The NSW Government is offering more than 300 scholarships for school leavers and anyone looking for a career change to study nursing.
The scholarships support recipients to study the Diploma of Nursing, leading to registration as an Enrolled Nurse.
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health, Leslie Williams, has encouraged people to apply for a scholarship.
“The NSW Government is committed to growing the Aboriginal nursing workforce, and so I particularly encourage Aboriginal people to consider this opportunity as a great way to contribute to the health outcomes of local communities,” Mrs Williams said.
Scholarship applications are open until 13 February 2018. The Diploma of Nursing program commences in TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations from March 2018 at various locations across NSW.
Upon course completion and registration, scholarship recipients will be offered a job as an Enrolled Nurse in a NSW Health facility, subject to standard recruitment processes.
Natalie Hall, who graduated in 2016, said the scholarship allowed her to embark on a second career after 20 years in the travel industry.
She now works as an Enrolled Nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital, and enjoys working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
“The Diploma of Nursing scholarship combined a fantastic program with hands-on learning through clinical placements. It’s rewarding to help patients with serious health issues,” Ms Hall said.
NSW Chief Nurse Jacqui Cross said Enrolled Nurses are a valued part of the nursing and wider health care team, caring for people when they can be feeling at their most vulnerable.
“Enrolled nurses provide care in a variety of clinical settings, including acute medical and surgical units, operating theatres, paediatrics, mental health and the community,” Ms Cross said.