Preparing for acceptance to EN program (NZ).

[hulde]

I'm currently working as a Health Care Assistant/Caregiver in residential aged care(I'm in New Zealand), and am planning on hopefully begin studying to become an (at this stage) Enrolled Nurse in 2016. I haven't completely ruled out studying the Bachelors for RN, but at this stage I'm planning for the Diploma for EN.

I'm trying to maximise my chances of being accepted into the program, and am looking at doing https://www.boppoly.ac.nz/go/programmes-and-courses/health/certificate-in-health-care-assistance-level-4 to ensure I'm prepared. I already meet the entry requirements for EN study but I want to have the basics of anatomy etc down. Is this 1 semester prep course worth doing to prepare for my future plans? Is it worth doing the above course if I'm already doing ACE? How hard is it to gain acceptance into the Enrolled Nurse diploma (I'd be looking to do that through WINTEC)? What can I do to maximise my chances of acceptance?

Thanks for your advice in advance, I really want to make sure I'm well-prepared, as I'm sure this is what I want to do.

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

Hey

Good luck for study. The EN course is 18 months, the RN course is 36. Consider going for the RN course. Approx 10+ years ago the role of the EN was discontinued and experienced ENs were forced out of the areas that they had been working in for many years and they had limited work options. While I hope they will not repeat history yea well

If you have not studied in some time the pre health course is a good way to get back into it. Especially if you are considering the BN study however will stand you in good stead for the EN course as well. Things important to know, anatomy, APA referencing, communication skills.

The funding in polytechs is shifting from having 'bums on seats" to passing rates of each course. Many of the RN and EN courses interview as part of the selection criteria. So practicing interview skills would be helpful such questions as how do you handle conflict? what would you do if you had conflict with a team member? What would you do if you found a patient collapsed? What is your undertstanding of the role of the RN EN?