[Oznurse2b]

Do you think it matters which University you do your degree at?

I think I have chosen the wrong one.... We have very little prac for a very practical field.... I am wondering if anyone knows if employers actually look at what university you go to.

At first I thought that there is such a shortage of nurses, so it would not
really have an impact. But this year there are 500 students in first year, not including midyear intake.

Should I be swapping Uni's for next year and hope I get credit for the theory I have already done?

What do you think????? Pleeeeeeze

[lifes_a_beach]

Hmm
Thats a question I asked myself when I first contemplating becoming a nurse. Im really really lucky that I got into the Uni I go to. We do about 9 months (in a 3 year degree) of full time clincal prac. Its about 13 weeks a year. Our grad nurses are considered one of the best due to our pracs. Over here in WA we are pretty much all have jobs by the end of this year. I honestly think that the road is smoothed a little by picking a Uni that does do alot of prac but if you a proactive in your learning (ie work in Aged care while your studying to get that extra experience) and choose a graduate program that offers lots of study days and preceptor support then it all really evens itself out. Ive meet great student nurses from all the Universities and I guess its just what you make it. Its a great sign that you do care about this and shows that you will be one of those student nurses who seeks out learning experiences whilst on prac, no matter how short.
Good luck! Hope this helps

[joannep]

I agree, you are going to make yourself more attractive if you are able to work in Aged care while you are studying. I assume you have at least a level 2 first aid certificate. Write to every nursing home in your area, sending your cv and a covering letter. Follow it up with a phone call, and be persisitent. My daughter got a permanent job in a nursing home in her first year as a nursing student, and she hadn't even done any pracs!

[monstermunch]

I agree, the University I went to didn't offer much clinical experience so I worked in Aged care for 18 months and then worked as an Assistant in Nursing during my third year at Uni. Both areas have really been beneficial for me, I am doing my GNP now and am loving it!

[lifes_a_beach]

You wouldnt have any problems finding at job in aged care either!
I got offered 3 jobs in one day, one nursing home even called me back straight away telling me to please not accept any other jobs as they really wanted me. There is such a shortage! I really think you should go for it!

[Oznurse2b]

Thanks for the replies!

I have been thinking long and hard about what to do. I can't really work at the moment because I just can not afford to.. as crazy as that sounds
If I went to work, I would loose all my family payment and I just can't afford that and go to uni, childcare would cost a fortune! My accountant has advised to start working in sem 2, year 3... that would give me the best financial position to be in.

I know for a fact that we only do 2 weeks prac in first year, and a bit more each year, but other uni's are already starting their prac each week in their first year, first semester. I suppose I am a little jealous as well

So, we are looking at moving maybe next year and I am going to apply at a different Uni, but unfortunately it doesn't look as though they do much more prac than I would now!!! Oh well.

So thanks again!!!!