[shelly27]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am an RN Div 2 working in Melbourne and considering doing my bachelor of nursing next year externally possibly through South Australia or Northern Territory university.

I just want to hear from anyone who has done this or is currently studying this way. How did you go juggling work, family and study? Also how did the clinicals go, did you have to travel for them or could you do them in Melbourne. Do you think you had enough practical experience studying this way?

Any information greatly appreciated.

Thanks heaps,

Shelly

[joannep]

Hi,
My friend's sister was also a Div 2 who did the course through SA and is now a Div 1. She was/still is married with children and worked while she did the course. I don't think she found it really, really easy, but with a supportive husband and family, who provided child care for when she had deadlines to meet; a supportive workplace environment and a healthy dose of determination she did it.
She did her clinicals in Melbourne and I think she found that really convenient. She had no problems with the quality or the amount of time spent in clinicals.
She really enjoyed the course, and the bonus was the trip to SA for graduation!

Good luck,

[MicStar]

Originally Posted by shelly27

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am an RN Div 2 working in Melbourne and considering doing my bachelor of nursing next year externally possibly through South Australia or Northern Territory university.

I just want to hear from anyone who has done this or is currently studying this way. How did you go juggling work, family and study? Also how did the clinicals go, did you have to travel for them or could you do them in Melbourne. Do you think you had enough practical experience studying this way?

Any information greatly appreciated.

Thanks heaps,

Shelly

Hi Shelly

I can help you here!! I studies externally for 3 years in SA and managed it well with work & family <however i did not have any kids then>.

Shelly I was an EN working in acute care. For the first year I was working 4 days a week, I tell you I must have been dedicated though, I woke up most mornings at 5am and studied until 7.30am and then dedicated the 1 full day for studies. They gave me quite alot of credit <like they would any EN> for previous experience as an EN [12 points I think]. So I guess I could afford to still work 4 days per week. There was no clinical placement in first year, well there was an aged care placement but due to previous exp. I was not required to do.

Second year was more demanding, so I prepared myself, and organised my life working 2 days per week. The clinical placements were completed during my annual leave again and leave without pay. It was tight but I managed finanically. I had a supportive wife & a supportive manager at the time, these two things are very important as you could imagine.

Third year I increased to 4 days a week after my practicum. It was well worth it. I studied full time and I believe you can. If you need any further information please dont hesitate!!!

[MicStar]

Addit to previous message...

Shelly, I felt prepared at the end of my degree. The most important things is to choose your clinical placement (practicum) carefully. The practicum (3rd year final placement) is the time when the knowledge you learn start to merge with the skills your performing. As a div 2 Shelly or EN you have a great basis and will excel. The exams during uni are the same as the internal students. As an external student you need to be good at self directed learning because your not going to have any other students to learn with; I would not recommend this delivery for people who are not ENs or div 2. Im not sure about clinical placements in melbourne, you'll need to ask the uni. good luck

[SC-RN]

Hi Shelly,
I completed my first 2 years internally at Ballarat University then my finial year externally at university of South Australia.

Now to compare them both for you i believe i gained valuable experience from studding internally mainly due to the weekly work shops which you don’t get externally. They are offered before you go on your clinical placement.
I found that they lacked organization by the staff, too many students in the workshops with little value. This was also the consensus of the groups.

Information i received as a 3rd year student at UNISA i had previously became proficient during my 1st and 2nd year from internal nursing work shops.

As for clinical placements, they are limited unless you are prepared to travel to S.A.
I live in Victoria and the placement on offer where rural 2-4 hours from home. Therefore I canvassed my own clinical placements, which is not tolerated by the university but I was not going to S.A for a period of 4-6 weeks (Too bad for them) I completed my placements close to home 5-10 minutes drive.

The theory component at UNISA was great I found it quite comprehensive and valuable to our nursing career. Another Pro was the student support with the use of the online unit blogs; most students are very keen to answer any questions you may be having trouble with.... which is comforting. I looked forward to receiving my unit work books and readings in the mail.

I completed my degree in October 2007 and graduated in 2008

If you any other questions do ask