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Registered Nurse

To become a Registered Nurse you will need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at university.

A Bachelor of Nursing course generally requires three years full-time or the equivalent part time. To apply for these courses, you need to have completed your HSC with the required subjects and an appropriate Universities Admission Index (UAI) or equivalent.

When enrolling at university you may choose to take advantage of the alternative admissions programs for Aboriginal applicants. These entry programs are all offered free of charge to Aboriginal students.

For more information about the alternative entry programs for Aboriginal people please refer to the following:

University	Aboriginal Education Centre	Phone
Australian Catholic University Sydney	Yalbalinga Indigenous Education Unit	02 9701 4261
Charles Sturt University	Ngungilanna	02 6933 2216
Southern Cross University	Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples	02 6620 3955
University of Newcastle	Wollotuka	02 4921 6863
University of New England	Oorala Centre	02 6773 3034
University of Sydney	Koori Centre	02 9351 2046
University of Technology Sydney	Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning	02 9514 1902
University of Western Sydney	Aboriginal Education Centre	02 9852 4054
University of Wollongong	Woolyungah Indigenous Centre	02 4221 3776

Midwife

There are two ways to become a midwife in NSW. One is by completing a Bachelor of Midwifery at university. You can enter university if you have completed your HSC with an appropriate Universities Admission Index (UAI) or equivalent. The university undergraduate course incorporates midwifery theory, science and clinical practice. The hands-on practical experience begins within the first few weeks of the course.

Entry to university is not just based on HSC results. Applicants are assessed on their ability to complete the study as well as any past education and work experience.

Most universities have a weeklong residential program where Aboriginal applicants are brought to the campus to take part in an orientation, assessment and introductory course. All universities have an Aboriginal Education Centre that provides a home away from home for students.

All Aboriginal students enrolled in an approved midwifery course are eligible for ABSTUDY financial assistance.

The second option to become a Midwife is to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at university and then undertake a postgraduate midwifery course at university. For this option, you need to secure employment as a Student Midwife.

Enrolled Nurse

As an Enrolled Nurse, your duties will range from providing physical and emotional support, to more complex duties of care including administering of medications. Y ou will also have the opportunity to perform these duties in a range of different settings, including hospital wards, aged care facilities, operating theatres or in community settings such as Aboriginal Medical Services.

As an Enrolled Nurse you may receive credit for your qualifications and experience when undertaking an undergraduate nursing degree at university.

Tasks include:

Perform measurements and observations e.g. temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, urine testing, and taking an electrocardiogram (ECG) respiratory function tests
Perform treatments requested by a Doctor or Registered Nurse such as dressing and wound care
Prepare for procedures e.g. pap smear, minor excisions, suturing and application of plaster casts
Administer medications
Assist patients with meals, showering, drinking and other basic nursing care

Contact either your local Aboriginal Employment Co-ordinator or Aboriginal Education and Training Units on the numbers below.

How to become an Enrolled Nurse?

There are currently 2 courses you can do to become an Enrolled Nurse:

Certificate IV in Nursing (Enrolled Nurse/Division 2 Nursing) HLT43407
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse/Division 2 Nursing) HLT 51607

Once you graduate, an application is made to the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia to practice as an Enrolled Nurse.

As an Enrolled Nurse you will work as part of a team with other skilled healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, social workers and pharmacists.

Wh ere can you study?

NSW Health Registered Training Organisation: http://nswhealthrto.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/
TAFE NSW: www.tafensw.edu.au
You can also access a list of all institutions in NSW which offer an approved Enrolled Nursing course on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website: www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Accreditation.aspx

Wh at will you be paid?

Salary rates can be viewed on the following website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/employment/salary.asp

Aboriginal Educational & Training Units in NSW TAFE's

AETU	Phone
Northern Sydney Institute	02 9942 3577
Western Institute	02 6885 7504
Hunter Institute	02 4923 7466
New England Institute	02 6768 2410
North Coast Institute	02 6586 2239
Riverina Institute	02 6938 1267
South Western Sydney Institute	02 9825 7318
Sydney Institute	02 9217 4896
Western Sydney Institute	02 9208 6369
Illawarra Institute	02 4474 1800
Open Training and Education Network	02 9715 8619