In a unique response to industry feedback, Central Queensland University (CQU) School of Nursing has made significant changes to its nursing curriculum, which sees extended periods of clinical practice incorporated into an already successful program.

According to Pam Savage, lecturer in nursing with CQU Mackay, the Bachelor of Health (Nursing) formally offered 2 blocks of 2 weeks work experience in hospitals, per semester. This provided students with limited clinical experience and limited opportunities to understand the culture and values of the workplace as they were only in the hospital for a short period of time.

The new curriculum, which commenced last year, now provides first and second year nursing students 2 days per week in hospitals and third year students with 3 days per week in hospitals throughout the course of their study.

“This kind of exposure to hospitals means that CQU nursing graduates are more prepared for the workforce,” said Pam. “The students are working in the profession right from the start so they know what to expect and whether they are cut out for nursing. In addition, our nursing graduates are more likely to remain in Mackay as they have already established contacts and in most cases, already obtained full-time employment by the time they graduate".

“None of this would be possible without the major support we have received from Mackay Base Hospital, Mackay Mater Hospital, Good Shepherd Lodge and Homefield Aged care facilities that have supported us during the conception and implementation of this groundbreaking program.

“From the planning stage Mary Scott, former Director of Nursing with Mackay Base Hospital embraced and supported CQU’s curriculum changes,” said Pam. “Mary worked to help us pull this program together locally".

“Karen Wade, Director of Nursing with the Mackay Mater Hospital has also made and continues to make a tremendous contribution to the development of this program, by providing advice, support and help with implementation".

The Bachelor of Health (Nursing) has now achieved the balance between academic study and clinical practice that industry has been calling for.

“Mackay health facilities have offered our nursing students rosters on a semester by semester basis, which is not always ideal for their planning purposes, but provides the flexibility our students need to be able to gain work experience while they are studying,” said Pam.

This is a unique industry partnership between CQU and Mackay Health facilities. Each of the partners makes their staff available to support our students and act as a bridge between academic and clinical practice.

Maude Chapman, lecturer in Nursing with CQU Mackay, is equally enthusiastic about the curriculum changes and praises the ongoing commitment of the local health facilities.

“The Base Hospital and Mater Hospital have provided access to a number of Associate Lecturers – Clinical (ALC’s), who are released by their respective health facilities to CQU during the semester to facilitate and support the learning process for our students,” said Maude.

“Essentially, their staff are released to directly work with the students – it’s quite a commitment and we would like to thank and acknowledge our industry partners".

“All health facilities in Mackay have been tremendously supportive and have shown their willingness to take students and help them become industry ready,” she said.

“The staff and management at all levels have worked hard to support the students, and it’s their contribution and commitment to this unique program that has enabled it to become a reality.”.

Photo: (from left to right) Lecturer in Nursing with CQU Mackay Pam Savage, Lorraine Dempsey – Nurse Educator at the Mater Mackay, Leanne Ruddell – ALC with Mackay Base Hospital, Helen Lowe – Nurse Educator with Good Shepherd Lodge, Linda McGeown – ALC with the Mackay Base Hospital and Maude Chapman, lecturer in Nursing with CQU Mackay.