Studying off campus/ distance ed.

Yes you can do nursing externally - I did it, and I am sure there have to be other universities which do the same closer to your area. You are sent all the information that you would have in lectures (actually there is a lot more reading!) and if you don't have access to a library, nearly all unis have databases on line where you can get up to date info for assignments from journals etc. Some unis actually run their subjects online which allows for interaction with others doing the same units that you are doing. We had to do clinical blocks and practicuums obviously the same as internal students. Have a look around...and good luck!

Oh and where did you do yours?

I know there are a few interstate uni's that do it cos I looked at that option a while ago, but I dont know who else does.

Sorry for all the qn's. Thanks :-D

Hi Lisa,

I live in country vic and work as a RNDiv2 (EN). I am just about to complete my nursing degree through UniSA via distance. Like you I have a young family, when I started I had one at home and one at kinder 2 days a week. I really wanted to do my degree but I wasn't prepared to do it if it was going to be too much stress on the family.

I did a lot of research into how I could go about it and eventually choose UniSA. It has been a fantastic course. I was given 6 months worth of credits and have undertaken some subjects over summer school (Dec-Jan) to lighten the load during the year. You can also do it part-time over 5 years. I only had to go to Adelaide for the clinical workshops of 2-3days twice in second year and twice in third year. I was able to clinical placements in my own area.

I have been very happy with UniSA and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about UniSA's program if you are interested. I do know that Charles-Sturt uni and Uni of New England (NSW) also offer a distance ed nursing degree and they all vary in their requirements. You need to check how often and for how long you will be required to attend any on campus workshops and where you can do your placements.

As far as I am aware there is nothing in Vic that offers a nursing degree by distance ed, only post-grad courses. Which is a pity because there was a lot of Vic people in the course. UniSA has build a name for itself with its distance education and offer a lot of support. There has been no issues that I am aware of about distance ed being held against you. Bascially what the internal students get in their pracs week to week the externals get in an intensive 3 day workshop. So we end up with the same - however I have found that distance ed has taught me a lot more - eg how to be organised and prioritise things, a slef-directed and motivated learner and I used these points to "sell" myself in my recent grad interviews for next year. I have made some good freinds one that even lives in Tassie. We all help each other out.

Good-luck with finishing your Div2 and with your nursing carrer and future choices....

Hi.

The workload was fairly heavy in the 2nd year. I was able to do some subjects during summer school which helped to lighten the load during the year.

No, the workshops are not hard. They are very informal and practical.

As far as placements goes you usually have to do them full-time in the defined time but I do know that they have changed the course slightly for next year. Sometimes there is flexability to start a week earlier or later etc but usually still full-time ie Monday-Friday.

Hi Keeshy, RC here

Do you have an older child at school already, why I ask is because if you do then you know how busy it is with just one at school. School want you to do this, school want you to do that etc etc. So when you have 2 at school it will probably be double busy. I know where your coming from about too much for the family or feeling that maybe your youngest might miss out on something, cause I had that when I started TAFE to do my Cert 3 the youngest one was in grade 3 or 4 and my eldest started uni at the same time. Youngest one said to me one day, "mummy it was good when you were at home and Lara-Jane not at uni." My heart just sank. I said to her that I only had a cople more months to go and we will get through it. Anywho, back to the question at hand. Maybe the 2 units a year might be the way to go, cause I think if you do it by distance you might have to leave home, how upsetting might that be for your kidlets. Oh yeah and the reading, yes lots of that and reading and reading and reading for distance ed, cause that is the way my een course is. And lots of internet use to. Anyhow, chickadee it is your decision, and you do what you feel best for your family and you.

RC