Gold Coast Health is recognised for quality patient care, nursing and midwifery excellence and innovations in professional nursing and midwifery practice under the Magnet® Recognition Program.
"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
For 25 years, Gold Coast Health's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Transition to Specialty Practice (TSP) Program has been preparing nurses to thrive in one of healthcare's most complex and demanding environments.
This year marks a significant milestone for the program, which has supported generations of nurses to transition into critical care practice while building a highly skilled Queensland workforce.
The program's origins date back to a statewide review of Queensland intensive care services, which identified the need to expand educational opportunities for ICU nurses.
At the time, only 36 per cent of Queensland Health ICU nurses held a postgraduate qualification in critical care nursing, with barriers including limited access to educators, restricted study opportunities and the cost of further education.
In response, Queensland Health appointed 13 ICU Nurse Educators to establish a coordinated approach to critical care education.
Among them was Gold Coast Health ICU educator Roseann Jane, who would go on to help establish the foundations of what became the ICU Transition Support Program (TSP).
Roseann spent 23 years as ICU educator at Gold Coast Health and played a key role in supporting the education and development of critical care nurses across the region.
Reflecting on the program's evolution, she said its core purpose has remained unchanged despite significant advances in healthcare and education.
"Over the past 25 years, the ICU Transition Support Program has grown into a robust and sustainable program that has supported thousands of nurses to transition safely and confidently into critical care practice," Roseann said.
"While clinical practice and education have evolved, the program's purpose has remained unchanged: preparing ICU nurses with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver safe, high-quality care to critically ill patients and their families."
One of the most innovative achievements was the alignment with postgraduate university study, demonstrating how workplace-based learning could successfully integrate with higher education providing academic credit towards postgraduate qualifications.
The program has since become a recognised pathway for professional development, with many graduates progressing into leadership and specialty roles across the health system.
Current ICU Nurse Unit Managers Michelle Higgins (Gold Coast University Hospital) and Kerin Walters (Robina Hospital) are among those who completed the ICU-TSP before advancing to postgraduate study and leadership positions, highlighting the program's enduring impact on career development.
Its legacy can also be seen through Clinical Facilitator Leanne Ferguson, a member of the inaugural ICU-TSP cohort in 2000, who now helps educate and mentor future critical care nurses.
Roseann recalled Leanne as a dedicated learner whose journey reflects the program's lasting influence.
"I remember Leanne from that first ICU-TSP cohort as someone who initially described herself as a bit of a procrastinator, but once she committed, she was incredibly diligent and engaged throughout the entire journey," she said.
"It has been really rewarding to see her come full circle. Watching Leanne transition from a participant in that inaugural cohort to now teaching and mentoring others through the ICU-TSP is a testament to her dedication and professional development."
Leanne also reflected on her ICU-TSP experience fondly.
“We got through it by working together as a team with study sessions at each other’s homes, coffee and Roseann,” Leanne said.
“It gave me more confidence in my knowledge and practice.”
The most recent cohort of Gold Coast Health ICU nurses graduated in September and are already putting their new skills and knowledge to use.
Registered nurse Deanna said she applied for the program because she was looking for more of a challenge in her nursing career.
“You are often caring for a patient on what can be the worst day of their life, so being able to make such a meaningful impact to them and their family is really rewarding,” she said.
As for Registered Nurse Lily, she has noticed a huge change in her nursing ability.
“I am a completely different nurse to when I started the TSP program,” Lily said.
“I’m so grateful for the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the past year.”
Leanne reflected on her rewarding career as a Nurse Educator in light of the latest cohort’s graduation.
“I love to see the light bulb moment when students start to ‘get it’,” she said.
“I want learning to be a joy, not a test, and love the challenge of changing teaching techniques to suit the learning style of the individuals.
“This latest cohort are showing an enthusiasm to learn about the complexities of ICU patients that increases my energy to teach and support them… maybe one of them will replace me in the future.”
For Roseann, the 25-year milestone is a celebration of both individual achievements and the broader impact of investing in nursing education.
"Seeing nurses grow in confidence, pursue further study and progress into leadership positions highlights the value of investing in nursing education and workforce development," she said.
25 years on, the ICU-TSP continues to shape clinicians, educators and leaders, ensuring future generations of nurses are equipped to provide exceptional care to some of the Gold Coast’s most critically ill patients.
