CQU Nursing dubs proposed overhaul 'Out of touch and ill-informed'
Published on 20 September, 2007
Professor Brenda HappellNursing staff from Central Queensland University are outraged by the PM's proposed overhaul of nursing education, saying it is reactionary, ill-informed and damaging to the nursing profession and the quality of health care in Australia.
That is according to CQU's Professor of Contemporary Nursing Brenda Happell.
Professor Happell said the nurse shortage, both nationally and internationally, is as old as the nursing profession itself, and since it is not caused by university education.
"A move away from this approach will not provide the solution," she said.
"The $170 million would be welcomed into nursing education, but the reason why the Federal Government seeks to establish an alternative process is perplexing.
"The additional funding would be more appropriately allocated to existing Schools of Nursing, so additional places can be made available to meet the demand from potential students, particularly in areas of high need such as rural and remote.
"The suggestion that universities produce 'book-trained nurses with inadequate practical experience' is unwarranted and unsubstantiated.
"University nursing programs across Australia include substantial clinical experience in conjunction with thorough theoretical preparation, to produce graduates who know the ‘why' as well as the ‘how' of health care.
"Surely the Government should expect such statements to be supported with strong and rigorous research evidence before using it as stimulus for such profound and costly policy change.
"Contemporary nursing is recognised as a profession in its own right and one which makes an important contribution to health care delivery. Professional not vocational education is required for the provision of safe and effective health care, based on skill and knowledge rather than following ‘doctor's orders'.
"Workforce shortages need considered responses not knee-jerk reactions. There is also a shortage of doctors, but the Government would hardly suggest a TAFE Medical Degree and pass it off as equivalent to a university degree."