High school students get head start to nursing career
7 February 2011
Some clever high school students from across the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid-North Coast regions are getting a head start into their nursing careers this month.
Over the next two years, 31 students will take advantage of a program offered by the Hunter New England Local Health Network that will allow them to complete a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Acute Care) – a nationally-recognised nursing qualification – while completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The high school students will complete two years of part-time vocational education, completing theory components at TAFE and learning “on the job” at their local health service.
This year is the first year that the Certificate marks will count as credit towards the students’ final HSC result.
The students will provide patient care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, and be paid a wage for their work.
Nurse Manager for School Based Trainees Martin Losurdo said the School Based Traineeship is an excellent way for students to experience the best of both school life and the workforce.
“The Certificate will enable the students to enter the paid workforce while learning ‘on the job’ for a qualification which counts as credit towards their final HSC result,” Mr Losurdo said.
“By providing the school students with this opportunity, Hunter New England Health is helping students gain a unique insight into their likes and dislikes about the health workplace. They’ll therefore be more ready to make a decision about their career prospects when the time comes.
“Hunter New England Health, and the staff of the local health facilities that foster the education of the trainees, are proud of the fact our organisation can give students a head start in their career.
“At the end of the course some of the program’s most dedicated students could be offered further training and employment opportunities,” Mr Losurdo said.
The students will begin their training at a number of health facilities across the Hunter New England Health region including Armidale, Tingha, Warialda, Tamworth, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Muswellbrook, Dungog, Deman, Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Wallsend, Walcha, Tomaree, Wingham, Gloucester and Taree.
Three students will also complete traineeships with Hunter New England Health Imaging in Newcastle and the Short Term Resident Accommodation Service located at Belmont Hospital.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: 6767 7137