Taking nursing to the next level at Port Macquarie

Monday 28 February 2005

An innovative new Bachelor of Nursing program offering the best elements of face to face and flexible multi media online learning will be launched in Port Macquarie by the University of Newcastle tomorrow.

Professor Kathleen Fahy, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, says the advantage of the new Bachelor of Nursing program is that students can study a significant part of the degree from their home computers.

"The online learning option will enable students to balance study with personal commitments, yet still have access to a high quality university education, providing a recognised pathway to becoming a registered nurse," says Professor Fahy.

Other features of the new program include face to face learning in the clinical laboratory at Port Macquarie and hands on experience in local health facilities, working alongside registered nurses.

Professor Fahy says, "The level of clinical practice combined with the theory is designed to ensure that the graduates of this program will be more confident in their clinical practice from day one as registered nurses."

"Part of this clinical practice includes mastering the clinical skills identified as necessary by a large cohort of experienced registered nurses."

Port Macquarie Site Coordinator, Lyn Bowen says, "The opportunity to choose nursing as a career in Port Macquarie has never been so accessible."

The official launch commences at 10am on Tuesday 1 March 2005 at Port Macquarie Base Hospital in Port Macquarie. Media are invited to attend.

For media interviews: Port Macquarie Site Coordinator, Ms Lyn Bowen on (02) 6580 3598.