Nursing issues

Register Forgot your password?

Public versus Private Grad Programs

« 
Previous topic
|
Student Nursing
|
Next topic
 »

You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here

Author Public versus Private Grad Programs

lee

(offline)

  • Joined: Aug 2007
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:08 pm

Hello there,

I am currently in my final year of nursing and have just secured a graduate program at one of the private hospitals in Townsville beginning in Januray 2008. My dilemma is that many other students as saying that a graduate programme at the public hospital is far better because you have more exposure to many different clinical situations and therefore become a "better" nurse at the end of it. One of our laboratory leaders have also suggested this to be the case and now many of us are confused and feel that our transition from student RN to RN may be compromised in the private system.

It is overwhelming enough to contemplate life out in the big world of nursing and now experience doubt about my choice of hospital. Has anyone out there heard of any similar thing.

Regards

Lee

Darren

(offline)

Your country needs you!
  • Joined: Mar 2005
  • Location: Adelaide
  • Posts: 179

Aug 01, 2007, 02:13 pm

Hi Lee,

Welcome to NurseCentral!

I think there are a few things to consider when thinking about what is a "good" GNP.

There should be a good mix of clinical settings - medical, surgical, theatre, A&E etc. Of course not every nurse can work in every year, but many offer 3 or 4 rotations through the course. So the advantage of big public hospital GNP may not be any better unless you want to be exposed to a particular specialty not offered at the private hospital.

You should ensure there is a good education program backing up the clinical experience and also that there will be a good and accessible support structure in place.

I was involved in establishing a GNP in a rural area and we managed the above points by ensuring that Grad Nurses could get the different experiences needed by innovative means. So I don't think that a private GNP per se is going to bad, just make sure it delivers what you need.

CrazyCat

(offline)

CrazyCat
  • Joined: Feb 2006
  • Location: Brisbane
  • Posts: 30

Aug 01, 2007, 05:07 pm

I believe it doesnt make a difference as to where you do your Grad Program whether Private or Public. As long as you trust your instinct that you feel that where you are will be a good place for your transition program and that you have support and good education to make your graduate program worthwhile.

I had to make a hard choice between Public and Private. I went to a Public Hospital in Brisbane and my friend who is in a Private Hospital doing her grad program is having a good time. So I dont believe that the Pubic Hospitals are better than Private, I think they are an even tie it depends on how you are preceptored, support and you.

I wish you the best in your Grad Programe for 2008 :)

lee

(offline)

  • Joined: Aug 2007
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Aug 02, 2007, 08:02 am

Hey Darren & Crazycat

Thankyou so much for your points of view and words of advice. It is all so easy to become wrapped up in what others say and lose sight of of what you want to achieve, especially when you are not sure where to turn for help. I hope your GNP is going well Crazycat, your posts have given me a great deal of inspiration. I love this sight and have recommended it to my fellow students. Thanks again.

Lee :)

veritas

(offline)

veritas
  • Joined: Sep 2007
  • Location:
  • Posts: 6

Sep 26, 2007, 12:51 am

it's not really public versus private that makes it good or bad. it's the individual workplace, the individual hospital. i have seen some bad public hospitals and some very good private hospitals... and some very good public hospitals and some bad private hospitals... it also depends on the individual and how you get on with the people and the program... rather subjective... can't really say public or private is necessarily better than the other!

Liz

(offline)

  • Joined: Sep 2007
  • Location: Brisbane
  • Posts: 79

Sep 30, 2007, 01:50 pm

I really wanted to get a program at the Mater for the paediatric clinical transition program as that has a lot of useful benefits such as it gives you credit for your grad diploma.

Im not sure if it is only public, but you get like $1500 or so towards education per year, or you can save it for $3000 every 2yrs. My mentor is a midwife at RWH and used it to go to a midwifery conference in Canberra.

You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here