The Bachelor of Nursing is a course of three years’ full-time or equivalent part-time duration which prepares students to be registered with the Nurses’ Board of Western Australia. It provides a comprehensive knowledge base to enable the graduate to act independently as well as interdependently with health professionals; and to serve as a positive role model in society. The graduate will be a comprehensive practitioner who has professional competence, and who is responsible, accountable, empathetic and willing to participate in professional activities.

The course comprises five broad streams of study:

Nursing Issues

Nursing Practice

Nursing Science/Health Science

Nursing Studies

Nursing Theory

The program relies on the goodwill of health agencies for the provision of clinical experience. Therefore, prospective students should clearly understand that, under normal circumstances, they will be required to attend during the hours laid down by the clinical agency and that these may occur at times outside the identified semester weeks. Additionally, pre-identified clinical practice periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the School. Where the student has failed the same nursing practice unit twice, the student shall be excluded from the course.

COURSE LOCATION AND MODE OF STUDY

The course is available by full-time or part-time study on Churchlands campus and at the South West campus (Bunbury).

SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Standard admission requirements plus satisfactory performance in a TEE Science subject.

Applicants who are registered mental health nurses will be considered for direct admission in the Bachelor of Nursing and are eligible for advanced standing.

Applicants in possession of enrolled nurse status will be considered for direct admission into the Bachelor of Nursing course if sufficient places are available and are eligible for advanced standing. Details are available for the School of Nursing and Public health.

Applicants are expected to have computer word processing skills.

To fulfill duty of care responsibilities, a Risk Management form is to be completed on enrolment and amended in subsequent semesters as appropriate. Part of the risk management includes:

Statement of Federal Police Clearance on enrolment;

Current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification prior to commencement of the course, plus

certification must be renewed annually – CPR courses are offered on campus;

Evidence of immunisation schedule as per the Department of Health; plus

Evidence of immunity against Hepatitis B, rubella, varicella and Mantoux testing for TB; and

MRSA clearance if hospitalised or worked outside of WA in 12 months prior to enrolment.

COURSE STRUCTURE

This three year full-time or equivalent part-time course comprises twenty four units of study: eighteen Theory units, and six Practicum units. Normally students will be expected to:

(a) complete all stage 1,2 and 3 theory and practicum units before progressing to units in subsequent years.

(b) complete the course within six years of initial enrolment.

Normal student progression is described as follows: