Monday 16 May 2016 9:06am
Masters students practising clinical skills in the University of Otago, Christchurch’s Simulation Centre.
The first intake of nursing students in Christchurch’s new two-year graduate-entry Master of Nursing degree have begun their study.
Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies director, Dr Philippa Seaton, says this exciting new programme provides a pathway for students to build on their previous undergraduate education to become a nurse, preparing them for work in a range of healthcare settings.
The professional Master’s degree is an intensive two-year programme specifically designed to bring together clinical experience and integrated academic learning, and research skills and experience.
It prepares graduates to contribute to the complex healthcare environment of today and in the future.
Students will get supported clinical experience at various locations across the South Island in a range of health care settings, including community and family/whanau health, acute care (with seriously ill or injured patients), mental health, and aged care.
Before those placements they spend time in the Christchurch Clinical Simulation Centre, where they can practise medical scenarios in a safe learning environment before facing them in a real health setting.
The programme is accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand so successful students can become registered as nurses and have a Master’s qualification.