Where to study?

[kel05]

Hi all!

I'm currently looking at different bachelor of nursing programs, and I was wondering if anyone had a really good experience where they studied. I know all the programs are very similar and all of them will give you the same qualifications, but I also know that a better educational experience will increase your confidence as you transition from study to employment.

I'm not looking to apply until the 2013 intake for full time study. I have my permanent residency, but I'm waiting to be eligible for citizenship so I don't have to pay the entire student contribution upfront. I'm also under contract with my current employer until January, 2013 and I want to finish that commitment first. I currently live in the Hunter region of NSW, but I don't have a problem moving out of state to study so I would love to hear about anyone's experience. Ultimately, I think I would like to work in an emergency department or an ICU, if that makes any difference to your suggestions.

Thanks!

[imaginations]

You cannot work as an EN after second year in NSW. You must have done the Diploma at Tafe to work as an EN.

[Scrubby]

looks like you can work as an en after completing two years at une.

http://www.une.edu.au/courses/courses/bnurs

"students can apply to graduate with the advanced diploma in nursing upon successful completion of 96 credit points and be eligible to apply for endorsed enrolled nurse status with the nursing and midwifery board of australia (nmba). this enables them to seek employment as an endorsed enrolled nurse to assist them to cope financially with their final year of study if they opt to complete the bachelor of nursing.

students can then continue with the bachelor of nursing subject to completing within their period of candidature.

une has been at the forefront of nurse education longer than any other university in australia. une was the first tertiary education provider in australia to offer distance education for nurses.une nurse graduates are well respected within the profession, they are critical thinkers, and well prepared educationally for the professional challenges they will face. the 29-35 weeks of supervised clinical practice over 3 years ensures that students are well prepared for their roles as professional nurses when they complete their course"

i wish they had this option at my uni.

[imaginations]

Wow thanks for that Scrubby. I did not know that and stand corrected!

[Scrubby]

Looks like you have to do first year on campus at UNE and then the last two years can be done externally.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Yes, Scrubby is a very knowledgeable wee lassie!

I worked with a Uni of Adelaide new grad finishing his grad year at one of our major hospitals. This young man was extremely competent and very glad he'd chosen Uni Adel over UNISA. They have 3 days p/week clinical and the other days are for lectures, etc. He told me he learned a lot during his time there. It sounds like a good place.

UNISA students now - even 3rd year - can't do IVs or anything like that - they aren't allowed (well the ones we had a few weeks ago couldn't). I remember thinking: my God, when they get a patient load, they are going to DROWN.

When u enquire re course, ask about what u get to do on clinicals and IVs with meds and such, I reckon. Get as much info re clinicals and experience as you can.

[Scrubby]

Yes, Scrubby is a very knowledgeable wee lassie!

I worked with a Uni of Adelaide new grad finishing his grad year at one of our major hospitals. This young man was extremely competent and very glad he'd chosen Uni Adel over UNISA. They have 3 days p/week clinical and the other days are for lectures, etc. He told me he learned a lot during his time there. It sounds like a good place.

UNISA students now - even 3rd year - can't do IVs or anything like that - they aren't allowed (well the ones we had a few weeks ago couldn't). I remember thinking: my God, when they get a patient load, they are going to DROWN.

When u enquire re course, ask about what u get to do on clinicals and IVs with meds and such, I reckon. Get as much info re clinicals and experience as you can.

I recently completed a hospital run preceptorship course and we were pretty much told by the people running the course that the expectations from UniSA students had to be lower because of how the nursing program is run. I think it's very unfair to these poor students who are paying good money for a nursing degree and are not getting the hands on experience they need. And yes carol they will be completely overwhelmed when they graduate and will require more support.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

I recently completed a hospital run preceptorship course and we were pretty much told by the people running the course that the expectations from UniSA students had to be lower because of how the nursing program is run. I think it's very unfair to these poor students who are paying good money for a nursing degree and are not getting the hands on experience they need. And yes carol they will be completely overwhelmed when they graduate and will require more support.

Yes I absolutely SHUDDER to think what mistakes may happen due to lack of quality clinical time. I also feel sorry for the RNs who have to supervise more and answer more questions, etc.

[canned_bread]

Ok... I know this is going to sound horrible, but I personally highly advise that you do not go to ACU North Sydney. That is where I did my training, and I found the organisation horrible. Although there were some staff members that were absolutely WONDERFUL, overall the organisation was horrible. They made mistakes, they continuously struggled to get clinical placements (which is a problem for all universities, however ACU has a particularly hard time) and it seems that they have to many students for what they can handle.

A very experienced nurse said to me that she often found the quality of students that came out of ACU having finished their program was sub-standard compared to other students. She said they often struggled and appeared to have gaps in their knowledge.

Once again, I would like to express that this is a personal view.

[canned_bread]

University of Technology, Sydney (undergrad B. Nursing --> 3 years and for graduate entry degree holders condensed to 2 years)

Sydney University (grad entry Master of Nursing --> 2 years + brand new undergrad entry B. Nursing 2012 with rural, regional, interstate and international placement opportunities, which would be a major bonus in the current climate)

I would avoid ACU & UWS in NSW at the moment.

I would also suggest reading up on the uncapping of student numbers from 2012 and the effects this is having on clinical placements and student experiences and education.

150 UWS students unable to graduate due to lack of clinical placements

I was unable to graduate from ACU on time due to a lack of clinical placements!! And on my last placement they stuck me for 3 weeks at a hospital, and then a week in a nursing home! So I had to do all my paperwork in 3 weeks, and then get "Experience" in a nursing home, having had 2 clinical placements before in a nursing home. NO WAY to gain experience at such a critical time, and all I did was ADLs the whole time at the nursing home. I am very angry at that lol.

[canned_bread]

I do not recommend ACU based on my experience and my fellow student colleagues.