Scholarships Available to Upskill Through Southern Cross University

Practice nurses are a valuable commodity in a busy general practice, but often they are not working to the full scope of their skills.

With the permission and encouragement of GPs, the role of practice nurses can encompass:

• Patient carer
• Educator
• Quality Controller
• Organiser
• Problem Solver
• Mentor and relationship builder both within and outside the practice

With the role of general practice nurses broadening and evolving, Southern Cross University is offering an online Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Nursing. North Coast Primary Health Network is offering a number of scholarships to eligible nurses covering 80% of tuition fees.

This qualification will expand and extend a nurse’s clinical practice. The course runs over eight months part-time and starts on 4 March 2019.

The curriculum is student-centred and makes the most of experiential learning by using online delivery and face-to-face learning through a practical intensive. This four-day intensive allows students to come together to work in groups and consolidate their learning in a supportive environment where practical skills are assessed.

The Graduate Certificate’s major areas of study are:

Primary Health Care Practices & Philosophy

Explores the way primary health care is delivered in Australia and how this aligns with the values of the World Health Organisation. Students will critically examine how health care practices impact on individuals, families and communities.

Management of Chronic & Complex Health Conditions

Examines common chronic and complex conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD and CVD, including their pathophysiology. Students focus on a patient centred model of care involving a team and will learn how to provide effective education and support so that patients can be involved in selfmanaging their conditions. Includes caring for conditions in Indigenous communities and other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities.

Clinical Reasoning & Assessment Skills

Builds on knowledge and skills to demonstrate sound clinical judgement and reasoning based on evidencebased nursing care. A systematic and comprehensive approach to health assessment and chronic health complaints will be explored.

Enhancing and Expanding Practice

Focuses on an identified area for improvement in the work setting. A number of change management models will be explored.

Scholarships

Check the Southern Cross University website to see if you qualify for one of North Coast Primary Health Network scholarships.

Go to: www.scu.edu.au/scholarships

Scholarship applications close on 15 February 2019.

Complete the application online at: www.scu.edu.au/howtoapply

For more information, contact Dr Louise Horstmanshof at [email protected].