• TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga Diploma of Nursing students visit the nursing facilities at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga

Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga recently hosted students enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga for tours and demonstrations of the University’s nursing facilities.

The Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences partnered with TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga to create awareness of the enrolled nursing (EN) to registered nursing (RN) pathways.

The 38 visiting students from Wagga Wagga and eight staff from Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra and Young were shown the University’s facilities, including the laboratories and simulation centre, and given a demonstration of the Health Integrated Electronic Records Simulation (HealthiERSim).

Head of the School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences Professor Kerryn Butler-Henderson said Charles Sturt’s facilities accurately simulate the clinical environment, which is important in preparing graduates to work with regional and rural health partners.

“Through our strong partnership with local health districts we are creating career pathways for enrolled and registered nursing graduates,” she said.

Professor Butler-Henderson said the opportunity will strengthen the relationship between the University and the TAFE, with both institutions educating regional nurses.

Students also participated in hands-on demonstrations with academics, met staff from the Charles Sturt School of Nursing and were shown around the Wagga Wagga campus.

In addition to the campus and facility tours, students participated in a practical session using the new HealthiERSim and Sims pads technologies, and attended sessions on short course offerings, TAFE pathways and even a Medication Rights tutorial allowing students to get a feel for a university-style session.

The aim is to assist with filling the critical skills gap of nurses in regional areas by encouraging students to further their studies and careers from EN to RN.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Nursing Ms Jacqui Longmore said the opportunity to experience university-style learning was invaluable.

“We at TAFE NSW are very excited to explore our new collaboration with Charles Sturt University and believe this will enhance pathways for students interested in exploring a career within our local health industry,” she said.

TAFE students are used to face-to-face learning environments and the University campus tour demonstrated how both institutions can work together to reach their common goal of boosting the regional nursing workforce.

Professor Butler-Henderson said opportunities like this help enrolled nursing students to see what learning at university can look like.

“Demystifying university learning is important to show the pathways from TAFE into undergraduate training,” she said.

“Universities have many services and resources available to support students from diverse social and educational backgrounds to be successful in their studies.

“The Charles Sturt University nursing simulation facility reflects the real-world clinical environment, preparing our students to walk straight into clinical facilities by allowing them to safely practice their skills beforehand.”

Students will also be able to learn about the NSW Health scholarships and subsidies to assist in advancing their nursing careers.

Enrolled nurses transitioning through the registered nurse pathway program at Charles Sturt can save one year of study by receiving eight subject credits, therefore, completing the Bachelor of Nursing in two years, full-time, instead of three.