For the first time in WA, Curtin University of Technology\u2019s School of Nursing and Midwifery is offering professionals an alternative pathway to begin a career in nursing – a move which can help alleviate the current nursing shortage in WA.<\/p>\n
The new Master of Nursing Practice (Graduate Entry) targets postgraduates, not only in the health sciences but in various other disciplines, to complete the comprehensive two-year course which will enable them to register with the Nurse and Midwives Board of WA.<\/p>\n
This new pathway will reduce the course length by one and a half years.<\/p>\n
Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Phillip Della, emphasised the timeliness of this course.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing the recommendations by the National Nursing Review to introduce alternative entry pathways to nursing, this course comes at a time when there is a state-wide shortage of nurses and midwives across the private and public sector,\u201d Professor Della said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shortage is serious and ranges from 15 per cent in metropolitan areas and up to around 50 per cent in country areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessionals will find that their existing qualifications will not be wasted when embarking on a new career in nursing. On the contrary, their diverse backgrounds and life experiences will make them highly competitive once they graduate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former Biomedical scientist Therese Weldt, one of the students who will start the course in the inaugural mid-year intake, believes her previous experience and qualifications would more than compensate for the reduced qualifying time.<\/p>\n
\u201dI decided to take on this course as my work in research did not give me the satisfaction in life I desired. I longed to work in an environment where I could interact with people and I often thought about a career in nursing,\u201d Miss Weldt said<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an active member of the St John Volunteer First Aid Service, I found patient care very rewarding, and I am really looking forward to taking up the challenge of a new career direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professionals who have a degree in the health sciences will be required to complete a Foundations of Nursing and Health 560 unit prior to commencing, while those with a degree from a different discipline will need to complete a unit in human biology, psychology, and the Foundations of Nursing and Health unit.<\/p>\n