NURSING students concerned about securing a graduate position in the public service are being encouraged to consider working in aged care. University of Tasmania School of Nursing and Midwifery head Steve Campbell said students could not restrict their thinking to landing a "glamorous" job in an intensive care unit. "If students come in expecting to work in intensive care, they're not going to get jobs. There are only a few of these units across the state," he said. The Department of Health and Human Services offered 115 graduate nursing positions to students completing their studies this year, all of which have been filled. Professor Campbell said the university was focused on preparing students to enter areas of the workforce where there is the most need and opportunity. "In 10 years' time, we'll have a huge aged care sector and relatively small public hospital sector," he said. Student Louise Hawkins is gaining experience in aged care while completing her nursing studies. She said while aged care doesn't appeal to a lot of her peers, she has found it a good place to learn the fundamentals of nursing care. "The aged care sector does have a stigma attached to it, but it's a really good platform to start, learn and build your confidence," she said. "Working in aged care is really rewarding, and its obviously going to be a growing area in the years to come."
Nursing student Louise Hawkins, of Perth, is gaining experience in the aged care sector. Picture: GEOFF ROBSON
NURSING students concerned about securing a graduate position in the public service are being encouraged to consider working in aged care.
University of Tasmania School of Nursing and Midwifery head Steve Campbell said students could not restrict their thinking to landing a "glamorous" job in an intensive care unit.
"If students come in expecting to work in intensive care, they're not going to get jobs. There are only a few of these units across the state," he said.
The Department of Health and Human Services offered 115 graduate nursing positions to students completing their studies this year, all of which have been filled.
Professor Campbell said the university was focused on preparing students to enter areas of the workforce where there is the most need and opportunity.
"In 10 years' time, we'll have a huge aged care sector and relatively small public hospital sector," he said.
Student Louise Hawkins is gaining experience in aged care while completing her nursing studies.
She said while aged care doesn't appeal to a lot of her peers, she has found it a good place to learn the fundamentals of nursing care.
"The aged care sector does have a stigma attached to it, but it's a really good platform to start, learn and build your confidence," she said.
"Working in aged care is really rewarding, and its obviously going to be a growing area in the years to come."
