Media Release
November 18 2003
UniSA gets International nurses on the wards
The first intake of students into a new pilot program for overseas
educated nurses from countries across the globe will be welcomed at the
University of South Australia’s, School of Nursing & Midwifery this
week.
The Australian Registered Nurse Training Program has been established to
help registered nurses from different backgrounds gain the English
language skills and demonstrate the nursing competencies necessary for
them to register with the Nurses Board of South Australia.
The first group of five includes nurses from China, Italy, the
Philippines and India.
Program director Carol Grech says opportunities for nurses to adapt
their nursing skills and increase English communication proficiency in
the one program will give many nurses living in Australia and overseas
the chance to join our nursing workforce.
“There is a world wide shortage of nurses and yet we know that many
nurses residing in Australia and overseas have been restricted in
entering the workforce because no combined English and nursing
adaptation program has previously been available. This program is based
on the same course we run to upgrade skills for local registered nurses
and the international nurses will need to meet the same requirements and
standards as local nurses” Grech said.
“Students must have a good grasp of English before starting the program
and through our English language learning centre CELUSA they receive 5
weeks intensive education and then two days language learning each week
for 10 weeks.”
Grech says while there is enormous interest in the program from nurses
in India, China and the Philippines in particular, nurses from Germany,
France and Italy have also been inquiring.
“We are also finding a great deal of interest from permanent residents
in Australia who have their registered nursing qualification but need
improved English language skills for local registration. And
internationally we are extending our efforts to encourage students from
countries such as Korea and Taiwan and Malaysia to apply.”
Head of the UniSA Division of Health Science, Professor David Wilkinson,
says what is exciting about this program is that we expect these
students, many of who are experienced nurses with specialist
qualifications, will take up work in the state including filling
positions in regional areas of South Australia.
Health Minister Lea Stevens congratulates UniSA for its initiative,
saying, "every little bit helps in our efforts to upskill nurses so that
they can work in South Australia."
The program will run again in May and October in 2004 and applications
for entry are expected to grow rapidly.
Media contact
-
Michèle Nardelli (08) 8302 0966 or 0418823673