Nursing profession has plenty to offer

High school students interested in a career in nursing will get a taste of what the profession has to offer at the Port Macquarie Nursing Open Day, hosted by Southern Cross University on Monday, July 6.

Students from throughout the lower Mid North Coast in Years 10, 11 and 12, parents and career advisors, will hear from nurses and nursing students, as well as take part in some practical demonstrations.

Leeann Whitehair, Southern Cross University lecturer and Port Macquarie co-ordinator, said there had been strong interest in the open day which would cover all aspects of the profession, from study through to career opportunities.

“It’s a very portable career – that’s one of the great things about the profession. Students graduate as registered health professionals who can work in a wide range of health care settings - metropolitan, rural and remote,” Ms Whitehair said.

“The RN (registered nurse) role is multifaceted, including provision of evidence-based nursing care to people of all ages, health promotion, education and leadership. Registration provides employment opportunities as RNs working in primary health care in schools, heading up health campaigns, delivering acute care in hospitals, nursing care for residents in long term care facilities or palliative care in the community.”

Southern Cross University currently has 70 students in the three-year Bachelor of Nursing at Port Macquarie.

“We have a small cohort of students which means we get to know all our students and can provide excellent support,” she said.

The Open Day will be held at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital from 1pm to 3pm on Monday, July 6. The day will include presentations on career and study options, a tour of the facilities and demonstrations of various procedures.