Diploma of Nursing (what to expect?)

Hi, I started my diploma in Nursing at the beginning of 2012 ( 6 months to go) and I'm absolutely loving it.  I also had no idea what to expect although I had studied my Cert 111 in Aged Care in 2010 and have been working in aged care as a PCA for the past two years, so in the same boat as you.  Expect the workload to be ENORMOUS - that's a promise!!  The work isn't too hard, it's constant and very demanding.  We studied 10 units from March-August and they were huge.  This included assessments in lab work which for the first six months will be basic obs (blood pressure pulse etc.)  doesn't sound hard but some units have more than one assessment. Placements are 3 weeks in aged care and 2 weeks mental health also 2 weeks sub-acute (rehab) in the first year.  These have to be done in one block each so constant work (without pay) for each one - prepare to be very tired and the placements are sometimes not too close to home. I had to stay at the nurses accommodation during one placement as the drive was 2 1/2 hours away.  We were told 2-3 days per week but ended up doing 4-5 and any spare time has to be spent studying as the assessments and assignments are endless.  I was prepared to work hard but it was a shock as to the hours per week.  I have a husband and children and could only manage the basics at home - cooking and very basic cleaning, had to let the rest go and ask for help from the family, it's the only way to find the time for study.  Having now frightened you, I must say it's been one of the most rewarding and exciting years of my life and I've met some great friends and would do it all again. You learn so much and feel like you knew NOTHING about the human body before you started.  Doing meds is hard but fascinating - you'll love it all, I assure you.  Be really organised and don't get behind in your work, it's only for 18 months and then you can have a much better job.  I'm continuing on to my Div 1 and really looking forward to all of it.  The family understand after a while (they don't have much choice).  Make up your mind to work hard and love it and the rest is easy.  Never give up it is worth it in the end.  The third semester is much leaner on contact hours - haven't got the timetable yet but told 1-2 days and some work at home - it will be complex care which is catheters and IV plus more medications.  Have a lovely year - any questions just ask.

Hi Lilibeth,  Glad to be of help.  If you have any questions just ask, I had hundreds and now all have been answered but it's so hard before you start to know what's in the future.  You are really starting early this year, we go back on the 28th but were originally beginning on the 14th.  So many had booked holidays so they made some concessions (first one ever!!!).  I know I sound cynical but our teachers were sickly sweet before we started and turned into Frankenstein after the first week (overstatement, but you get what I mean).  The placements will be difficult as the hours are  usually 7-3 for am and 1.30-10.00 for pm.  May I ask where you're studying?  We have lots of students with small babies and I always feel really proud of all of us when we finish another unit of study without going crazy.  We all have each others shoulders to cry on occasionally, so this support is invaluable.  Just remember, when it gets really hard DON'T GIVE UP - it's truly worth the effort.  Have you considered doing your Div1 online?  Charles Darwin Uni in have a truly excellent course and a couple of friends have gone through with them and loved it.  they are also really great nurses and you can do this part or full time.  Food for thought with your little one to consider

Hello, Im 6 months into diploma at GCIT online part time , and currently on my first residential school.I hadnt studied in over ten years and had a 6month old baby and toddler when the course started.The course is quite full on, at one stage we had 6 subjects going at once.You have weekly topics to get through as well as assignments for each subject.So when they say a rough guide on study time each week i would add another ten hours lol.We have to attend 3 residential schools where we put all that theory into practise before they let us loose in the community.And we do 3 lots of placements.I had no experience in the healthcare industry so everything is new to me.Resi school has been great, ive met lots of wonderful people ffom all walks of life and all age brackets.Teachers have all been very supportive and really want to help you to achieve your goals.Good luck with your studies and rest assured there are many people out there that feel the same way.

Hello guys,

After 2 wks at Tafe I decided to withdraw for a better future. I received an offer by the Uni to take Bachelor of Nursing which my fisrt choice anyway because I used to be an overseas nurse, had an aged care experience and I want to dream big. I had goals in my life and wanted to make it happen, not just dream for it. I feel different with Tafe,alone,no support and feels like a high school setting for me and actually I do regret to accept Tafe as I'll always wanted to do the Uni. Advice not to make any purchase of the books yet until the instructor told you to have one compulsory. The Uni never told me to purchase any as it's always available at the library. What I've learned is to go for your dream and don't care what everyone think or say. Thanks for this forums it really help me to know where I'm going.