Virtual Nursing Education in 2006

2005 was a year of development for Virtual Nursing Education, many of which have been reported previously in this column. It was pleasing to have our efforts formally recognised by being selected as a national finalist in the Austrade Secrets of IT Innovation 2005 competition. Now, it is timely to present an overview of the critical features of the total Virtual Nursing Education learning management system.

1. The Virtual Nursing Education learning management system comprises:- the Administration Console;- the Education Manager Console; and- a range of e-learning modules.2. The Administration Console includes control of the modules and their content as well as the number of nurses to be given access to the VNE.3. The Education Manager Console records details of nurses and their progress and performance on specified e-learning modules.4. The e-learning modules have been prepared by the VNE education team in response to client requests.5. The e-learning modules have been endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia.6. In 2005 the VNE learning management system was trialled with nurses from:- Royal Perth Hospital;- Graylands Hospital;- Hollywood Private Hospital;- Wakefield Hospital (South Australia);- South-West Area Health Service; – Sydney West Area Health Service; and- Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital (Colombo, Sri Lanka). 7. The VNE learning management system has been reviewed by:- Aged Care of Australia;- Australian Catholic University;- Australian Council of Health Care Standards;- Bard Australia;- Diabetes Australia (NSW);- MINA;- Modbury Hospital, South Australia;- Ramsays Health Care;- Silver Chain;- Nurses Board of South Australia;- University of Newcastle; and- Institute of Technical Education, Singapore. 8. The VNE learning management system is fully operational and is attracting strong interest nationally and internationally. The following options are now available:• VNE Licence: The VNE learning management system is available on an annual licence basis. The licensee is able to install a total learning management system to serve the learning needs of staff. A comprehensive IT support program is available through the Virtual Medical Centre.• Learning through VNE: Organisations have the option of enrolling staff through the VNE learning system. This done by purchasing a given number of places on the system.• E-Learning modules: Modules that have been produced by the VNE educational team are available for purchase.• E-Learning module development: The VNE can produce e-learning modules on request or convert previously prepared hard copy materials for online delivery.For further information on these options including costings please contact: Mr Tom Maher General Manager Virtual Medical Centre Phone: 08 9388 0344 Email: tom.maher@virtualmedicalcentre.com