The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) in collaboration with the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) developed this program to support emerging and novice breast care nurses to gain a better understanding of the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with breast cancer, within a multidisciplinary setting. This program offers students the opportunity to access blended learning through a 5 day face to face program in a speciality unit, with learning supported by access to online resources. During the program students can expect to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide holistic care to the patient experiencing breast cancer specifically in the areas of:

• screening and diagnosing breast cancer
• the psychological impact of breast cancer
• breast cancer treatments and managing their effects
• the role of the breast care nurse in coordination of care for breast cancer patients
• reconstructive surgery
• the genetics and pathology of breast cancer.

Please refer to learning objectives:

• Early Breast Cancer Nursing Practicum
• Metastatic Breast Cancer Nursing Workshop

Students will have successfully completed 112 Breast Cancers unit and/or 327 Principles of Breast Cancer Nursing unit at ACN (or equivalent) or can demonstrate sufficient clinical experience in breast care nursing i.e. 6 months if working in a BCN role at 0.5FTE and more. If working less than this, a minimum of 12 months of BCN experience is required.

Please refer to the ‘clinical placement requirements’ for NSW here for further information on the requirements needed to attend the practicum in NSW.

To enrich learning and enable access to clinical areas, numbers for each intake are limited. All successful applications will be placed on a waitlist for the next available date.

Westmead Breast Cancer Institute
Level 1, Block F, Westmead Hospital
Cnr Hawkesbury & Darcy Rd
Westmead NSW 2145

Customer Services, Australian College of Nursing
p: 02 9745 7500
f: 02 6282 3565
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au

This program is supported by the McGrath Foundation.