The programme we offer has four cornerstones which enhance the engagement of the New Graduate with the learning experience:

CLINCIAL PRACTICE	PRECEPTORSHIP
FOUR CORNERSTONES OF SUPPORTING PRACTICE OF A NEW PRACTITIONER
CLINICAL SUPERVISION	THEORY

(Casey and Simmonds, 2004)

Clinical Practice
Provides an environment that supports and enables the new graduate to develop their skills as Registered Nurses.  The new graduates will be employed by the Otago DHB in a permanent position.

Preceptorship
Preceptorship is an educational relationship, which involves orientation, teaching support and guidance from a registered nurse in your clinical setting.  The aim of the relationship is to assist the new graduate with the transition from student to registered nurse.  All preceptors attend preceptor training workshop that is provided by the Otago DHB.

Clinical Supervision
Clinical Supervision is another vital cornerstone of Mental Health Nursing practice.  The aim of this relationship is to enhance safe practice, to provide a supportive environment for the new graduate to explore, examine, clarify and reflect on there experiences.

Faugier (1994) describes clinical supervision as "activity of examining one's practice with a more experienced and skilled professional in a formal relationship".

Theory
The theory content is aimed at providing you with information to add to your existing knowledge base and to extend your base of clinical skills.  This includes a comprehensive orientation to the Otago DHB Mental Health Service. Examples of content includes:

• Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment
• Legislation
• Managing Risk
• Depression, Psychosis, Anxiety
• Managing Challenging Behaviours
• Physical Health Assessments
• Working with Families
• Pharmacology
• Recovery philosophy
• Cultural Awareness
• Therapeutic relationships