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Registration Bridging Courses for out of practice nurses

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Author Registration Bridging Courses for out of practice nurses

joski

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  • Joined: Jun 2011
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Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:06 am

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone has completed a Nursing Registration Bridging course, particularly in WA?

I have been a fulltime stay-at-home Mum for the past 5 years, and as such I am no longer registered. When I left nursing to be a fulltime Mum the WA Health Department offerred an 8 week course free of charge to become re-registered. Upon enquiring about the course I was informed this is no longer available (ceased in October 2010) and I am left with few options.

The most suitable course in my situation is a program offered by Ramsay Health, although it is very expensive, highly competitive and logistically awkward for me to attend the compulsory theory classes for 4 weeks. My only other option is to enrol in a TWELVE month course through Curtin University, which is even more of a logistical nightmare for me, and I find it ridiculous that the 10 week prgram through Ramsay offers the same end result as the 12 month program at Curtin.

Would love to hear from anyone who has returned to nursing after a 5 year absence, particularly anyone in WA who has completed the Ramsay Health course.

Flametree

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  • Joined: Jun 2011
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Jun 19, 2011, 08:59 pm

Hi Joski,

As frustrating as this process has been, it is comforting to know that I am not the only one banging my head against a brick wall here! I, too, put my nursing career on hold to have a family and have just recently gone down the path of reapplying. It took three months for the AHPRA to process my application for re registration as a RN and have since looked into my options for bridging courses. It seems my options are nil. I live in the Kimberley, north WA and unless I move to the city I am unable to complete a bridging course. There are no RURAL options unless you live near Bunbury. It is extremely disappointing RPH no longer run their bridging course as they offered 4 weeks theory, externally, then the 4 weeks prac. As you mentioned both Curtin and Murdoch University offer courses with a duration of ONE YEAR! Hollywood is possibly the best option offering 4 weeks fulltime theory and then a further 6 weeks prac fulltime/8-12 weeks part time. There is one other College that run a course for 12 weeks but is extremely expensive. And I thought they were desperate for nurses!! Would love to hear if you discover a viable option.

joski

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Jun 20, 2011, 08:09 am

The options I found are exactly the same as the ones you have mentioned! The 2 university courses, the VERY expensive College of Nursing course and the one offered by Ramsay at Hollywood Hospital. I was so disheartened when I discovered the RPH course had ceased, as I was really looking forward to completing the self paced external theory component this year whilst my son is still at home, then complete the practical component when he starts Kindy next year.

Every person I have talked to agrees that the situation is ludicrous. I have written a letter to the Health Minister but have yet to receive a reply.

For rural nurses, and I'm sure you're not alone, there really don't seem to be any options! Surely some of the major rural hospitals (and metro ones too) can run a mentoring program to refresh the skills of 'out of practice' RN's.

As well as being frustrating, I hate feeling like I have turned into a complete moron simply because I have not practised for 5 years. I find it quite insulting that I would have to complete one third of my degree again (as is the case at the Universities). I am more than confident that I could practice in a safe and competent manner if I just had the opportunity to be 'buddied-up' on the ward for a couple of months, and complete some after hours theory from home.

If you decide to write to any member of Government (which may be a fruitless exercise but I thought it was worth a try) feel free to mention my name, Joanne Wroblewski.

Flametree

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  • Joined: Jun 2011
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Jun 20, 2011, 11:39 am

Hi Joski,
As all my resources have been exhausted I too, will write to the Health Minister and RPH. I am feeling exactly as you are and if I had known what was ahead I would have kept my registration up doing the one day/week a year to avoid this predicament. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing. It is certainly a huge flaw in the nursing education system that will stop ALL nurses returning to the workforce. I too have three young children and cannot leave the home as a FULL TIME worker for three months. My family support system is in my home town not in the city. It is not an option for me. My four year Bachelor of Nursing and all the skills and knowledge I have to offer our society is going down the gurgler!

Good to chat Joski as I DO know how you feel. You are not alone. Keep me up to date with your search, as I will with you.

rez121

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  • Joined: Aug 2011
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Aug 29, 2011, 08:42 pm

hi joski and flametree,

not sure what happened to my previous message but i wondered if either of you had any luck with your registration?

i am in exactly the same position and am really NOT keen to do any further study in nursing. i do have 330 hours but that is 120 hours short for registration.

would love to hear if you got anywhere?

thanks,

rez

Flametree

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  • Joined: Jun 2011
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May 03, 2012, 10:31 pm

Hi Joski and Rez,

Latest news which you may have already received, IHNA are about to release a bridging course which can be completed, similiar to the RPH course, using E learning.  They are still awaiting final approval but hope to run the course starting July 2012!  Great to have a little hope.  If this comes to fruition it will open a lot of doors for many!  Still a cost involved but you can also look into scholarships which they talk about on the website. 

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