CQU’s leading standard for student nurses to gain a weekly dose of clinical experience has been picked up in NSW.

The NSW Opposition has announced plans to give nursing students two days a week of practical experience in hospitals.

This is the same level of clinical experience arranged by CQU for its Bachelor of Nursing degree program.

NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden this week released a plan to give nursing students more hands-on experience. He also proposed establishing partnerships between hospitals and other medical facilities to give students better access to a health provider throughout their degree course.

CQU Head of Nursing & Health Studies Dr Lorna Moxham said the proposed NSW model was exactly in line with the successful degree structure introduced by CQU this year, with a strong emphasis on a network of industry partnerships.

Under the CQU model, the two days a week of clinical experience are embedded in theory and mentored by clinical associate lecturers.

CQU offers the Bachelor of Nursing via its Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Mackay campuses and via a collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Moxham said the move of nursing studies to the tertiary sector had always been criticised for producing graduates who were not as workforce-ready as industry would like.

“We listened - we re-wrote the curriculum with industry input - we re-wrote a new clinical model.

“Instead of eight weeks of theory followed by two weeks of prac, our students are now having prac every week of term (12 weeks) for two full days. This commences term two in year one.

“We really are reclaiming some lost practicum and bridging the theory-practice gap.

“Our students are mentored and assessed by a clinical associate lecturer. This person is based in the healthcare facility, knows the facility (which will enhance orientation, learning and problem solving) and is committed to that facility.”.

Dr Moxham said the clinical associate lecturers were appointed in full partnership and collaboration with the facility.

“This is also a great selling point. Traditionally students were 'looked after' by facilitators who may have never even worked in the hospital or facility before.

“We now have continuity and also a pathway for clinicians to be more involved with the University - linking us rather than the us-and-them approach which has always been there.

Dr Moxham said nursing is a professional degree and graduates are expected to hit the ground running.

“An increase in clinical hours which are totally embedded in theory will have to help,” she said.

Dr Moxham said the changes had wide-ranging support from health district managers to the Division of GPs. ENDS