New training model welcomes more TAFE nursing students

The Greenslopes Private Hospital and the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE will welcome the second intake of 30 students into a new hospital-based nurse training program next week.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the training initiative had exceeded expectations with more than 200 applications for the current 60 places.

“The Diploma of Nursing course was designed by the health services industry and TAFE to prepare students for careers as enrolled nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, hostels or medical centres and to help alleviate the nursing skills shortage,” Mr Welford said.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, Bonny Barry, and Member for Greenslopes, Gary Fenlon will meet with students and staff from Greenslopes Private Hospital tomorrow (Monday 15 September), who have been part of the program.

“The first group of 30 diploma students started training at the Greenslopes Private Hospital in April and feedback from students and the hospital has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Fenlon said.

“The students spend two days a week gaining clinical experience in Australia’s largest private hospital, one day in classroom activities and have access to online lecture notes and CD-Rom resources.

“They receive clinical experience ‘on-the-job’ in medical, rehabilitation, surgical, acute and chronic care under the supervision of GCIT clinical teachers andthe hospital’s nurse mentors. This is a huge benefit as it creates a learning environment where individuals are encouraged to seek and provide regular and honest feedback.”

Mr Welford said the new training model was an excellent example of industry and training organisations working together and the State Government’s commitment to ongoing skill development.

“Nursing has been identified in the new Queensland Skills Plan 2008 as a priority profession which needs to attract new recruits as current enrolments aren’t keeping pace with retirements,” Mr Welford said.

The first group of Greenslopes Hospital/Gold Coast TAFE students is due to graduate in August 2009. The second group of 30 starts training next Monday (22 September, 2008) with a third intake planned for February 2009.

Graduates can seek employment as Endorsed Enrolled Nurses or gain a one-year credit towards the Registered Nurse Program at a range of universities, including Griffith University.

Note: Photo opportunity of Bonny Barry and Gary Fenlon with staff and students tomorrow (Monday 15 September) at 11.15am at Greenslopes Private Hospital, Newdegate Street, Greenslopes.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985