Early entry program supporting future nurse supply

Tuesday 7 September 2010

St John of God Hospital Murdoch is helping to ensure a steady supply of nurses in WA through support of the innovative Transition to Registered Nurse Program (TRNP).

Thirty four students, their families and program partners will converge for the 2010 program induction at St John of God Hospital Murdoch on Thursday 9 September.

Now in its eighth year, the program offers secondary school graduates an early acceptance into the Curtin University Registered Nurse Undergraduate Program.

Murdoch has supported the program since its inception, which is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and now boasts an array of partners including Curtin University, Catholic Education Office, Association of Independent Schools, Department of Education and Training, Brightwater, St John Ambulance, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and an array of public and private hospitals.

The hospital hosts students as part of the program, which involves an intensive range of studies and workplace placements over the summer holidays.

The program is provided on a voluntary basis, and students volunteer their time to participate.

Murdoch Manager Learning and Organisational Development Anissa Emeran said the program had a good success rate at introducing students to nursing as a career with 26 from the 2009 cohort entering Curtin through the program in 2010.

“This program is another way the hospital shows its commitment to a long term sustainable future for nursing in the state. Along with our own substantial range of undergraduate and post graduate programs, Murdoch has a strong commitment to learning and development, with support of the TRNP also helping to build a substantial and highly skilled workforce into the future,” she said.