Bachelor of Nursing in Sydney (UTS, UWS or ACU?)

[windazz]

Hi there~~

I am a Canadian student interested in studying Nursing in Sydney.

I searched up on the internet and found 3 universities that offer the 3years Bachelor of Nursing program:

- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

- University of Western Sydney (UWS)

- Australian Catholic University (ACU)

It's hard for me to decide which one I should choose~ They all look similar to me... I am looking for realistic and practical studies, so not research and theory based studies~ Also, I really don't want to take english and physics coures, since they have nothing to do with nursing.

Are the BN degrees of these 3 universities internationally recognized?

cuz I want to come back to Canada after I graduate.

Can someone please give me the pros and cons of these universities?

Thank you! =)

[nyapa, RN]

I really think you should check with Canadian nursing boards before you consider studying nursing in Australia, as they may have different requirements. Nursing seems to be going this way lately, which is a real shame.

Re: the different universities, I really can't help you there, as I did my study in the Northern Territory...

Let me know what you find out, because I would love to know how the Canadian nursing system accepts Australian nursing qualifications, and you have better access to that than me...

Jay

[bassandtea]

I´m in my first semester at ACU in Brisbane and from what I understand the course is very much the same throughout all the ACU campuses.

I´m finding it much harder than I expected, but am enjoying the course. If you have any specific questions please feel free to PM me.

[windazz]

Re. bassandtea: Hi~ I have a few questions:

-Is the BN degree at AUC internationally recognized? cuz i'm planning to come back to Canada after i graduate~

-Also, do you have to take any physics, math, or english related courses?

-What are your exams and homeworks like?

-Any research papers or essays?

thx =)

[windazz]

re. nyapa: hi~ i'm only an undergraduate~ what do you mean by "nursing seems to be going this way lately, which is a real shame." ?

[nyapa, RN]

It is harder to work in different countries now. For example, to work in Britain, Australian nurses were instantly recognised. Now we have to do a short course to familiarise ourselves with the system.

That is why I'm saying be careful if you want to work in Canada after doing your nursing training here. Australian universities meet the requirements of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, which has advice from the various state nursing boards.

So whether our standards are recognised by Canada, or if we recognise Canadian courses, is something to be researched. I'm not sure that it is a reciprocal arrangement.

[windazz]

oky~ thx for your advice nyapa~ i'll check with that and come back to tell you wut i found out~

[nyapa, RN]

Cheers.

[bassandtea]

-Is the BN degree at AUC internationally recognized? cuz i'm planning to come back to Canada after i graduate~

Due to the different international requirements you would have to check with the correct authority in Canada, since this is changing all the time.

-Also, do you have to take any physics, math, or english related courses?

There are no specific Physics, Maths or English courses in a typical nursing program, however due to the nature of nursing Maths and English skills will come into practice with some courses.

-What are your exams and homeworks like?

We are expected to put in around 20 hours of non-contact work each week. My current timetable gives me two days off during the week, however at least one of those days is spent with my study group. In addition the one day I have a later start at 11am I arrive at the university by 8am to spend the morning studying. Some weeks I spend part of every day working on assignments or catching up on readings or reviewing work for classes.

-Any research papers or essays?

There are a lot of reports, essays and even seminars that are required to be presented in addition to practical nursing skills. I am about to go into my 8th week at ACU and so far my assessments have included:

1 x 20 seminar for science (A&P)

2 x 1000+ word reports

1 x Symposium poster

3 x Weekly journals with activities

During the rest of this semester I have 1 essay to complete, 2 more journals, 1 more report, 1 practical exam and 4 written exams.

While it does sound like a lot of reports and essays I personally think report/essay writing is an important skill for nurses to have, as nursing involves more than just patient care. These skills also open up more opportunities in the future. I know of a number of nurses that have been consultants for special projects both in the community and for various organisations, where these skills have been very useful.

[nyapa, RN]

We had to do a research unit as well. I can't imagine wanting to do research for a living! It did my head in!!!

[bassandtea]

I haven´t had to do any straight research courses yet, but am only 8 weeks in (although it feels like much less some days and much more others).

There are some things that drive me crazy like concept maps, but overall I am enjoying the course, even when I want to tear my hair out from stress!

Where I worked prior to studying nursing we had a number of nurses employed on special project teams either doing research or consulting with the teams.

The other thing I didn´t mention is that some of the courses are very specifically Australia, such as the Indigenous Culture and Health course - which I´m really enjoying. It´s also good that the tutorials and lectures are run by Indigenous Australians.

[windazz]

Thank you so much for ur replies to my questions!

wow that's a lot of written works!! sounds scary...=S

i bet u have to put in a great amount of effort to keep up with good grade eh~

-Does matter how good ur marks are? like is there a specific average that u have to maintain in order to stay in the falcuty? Or do u just have to pass the courese?

-Do you feel that there are strong practical focus to your courses?

Are there clinical placements?