Bachelor of Nursing

Workplace learning

Students experience hands on learning during practical sessions conducted in the CSU's simulated nursing wards.

Students studying on campus will be required to undertake 26 weeks (1040 hours) of clinical practice in various healthcare facilities while distance education students will be required to undertake 20 - 22 weeks (720 to 880 hours) of clinical practice depending on the credit awarded. Study within the University is closely integrated with practical experience gained in healthcare facilities.

While on clinical placement, you will work as part of the healthcare or nursing team and deliver nursing care under the supervision and guidance of your clinical teacher or 'preceptor'. Clinical teachers and preceptors are experienced nurses who will supervise and guide you during all clinical experience placements.

Clinical placements range in length from two to eight weeks. Students are responsible for costs of accommodation and travel to clinical placements and are required to purchase and wear the CSU uniform while on clinical placement.

Clinical requirements

Immunisation

NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working  environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students  undertaking workplace learning. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy Occupational Assessment Screening and  Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases (PD2007_006) that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Compliance with this  policy is mandatory for all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement.

All students must undergo vaccination against infectious  diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System, and most other  Australian State Health Systems. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a  personal record card (available from the School through which the student is  studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other State Health staff, whilst the student is on placement.

The Policy requires that you consult your local doctor to  obtain written proof of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,  measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B.

NOTE: It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the requirements of this policy have been met, and failure to comply with the requirements may jeopardise completion of your studies.

As a full course of vaccinations may take several months to complete, you are advised to consult your local medical practitioner well in  advance of the commencement of your clinical experience placement. Please contact your medical practitioner to identify your local TB screening provider and ensure the screening is completed prior to your first clinical placement.

PLEASE NOTE that, as many courses involve clinical  practicums in the first session of study, the hepatitis B immunisation should  be commenced early, in order for full immunisation status to be attained prior  to clinical placements and so meet NSW Health requirements.

Further information is available from NSW Health.

National Criminal Record Check

You must undergo a National Criminal Record Check either through your State or Territory Police Service or through the Australian Federal Police in order to obtain a National Police Certificate.

If you have any queries regarding this matter, including  the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course  Coordinator.

Senior First Aid Certificate

All students are required to have a current Senior First  Aid Certificate, obtained at their own cost, from an accredited body (Workcover  approved) before undertaking any workplace learning (e.g. clinical placements,  practicums or internships). The Senior First Aid Certificate must be current for the duration of the course.

If you are an Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse or Paramedic you may instead provide documentation from a current employer which indicates evidence of competency based CPR accreditation.

NOTE: As many courses include a clinical practicum in the  first session, students are advised to complete their Senior First Aid  Certificate prior to commencement of their first year of study.