Monash introduces a nursing program

18 April 2008

Registered nurses seeking a degree qualification can now study a Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration) program offered at Monash University's Sunway campus. The program, introduced in February, has been well received with over 30 students signing up, said program coordinator Ms Hardip Kaur.

Hardip explained that the course is a very convenient option for nurses seeking to upgrade their qualification.

“The first batch of students accepted into the program locally began their studies in February and we're pleased with their progress thus far," said Ms Hardip.

She said the part-time nature of the program was extremely appealing to the students, who are all practicing nurses, as they could complete the course without any major disruptions to their career or family life.

According to Hardip, there are many nurses who have obtained their basic nursing qualification and are holding secure careers in public and private hospitals.

"Many of them are diploma holders who are in the support staff category and need to upgrade their qualification into a degree to move into the Division A category, which entitles them to better benefits."

This nursing degree provides nurses with a foundation to expand their careers and take up a greater management role in health care delivery.

"These nurses, who already have a foundation in nursing, can improve the professionalism of nursing care by effectively responding to the challenge of change within the health care delivery system and to innovations in nursing practice.”

The Monash nursing program aims to develop competencies in the assessment, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing care, provide nurses with grounding in nursing research and theory, and the legal & ethical parameters and contribute to their professional development.

Teaching is done using a combination of distance learning and tutorial sessions, which are also partly done using the internet. There are also phone and online sessions between the students and academic staff.

Hardip pointed out that the study materials have been designed to enable working nurses to complete their program in an organised and efficient manner without compromising the quality of their education. - By Anita Hadi