The Certificate in Sexual Health is a postgraduate education course for registered nurses and midwives who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues in a variety of contexts.

The aim of this course is to provide participants with the opportunity to develop competence in the promotion and practice of sexual health nursing/midwifery. Learning occurs in an environment where participants can critically discuss the issues of sexual and reproductive health in terms of client need, health outcomes, service provision, legal and ethical boundaries and professional nursing/midwifery practice.

Eligibility criteria: Current registration as a registered nurse or midwife with AHPRA and two years full-time (or equivalent) post-registration experience.

The course consists of three components:

• Part 1:Theoretical component
• Part 2: Introduction to sexual health consultation 
• Part 3: Clinical component

The successful completion of all three of the above components entitles participants to be awarded SHine SA's Certificate in Sexual Health. Registered nurses and midwives who are awarded the certificate will be competent to practise in the area of sexual health.

Participants may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery courses. To discuss contact the Coordinator, Nursing & Midwifery Education on (08) 8300 5319.

Part 1: Theoretical component

These theoretical units provide the opportunity for nurses and midwives to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of sexual health issues. The eight theoretical units include:

• frameworks for sexual health practice
• health assessment
• reproductive health
• sexually transmitted infections
• women's sexual health
• men's sexual health
• diversity
• future directions

Date: 21-23 & 26-28 March 2012 (Course Code: SHN 9020107)
          1-3 & 6-8 August 2012 (Course Code: SHN 9020109)
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Place: SHine SA, 64c Woodville Road, Woodville
Cost: $550 (Course fees will be increased in June 2012, affecting all courses in the 2012–13 financial year.)

Assessment

Satisfactory completion of the theoretical component is dependent on:

• pre-course readings (supplied)
• attendance on all six days of the course
• satisfactory completion of a written assignment

Part 2: Introduction to sexual health consultation

This two-day workshop forms the link between the theoretical and clinical components, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and skills in a consultation context. Workshop content includes:

• GATHER model of consultation
• gender and power
• sexual diversity
• sexual health counselling: counsellor and client factors, PLISSIT Model for sexual health intervention, and  sexual health interviewing
• common sexual function problems: overview, aetiology and treatment with case examples
• scope of practice and referral pathways
  

Course details

Date: 30 April - 1 May 2012 (Course Code: SHN 9020108)
          3-4 September 2012 (Course Code: SHN 9020110)
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Place: SHine SA, 64c Woodville Road, Woodville
Cost: $140 (Course fees will be increased in June 2012, affecting all courses in the 2012–13 financial year.)

Assessment

Attendance and meaningful participation on both days of the course. 

Part 3: Clinical component

The aim of the clinical component is to prepare registered nurses and midwives to work in the area of women’s and men’s sexual health. It also aims to prepare nurses and midwives to provide information, resources and care that is non-judgmental and inclusive, and be able to competently and sensitively carry out appropriate clinical procedures.

The clinical placement of 54 contact hours (over a 2–3 week period) is designed for those who work in a related area or with SHine SA’s communities of interest, or have demonstrated a commitment to sexual health nursing. The clinical component develops competence and experience in sexual health clinical nursing practice.  This placement must be undertaken within 12 months of completing the theoretical component.

The clinical placement is negotiated individually. Priority is given to RN/RMs who will be able to practise the skills developed. The clinical component contact hours may occur at any of the SHine SA sites. Participants may need to arrange leave from their workplace to undertake this placement.

This placement focuses more on women’s health (rather than men’s) because SHine SA clinic clients at present are more often female. Special clinical arrangements may be made in partnership with other sexual health agencies for male nurses wishing to undertake a clinical placement.

It is anticipated that on completion of the clinical placement participants will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competency in the following areas:

• consultation and history taking
• contraception advice
• pregnancy testing and advice
• vaginal speculum insertion and examination
• Pap smear for cytology screening
• screening for sexually transmitted infections
• breast awareness education
• bi-manual pelvic examination*
• breast examination*
• diaphragm assessment, fitting and follow up*
• testicular self-examination*

* Competency in these procedures is not essential unless required in the workplace. If deemed competent this will be at beginner level only.

Course details

Date: To be set with Course Coordinator
Cost: $660 (Course fees will be increased in June 2012, affecting all courses in the 2012–13 financial year.)

Assessment

Pre clinical

• Pre-clinical portfolio workbook
• Development of personal learning objectives in relation to the ANMC Competency Standards

Clinical

•  Achievement of competency in specific practice areas
• Clinical practice competency assessment in relation to the ANMC Competency Standards

Post-clinical

• Reflective practice assignment

Course registration

Download the Course registration form and forward the completed and signed form with your payment to:

Course Administrator
SHine SA
PO Box 76, Woodville SA 5011

For more information email SHineSACourses@health.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8300 5317.