple strategies for survival and well being, so you can go home each day feeling better informed and in control.

As the population continues to age, more people require complex health support, and this includes assistance with the management of chronic pain. As new evidence emerges about the best way to manage persistent and advanced cancer pain, it is essential that nurses have access to up to date information that ensures the care they provide is relevant and correct. This lecture explores contemporary issues in chronic pain, and will be valuable to all nurses.

Following correct and strict infection control procedures is one of the most important roles 
of a nurse. Although all nurses learn about the disease transmission model, it is advantageous to frequently review our knowledge to ensure our practice is current and has not ‘slipped’. This interesting series of 4 lectures looks at current best practice for nurses and ensures that your knowledge is up-to-date.

Although all nurses and midwives learn and understand the disease transmission model, correct, practical application of this knowledge is what makes a difference in terms of infection control and positive clinical outcomes. This two part series examines the regulation of infection control, and the obligations imposed upon those working in the healthcare sector.

Hospitals are full of sick people who potentially carry a range of infectious diseases. As a nurse 
it is essential you look after yourself and remain safe from contagion. In this two-part session we will review some common infectious diseases and examine at how staff can prevent themselves from being harmed.

For some people, the sheer frustrations caused by the onset of chronic disease may trigger untoward behaviors. In this session you will learn practical tips for dealing with a range of difficult behaviors in inpatient settings.

When a person has experienced a stroke, their life usually changes forever. Those closest to them are likely to be profoundly affected. Challenges include dealing with emotions never experienced before and learning to live with chronic illness and the ever-present fear of another stroke. This important session will address these areas of concern and explain how nurses can help.

A stroke is a catastrophic event. But the event and the immediate period following are just the beginning. Assisting people to move from dependence to (where possible) self-care, and independence is a crucial aspect of the nursing care of survivors of stroke.

The physiological effects of a stroke are devastating, and require a concerted period of rehabilitation to effect recovery. But what are the psychological factors that influence the outcome of rehabilitation? From personal experience, this lecture explores these issues at depth.

This personal narrative presents perspectives about clinical issues in the nursing care of people affected by stroke. It offers suggestions to nurses on how they can assist survivors to rehabilitate to their full potential

It may be that a patient has one or more physical problems (e.g. a broken leg and pneumonia) with no unexpected deterioration in these problems. Instead, there is a psychiatric relapse or perhaps the first emergence of mental instability. Examples include marked post-operative confusion or paranoid ideas about the harmful intentions of the staff or prescribed medicines that cause psychiatric symptoms. This 2 part lecture series explores these issues in depth.

Australia faces significant challenges over the next half century in regards to a rapidly ageing population. Alongside increased longevity, there is predicted to be a very large rise in the percentage of this population diagnosed with some for of dementia, and not all of those diagnosed will be over 65. These challenges, and approaches to their management are examined in this 3 part lecture series.

The 12-lead electrocardiogram is an essential tool for diagnosing abnormalities of heart function. As a tool, it is easy to use, but the information it provides is not necessarily easy to interpret. The essential starting point to understanding the abnormal is to develop skills in the interpretation of the normal 12-lead ECG, and this lecture series provides guidelines that will help achieve that objective. Ausmed Online has a range of Video learning Activities related to this lecture series, and it is highly recommended that you explore these prior to listening to this lecture.

The assessment of Acute Coronary Syndromes requires urgency, accuracy and the ability to correctly interpret the findings within a given context. This 2-part lecture series focus’s upon the ‘hands on’ aspect of the assessment, and draws attention to the correct techniques required to perform auscultation, palpation, and JVP assessment. This is a highly practical lecture that will be of interest to all nurses who wish to improve their clinical assessment skills.

Acute pulmonary oedema (APO) is a frequent and life-threatening consequence of severe Acute Coronary Syndromes. The onset can be rapid, and consequently the diagnosis and treatment also needs to be equally prompt to circumvent a rapid deterioration. This 2-part series examines the complexities of APO, with particular emphasis on aggressive treatment pathways, including effective respiratory support modalities now in common use.

There area range of cardiac rhythm abnormalities that represent significant risk and require urgent diagnosis and treatment. This lecture examines three of the most common arrhythmias, and approaches to their diagnosis and management. Ausmed has a range of Video learning Activities related to this topic, and it is highly recommended that these are explored prior to listening to this lecture.

The diagnosis and treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome marks the beginning of a management pathway that extends well beyond the acute event. This lecture examines the approaches that can be taken to rehabilitate the person and and reduce risk of further events. The critical issue of the reduction of risk factors through behavioural, lifestyle and pharmacological pathways are also explored.