Module 2 Cervical Screening (Face to Face)

Module 2. Cervical Screening 

This module meets the National Competencies for Cervical Screening Providers. Nurses will become competent to provide cervical screening and preventative health checks to eligible women on behalf of a supporting doctor.

Course Structure

1. Complete Online Prework (approximately 14 hours)
2. Attend 2 Day face to face theory workshop at SHQ.
3. Supervision in own workplace to complete 15 cervical screening tests within 6 months of attending theory course.
4. Book two supervised clinical attachment sessions at SHQ, if found to be competent a certificate of completion will be issued.

All cervical screens undertaken in the nurse’s workplace must have results recorded, deidentified and submitted to the SHQ preceptor at SHQ supervised clinical attachment.

If a supervisor is not available in your workplace for all of the 15 supervised cervical screens an SHQ preceptor may be able to travel to your workplace to provide supervision. Costs will be provided when this option is requested.

Workplace supervisors must be a nurse or doctor who have a current AHPRA registration and a minimum of 2 years experience as a cervical screen provider.  SHQ supervised clinical attachment sessions specific to cervical screening are $220 each including GST.

Please note: If you are completing the Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Nursing) your pathway for supervised clinical attachment is different to nurses who are completing module 2 cervical screening only.  The alternate pathway can be accessed here

Theory Content

Topics include:

• Taking a well women’s sexual health history
• Cervical screening
• Breast health
• Pelvic floor and continence
• Common gynaecological issues
• Menopause

Assessment

This module has an assessment component. Nurses must complete the online work for Module 2 before attending the face to face workshop and complete an assessment on the last day of the theory workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a supervisor in my workplace? The Certificate of Sexual and Reproductive Health (Nursing) offers the opportunity to attend the SHQ clinic for supervised clinical attachment that incorporates STI, contraception and cervical screening, maybe this is a better option. More information about this course can be found here

What if I have previously worked independently to provide cervical screening/pap smear services and I only want to upskill? Upskilling of knowledge and skills in cervical screening for those healthcare professionals who have previously been trained and worked independently in providing cervical screening may be available on request. Contact the Nurse Educator Karen Bonte to discuss this option further.

I am a doctor looking to upskill in cervical screening, do I need to attend this course?    No, please contact the Medical Educator Dr Alison Creagh to discuss your particular needs.

I am an experienced nurse with speculum experience, do I still need to attend the course?   Yes,  If you have not had prior training and experience in cervical screening it is recommended that you complete the cervical screening course. The comprehensive content goes beyond the practical aspects of speculum insertion to ensure the quality of nurse-provided cervical screening services.

Will I be able to perform cervical screening on my own after attending the theory?  No, the theory course provides an overview of the development of, and the screening required to prevent cervical cancer. Under normal circumstances participants will not have the required skill to be a competent cervical screening provider after completing only the theory component.

Why do I need to come into SHQ after completing 15 supervised cervical screening tests in my workplace?  An SHQ preceptor needs to assess your skills so that we can provide you with a certificate of completion. The certificate allows you to demonstrate accountability and responsibility for your practice and recognises your nursing expertise as a cervical screening provider.

I live regionally, is there another option to attending the SHQ clinic in Perth for the supervised clinical attachment?  Please contact us to discuss further,  we may be able to come to you or we may have an SHQ endorsed supervisor in your region. Contact the Nurse Educator Karen Bonte to discuss further.