Hamilton hosts overseas nursing students
22 June 2010
Three nursing students from India and one from Zimbabwe are currently on a clinical work placement at the Hamilton Base Hospital.
The placement is part of an initial registration course that the students are required to undertake in order to qualify for working as nurses in Australia.
The course is run by the Victorian College of Health and Nursing based in Melbourne. The college specialises in running course for overseas nurses and has several intakes per year.
Maureen Wood, the local Clinical Educator for the college said, “The students do their theoretical component in Melbourne and then spend practical time in a clinical setting to demonstrate their competency. This gives them the opportunity to practice their skills and make sure they are practicing within the Australian guidelines”.
Western District Health Service HR Manager Ms Hillary King said the placement worked both ways. “These nurses get an excellent taste of clinical work while they are here, but it also gives us a chance to showcase our health service as a great place for talented people to work.”
The four students said they were keen to continue their studies beyond the course toward a Masters level and improve their professional and personal skills. They said it took a while to adapt to the climate in Australia but were enjoying their time so far.
Once the nurses successfully complete the course they will be eligible to work in any Australian facility.
Photo caption: Left to right, Saumya Mathew, Arun Ranjit , Maureen Wood, Vipin Joseph, Deb Smith.