Nurses who have been out of the wards for many years are now updating their skills and returning to work thanks to Central Queensland University's Competence Assessment Service (CAS) program, headquartered in Rockhampton.

Among those taking up the challenge are Brisbane-based mother and son pair, Trish and Dan Carter (pictured).

Trish has not worked as a registered nurse for more than 40 years, although has always worked in nursing-related fields. Currently working as a nursing assistant at a medical practice, Trish is updating her skills and hopes to regain her registration to further her career at the centre.

"I haven't worked as a registered nurse for sometime due to the irregular hours when my family was young," Trish explained. "But I have worked in similar roles since and my position now requires me to update my registration.".

Dan, at 35 years of age, has only been out of the industry for six years, but wants to update his qualifications for a potentially new career in emergency services. His freshly updated skills through the Competence Assessment Service will be highly regarded by his prospective employers.

Making it convenient and accessible, the CAS program has enabled the pair to study for their certification while in their own homes and at their own pace.

The CAS program is available via distance education and offers a rolling start where applicants can commence study any time of the year.

Applicants have up to two years to complete the program, but could be completed in as little as three months, depending on the number of modules enrolled in at once.

"The Queensland Nursing Council requires nurses returning to practice after more than five years’ absence, and for those who gained their qualifications in another country where English is not their first language, to undertake the CAS program," CQU's CAS program manager Jenny Anastasi explained.

"The CAS program we provide here at CQU was developed to provide a valid, reliable and integrated method of assessing competence for practice. The program is accessible, flexible and cost effective.".

The CAS program is provided by Central Queensland University and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE. It takes an integrated approach, involving an initial pathway document, a two-part challenge test and relevant education modules (as required).

There are currently 88 registered nurses and 46 enrolled nurses completing education modules through the CAS program.

For interviews/details contact Trish Carter on 07 3355 1513, Dan Carter on 0402 946 787 or the program manager Jenny Anastasi on 07 4930 9823.