As the Yarra Ranges faces increased demand for health care workers, Diploma of Nursing students are answering the call. This year, 48 students will graduate from Box Hill Institute’s (BHI) Lilydale campus, ready to step into health care roles.
With improved standards of living, our ageing population is creating additional need for nursing support. Projections show Australia’s healthcare system will have a shortfall of over 70,000 nurses by 2035.
In response, the government has increased support to attract more people into nursing, including Free TAFE, paid placements for eligible students and a 28.4 per cent salary increase for nurses.
Launching Place resident Sara Norman left school early to pursue hairdressing but discovered her passion for nursing while caring for her mother as she battled cancer. Initially concerned about her academic ability, she was grateful to find a supportive learning environment at BHI.
“I had great teachers who saw my passion for nursing and encouraged me to learn,” Sara said.
Following her diploma, Sara decided to further her education at university, receiving a $10,000 scholarship to cover her tuition. She is proud to be the first person in her family to receive a tertiary education.
Fellow graduate, Joe Butcher, was inspired to become a nurse by his mother’s career. To test the waters, he took a course in allied health at BHI as part of his VCE and fell in love with seeing the inner workings of the operating theatre.
He then enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing as a school leaver. As a reluctant learner at school, he thrived in the supportive hands-on environment.
“Learning from the experienced nurses at TAFE was amazing,” Joe said.
A highlight for Joe was doing a placement at the same hospital where his mother works.
“For most of my life, it was Mum, my younger brother and me. She’d come home from work exhausted but always made a huge effort. She’s been an amazing role model,” Joe said.
After graduating, he received numerous job offers and is now working at the hospital where he completed his final placement.
The Diploma of Nursing serves as an ideal entry point into the profession, catering to both school leavers and career changers looking to transition into health care.
Nursing teacher, Steffy Kavungal, said the program teaches students everything they need to know.
“The course teaches a broad range of skills, from caring for a patient’s everyday needs to complex hospital procedures,” Ms Kavungal said.
Through hands-on training in simulated healthcare environments and on-the-job learning during placements, students develop the requisite skills to enter the workforce with confidence. They also establish valuable connections within the industry.
BHI’s Director, Faculty of Health, Community and Animals, Heidi Wenk believes delivering local training to fill regional jobs is important.
“We’re incredibly proud to be training the future healthcare workforce for the Yarra Ranges, right here in Lilydale,” Ms Wenk said.
Mid-year enrolments for the Diploma of Nursing at the Lilydale campus are now open, with the course starting 21 July. Learn more via the website, boxhill.edu.au/courses/diploma-of-nursing-hc544-d/
