Mature Age Entry Into Nursing

hey Relhy,

I've done a bit of research recently as i want to do my bachelor nursing course although not until 2012. So this is what info i can give you, It sounds like external study might be the way for you? There are 4 main places that offer bachelor of nursing externally, them being Uni SA, CQU (central queensaland uni, JCU (James Cook Uni), CDU (Charles Darwin NT).
external study is done from home around your work and family. Most unis record there classes and put them on a website which you can veiw when it suits you and can be viewd as many times as you like.With external study you can choose full time or part time load, Full time course takes about 3 years and part time taking 6, however, some uni's are now offering a 3rd summer semester which gives you the option to speed up your course. With external courses you are required to do residential school days which are usually about 1 week per semester so if you study part time it equals about 1 week a year at the uni which is done usually before you do your placement.
Placements vary with each uni but most do what they can to get you where you want to do them. Most of the uni's only offer the BNurse course then you can go on to do Bachelor of mid although some are now offering straight up Bmid course or double degree. If you choose Bmid then you are only able to work in mid so you not qualified as a nurse. I belive this course is also 3 years FT 6 years PT.

I'm sure since you already have a degree and have worked in the field of you degree you will get credit toward the 1st year. But just ask the uni for information.

ok so i think that is all the information i can give you about external studies i hope this has helped you with the push you needed!

jay

lol...How refreshing to see all the mature aged nurses to be online....I don;t mean it in a cynical way...I am like you but OLDER!!!LOL

Relhy, have to considered doing it through Open learning like through say Charles Darwin university? That way, you can still manage full time study and work to keep your status quote. However you need to save up lots of moolaa (aka $$$) because you will need to attend clinical placements and during these time, you will be working FOR FREE...:(

I certainly would encourage you to go Div 1, given that you have already a prior degree in hand and can be eligible for a graduate entry program.

All the best

Hi P-KIM - I too started my nursing late in life and started with Cert IV 4 years ago then completed the Diploma part just over 12 months ago as working in a hospital.  I attempted to do my BN but too many obstacles like HECS getting into a grad year etc...I personally would recommend starting with the EN as if you did decide to do the BN you will get 12 months credits and still be able to work while studying your BN - either way good luck :)

 Thanks Mattnick and Lainey 

you've helped put my mind at rest.. going to info day on Thursday, I'm in Sydney. I'm also the primary carer of my 92 yr old mum, she has a list of problems, so I'll need to organise a reliable respite team for the days I'll be away and a good schedule here at home to get through the study. I've worked many years in the care industry, have loads of experience, but NO qualifications, wasn't mandatory ito have cert 111 when I was last employed. I made the decision to give up my flat and job when mum had her 1st heart attack, moved back to my family home and cared for both my parents, saved them going into full time care. It's a complicated story. Aren't they all!

bottom line, I need to get qualifications, I've always wanted to do nursing, hence care worker. 

if I can't get into this next intake, I'll do my cert 111 and go into the next intake. Your right, at this age I agree best to start as EN, if I want to go on later I can, but this way I'll be employable and can manage the debt of EN study. 

This is a great forum, so glad I found it. 

wish you both all the best, I'll be around on this forum, so maybe you will hear of my progress. 

Thanks 

Patricia-KIM