NurseWest recognised for education partnership
A partnership involving NurseWest that offers registered nursing students real-world healthcare experience has been recognised in the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
The collaboration between Edith Cowan University, NorthMetro TAFE, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and NurseWest provides opportunities for students to undertake employment as an assistant in nursing (AIN) while completing their registered nursing studies.
The initiative won first place in the ‘Programs the Enhance Learning’ category at Universities Australia’s 2018 Australian Awards for University Teaching.
NurseWest Manager Paul McEleny said the program had proved beneficial for both the students and the WA health system.
“Working as an AIN while studying provides the students with relevant and valuable experience, and the WA health system is provided with motivated, good-quality candidates for casual positions,” Paul said.
More than 200 students have moved through the program since it began in 2016, and successfully transitioned to nursing positions in healthcare.
NurseWest Recruitment Officer Fenella Scott, who plays a vital role in assisting hospital nurse managers coordinate their AIN resources, attends universities and TAFEs regularly to promote the program.
NurseWest is part of the Health Support Services’ Workforce and Organisational Development Unit and supplies the WA health system with casual and fixed-term nurses.