Grad. Dip./post registration after bachelor of nursing?

Chimera · May 26, 2005

Hi,

I am a new grad that has just started at a major hospital in sydney.

I don't think your job opportunities would be any greater - due to the fact employment as an RN is based mostly on clinical experience. Grad dips and such are great to do I think when you know what specialty you like and when you are working in that area, then you usaually have an edge over the average nurse having both experience and postgrad quals in the area.

Those are just my thoughts tho and what I have noticed from my limited time in the profession.

Hope it helps!

I was just wondering what you all thought about doing a 4th year (Grad. Dip. or bachelor of nsg: post registration) after completing the 3 year bachelor of nursing?
It's something I've thought about, but not the year after finishing my 3rd year. Does having the extra qualifications improve the chances of being employed or does it not make a difference??

talaxandra · May 30, 2005

I agree with Chimera. Post-grad qualifications are great for both promotion and knowledge, but for new graduates clinical experience is much more important. Besides, you won't know until you've been out for a while what you want to specialise in. Many post-grad nursing qualifications are specialised, which limits the breadth of your options, so you want to have an idea of what you like, and maybe even what your long-term career aspirations are, before commiting to a grad. cert/dip.