Nursing your ambition

Assistants in Nursing and Enrolled Nurses considering a career as a registered nurse are being offered a unique opportunity to enrol directly in a Bachelor of Nursing degree at Southern Cross University this year.

Dr John Stevens, head of the Department of Nursing and Health Care Practices, said not many Assistant in Nursing (AIN) graduates knew that – provided they had some work experience in the field and a positive attitude – they could be accepted into the University’s nursing degree.

“Indeed about 30 to 40 percent of last year’s intake were AINs or Enrolled Nurses (ENs),” he said.

“This is different to other universities which all offer ENs entry to nursing degrees but none guarantee entry for AINs. We have made a conscious choice to accept AINs who may not be eligible if they applied through UAC or QTAC,” he said.

“Our past experience with these students is that they have a high degree of success at this University, even if they have not completed their HSC.

“We find them to be highly dedicated and motivated students with high rates of success in the program.

“Many AINs are older women currently working at fairly low rates of pay in the aged care field with few prospects for advancement. This is an exciting pathway for them to develop a well-paid career.”

Dr Stevens said the University offered many specialised streams of study including in the field of aged care where there is a high and growing demand for skilled workers and a new course in osteopathy.

“I would encourage any AIN or EN thinking about a career as a registered nurse to apply now. There is both a national and international shortage of all nurses, so employment prospects are very bright,” he said.

For information go to www.scu.edu.au/firstchoice

Photo: Dr John Stevens is encouraging Assistants in Nursing and Enrolled Nurses to apply now to study nursing at Southern Cross University.